Category: Medical Minute

A male physician in a white coat uses a stethoscope to examine a female patient. Small medical equipment is mounted to a wall in the background.

The Medical Minute: AFib common and incurable, but controllable

Aug 7, 2019

One of the most common problems cardiologists handle is atrial fibrillation, an abnormal or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

A male physician wearing a tie sits on a stool in an exam room, displaying a page with various diagrams on it to a female patient who sits across from him.

The Medical Minute: Take steps to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Jul 31, 2019

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia. It slowly kills brain cells and is the fifth-leading cause of death for Americans age 65 and over. But contrary to popular belief, steps can be taken to slow it down.

Three young people lay side by side in a grassy area. The photo is taken from the ground, viewing their feet. The person on the left has their feet raised into the air. A line of trees is in the background, out of focus.

The Medical Minute: Choosing proper footwear for pain-free running

Jul 24, 2019

Warm, sunny days inspire many people to throw on the nearest pair of sneakers and head outdoors for a run. But choose carefully. Running shoes should provide the proper foot support to prevent injury.

A man is seated, resting his arm on a table as a medical professional in rubber gloves uses a piece of gauze on his arm. A tourniquet is around his arm just above the elbow. Various vials and equipment are in the foreground, out of focus.

The Medical Minute: From needle to vial, how blood work works

Jul 18, 2019

Blood tests can diagnose disease, determine organ function and help your doctor see how well treatments are working. Here’s why they sometimes require so many samples – and why you can’t eat ahead of time.

Two people sit at a table drinking coffee from paper cups. The near person, out of focus, has the cup raised to their mouth, while the other’s cup is on the table with both hands casually placed around it.

The Medical Minute: Anxious? Cut down on caffeine

Jul 10, 2019

Caffeine can boost energy, improve alertness and produce a general feeling of well-being – when used in moderation. Go past the sweet spot though, and that same elixir can cause insomnia, jitteriness and feelings of nervousness.

Two children hold sparklers in their hands.

The Medical Minute: Safe practices around fireworks

Jul 2, 2019

In 2014, the most recent year for which data was available, U.S. hospital emergency departments saw an estimated 10,500 people for fireworks-related injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Penn State Health providers share tips on how to prevent such injuries.

Close-up view of a woman’s right arm, as her left hand uses a quirt bottle to apply white sunscreen to the right arm. Sand is in the background, out of focus.

The Medical Minute: Don’t make your own sunscreen

Jun 27, 2019

While some do-it-yourselfers make their own sunscreen to avoid chemicals used to make those found at stores, a surgical oncologist and skin cancer specialist at Penn State Health says that's a bad idea.

A forearm with a noticeable bug bite.

The Medical Minute: Surviving summer’s biting bugs

Jun 19, 2019

Mosquito, bee and spider bites can bring summer fun to a standstill. While many are simply as annoying as a pesky fly, others can cause more serious conditions.

A man and a woman sit side by side on a wooden bench, facing away from the camera. The man’s arm is around the woman. They look out at a lake surrounded by trees.

The Medical Minute: Erectile dysfunction both common and treatable

Jun 12, 2019

By age 50, nearly half of men experience some degree of erectile dysfunction. The good news: Several treatment options are available.

Two women in exercise clothing walk side-by-side, each holding small hand weights. They look at each other, smiling. Bushes are in the near background; farther in the background is an apartment building, slightly out of focus.

The Medical Minute: Healthy babies start with healthy moms

Jun 6, 2019

Athletes invest hours practicing before a big game. Runners train for months leading up to a marathon. A mother-to-be should likewise prepare herself for the mental and physical rigor of pregnancy, labor and caring for a newborn.

« Previous 1 … 22 23 24 25 26 … 54 Next »