April, 2018

When worrying becomes worrisome

We all worry. We worry about our finances. We worry about our children. We worry about the weird noise our car started making yesterday. It's normal to worry from time to time. But how can you tell if you're worrying excessively? However, an inability to turn off your worrying could have a severe impact on your overall state of mental health. In turn, this can lead to a series of chronic conditions that can further endanger your health. Here are some steps you can take to get your excessive worr...

Heartburn: What It Is & What to Do About It

Heartburn. Almost everybody has experienced it, but there are a few things you might not know about it. 1. What is it? Heartburn doesn't actually affect your heart. It’s a burning sensation that’s located just below your breastbone, which might eventually spread to your neck or throat. The condition usually occurs after eating a big meal or while lying down. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. 2. Why do you get it? When food or liquid enters your stomach, a band o...

Is That Bulge a Hernia?

Each year, millions of Americans suffer from a hernia. Some might not even realize it. Hernias don’t always cause pain, and may only be visible when you cough or stand upright. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a proper evaluation with your doctor. What is a hernia? A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue begins to protrude from an opening inside the body, usually creating a noticeable lump or swelling at one of six regions between the middle of the abdomen and the groin a...

Healthcare When You Need It

Sometimes it's obvious when a trip to the emergency department is needed. Problems such as chest pain or heavy bleeding are clearly serious situations that require in-depth emergency care. Many times the situation is less clear. Your illness or injury isn’t severe enough to require emergency care, or to endure the long wait times and high fees associated with an emergency room visit. But you don’t want to wait for a regularly scheduled appointment with your physician either. ThatR...