It may seem strange now, but there was a time when patients weren’t always included in their healthcare decisions. “Doctor knows best” was the vibe — and the practice. Would you believe that it used to be routine for patients to not be told what their diagnosis was? Healthcare providers (HCPs) or family members often…
January is National Blood Donor Month. Did you know that every time you give blood you’re saving a life? In fact, one donation can save up to three lives, according to the American Red Cross. If that doesn’t have you rolling up your sleeve, consider the fact that every two seconds someone in America needs…
When you speak with Sheryl Lee Ralph, it’s hard to believe that this is her first time living life like the rest of us. She is all about sharing her knowledge with everyone around her. A Hollywood mainstay since the 1970s, the Abbott Elementary star is more than an acting icon: she also wants to…
When doctors talk to each other about scientific research and medical discoveries, it can sound like they’re speaking another language. As a patient, you may think, “This is all Greek to me!” And it might as well be. When scientists publish their research findings, they’re not writing for you and me. They’re writing for each…
If this is the first time you’re hearing the term “perimenopause” — welcome! We’ve been expecting you. Everyone who gets a period goes through menopause, and perimenopause refers to the time period leading up to the day when you’re officially out of the egg-dropping game — aka no more periods. During this time, your hormone…
Good, mutually satisfying sex requires a bit of time and energy to get right. To have an emotionally, physically stimulating experience, you and your partner(s) are going to want to do what you can to shift yourselves into a sensual and sexual mindset — and this is where foreplay comes in. Think of foreplay as…
+ Infographic text Every year, respiratory viruses like flu, Covid and RSV cause millions of people to get sick and thousands of people to die. You can lower your risk by getting vaccinated. Did you know? People over 65 and those who are immunocompromised should get a 2nd Covid vaccine 6 months after their first…
About 11,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. Cervical cancer happens often in the reproductive years. Almost 4 out of 10 people diagnosed with this disease are 45 and younger. The cervix plays an important role in pregnancy by helping keep the baby inside the uterus. If your cervix…
+ Infographic text What is overactive bladder? Overactive bladder occurs when muscles in the bladder start to tighten on their own. When the muscles contract, it creates an urgent need to pee. 4 out of 10 U.S. women have overactive bladder. Symptoms of overactive bladder Sudden need to pee Urgency incontinence (sudden need to…
Medically reviewed by Mary Jane Minkin, M.D. + Infographic text Dark red Old blood that has lingered in your body for a while but hasn’t oxidized enough (been exposed to oxygen) to turn fully brown. Can mean: You are at the end of your period You have postpartum discharge (called lochia) Concern level: Usually nothing…
