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5 unusual COVID-19 symptoms you need to know about

Posted December 28, 2020 by Shanu Agarwal, M.D.

Fever, dry cough and shortness of breath are the telltale signs of a COVID-19 infection. But, those aren’t the only symptoms that have been linked to the virus. Other symptoms include chills, muscle or body aches, sore throat, fatigue and congestion. As we learn more about this dangerous virus and its full range of symptoms, doctors are uncovering yet another set that are unusual and uncommon. From lesions to vomiting to deadly blood clots, doctors are discovering COVID-19 is...

7 ways to reduce sodium without sacrificing flavor this holiday season

Posted December 14, 2020 by Dr. Gabriela Orasanu

With so many celebrations centered on food, it’s easy to lose track of how much we’re consuming — including our sodium intake. In fact, it’s not unusual for a typical holiday meal to meet or exceed our recommended daily value for sodium. But, what’s all the fuss about? Sodium, or salt, is a mineral that’s essential for life. It’s regulated by your kidneys and is required for nerve and muscle function and maintaining your body’s fluid balance. However, eating too much sodium...

Cold feet: Common winter foot problems and ways to avoid them

Posted December 07, 2020 by Dr. Jacqueline Tulodzieski-Ahlstrom

Winter is upon us — freezing temperatures, snow flurries and whipping winds — and we all know what that means. It’s time to bust out our heavy, winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves to keep us warm on these frigid days. But, don’t forget about your feet, too. It’s important to always wear winter shoes and boots to protect them against the harsh elements. Lower temperatures can be hard on your extremities, especially your feet. Exposure to cold air causes the body to slow...

All About Sleep Apnea [Podcast]

Posted December 04, 2020 by Ketan Deoras, MD & James (Jim) Bavis, MD

Dr. James Bavis & Dr. Ketan Deoras explain sleep apnea as well as signs, symptoms, and what to expect.

Signs of sleep apnea: When is snoring something more serious?

Posted November 23, 2020

Does your partner snore — loudly? Do they snort throughout the night? If so, it could be more than an innocent annoyance. It could be a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Loud, excessive snoring coupled with other symptoms, such as obesity and hypertension, could be a sign it’s something more. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes your breathing to stop during sleep — sometimes up to several hundred times a night. When you stop breathing, your blood oxygen levels can...

FAQ: Partial knee replacement surgery

Posted November 16, 2020 by Ryan A Combs, MD

If you’re like one in five Americans, you’ll eventually develop arthritis of the knee. This means the cartilage that cushions the bones of your knee begins to degrade, causing those bones to painfully rub together. When that pain becomes too much or restricts activities you once enjoyed, it’s time to talk to your doctor about treatment, including knee replacement surgery. What’s the difference between a partial and a total knee replacement? Sometimes arthritis affects the...

Sports injuries of the knee: ACL and meniscus tears

Posted November 09, 2020 by Ryan J Urchek, MD

You’ve seen it on the soccer field or basketball court: a player plants a foot, twists and goes down grabbing a knee. The problem is most likely tearing of the meniscus (cartilage) or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Both can be extremely painful and sideline an athlete for months of recovery. A tear usually requires more intervention than a strain or sprain. A knee strain is a stretch or partial tear of a tendon or muscle, while a sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament....

Does Weather Affect Joint Pain?

Posted November 02, 2020 by Zach Vallandingham, DO, MS

Have you ever heard from someone that they can predict when a storm is coming because their joints hurt? It’s pretty common for people to blame joint pain flare-ups on changes on the weather, but scientists and doctors have yet to pinpoint exactly what it is about cold, rainy, or humid weather that makes joints stiff and achy. Leading Theories While joint pain isn’t directly correlated with dropping temperatures, the thought is that the change in barometric pressure is the...

Breast Cancer: The Importance of Knowing Your Risk [Podcast]

Posted October 26, 2020 by Keristen Brantley, MD & Victoria Van Fossen, MD

Dr. Keristen Brantley & Dr. Victoria Van Fossen discuss Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

Respiratory Therapists: Who they are and what they treat

Posted October 26, 2020 by Brian Bauman, M.D.

Are you suffering from asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or another lung problem? A respiratory therapist may be able to help. One out of six Americans will suffer from a serious pulmonary (lung) disease at some time in their lives. Of those afflicted, however, many patients don’t realize a respiratory therapist can help them overcome breathing problems and breathe easier — all the while increasing their quality of life. As vital members of the healthcare team, respiratory...

Think Pink: How to lower your risk for breast cancer

Posted October 19, 2020

For decades, October and the color pink have gone hand in hand to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. The universal pink ribbon represents prevention, early detection and treatment — supporting the mission to spread awareness and education. According to breastcancer.org, breast cancer affects one in eight women, and chances are you know someone — a co-worker, a family member, a friend — who has been diagnosed. Other than skin cancer, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in...

