Newsroom

by: Anupamjeet Sekhon, M.D. If you’re thinking, “A colonoscopy?! Isn’t that a test for OLD people?,” you may want to take a closer look at recent news from the American Cancer Society. The ACS this year altered their recommendation for timing of a first-time colon cancer screening from age 50 to age 45, for those at average risk of cancer. The change was directly tied to the rising number of younger adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancers – including many with no family history of the disease. Co... ... Read More

DeTar Hospital North has taken a giant step towards improving the health of newborns and infants by earning the Texas Ten Step Program facility designation from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The Texas Ten Step Program encourages breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding for newborns and infants. DeTar Hospital North joins a growing number of Texas birth facilities that are supporting new mothers and their decision to breastfeed. Based on the World Health Organization (WHO)/ UNIC... ... Read More

Strokes, which some call a “Brain attack,” continue to be a leading cause of death among Americans one of every 19, and they are the number one cause of disability in this country. Strokes have two causes: a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain or by a burst within a blood vessel resulting in bleeding. The good news is that nearly 75% of strokes can be prevented by making lifestyle changes. So it’s important to know your personal risk factors and make strides to aggressively modif... ... Read More

We live in a hectic world. The constant demands of technology and life's many responsibilities can become overwhelming. Looking for a much-needed reprieve? Visit Mother Nature. Ongoing research suggests that the natural world may benefit your brain. Nature and your brain If you've ever felt better after strolling through a park or another green space, you may have experienced firsthand the soothing effects of nature. A review of 25 studies on nature and health points to this restorative potential. Resea... ... Read More

What might diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis have in common? You. According to a recent government study, more Americans are dealing with two or more chronic health conditions. Doubling up on disease In the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, researchers analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey. This annual interview-based study asks a nationally representative sample of American adults questions about their health, including chronic conditions—long-term illnesses that affect y... ... Read More

Hepatitis C has a knack for making headlines. Celebrities such as Steven Tyler, Pamela Anderson, and Natalie Cole have publically shared that they have the virus. Its latest reason for renown: Health experts are now recommending that all baby boomers be screened for the disease. What is hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver. A vital organ, the liver flushes harmful substances out of the body, aids with digestion, and helps protect against infection. Left untreated, hepatitis C can s... ... Read More

Vaccines are small shots of big importance. They've helped knock down serious diseases, such as chickenpox, whooping cough, and measles. Unfortunately, a recent government report shows too few adults are rolling up their sleeves for the vaccines they need. Reporting too little use The CDC analyzed the results of the most recent national survey on vaccine use. It found that many American adults are skipping recommended vaccines. Compared with past years, it's a consistent trend among men and women of all... ... Read More

The tug of the tow line, the rush of the water beneath you. If you've ever tried water tubing, you probably agree that it can certainly be fun. It can also be hazardous. A recent study has documented an alarming rise in the number of water-tubing injuries. Being smart about boating can help you stay safe while water tubing this summer. Waves of injuries Water tubing is similar to skiing-sans the skis. Pulled behind a boat, you skim along in an inner tube or another floatable device. Unlike skiing, thoug... ... Read More

Life can certainly be hectic. So much so, that many of us can't seem to fit in exercise. As a result, we're missing out on some valuable health benefits, such as a stronger heart. Fortunately, recent research suggests simply moving more every day may be the solution. Advocating for an active lifestyle Only two out of 10 Americans meet the government's Physical Activity Guidelines. Those guidelines encourage at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every week, plus two sessions of m... ... Read More

You probably wouldn't consider a fresh spinach salad bad for your health. After all, spinach is packed with nutrients like fiber and potassium. But a recent government report found that such leafy green vegetables are the most common culprits of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. Don't toss out that salad just yet, though. You can do a lot to prevent food poisoning. Facts about foodborne illnesses More than 48 million Americans suffer a bout of food poisoning every year. A foodborne illness can occur when ... ... Read More