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Don’t Be Afraid of a Rectal Exam
Mention “rectal exam” and many people cringe and even avoid making that doctor appointment. But what exactly does a digital rectal exam entail, and who needs one? Doctors may perform a rectal exam to look for tumors or cancers inside the rectum, assess the functioning of your anal sphincter, evaluate for hemorrhoids or determine other causes of pain or bleeding. Both women and men may find themselves in need of this exam. However, due to the increasing risk of prostate cancer that comes with age, men are the more likely candidates for a rectal exam.
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Sitting Too Much? 5 Easy Exercises May Help
A phrase trending in the exercise community is that “sitting is the new smoking.” In recent months many of us have found ourselves glued to a chair — whether because we are distance working, helping a child with schoolwork or relaxing. But the human body was not designed for hours of sitting, and the resulting health problems extend beyond stiff necks and back pain. Long, sedentary stretches usher in a number of body woes, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, deep-vein thrombosis and metabolic syndrome.
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Home Grown: Starting Your Own Garden
A relatively new trend, Americans are returning to home gardening to increase the availability of fresh produce. Home gardening provides many benefits; most importantly, it’s good for your health! Eating fresh produce reduces the risk of chronic disease, while gardening improves mental health and also is a good form of exercise. Additionally, gardens support sustainability and serve as an educational tool for children.
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COVID-19 Infection May Make Pregnant Women More Severely Ill
Pregnant women infected with COVID-19 have the potential to become more severely ill than women who are not pregnant, according to a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pregnant women who have been infected have a greater likelihood of being admitted to a hospital, admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) or requiring mechanical ventilation when compared to non-pregnant women.
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6 Ways to Prepare for a Hurricane During COVID-19
Out of necessity, our regular hurricane preparedness plan has been enhanced due to COVID-19. The demand for supplies is high, and it’s expected to remain that way throughout the summer. That will be very stressful for many. In addition to supply shortages, fuel supplies also may be saturated as tropical storm approaches. Try to think ahead about what supplies might be out of stock during this season and adjust your plan accordingly.
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What to Buy for Your Hurricane Food Kit
The arrival of hurricane season brings with it the annual reminder to prepare in advance. Fortunately, many resources exist to help guide decisions for purchasing supplies in preparation for a potential emergency. Planning for food is an essential part of hurricane preparedness.
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Can Stress Upset My Hormones?
While feeling slightly stressed on occasion is normal, having heightened levels for extended periods of time is detrimental to your health. Stress can disrupt your body’s natural hormone balance, causing issues such as obesity, insomnia, low energy or even a decreased sex drive. Here’s how to tell if you’ve reached that tipping point and what you can do about it.
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Is It Grief or Depression? How to Tell the Difference
Grief is a common, expected experience as a child or teenager processes difficult life circumstances. Depression, however, is a mood disorder that can be prolonged and serious. Because depression left untreated can be harmful and lead to suicidal or other risky behaviors, recognizing the difference between the two is vital.
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5 Riskiest Habits to Your Health
Five risk factors can lead to chronic disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. By letting these damaging habits go unchecked, you are more prone to numerous ailments and conditions. The culprits are:
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When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon for Arthritis
Arthritis — the presence of inflammation or degeneration in a joint — is a common affliction, especially as we grow older. While there are many non-surgical treatment options that arthritis sufferers can explore, for some, orthopedic surgery may become a necessity. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to seek the opinion of an orthopedic surgeon.