The Wellcast

Here you are, loving life and enjoying the change of seasons when all of a sudden your skin is itchy, nose is running and eyes are burning. Just because you've been allergy-free your whole life doesn't mean you can't grow into one. For millions of Americans, this is the unfortunate truth.

Listen as Allergist Kenneth Johns talks us through late onset adult allergies and how to identify triggers that might aggravate your allergies.

A trip to the pharmacy can be an overwhelming experience for someone simply trying to choose an over-the-counter medication to treat a symptom. Not only are there so many choices but people also have to worry about how a new medication might interact with a medication you’re currently taking.

How do you know which OTC medication is best for you?

Allina Health pharmacist McKaya Kastner shares how you can navigate the confusion of OTC medications and how to decide which medication is best for you.

After a lifetime of listening, you might find that your hearing does not seem as sharp as it used to be. Our hearing tends to change gradually over time. However, there are some steps you can take to protect your precious hearing.

In this segment of the Wellcast, Erin Voye, Doctor of Audiology at the Allina Health Woodbury Clinic, discusses the prevention and effects of untreated hearing loss.

Scientists have known for some time the teen brain is wired to produce reward signals in response to irresponsible or dangerous behaviors. And while parents may not like these risky behaviors, a new study says it’s the same brain process that also helps teens be better learners, too.

Dr. Jesse Corry, neurologist with Allina Health’s United Hospital in St. Paul is here with more information on the unique and often misunderstood teenage brain.

In the U.S. the average age of a woman's first period is 12.3 years old, which means most women have menstrual cycles a significant portion of their lives. Because of this, some of the most common questions asked are about periods and what is considered "normal."

Listen as Dr. Sara Ackerman, obstetrician/gynecologist with Allina health, discusses the most common menstrual cycle questions many women have.

Unfortunately just because you're an adult doesn't mean you don't need vaccinations. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the specific immunizations you need as an adult are based off of your age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations. Vaccines work with your immune system by imitating an infection. Vaccines are made from weakened or dead germs that cause the disease, but they will not cause you to get it.

Is it important to keep up on your vaccinations?

Listen in as Dr. Leslie Swartz-Williams discusses adult vaccinations and the importance of keeping up with the current recommendations by the CDC.

Your health is your most important asset. That's why at Allina Health we recommend regular physical exams for adults.

In this segment, Dr. Leslie Swartz-Williams discusses how at your visit, you'll meet with your care provider to ensure you're up-to-date on health screenings, identify risks for future health concerns, review your medicines, and set wellness goals.

You may not know where or how to begin to start a regular exercise routine, or the best way to safely and effectively step up your current workout. Working with a Physical Therapist, an exercise physiologist or fitness specialist can help you with motivation and planning to reach your fitness goals.

In this segment, Gail Ericson, PT, MS, physical therapist with the Penny George Institute's LiveWell® Fitness Center, discusses exercise as medicine and the way you can use exercise as one of the best medications out there.

Deodorant and antiperspirants cause breast cancer; sugar feeds cancer;. hormone replacement can cause breast cancer; mammorgrams spread existing cancer. These are a few of the myths that surround breast cancer. There are many myths that have made their way into the public thought, but how are you to know what to believe.

Listen as Lisa Schneider, MD,  puts to rest some of these myths and explains the real facts about breast cancer.

Massage is the treatment of the skin and soft tissues of the body to enhance health and healing and promote relaxation. It can help to restore or maintain balance in your mind and body.

Massage usually results in decreased stress and anxiety, creating a sense of calm and well-being. Massage may help people who have several health conditions by relieving many physical and emotional symptoms.

Are there differences between getting a massage outside of a medical clinic and seeing a board-certified massage therapist in a clinic? 

Listen as Jeremy Miller, BCTMB discusses the benefits of medical massage by a board-certified massage therapist .