Lung cancer screenings are important because lung cancer often lacks symptoms in its earlies stages. The American Lung Association notes that low dose CT scans can help detect lung cancer in its early stages when it’s easier to treat and though screening is not suitable for everyone, it is recommended for those at a greater…

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men. Symptoms include the following: difficulty initiating urination; weak or interrupted urine flow; and frequent urination, especially at night. Men who experience these symptoms should see their primary care provider as soon as possible. Food and Drug Administration, October 2017

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a statement that newborns should only be put to sleep on their backs on a firm, empty surface and should never be placed on a “sleep positioner”. The FDA claims that these products can actually prevent babies from breathing, increasing the risk of accidental suffocation and sudden…

Individuals without calcium buildup in their arteries appear to have a significantly lower risk for heart attack and stroke. Researchers looked at CT scans of nearly 6,200 people and found that those whose arteries were free of calcium deposits had a less than a 3% chance for a heart attack or stroke over the next…

The National Safety Council reports that drivers of cars manufactured before 2012 are about half as likely to bring their automobile in for service in the event of a recall (44% compliance rate vs. 83% for newer cars). Experts from the council add that there are about 53 million vehicles on the road with unresolved…

For many years, experts have debated the value of prostate cancer screening. A recent analysis of data from two major trials involving prostate-specific antigen testing revealed that early tumor detection lowers a man’s risk of prostate cancer death by 25% to 32%. The American Cancer Society’s Dr. Otis Brawley reports that the review provides some…

The United States Department of Health & Human Services offers these suggestions in hopes of thwarting food-borne illness: wash hands and surfaces often; use a meat thermometer to ensure that foods are cooked at the correct temperature; and don’t leave food at room temperature for more than two hours. Health & Human Services, September 2017

Multiple studies have shown a link between diet and physical activity on the risk of developing cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends the following lifestyle changes to reduce your cancer risk: maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, eat a lot of plant-based foods, limit processed and red meats, limit daily alcohol to no more…

The majority of animal bites are caused by a pet, either yours or someone else’s. While wild animal bites are rare, they can happen if the animal feels threatened or sick. To prevent animal bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following: never pet or feed an animal that you don’t know;…

During hot and humid weather, people can develop the bumpy, itchy skin referred to as a heat rash. To combat this problem, the American Academy of Family Physicians advises the following: stay indoors when it is hot and humid, run air conditioning or use fan to stay cool; apply a cold compress to the rash;…