By Carolyn Comeau October’s pink ribbons signify Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but many aren’t aware that January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It may get less press, but cervical cancer, which occurs when cells grow abnormally in the cervix, is a disease every woman should be mindful of. Prevention Is Key — and Easy Brian […]
By William Allen, MD Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual who was prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is not a clinical diagnosis, rather a term that includes a group of developmental disorders resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. There Is […]
By Evelyn M. Artz, MD About 17 percent of children and adolescents are obese. Overweight and obese children are at risk for weight-related problems as they grow. Part of providing excellent healthcare for children and adolescents involves discussing weight at doctor’s appointments. How Do We Define Obesity? Children and adolescents should have both their height […]
By Deanna Thompson Peggy Burns had a nagging pain above her right knee that gradually got worse. She saw doctors and tried physical therapy, but nothing brought lasting relief. “It got so bad I could not lift my kids,” the former special education teacher said, referring to her students. “It was hard even to walk […]
By Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing has become extremely popular over the last few years and is often performed to learn more about ancestry and health information. But digesting your own genetic information can be complicated and even misleading. After all, not all genetic tests are created equal. While DTC testing can […]
Joseph Buell, MD, a General Surgeon with Mission Surgery, answers some questions about robotic surgery. Q: What benefits does robotic surgery offer surgeons and doctors? A: Robotic-surgery technology enables surgeons to perform complex surgical procedures with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control. Therefore, patients recover quicker and have lower rates of infection. Q: What kinds […]
Spread cheer this holiday season – not germs! We hope you have a happy and healthy holiday – but if you find yourself in need of medical care this Christmas, New Year or any day in between, don’t think twice! With Mission Health, you can get care online or in-person – even during the holidays. […]
By Stephen Kimmel, MD, Blue Ridge Medical Center – Yancey Campus One of my favorite professors from medical school started a lecture by walking to the center of the stage without any notes, staring out into the class and saying dramatically, “I know how you are going to die!” It was an engaging start to […]
By Mary Lindsay Jackson, RN, LDN Keep things on your plate hearty and healthy with this flavorful seafood dish. Team it with a salad for a quick meal. Happy and healthy eating this winter! ingredients 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 large egg zest of 1 lemon 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 […]
By Sonia Humphrey, MD It seems inevitable to most people: You will gain weight during the holidays. It’s a season that offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in fattening food while at the same time offers challenges to physical activity. But this can be the year you don’t gain weight during the holidays. To combat […]
