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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Symptoms, Causes, and When to See a Doctor Urinary tract infections, often called UTIs, are one of the most common infections seen in medical offices. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary system and begin to multiply. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the bladder, but if left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and become more serious. UTIs are especially common in women, but they can affect men and older adults as well. Common Symptoms Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include: Burning or pain [...]

Shingles: Symptoms, Treatment, and the Vaccine That Can Help Prevent It Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus does not leave the body. Instead, it remains inactive in the nerves and can reactivate years later, causing shingles. Shingles most commonly occurs in adults over the age of 50, but younger people can develop it as well. The risk increases as the immune system naturally weakens with age. Early Symptoms Before the rash appears, many people experience early warning symptoms such as: Burning, tingling, or itching [...]

Dementia vs. Normal Aging: 10 Warning Signs Families Should Know Many people worry about memory loss as they grow older. It is normal to occasionally forget a name, misplace your keys, or walk into a room and forget why you went there. These types of small memory lapses are a common part of aging. However, when memory problems become more frequent or begin to interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of dementia. Dementia is not a single disease. It is a general term used to describe a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning that affects a person’s [...]

How Exercise Can Reduce Dementia Risk Benefits can include improved blood flow and reduced chronic inflammation More than 7 million Americans live with some form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to a 2025 report from the Alzheimer’s Association. There is no cure for dementia and given the rapid aging of the U.S. population, finding ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia is increasingly urgent. Dementia is an umbrella term for several types of disorders that cause memory loss, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. Unlike age-related memory impairment, such as forgetting a word or name, dementia is [...]

Stay Merry, Not Miserable The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and — let’s face it — temptation. From pumpkin pies to tamales, from mashed potatoes to festive drinks, it’s easy to overindulge and forget that moderation keeps us feeling our best. This year let’s create a Holiday Game Plan to protect our health without losing the fun. Tame the Sugar Holiday desserts and sweet drinks can send blood sugar levels soaring, leaving you feeling sluggish and hungry again. Swap sugary beverages for water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea. When baking, try cutting sugar by one-third — you’ll hardly notice the [...]

Knowledge is Power — Screenings Save Lives October reminds us that prevention truly begins with awareness. Across the country, this month shines a spotlight on two of the most common cancers affecting women and men — breast cancer and prostate cancer — and the power of early detection to save lives. Breast Cancer Awareness Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide. The good news is that when detected early, the survival rate exceeds 90%. Regular mammograms, starting at age 40 (or earlier for those with family history), can detect cancer long before symptoms appear. Performing monthly self-breast [...]

September often means a shift into overdrive. School schedules, work demands, shorter daylight hours — it’s easy to feel stressed, irritable, or drained. Sleep suffers, mood dips, and “just being tired” can spiral into something more serious if ignored. This is the month to press reset. Why It Matters Chronic stress raises cortisol, linked to high blood pressure, weight gain, and diabetes. Poor sleep weakens immunity and sharpens anxiety. Mood changes often go unnoticed until they affect relationships, work, or health. Quick Self-Check ❓ Sleeping fewer than 7 hours most nights? ❓ Relying on caffeine or late-night scrolling to get [...]

A new school year means new challenges. The excitement of fresh notebooks, new teachers, and after-school activities comes with hidden health risks. Crowded classrooms make it easy for colds, flu, and other infections to spread. On the field, sports injuries are common — sometimes sidelining kids for weeks. The good news? With a little preparation, parents can keep their kids healthy, protected, and ready to thrive. Why It Matters Germs multiply fast. Shared supplies, lunch tables, and buses increase exposure. Missed vaccines = more risk. Falling behind on routine immunizations leaves kids vulnerable. Sports add another layer. More than 3 [...]

High blood pressure—also known as hypertension—affects nearly 1 in 2 adults in the United States. What makes it so dangerous? It often has no warning signs or symptoms but can quietly cause life-threatening damage over time. That’s why hypertension is often called “the silent killer.” What Is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It's measured using two numbers: Systolic (top number): Measures the pressure when your heart beats. Diastolic (bottom number): Measures the pressure when your heart is at rest between beats. Here’s how to interpret [...]