Radiculopathy: Treating a painful pinched nerve in the spine

Posted October 12, 2020 by Matthew N Jaykel, MD

If you’ve ever felt pain, numbness, tingling or weakness along the path of a nerve, you may have experienced radiculopathy, caused by a pinched or irritated nerve in your spinal column. If you’re lucky, these symptoms will be infrequent and merely irritating, but for many they can become constant and even incapacitating. Because different areas of your body are served by different areas of your spinal column, your specific symptoms will depend on where in your spine the nerve...

Alzheimer’s Awareness: Symptoms, Stages, and Support [Podcast]

Posted October 06, 2020 by Amanda Harvan

Amanda Harvan sheds light on the symptoms, stages and support of Alzheimer's.

Are veggie burgers really a healthier choice?

Posted September 28, 2020

It’s no secret that meatless meals are becoming more popular. While this is certainly not anything new for our vegan or vegetarian consumers, terms like “plant based” and “meat alternatives” are quickly becoming more mainstream. Wildly popular, meatless burgers are even entering the fast food market with Burger King’s addition of the “Impossible Whopper” to their regular menu. But, are veggie burgers actually healthier than a conventional burger made with meat? Yes and no....

Men’s Well-Being: All About Prostate Health [Podcast]

Posted September 24, 2020 by Kevin Spear, MD

Dr. Kevin Spear discusses men's health and different risk factors and how to ensure optimal well-being.

Good vs. Bad: Understanding your cholesterol levels

Posted September 14, 2020 by Andrea A Jopperi, DO

Cholesterol normally gets a bad rap, but is it really as bad as it sounds? Cholesterol is essential for your body — in healthy doses, of course. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver, which your body needs to build cells and produce certain hormones and vitamin D. Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs to function. The problem is many people don’t only get cholesterol from their liver. They also get high amounts of cholesterol from their...

Family preparedness: How to help keep your loved ones safe if disaster strikes

Posted September 04, 2020

Planning ahead of time for disaster—whether it’s natural or manmade—is the best protection for you and your family. From house fires to infectious disease outbreaks to tornadoes, disasters unfortunately can and do happen—striking at any time, with little to no notice. Unfortunately, only about 39 percent of people have developed an emergency plan on what to do as a family if something goes wrong, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disasters...

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness [Podcast]

Posted September 03, 2020 by Emily Hionides-Horner, MSW, LISW-S

Emily Hionides-Horner discusses 7 ways to overcome mental health stigma.

Can Obesity be Considered a Disease [Podcast]

Posted September 03, 2020 by Dr. Adrian Dan

Dr. Adrian Dan discusses obesity as a metabolic disease.

The Modern Guide to Heart Health [Podcast]

Posted September 02, 2020 by Peter Bittenbender, MD

Dr. Peter Bittenbender shares his insight on the modern guide to heart health.

Tips for Managing Anxiety [Podcast]

Posted August 24, 2020 by Leslie Zaynor, PhD

Dr. Leslie Zaynor discusses tips for managing anxiety.

Neurosurgeons: Who they are and what they treat

Posted August 17, 2020

A neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. This complex network is made up of the brain, spinal cord, skull and vertebrae as well as the cranial and spinal nerves outside the central nervous system. These brain and nerve disorders can include: • Congenital problems such as hydrocephalus and scoliosis • Trauma such as head injuries and vertebral fractures • Tumors and cysts of the brain and spine • Vascular...

Migraines vs. Headaches: What’s the Difference?

Posted August 10, 2020 by Susana M Bowling, MD

We’ve all been there at one time or another: Throbbing pain between the temples and pressure behind the eyes so great that we have to take a time out and lie down. It’s the all-too-familiar headache, right? Not so fast. When there is pain and pressure in your head, it can be difficult to tell whether it’s a headache or a migraine. When people think of a migraine, they typically think of the most severe headache. But headaches are only one symptom of a migraine and they can...

7 ways to overcome mental health stigma

Posted August 03, 2020

When we fall or get injured, it’s only natural to immediately ask for help because it hurts and we want to feel better. However, if someone is struggling with internal pain, has loneliness, depression, anxiety, isolation, or hopelessness, or someone perceives others are judging them due to their mental illness, many people hesitate to ask for help in the same way they would for a physical injury. Unfortunately, this is the case for many who suffer from a mental illness, such...

6 reasons why your wound won't heal

Posted July 27, 2020

You know the saying, “Time heals all wounds.”? Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true. Chronic wounds can linger for weeks, even months, and in many cases don’t heal without medical intervention. A wound is considered chronic if it has not healed significantly in four weeks or completely in eight weeks. If you’re suffering from a wound or sore that isn’t showing any signs of healing, talk to your doctor. If left untreated, chronic wounds can cause dangerous...

