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Advice, insights, and true stories about your health and care.
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Why diabetes management matters
About one-third of Americans will develop diabetes sometime in their lifetime. This chronic disease can cause severe health problems, damage vital organs, and shorten life expectancy, thus highlighting the need for effective diabetes management and prevention strategies.
Five things you should know about using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss
Curious about the GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, like Ozempic and Trulicity? These medications, originally used for diabetes management, have gained attention as potent tools for shedding pounds. But the reality of using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss isn't as straightforward as it seems. Consider the facts before you decide if they're right for you.
Cancer doesn’t wait and neither should you. By taking a few proactive steps now like regular screening tests, getting certain vaccines, and making healthy choices, you can lower your risk of getting cancer or detect it early when it’s most treatable.
Prostate and colorectal cancer are the second and third most common cancers for men according to the American Cancer Society. Age, family history, ethnicity, and diets low in fruits and vegetables are among the shared risk factors. Talk to your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of early detection and whether you should be screened.
Mental wellness and heart health? Believe it or not, there’s a link
A growing body of research shows that people experiencing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, are at an increased risk for heart disease or other heart-related illnesses. Get more insight into the brain-heart connection and how coping with mental health is important for your physical health too.
Alcohol awareness: Rethink your drink to lower your risk of cancer
Most of us know some lifestyle behaviors can lead to cancer, such as smoking. But many may be surprised to learn that drinking alcohol is a risk factor for cancer, and when combined with smoking or inactivity, can contribute to as much as 40% of all cancers according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Half of U.S. adults drink alcohol. If you drink alcohol, here’s what you need to know.
Diabetic retinopathy is just one of several eye conditions that can be caused by diabetes, leading to vision loss and blindness. Protect your eyes with regular care, increasing chances of an early diagnosis and effective treatment to slow the process.
The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 14,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States in 2023. They further estimate that over 4,000 women will die from cervical cancer. But there are steps you or the women in your life can take to help prevent this disease.
Help save future generations by using antibiotics mindfully
Antibiotic resistance, which happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop immunity to the drugs designed to combat them, is one of the most urgent public health crises. Antibiotics can save lives, but every time they are used, they can cause side effects that can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Learn how you can protect yourself from developing an antibiotic resistance.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with proven, achievable lifestyle changes, such as losing a small amount of weight and increasing physical activity – even if you’re at high risk. Knowing what puts you at risk and what you can do about it can put you on a path to better health.
Every woman is at risk of getting breast cancer as she ages. Learn about the risks that can be changed, those that cannot, and how regular screenings can help you stay on top of your health.
Spending time outdoors is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get much-needed vitamin D. But skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S., can be caused by too much sun. Follow these tips to keep yourself safe.
Learning the facts before making vaccination decisions is important, especially when information comes from many sources. Which information is accurate? What is the right call? Explore how vaccinations can protect your child.
Getting shots: Help your child have a better visit
As children get older, they become aware that the visit often involves a shot. This can be scary and the starting point for a lifelong fear of needles. Here are some tips to help ease the anxiety.
Low back pain affects people of all ages, including children. The causes range from heavy backpacks to unexpected exercise or a medical condition. Learn the risk factors and how to prevent this common ailment.
STD awareness and testing is important for long-term health
It’s important to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because the consequences are so severe. Infections caused by STDs can have no symptoms and lead to chronic pain, an inability to get pregnant, and more. What’s worse: the only way to know if you’ve got an STD is to get tested because some have no symptoms. If you’re 13 to 65 and sexually active, read more to be aware, get tested, and stay healthy.
HPV and cervical cancer: Know the risks and how to protect yourself
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is so common that four out of five women will contract it by age 50. For most women, it goes away on its own. But for many, it can cause cervical cancer. Learn what the risks are and how to prevent it.
You do a lot on your own to manage your diabetes. And that's a challenge! We want to remind you that as a diabetic, you have a large support team. We’re here to help you learn who they are, what they do, and how they can help you.
Find out how you can protect you and your loved ones by getting preventive vaccines. Here are answers to your questions about flu, COVID-19, and RSV, your vaccine coverage, and finding an in-network provider.
Type 2 diabetes is on the rise in the United States, for adults and children. Read about the risk factors and symptoms, how to prevent developing type 2 diabetes, and resources available to help manage it.
Healthy lifestyle habits, taking medicine as needed, self-management education, and keeping appointments with your healthcare team can greatly reduce the impact diabetes has on you or a loved one.
Breast cancer awareness comes every October, but for women, it should be year-round. Know your options for screening, when you should get screened, and how to go about getting them. Your breast health is important every day of the year.
Unfortunately, cancer doesn’t start when you get symptoms. Cancerous cells can be found in your body before the cancer becomes a problem. That’s why it’s best to get cancer screenings when they are recommended. If you find cancerous cells early enough, outcomes are better! Here are some key screenings you should consider.
Mental health conditions — from stress to anxiety to depression — are more common than you think. If you feel you may have a mental health condition, the first thing to know is that you aren’t alone.
Choosing a Medicare plan can be overwhelming, but having the right information can make things much easier. With a short period of time to enroll, knowing the facts about Medicare before you make decisions about your healthcare can make all the difference in your enrollment experience.
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare and is also known as Part C coverage. They cover everything Part A and Part B cover, with or without hospice care, and usually much more.
A healthy pregnancy starts before baby is on board
You don’t need to wait until you are pregnant to plan a healthy pregnancy. Start ahead of time with a preconception care visit with your healthcare provider.
Most of us get immunized as children, but we need more vaccines when we are adults. Find out which shots you need, where you can get them, and why they are important.
Colorectal cancer (colon cancer) may be the second leading cancer killer in the United States. But it’s also one of the most treatable—when caught early. You can do a lot to prevent this disease. Getting screened on a regular basis is key.