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.
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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.
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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?
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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.

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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.
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Although women generally live longer than men, they often fail to get recommended health screenings that could detect serious diseases and other health problems that affect quality of life.  While it is true that some of these health issues generally become a problem later in life, there are some screenings that should begin in early adulthood.  These are some common health screening tests, along with when to begin and how often to rescreen.
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With summer winding down, it’s time to schedule an annual school physical for your child.  Making an appointment before the child returns to school gives everyone more flexibility in scheduling a time that works best.  Many health changes can occur over a year’s time, so it is important for parents to keep the doctor informed.  The annual physical exam is an excellent opportunity for parents to ask specific questions about their child’s health.
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As we move toward the hottest weather of the summer season, it’s good to be aware of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.  Working or exercising outdoors in hot, humid weather without adequate hydration can leave our bodies vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.  People who live in housing without air conditioning are also at risk.  These conditions will develop quickly when our bodies are no longer able to regulate our temperature and keep us cool.  Babies and the elderly will likely be the first ones affected by the heat.  They should be closely monitored.
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Summer heat is upon us, and it is essential to keep our bodies hydrated.  The body needs water to properly function and stay healthy.  Water helps us to maintain the right body temperature, remove waste products, and keeps our joints lubricated.  Keeping hydrated helps the body stay energized throughout the day and fights fatigue.
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Schools will soon be out, and summer camp season is fast approaching.  Most camps, whether overnight camps or day camps, require a camp physical to assure that children are healthy enough to participate in exercise and other physical activities.  Camps typically offer a variety of physical activities, some of which might be a new experience for your child.  Swimming, hiking, canoeing, climbing, and sports are strenuous activities.  It is important to identify any underlying medical issues that could cause a health problem.
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