Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Brain, Kidneys and Liver
Alcohol sales continue to surge as the U.S. is forced to shelter at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, alcoholic beverage sales have increased by 55% in 2020 compared to last year. While opting for a few drinks during the week is not a cause for concern, it’s important to be mindful of the long-term health effects of chronic alcohol use.
6 Types of Coughs and What They Mean
A cough is your body’s way of releasing air to clean some type of irritation in the throat or airways, such as dust. An occasional cough is considered normal and is rarely a cause for concern. However, if a cough persists for weeks and produces discolored or bloody mucus, it can be a symptom of an underlying illness or condition.
Setting Realistic Weight Loss Goals in the New Year
A new decade is here, and a traditional part of celebrating the New Year is setting resolutions focused on becoming a healthier version of yourself and often, weight loss is the target of many resolution setters. With the health risks associated with carrying extra weight and obesity a major health concern in our nation, shedding extra weight can be a positive goal if it’s something you and your doctor have previously discussed. To achieve success with your efforts, the first step is to make sure that you are setting realistic weight loss goals, otherwise you are potentially setting up yourself for disappointment and potentially added health risks. Here is some useful information on setting and reaching realistic weight loss goals in 2020.
Breast Cancer Early Detection Facts and How Your Primary Care Physician Can Help
While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this serious disease requires attention all year round as breast cancer is a very common type of cancer among adult women. The statistics reflect just how ubiquitous this disease is in the United States. Over one-quarter of a million American women receive a breast cancer diagnosis each year. Additionally, more than 40,000 women succumb to breast cancer in the US annually. And while you cannot completely eliminate your risk of breast cancer, there are effective steps you can take with the support of your primary care physician (PCP) to increase the likelihood of early detection.
The Importance of Annual Physical Exams for Women
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for women to go for an extended amount of time without seeing a doctor. In fact, government health statistics reveal that for women under the age of 44, 23.2% of haven’t seen a physician in more than a year. This figure is concerning because it illustrates the fact that a significant number of women are overdue for their physical examinations.