5 health numbers you should know by heart

Posted July 20, 2020 by Melanie K Bortell, DO

As we grow older, wrinkles, fine lines and gray hairs aren’t the only aging factors we need to be concerned about. The real health indicators we should be tracking can’t be found in any mirror — and they affect our heart and other vital organs. These are critical heart health numbers that should not be ignored and include blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the...

Top causes of back pain and when to see a doctor

Posted July 13, 2020

Most of us have experienced back pain at one time or another. We’ve woken up in the morning with an aching back or come in after a hard day’s work in the yard only to be greeted with a sore back. Considering the vital role your back and spinal column play in your everyday life, it’s no surprise as much as 80 percent of adults will experience back pain at some point. In fact, back pain is one of the most common reason for missed work and second most common reason for doctor...

Neurodegenerative disease: What you need to know about Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Posted July 06, 2020 by Dmitri S Kolychev, MD

Dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people in this country. It’s estimated there are 5 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, the Parkinson’s Foundation states there’s about 1 million people who suffer from the disease in this country, with more than 60,000 patients being newly diagnosed each year. Neurodegenerative disease involves the progressive...

Alzheimer's disease: Top 5 myths debunked

Posted June 29, 2020 by Natalie A Kayani, MD

Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It’s the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Alzheimer’s disease causes problems with memory, thinking and other cognitive behaviors. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about Alzheimer’s...

Do you think you have a bladder infection? Here's what you need to know

Posted June 15, 2020 by Naveen K Arora, MD

Urinary tract infections, commonly referred to as UTIs or bladder infections, are one of the most common infections in women. In fact, more than half of women will have at least one UTI at some point in their life, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. So, chances are, you’ve experienced the agonizing telltale symptoms: the constant need to pee and the awful burning sensation every time you go. Other symptoms can include: • Frequent urination •...

4 Impactful Lifestyle Changes That Help Improve Your Cholesterol

Posted June 01, 2020 by Kenneth D Varian, MD

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced by the liver and has many important functions in your body. Your body uses it to protect nerves, make cell tissues, keep your cells flexible and produce certain hormones. In addition to your liver making cholesterol, there are many foods that contain cholesterol, including eggs, meats and dairy products. Eating too much of these foods can add too much cholesterol to your body and have negative side effects. Too much...

How virtual visits are changing healthcare

Posted May 26, 2020

In this day and age, nearly everything is readily available at our fingertips. We can grocery shop, pay our bills, get merchandise shipped directly to our door and even virtually consult with medical providers all from the palm of our hands. Now with much of the country shut down and under stay-at-home orders due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth is perhaps more important than ever before. Telehealth enables patients to conveniently connect with providers using...

Tips for a healthier happier day

Posted May 04, 2020

In today’s world, we often forget to do the little things that can often make a big difference in our health and happiness. Typically, it is the simplest things that can do the most to help us feel our best every day and all year long. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for a healthier, happier day: Make plans to do something you love. Research shows that having something to look forward to makes you happier. So, on a rough day, try to make a plan to do something you like....

Seven tips to manage stress during challenging times

Posted April 20, 2020

1. Have an attitude of gratitude. Making an effort to remember all of the things you’re grateful for is very important. Research has shown that taking time to express gratitude or even acknowledge thankfulness in our own thoughts increases well-being and creates positive feelings. Gratefulness can be the antidote to increased stressors in challenging times. 2. Spend money wisely. Overspending, panic spending, and comfort spending can add to your stress by creating financial...

Myth vs. Fact: What you need to know to protect yourself from COVID-19

Posted April 09, 2020 by Michael J Tan, MD

New headlines and reports about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are infiltrating the Internet, TV, and social media channels daily, if not hourly. Much of this information is vital for our safety and protection against the virus. However, amidst this global pandemic, there are many myths being passed around that could potentially do more harm than good. Summa Health is getting to the bottom of the most pertinent questions it is hearing to separate the myths from facts....

Play to laugh

Posted April 06, 2020 by Joseph D Varley, MD

Laughter is what the doctor ordered when it comes to stress relief. Science shows laughter may very well be the best medicine when it comes to relieving stress — and that’s no joke. Whether you’re howling at a TV sitcom or giggling at your friend’s joke, the positive effects from laughter on body function — from increased circulation to muscle relaxation — confirm that real, sincere, happy laughter is good for you! With April being National Humor Month, Summa Health dives...

How COVID-19 Affects People With Chronic Diseases

Posted March 20, 2020 by Michael Tan, M.D., FACP, FIDSA

What is COVID-19? COVID-19 stands for “COronaVIrus Disease 2019. COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV2 which is a type of coronavirus. It is characterized by fever, cough, and shortness of breath, but it is only one of many viruses that can cause similar symptoms. In the context of the current outbreak, COVID-19, SARS-CoV2, and coronavirus are often used interchangeably.

