October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding the Facts and Taking Action
by Kashley Jones, FNP-C Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners As we enter October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is a crucial time to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness, education, and research. Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Here, we will discuss key statistics, […]
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Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer: What You Need to Know— by Camrey Tuttle, DNP, FNP-C
by Camrey Tuttle, DNP, FNP-C As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us eagerly head outdoors to soak up the warmth and enjoy various activities. While sunlight is essential for our well-being, providing much-needed vitamin D and boosting our mood, it’s crucial to be mindful of the risks associated with […]
Mental Health Matters: May’s Efforts to Educate and Empower
by Kashley Jones, FNP-C Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners “Mental Health Matters: May’s Efforts to Educate and Empower” As a provider deeply invested in the well-being of my patients and community, I’m acutely aware of the prevalence and impact of mental health conditions, particularly depression. For me, a tragedy that […]
Ensuring Safe Play: The Importance of Preparticipation Sports Physicals
by Lindsey Rux, FNP-C Organized sports have held a special spot in my heart from a young girl playing three sports, through my years playing college basketball. This lifelong love of athletics built my special interest in helping young athletes safely prepare for play. With over half of the child/adolescent population in the United States […]
Diet Modifications to Help Control Blood Pressure
by Amanda Lively, FNP-C How can I help control my blood pressure? Multiple factors can affect your blood pressure, so there are multiple changes you can make to help control it. One of the easiest ways to help control your blood pressure is through diet changes, such as limiting salt, caffeine, and alcohol and […]
High Blood Pressure: Are You at Risk?
by Amanda Lively, FNP-C High blood pressure, known as hypertension, affects more than half of American adults. High blood pressure or hypertension increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. Due to these risks, it is important to keep your blood pressure controlled. How To Take Your Blood Pressure: […]
Consistency Is Key– Practical Strategies To Help You Master Medication Management
by Camrey Tuttle, DNP, FNP-C We are all busy. And so, it is easy to miss taking our prescribed medications. Yet, the significance of taking your prescriptions every day cannot be overstated. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition or recovering from an illness, consistent medication adherence is key to maintaining and improving your overall health. […]
The Value of Preventative Healthcare
by Camrey Tuttle, DNP, FNP-C In a world where the pace of life seems to be ever-accelerating, taking proactive steps to safeguard our health often takes a backseat to daily responsibilities. However, the old adage “prevention is better than cure” holds true, emphasizing the importance of preventative healthcare in maintaining overall well-being. Among the […]
Treating Your Seasonal Allergies at Home— by Camrey Tuttle, DNP, FNP-C
With the high-water year, many in our area have been fighting the seasonal allergy symptoms that have come with all this beautiful green. The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy nose/eyes, and cough. Allergies may also worsen other conditions like asthma, eczema, and migraines. So, what can you […]
Dense Breasts FAQ
Have you been told you have (or suspect you may have) dense breasts? What does this mean with regard to cancer risks and mammograms? We’ve gathered a few helpful resources to answer your questions: Find answers to the questions below fom the National Cancer Institute here: What are dense breasts? Are dense breasts common? What […]
Common Breast Cancer Myths
From the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer Here’s The Truth According to the National Cancer Institute, regarding families who are known to carry BRCA1 or BRCA2, “not every woman in such families carries a harmful BRCA1 or […]
Family Medical History Checklist from the National Breast Cancer Association
From the National Breast Cancer Association How to Make Your Doctor’s Appointment Easier Are you ready to make your next doctor’s appointment a little easier? Our brand-new Medical History Checklist can help you and your doctor identify important health information, find medical history details related to breast cancer, and support better doctor’s visits for years […]
Breastfeeding: Returning to Work
Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby. It protects your baby against many illnesses and is the best source of nutrition. Ideally, babies should be breastfed (given only breast milk) for at least the first 6 months of life. If possible, continue to feed them some or only breast milk until they are at least 1 year […]
Breastfeeding 101: Hints to Help You Get Off to a Good Start
from: familydoctor.org/breastfeeding-hints-to-help-you-get-off-to-a-good-start Breastfeeding has many benefits for your baby. Breast milk is rich in nutrients. It has antibodies, which help protect your baby against infections. It also can help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies who are breastfed are less likely to have allergies, asthma, and diabetes. They also are less likely to become […]
All About Handwashing- Tips from the CDC
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy. How Germs Spread Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. Germs can spread […]
Hope Squad Suicide Awareness Run
“Hoo Doo You Run For?” A 5k/10k Run/Walk Come run or walk among the hoo doos!!! When: Saturday, November 7, 2020 Where: Goblin Valley State Park Chances are, you or someone you know has lost their life to suicide. We want to show our love for them by coming together as one big community to […]
Insights to Hormone Replacement Therapy– Lindsey Rux- FNP-C
Insights to Hormone Replacement Therapy by Lindsey Rux, FNP-C, with Gagon Family Medicine & Urgent Care Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been a staple treatment for menopausal symptoms for years. What many people do not understand is there is always some risk when we introduce hormones into the body, especially after menopause. The average age […]
The Relationship Between Estrogen Levels, Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy, and Breast Cancer
From the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute We sought to determine the strength of the evidence suggesting that estrogen and postmenopausal replacement hormones play a role in the development of breast cancer. We reviewed the existing English language literature in MEDLINE® on hormones and breast cancer, including reports on cell proliferation and endogenous hormone […]
From the CDC: HRT Knowledge And Use in the United States
Why This Chartbook? While much has been written about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), there is much less docu- mentation of its actual use in the U.S. This chartbook offers researchers, health- care professionals, and policy makers an inventory of information available about HRT use from recent nationally represen- tative data […]
Questions about Coronavirus for Kids
Here are some common questions kids may have about the coronavirus and techniques on how to stay calm if you’re feeling worried or stressed.
