You probably know that you have a thyroid gland. Perhaps you or someone you know has had thyroid tests or a thyroid disorder such as hypothyroidism. But did you know you also have a parathyroid gland? It’s true — in fact, most people have four of them, even though one would suffice. Where are the […]
When — and how — should you be screened for colon cancer?
Colon cancer is the second-deadliest form of cancer after lung cancer. If recent messages about colon cancer screening have left you a little confused, that's understandable. In August, the American College of Physicians (ACP) released updated guidance for colon cancer screening that differs from other major organizations, including recommendations from the American Cancer Society (ACS) […]
Co-regulation: Helping children and teens navigate big emotions
When preschoolers are melting down or teens are slamming doors, parents face two difficult tasks: keeping themselves composed and supporting their kids’ ability to self-soothe while building skills to handle future challenges. These abilities are at the heart of co-regulation, a parenting tool that requires patience and practice. But what exactly is involved, and how […]
Dog bites: How to prevent or treat them
Each year, more than 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States. Despite what you might assume, most of these incidents don’t happen when an unfamiliar dog attacks someone in a park or another outdoor location. Instead, most dog bites are inflicted by a pet dog in a home. Here’s advice for avoiding these […]
Will miscarriage care remain available?
When you first learned the facts about pregnancy — from a parent, perhaps, or a friend — you probably didn’t learn that up to one in three ends in a miscarriage. What causes miscarriage? How is it treated? And why is appropriate health care for miscarriage under scrutiny — and in some parts of the […]
Can AI answer medical questions better than your doctor?
Last year, headlines describing a study about artificial intelligence (AI) were eye-catching, to say the least: ChatGPT Rated as Better Than Real Doctors for Empathy, Advice The AI will see you now: ChatGPT provides higher quality answers and is more empathetic than a real doctor, study finds Is AI Better Than A Doctor? ChatGPT Outperforms […]
How to stay healthy during a drought
What is a drought? A drought is a prolonged dry period without rain. In the last few decades, droughts are occurring more frequently worldwide. With climate change, rising temperatures are making many regions dry within the US and beyond. Here’s how to recognize potential harms if drought has a grip where you live, and actions […]
Opill: Is this new birth control pill right for you?
Birth control pills have been safely used in the US (and sold only by prescription) for more than half a century. In 2023 the FDA approved Opill, the first daily contraceptive pill intended for sale over the counter with no prescription needed. This offers many more people access to a new nonprescription option for preventing […]
How well do you worry about your health?
Don’t worry. It’s good advice if you can take it. Of course that’s not always easy, especially for health concerns. The truth is: it’s impossible (and ill-advised) to never worry about your health. But are you worrying about the right things? Let’s compare a sampling of common worries to the most common conditions that actually […]
Ready to give up the lead vest?
At a dental appointment last month, I spotted a lead vest hanging unassumingly on the wall of the exam room as soon as I walked in. “Still there, but now obsolete,” I thought. I’d just learned about new guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA) saying lead vests and thyroid collars that cover the neck […]