Category: Medical Minute

A woman gets her height measured by a medical assistant in a doctor’s office.

The Medical Minute: Is BMI telling the whole story?

Sep 2, 2026

Losing 73 pounds in 15 months is cause for celebration – but according to the body mass index (BMI) calculations, Deborah Dunn would still meet the BMI criteria for obesity. […]

Dr. Sarah Kawasaki talks to a patient seated in an office exam chair. The patient is shown from behind. A blood pressure cuff and other medical instruments hang on the wall nearby.

The Medical Minute: What is 7-OH? The dangerous addiction risk sold at convenience stores

Aug 19, 2026

7-OH kratom products sold in vape shops and gas stations are raising concerns over their opioid-like effects, addiction risks and intense withdrawal, warns a Penn State Health addiction medicine expert.

Mother buttons daughter’s jacket as she gets ready for school. Daughter is wearing a backpack. A table with breakfast dishes is in front of them.

Medical Minute: 6 tips from school nurses for a healthy back-to-school season

Aug 4, 2026

A healthy school year starts before the first bell rings. From physicals to vaccines and sleep routines, Pennsylvania school nurses share tips to keep kids safe and ready to learn.

Young female soccer player holds her ankle and grimaces in pain while crying. She is sitting on the playing field with her coach and referee gathered around her.

The Medical Minute: Back-to-sports season: Injury prevention tips for young athletes

Jul 29, 2026

Millions of young athletes get injured each year. Penn State Health sports medicine experts share practical tips to help prevent injuries and keep kids healthy, safe and in the game.

A mother and father smile in front of their infant son who is in an incubator in a hospital neonatal intensive care unit. The mother touches the baby’s hand.

The Medical Minute: After miscarriage, finding answers and a path forward

Jul 22, 2026

Nearly one in four U.S. pregnancies end in miscarriage before 20 weeks. Penn State Health maternal-fetal medicine physicians explain treatment options and support for families facing recurrent pregnancy loss.

Before-and-after images show a woman with facial synkinesis. In the first image, her mouth pulls toward the upper-left. In the second image, her mouth is symmetrical.

The Medical Minute: A tick bite left her face paralyzed. Specialized treatment helped her smile again

Jul 15, 2026

Facial synkinesis happens when facial nerves send mixed signals, leading to unwanted movements. Penn State Health specialists offer injections, therapy and surgery to help improve function and quality of life.

Fireworks are shown exploding in the sky.

The Medical Minute: Relax and let the experts handle your Independence Day fireworks

Jul 1, 2026

Want to enjoy Independence Day fireworks responsibly? A Penn State Health physician offers tips to help you celebrate with a bang – safely.

A close-up shot of a tick sitting on human skin.

The Medical Minute: What you need to know about Lyme disease

Jun 24, 2026

Summer means ample healthy outdoor activities, but the tiny deer tick may have other plans for us. As Pennsylvania leads the nation in Lyme disease infections, it’s critical to know how to minimize the risk of contracting the disease and recognize the symptoms of an infection.

A thirsty man in the sun drinks a bottle of water.

The Medical Minute: Sweltering summer? Avoid heat-related illness

Jun 17, 2026

As temperatures soar this summer, the risk of heat-related illness does, too. Recognizing the symptoms of this preventable illness and getting swift treatment are critically important.

Adult daughter comforts her older mother, who appears sad.

The Medical Minute: How can I help my aging parent with depression?

Jun 10, 2026

Maria R. says her mother has never had an easy life. “She’s dealt with depression for a long time,” says Maria, who asked not to use her real name. But […]

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