Colorectal Cancer Screening: When should you test?
Learn which test you should get based on your current risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Understanding Colonoscopy
Article Featured on ASGE What is a colonoscopy? Colonoscopy enables your doctor to examine the lining of your colon (large intestine) for abnormalities by inserting a flexible tube as thick as your finger into your anus and slowly advancing it into the rectum and colon. If your doctor has recommended a colonoscopy, this brochure will […]
About Colorectal Cancer
Article Featured on CancerCenter.com Cancer of the colon and/or rectum is commonly referred to as colorectal cancer, the fourth most common cancer in the United States. More than 145,000 new cases of the disease are diagnosed each year. Only lung cancer accounts for more cancer deaths than colorectal cancer. Incidences of colorectal cancer have declined […]
Strategies to Prevent Heart Disease
You can prevent heart disease by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Here are strategies to help you protect your heart. By Mayo Clinic Staff Heart disease is a leading cause of death, but it’s not inevitable. While you can’t change some risk factors – such as family history, sex or age – there are plenty of […]
The Difference Between Seasonal Flu and Stomach Flu
By Kristina Duda, RN | Featured on Verywellhealth People often confuse the flu and stomach flu, but they are actually two completely different and unrelated illnesses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus and symptoms mostly involve the upper respiratory tract.
Be Antibiotics Aware: Smart Use, Best Care
Article Featured on cdc.gov Be Antibiotics Aware is CDC’s national educational effort to help improve antibiotic prescribing and use and combat antibiotic resistance. Learn when antibiotics are needed and when they are not.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, when we as a community shine the brightest! It is yet another occasion for us to celebrate our survivors and honor loved ones who have fought this disease. There is also a unique opportunity this month to raise awareness, educate the world by sharing our stories, raise money for […]
Breast Cancer: What you Need to Know
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the breast, it is called breast cancer. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women.
What are the Benefits of Flu Vaccination?
There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year. Below is a summary of flu vaccination, and selected scientific studies that support these benefits.
Exercise to Stay Healthy: Osteoporosis Exercise Examples
The following exercises promote good posture, strength, movement, flexibility and balance in healthy people as well as those with osteoporosis.
National Immunization Awareness Month – August 2019
When was the last time you checked to see if your immune system is up to date? This August, National Immunization Awareness Month raises awareness and encourages everyone to make sure they are current on the necessary vaccinations for potentially harmful diseases. Many diseases can be easily prevented by administering vaccines, and thus, protecting you […]
Protect all the Skin You’re In [Infographic]
Protect all the skin you’re in. Use a Layered Approach for Sun Protection. Sunscreen works best when used with shade or clothes, and it must be re-applied every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing to shield skin. Use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF […]
How to Tell if Someone is Having a Stroke: 10 Signs & Symptoms
If you suspect stroke, call 911 immediately A sudden onset of the following may indicate stroke: SYMPTOMS A LOVED ONE MAY EXPERIENCE SIGNS YOU MAY NOTIE Confusion Unable to understand what is happening, can’t think clearly or feel thrown off A puzzled look, a hard time focusing, trouble making decisions Difficulty Understanding Unable to comprehend […]
Concussion Information: A Fact Sheet For High School Parents
What Is a Concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. This fast movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in […]
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What Is Colorectal Cancer?Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Screening Saves LivesColorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, […]
The Healthy Evolution of New Year’s Resolutions
The Gagon family is excited to ring in the New Year! We’ve put together a few recommendations to help you achieve a healthy and positive year! Donna Mathis, FNP-BC, Recommends: Focusing on Positive Choices As I move forward into the new year, my thoughts automatically channel into lists of resolutions, goals, and self- improvement. […]
Herd immunity and measles: why we should aim for 100% vaccination coverage
The measles outbreak traced back to Disneyland has spread to eight states, with as many as 95 cases reported by January 28. Media outlets are highlighting the rise of anti-vaccination sentiments. Scientists are expressing their dismay at people who reject sound medical advice and put their families and communities in harm’s way. Measles was considered eliminated in the United States […]
Influenza and Why I Should Get My Shot
Article Featured on MUSC Health The influenza season starts now (Fall – October) and runs into the Spring (May). It peaks in January and February but right now is the time to get this year’s flu shot. The reason is that the shot works by revving up antibodies to attack the virus when you are […]
Seasonal Allergies: Nip them in the Bud
Seasonal allergies — also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis — can make you miserable. But before you settle for plastic flowers and artificial turf, try these simple strategies to keep seasonal allergies under control.