Your cardiologist recently referred you to a surgeon, who recommended you undergo heart surgery in the near future. You know what to expect from the surgery itself, but how long will recovery take afterward? That seems like a straightforward question, but the answer can be complicated. Heart surgery recovery times vary in length depending on […]
Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in the United States, affecting approximately 20.5 million Americans. Your cardiac calcium score can help you know whether you’re at risk of coronary artery disease. For a cardiac calcium score, anything higher than zero means there is at least some evidence of coronary artery disease, but there are […]
Lower back or hip pain can be frustrating, especially when it’s hard to figure out where it’s coming from. One possible cause is sacroiliac joint (SI) pain, also called SI joint dysfunction. The SI joint connects your spine to your pelvis and helps transfer weight between your upper body and legs. When the sacroiliac joint becomes irritated or inflamed, also known as sacroiliitis, it can cause pain […]
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition that affects millions of women, particularly those who have experienced childbirth, menopause, or pelvic surgery. As a physician assistant specializing in urogynecology, a specialty focused on treating pelvic floor disorders in women, I often encounter patients who delay seeking care for prolapse due to embarrassment, uncertainty, or the misconception that it will resolve on its […]
With the school year now upon us, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of buying supplies, adjusting schedules and helping your child settle into a new routine. But if your child has asthma, there’s one back-to-school task that’s just as important as picking out the right backpack: updating their asthma action plan. An asthma […]
Your heart is a powerful pump that works nonstop to keep blood flowing through your body. It has four valves — mitral, tricuspid, aortic and pulmonic — that open and close with each heartbeat to keep blood moving in the right direction. These valves act like one-way doors, ensuring blood flows forward through the heart and into the rest of […]
When you think of the flu, you probably think of cold weather, warm blankets and hot soup. But what if you start feeling sick in the middle of summer? Is it possible to get the flu when it’s hot outside? The answer is yes, and it’s something doctors sometimes call the “summer flu.” The summer […]
I was invited to teach chair yoga to a lung cancer survivor group at a small regional hospital. Two survivors were in attendance: one with their brother and one with their husband. We started as I always do in yoga: sitting, breathing and becoming in tune with the body. After gentle warm-ups, we moved into subtle breathwork. I watched as survivors, who at one point struggled […]
If you or someone you know is advised to undergo a laminectomy for back or neck pain or weakness and tingling in your arms or legs, you may have some questions on recovery time following the procedure. We are here to help you get a clearer understanding of what this spinal procedure is and how long it takes for you […]
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer globally, affecting millions each year. Understanding its causes is crucial for prevention and early detection. Read along as we explore the primary factors that contribute to skin cancer development. The role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer. It damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to […]
If you’re struggling with neck or back pain from a herniated disc, you may be wondering, “What are my options?” You may even be wondering if it will heal on its own. The short answer is yes, it can heal on its own over time. However, sometimes a herniated disc requires additional care to treat symptoms and heal the […]
As a parent, deciding where to take your child for medical attention can be challenging, especially during stressful situations. Understanding the differences between urgent care centers and emergency department/emergency room (ER) will help you make informed decisions swiftly. Understanding urgent care and emergency rooms When your pediatrician’s office is unavailable, urgent care centers handle non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention but aren’t severe enough […]
If you’re dealing with joint pain or an injury, choosing the right orthopedic surgeon can significantly impact your recovery. Orthopedic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions involving the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Finding a skilled and experienced provider ensures you receive the most effective treatment for a faster, smoother recovery. Here’s a step-by-step […]
You may have heard the term “chronic venous insufficiency” in the news since President Donald Trump was recently diagnosed with the condition. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects up to 40% of Americans, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery. But what exactly is CVI, and should you be concerned? Understanding chronic venous insufficiency Your body has two main types of blood vessels: arteries, which carry blood away from […]
Day-to-day, most of us don’t think much about the arteries in our neck, but they actually play a big role in keeping our brains healthy. These blood vessels, called carotid arteries, carry fresh, oxygen-rich blood away from your heart, straight to your head and brain. When one of those arteries becomes narrowed or blocked, it can slow down or stop that essential blood flow. That’s when serious problems, like […]
Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Understanding its causes is essential for prevention and early detection. Primary cause: Human papillomavirus (HPV) The leading cause of cervical cancer is infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of over 100 related viruses, some of […]
Summer is the time for fun, sun, and outdoor adventures, but it’s also a time to be mindful of your child’s safety. Whether your kids are playing outside, swimming, or riding bikes, summer activities come with their own set of risks. As a parent, it’s important to stay informed about summer safety and make sure […]
If you suffer from back pain, you may have heard of spinal stenosis. But what exactly is the condition and how is it treated? What is spinal stenosis? Let’s start with understanding the anatomy of your spine. Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae that protect your spinal cord. The spine has two canals: one that goes down the center […]