A sore throat is one of the most common reasons people stay home from work or their children miss school.  There are several causes for a sore throat.  An infection could be present, or a sore throat might be a symptom of seasonal allergies.  A mild sore throat can usually be treated at home without seeing the doctor.  Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or throat lozenges will often help with the pain.  However, if the sore throat is severe and is accompanied by fever, a visit to the doctor is in order.
Click here to read more »

The American Heart Association has designated February as National Heart Month.  This draws awareness to the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.  One in four people die from heart disease, and the risk increases as we age.  Blockages made up of plaque in the arteries or a blood clot cut off blood flow to parts of the heart, leading to heart attacks.
Click here to read more »

If you did not get a flu shot in the fall, it’s not too late!  There is still time to protect yourself and your family.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, flu cases are on the rise across the U.S.  The flu is widespread in 46 states, including Georgia.  Flu is easily spread through entire families and results in lost time from work and school.
Click here to read more »

Holidays are a fun time of the year for most of us.  We look forward to parties, gatherings with family and friends, and other special events.  Unfortunately, all the extra goodies and alcohol consumed over the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can derail our healthy eating habits.  We end up having to shed unwanted pounds in January.  Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holidays and stay on track with healthy eating.
Click here to read more »

The table salt in our salt shakers is a combination of the minerals sodium and chloride.  Salt is commonly used as a seasoning when foods are prepared and eaten.  Unfortunately, the amount of sodium that typical Americans consume in their diets is becoming a health issue for many.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium be consumed per day.  Certain groups of people, including those with high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease, should limit their intake to 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.  Children and adults over the age of 50 also need less sodium.  Diets that are high in sodium put people at risk for developing hypertension, heart disease, kidney stones, and osteoporosis.
Click here to read more »

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Most of us know someone who has been affected by the disease.  Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 237,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, the most recent year for which statistics are available.  This disease strikes women in every racial and ethnic group, and even a small number of men.   The risk increases with age, and 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.
Click here to read more »

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.  Anyone who has ever had the chickenpox has the virus in their body.  The virus may remain dormant for years until something triggers it.  Then a painful rash will appear on the body, causing discomfort for up to several weeks.
Click here to read more »

With the hottest days of summer behind us and the cooler days of autumn ahead, many people look forward to the change of seasons.  However, for those who suffer with allergies, this seasonal change can bring with it unwelcome symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, scratchy throat, and itchy eyes.  Some allergy triggers can lead to more serious asthma attacks.  What culprits cause allergy sufferers to feel miserable in the fall, and what can people do to lesson those impacts?
Click here to read more »

Thyroid cancer is a very treatable disease.  Most types of thyroid cancer can be cured, if the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.  The disease is three times more common in women, and most people have no family history.

Click here to read more »

Sometimes knowing when to keep a child home from school or day care is obvious to parents.  If the child looks and acts ill, seems like he will not be able to participate in normal activities, or has been up all night with coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea, a day of rest at home is generally wise.  But sometimes knowing whether to keep a child home is not an easy call.  Most schools and day care facilities have rules or guidelines that need to be followed when children are ill.  These can vary among school systems, so parents should be familiar with local requirements.  School clinics are not set up to care for sick children all day.  It may be an inconvenience for a parent to have to miss work to care for a sick child, but a day of rest at home can help the child recover faster and prevent the spread of illness at school.  Here are some common-sense guidelines to follow if parents are in doubt about the best course of action.
Click here to read more »