Congrats, you just had a baby — now what? New moms know to expect sleep deprivation, a sudden shift in hormones and a challenging physical recovery in the initial weeks after delivery. The postpartum period can actually bring a wide range of temporary and long-lasting effects on the body — some are painful, others are … Read more
New baby, new emotions. Over 80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues” shortly after childbirth due to changing hormones, exhaustion and stress. The “baby blues” are characterized by rapid mood shifts — from joy to tears — but they usually resolve within two weeks and don’t impair daily function. Postpartum depression and anxiety are … Read more
Red, white and due? Summer is the most popular time to give birth in the US, with July and August consistently ranking as the busiest delivery months. The summer surge is fueled by higher conception rates in the cooler fall and winter months. No matter when you become pregnant, preparing for a baby is a … Read more
Having children can feel like a massive gamble — there’s no guaranteed path to success. Much of conception is out of our control, and in many ways, it comes down to the numbers. The more high-quality eggs a woman produces, the better her chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy. Age is the most significant factor … Read more
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Exercise is the best medicine” — and for good reason. Regular movement improves sleep, boosts energy and supports mood while also strengthening the heart and lowering stress. It’s one of the most powerful tools for preventing, and even detecting, cardiovascular disease early, as symptoms such as shortness of breath often … Read more
Boy, is it tough to get men to go to the doctor. Research shows that most men would rather do just about anything else. This is a major problem because everyone needs regular check-ups and preventive screenings to address silent conditions and improve long-term health outcomes. Let’s keep it simple — here are the two … Read more
Taking care of your health never gets old. As we age, it’s important to maintain healthy habits — including proper nutrition, regular exercise and quality sleep — and to follow recommended preventive care, such as cancer screenings and vaccines. Keeping it simple, here are the two key things women should do each decade to stay … Read more
Most people know what a heart attack is — someone in the US has one about every 40 seconds. But there’s a lesser-known condition that can look nearly identical and sounds like it belongs in a romantic drama: broken heart syndrome, also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy. It’s a temporary condition most often triggered by intense … Read more
It’s a growing problem in relationships. About 1 in 10 couples struggles to get pregnant within a year, which is the clinical definition of infertility. The issue is becoming more common due to delayed parenthood, increased obesity, environmental toxin exposure and underlying health conditions like endometriosis and sexually transmitted infections. Infertility is divided roughly into … Read more
You’ve likely heard of diabetes, a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar. But are you familiar with prediabetes? Prediabetes is a state of elevated blood sugar that falls below the threshold of Type 2 diabetes. It’s becoming increasingly common: More than 1 in 3 US adults has prediabetes, and most aren’t … Read more
It’s the age-old question: How do you live to 100 years old? An estimated 101,000 Americans are centenarians, representing just 0.03% of the US population. There’s much we can learn from the triple-digit crew, since lifestyle choices are the primary drivers of longevity. Studies suggest that genetic factors account for 30% to 40% of the … Read more
It can be a real pain in the neck. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling and stiffness. About 1.3 million to 1.5 million Americans live with the chronic inflammatory disease. RA not only affects the joints, but it can … Read more
It’s supposed to be the most magical time of the year. The holidays are for gathering with loved ones, sharing traditions and creating lasting memories. Social connection is important for your spirit — and your mind. Socializing benefits the brain by stimulating cognitive function and by lowering stress hormones like cortisol, which reduces inflammation and … Read more
For some families, the joy of a new baby comes with unexpected challenges: About 3% of US newborns — roughly 1 in 33 — have a birth defect each year. While it might seem scary, the good news is that nearly all fetal abnormalities can be detected on prenatal ultrasounds. Identifying issues early allows parents … Read more
Beware of fowl play. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a day of celebration — but it’s actually one of the most dangerous holidays on the calendar. It’s all too easy to go from breaking bread to breaking bones. No one knows this better than me. I’ve worked in the ER on Thanksgiving for the last … Read more
It’s a labor of love. Midwives have been caring for women for centuries — the roots of this work can be traced to the beginning of humanity. About 14,000 midwives now practice in the US. These healthcare professionals have evolved from community healing to training at a graduate level and providing safe, evidence-based and deeply … Read more
Is your back getting on your nerves? Your spine provides structural support, enables mobility and flexibility and protects your spinal cord, which facilitates communication between your brain and the rest of your body. It’s easy to screw up your spine with everyday activities, especially if you have bad posture, a sedentary lifestyle and poor technique … Read more
Don’t sweat the fall stuff — including respiratory viruses. Cases of the common cold, flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to increase in the autumn and winter as people spend more time indoors. Drier air also helps these viruses survive and spread more easily. Here are the best ways to protect yourself from … Read more
They’re in a league of their own! Studies suggest that over half of children aged 6 to 17 participate in youth sports. It’s essential to establish good habits around sleep, nutrition, hydration and practice at the beginning of a sports season to minimize injury risk and maximize performance. Here is how parents can help their … Read more
Consider this a PSA about PSA. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in US men, excluding skin cancer, and the second-leading cause of male cancer deaths, after lung cancer. One in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and about 3% of men will die from it. Early-stage prostate cancer often has no … Read more