If you’re not a fan of the winter season, you may not want to start thinking about the colder months until you have to. Perhaps you don’t even want to think about flu season, snow, and frigid temperatures. However, beginning to prepare now for the challenges winter brings will help keep you happy and healthy in the coming months.

Think About Your Healthcare

Make sure routine and preventative healthcare visits are up to date and get a flu shot. If you’ve been putting off getting a physical examination or discussing nagging health issues with your doctor, now is the time to make an appointment. Winter storms and road closures can make it difficult to travel to appointments during the winter months.

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Many older adults lose weight as they age, which is not necessarily a good thing. When an older adult loses five percent or more of their weight over a period of six months (and they are not specifically working on weight loss), this could be cause for alarm. As a caregiver or family member, here are some of the possible causes of weight loss to explore with your older relative and their doctor.

1. Social Isolation and Depression

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Summer is coming to an end and the start of a new school year is just around the corner. In addition to back-to-school shopping, parents should also schedule their child’s annual physical. Here are some commonly asked questions parents have.

Is an Annual Physical Really Necessary?

The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends school-aged children receive a physical examination every year. An annual exam ensures your child is growing and developing normally. An annual exam can also detect any areas of concern and allows parents the opportunity to discuss their child’s physical and behavioral health with the pediatrician. 

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Colorectal cancer isn’t a term that most people hear of on a regular basis, but it can be a dangerous issue for many Americans. In fact, it’s the fourth leading cancer of both new cancers detected (not counting carcinoma skin cancers) and cancer deaths. 

So, what should you know about preventing colorectal cancers and how you can protect yourself better? Here are five steps you can take right now.

1. Learn Risk Factors

As with any disease, a variety of factors can increase your risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. If you have a family history of colorectal cancers as well as familial adenomatous nonpolyposis, you’re at higher risk from genetics. In addition, higher natural risk factors include being over 50, being African-American, having diabetes, and having chronic inflammatory diseases. 

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by Lindsay Latteman, MD, OB/GYN at Stellis Health

Most people know the basics about menopause. It often is mentioned in vague terms – known as “the Change of Life” or “the Change.”  But we often don’t talk about what happens after menopause, what to expect, or when to be worried. (more…)