What’s green, ancient, helps prevent cavities, AND lowers blood pressure? Why green tea, of course! For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has acknowledged the health benefits of green tea. It’s been used as a stimulant, diuretic, astringent; an aid to digestion, mental health, and blood sugar regulation; and more. So, let’s take a closer look at […]
Laughter as Medicine: The Health Benefits of Laughter
Would you rather spend 15 minutes pedaling on an exercise bike, or laugh 100 times? Research tells us some of the health benefits are the same. Gelotology is the study of laughter and its effect on the body. (Yes, there are people whose job it is to study laughter. That must mean that laughter is […]
Spring Cleaning Outdoor Safety Tips
The weather is nice and it’s time to spruce up the house! You know — all of those to-do items that could not be accomplished in the cold of winter: cleaning the gutters, washing the windows, clearing out the piles of dead leaves, mending that hole in the fence, organizing the garage… But while you’re […]
The Role of Vitamin A in Your Immune System
During seasons when germs and viruses are circulating heavily, we can all use an extra boost when it comes to our immune systems. A strong, balanced immune system is key to warding off pathogens and recovering from illness quickly. So let’s start at the very beginning with a look at vitamin A, also called retinol. […]
What’s That Rash: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease sounds grim, and the rash that typically accompanies it isn’t pretty. While it is most prevalent in children, adults can contract and spread it, too. So, how serious is HFMD and what treatments are there? What is HFMD? Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus (Coxsackievirus Type […]
Go Outside. It’s Good for You.
It’s no surprise that nature has healing properties. But how, and to what extent? Health researchers and psychologists are constantly learning about the effect that nature can have on our physical and mental well-being, and there has been enough evidence that some doctors are now prescribing “nature” as a therapy. Just two hours a week […]
Do You Have These Essentials in Your First Aid Kit?
As the name implies, a first aid kit is your first line of defense against common minor injuries, typically: Burns Cuts and scrapes Sprains and strains Insect bites or stings Splinters And while we hope you never have to deal with a broken bone or heart attack, you’ll also want your first aid kit to […]
The Silent Health Crisis Affecting Men
Compared to women, men live sicker and die younger. This is a concerning matter, backed by years of statistical trends that track health disparities among populations. Life expectancy: In 1920, men lived on average one year less than women. By 2017, the gap had widened to 5 years. Age-based mortality: At every age, men are […]
4 Whole-Body Benefits of Riding a Bike
May is National Bike Month! Need a reason to ride a bike? Ask any kid and they’ll say — it’s fun! Fun is definitely important, but believe it or not, the simple act of riding a bike can be revolutionary! As the League of American Bicyclists puts it: when you make a habit of biking, […]
Spring Cleaning Indoor Safety Tips
Spring has sprung, and that can only mean one thing — it’s spring cleaning time! Open up your windows, unclutter that closet, pull out your spray bottles, and give your home a good scrub! But don’t forget to be safe while doing so. In our urgent care clinics, we see accidents, injuries, and falls occurring […]