What is Hospice Care? by Health Dose

This year alone, there have been three outbreaks of meningococcal disease on college campuses around the U.S. Even though there are life-saving vaccines against this disease that have been available for many years, many college students aren’t vaccinated, leaving them vulnerable. Utibe Effiong, M.D., M.P.H., a meningitis survivor, discusses the severity of the disease, how to prevent it and the importance of vaccination.

The most common cause of a sore throat is a virus, most of which are self-resolving. Strep throat, however, can also be the cause of a sore throat. Pediatrician Fred Ogwara, M.D., explains common signs and symptoms, how to get a diagnosis and treatment, and the best ways to prevent the infection.

Back pain is one of the number one reasons why people go to the doctor or miss work, and it’s a leading cause of disability worldwide. Nurse Practitioner Lisa Miller, A.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., explains what to do when you’re suffering from back pain, and when it’s time to call your doctor.

Baseball, softball and any other throwing sports put tremendous stress on the shoulder and elbow, so these athletes are most likely to see shoulder injuries. Kyle Stevenson, D.P.T., a physical therapist who specializes in treating athletes of all ages, explains how shoulder injuries can be prevented while playing sports.

Human beings are, by nature, social creatures. Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to several negative health effects, including cognitive decline, depression and even heart disease. Kathy Dollard, MidMichigan’s director of behavioral health, speaks to ways to overcome the feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Since the Back to Sleep campaign was initiated in the early 1990’s to decrease the risk of SIDS, babies have been spending more and more time on their backs. While it’s very important that an infant be placed on their back to sleep – it has reduced the incidence of SIDS by 40 percent – it’s equally important to baby’s development that he or she be given supervised, frequent episodes of tummy time throughout the day. Mandy Alvord, D.P.T., a physical therapist who specializes in pediatrics, explains the importance of tummy time – and what to do if your baby seems to hate it.

Pain Management Specialist Spencer Bertram, D.C., M.D., explains what’s new in the field of pain management, and what he does to ensure that patients who experience chronic pain are able to live life with optimal functionality.

While textured breast implants were once used due to their diminished risk of a tight scar capsule, they’ve recently been linked to a rare form of cancer: breast implant anaplastic-associated large-cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL. Plastic and Reconstruction Surgeon David Yonick, M.D., discusses the use of these implants, and who might be at risk.

Using sunscreen is crucial to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Nurse Practitioner Karen Yonick, A.C.N.P.-B.C., explains how to correctly use sunscreen and what to look for when purchasing it.