Category: Medical Minute

An outstretched hand holds a cigarette butt as its remnants are snuffed in an ashtray, which is mounted to a pole outdoors. Vehicles and a building are in the background, slightly out of focus.

Medical Minute: Trying to quit smoking? Don’t go it alone.

Jan 22, 2020

We live in an era of self-empowerment. But when it comes to quitting smoking, going it alone isn’t the best approach. Read on for effective strategies from Penn State Health experts.

A woman stands outside in winter, wearing workout clothes including a jacket and headband. She holds a tissue up to her nose. Snow is on the ground and trees are in the background.

The Medical Minute: Should you exercise when you’re sick?

Jan 8, 2020

The winter cold and flu season may try to knock out your new year’s plans to get or stay healthy, but the good news is you can fight back.

A table with plates and bowls of food is in the foreground. It includes a salad, cookies, muffins, bread and various hors d’oeuvres. In the background, several people are standing and talking, some of them holding drinks.

The Medical Minute: Healthy eating over the holidays

Dec 18, 2019

Between bountiful buffets and “food-pushing relatives,” the winter holidays hold landmines for those trying to eat healthy. Check out these tips for navigating the holiday eating scene.

A man, woman and two young children lay down, sleeping, covered in a holiday-themed blanket. A lit Christmas tree is in the background.

The Medical Minute: Seven ways to get enough sleep this holiday season

Dec 11, 2019

The holidays bring plenty of stressors for adults and children. Here are some tips on how you can get enough sleep with sleigh bells jingling and sugar plums dancing.

A close-up of three pairs of overlapping hands with a purple, curved ribbon placed on top.

The Medical Minute: Progress slow against pancreatic cancer

Dec 4, 2019

Researchers are still trying to find ways of catching pancreatic cancer early – or better yet, preventing it altogether. In the meantime, here’s what patients need to know.

A woman, photographed from the neck down, sits on the edge of a chair. Her right leg is cross up over her left, and she holds onto her right leg with both hands. A window and curtains are in the background.

The Medical Minute: Cramps in the legs could indicate peripheral artery disease

Nov 20, 2019

If you develop severe leg cramps when you walk or exert yourself, the problem might be a serious condition called peripheral artery disease.

A young girl sits between two women on a couch. She holds and pages through a large photo album as the women look on, smiling. A bookshelf and window are in the background.

The Medical Minute: How to discuss family health history with children

Nov 13, 2019

Parents spend hours planning to talk with their children about the “birds and bees.” But moms and dads often ignore an equally important conversation—discussing their family’s overall health history.

A close-up of a woman with her eyes closed and an irritated expression on her face. She is covering her left ear with her left hand.

The Medical Minute: Eustachian tube dilation offers safer relief from dysfunction

Nov 6, 2019

Popping your ears by yawning or chewing gum can help alleviate pressure. But if that doesn’t help, a more permanent solution might be Eustachian tube dilation.

A man and a woman sit next to each other. The man has his arm around the woman. The two look at each other, smiling slightly.

The Medical Minute: How to support people with dementia

Oct 30, 2019

Although there’s no cure for dementia, there are therapies that impact how people can continue to function well and lead good lives.

Close-up of a woman sitting at a table. She wears a square watch on her right arm, which rests on the table. Her left hand is reaching for the watch. Some food is on the table in the foreground.

The Medical Minute: Intermittent fasting — foolproof or fad?

Oct 23, 2019

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or on a time-restricted schedule, intermittent fasting is the new trend in weight loss. But does it work?

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