Your Options for Weight Loss

Posted March 16, 2020 by Kenneth W Wells, MD

The desire to lose weight and the process chosen to go about it is a deeply personal journey. With many new options on the market, it can be tough to understand the best approach to reaching long-term weight loss. Obesity is now ranked as the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem. It is also important to note that Obesity has been proven to increase the risk for cancer including Colon and Breast cancers. Weight loss is an important cancer risk reduction effort for many patients at higher risk for cancer and a component of cancer survivorship plans as well.

Breaking Down Protein Powders

Posted March 09, 2020

In the last decade or two, protein powders have become increasingly popular among physically active and health-conscious individuals. Protein powders are concentrated sources of protein — the essential building block for muscle, tissue, bones and blood — made from either animal or plant sources. While whole foods come complete with the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber you require, protein powders are an easy, convenient way to bolster your protein intake when food isn’t...

First Unified World Obesity Day

Posted March 04, 2020 by Adrian G. Dan, M.D., FACS, FASMBS

Obesity has been deemed a disease of worldwide epidemic proportions. In the United States, obesity directly affects 40% of the adult population and an additional 30% are considered overweight. Obesity is now ranked as the second-highest cause of preventable deaths in the United States. The rate at which obesity has worsened over the past 20 years is alarming, and there is now a growing amount of national attention focused on the problem. When talking about obesity, it is...

7 Health Concerns Women Shouldn't Ignore

Posted March 02, 2020 by Jessica D Clemons, MD

From mother to wife, and from businesswoman to caretaker, women wear many hats on a daily basis. So, it’s understandable why many of us put off our own needs; there’s just not enough time in the day. However, when it comes to your health, it should always come first. Maybe you’re too busy to stop and see a doctor, or you’re hoping a symptom will just go away on its own. But, if you’re not feeling your best, you can’t possibly perform at your best level. The top health risks...

Get the Facts on Cyberchondria

Posted February 24, 2020 by Shannon J. Perkins, Ph.D.

Suddenly, you wake up in the middle of the night with a bellyache. It starts off as a dull pain, but then quickly intensifies and seems to move down your torso. So, you immediately jump on your computer or phone to search for various conditions you could be suffering from. Could it be a stomach virus, or maybe an ulcer or worse yet, stomach cancer? If this sounds familiar, you may be suffering from cyberchondria. It’s a hybrid term for cyberspace and hypochondria (now called...

7 Health Benefits to Getting a Good Night's Rest

Posted February 17, 2020

Getting better sleep doesn’t just improve your morning mood; surprisingly, it boosts your health, too. In fact, good sleep is one of the pillars of good health, along with eating right and exercising regularly. It’s true you can’t achieve optimal health without catching your Zzz’s each and every night. Sure, most of us have a bout of insomnia from time to time. The bigger concern is chronic sleep loss. Sleep requirements vary, but the average adult should get between seven to...

5 Things You Need to Know About HPV to Protect Yourself

Posted February 10, 2020

Reviewed January 2025 By now, you’ve probably heard about human papillomavirus (HPV). Maybe you heard about it in a TV commercial, read about it in a magazine, or maybe you or your child’s doctor recommended the HPV vaccine. But, why is everyone talking about it? Should you be concerned? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States and nearly 80 million people in this country have...

5 Ways to Make Healthy Eating a Piece of Cake

Posted February 03, 2020

Eat healthy. Exercise. Lose the extra holiday L-Bs. These are some of the most common goals many of us try to accomplish each year. But, it’s just about the time of year when these all-too familiar New Year’s Resolutions start to fall by the wayside. Life can get in the way, temptations arise and we can default to old habits. So this year, let’s try something different. Instead of listing the same goals year after year, let’s put to practice lifestyle changes that will help...

Are short workouts effective?

Posted January 27, 2020

As a general goal, it is recommended that we get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, more if you’re looking to lose weight. However, some people find it hard to carve out those 30 minutes every day. Some may only have time for a short 10-minute workout. So, is it still worth exercising even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time? Studies have shown that short workouts throughout the day are just as beneficial as long continuous ones. In this study, four...

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia for a Quick Recovery

Posted January 20, 2020 by Naveen K Arora, MD

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as prostate gland enlargement, is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms as well as bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. In many men, the prostate continues to grow throughout life. This continued growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause BPH, which means they have urinary issues or their urine flow is significantly blocked. The symptoms of BPH often vary,...

Hand Washing Do's and Don'ts

Posted January 13, 2020 by Nancy Reynolds, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC

One of the best and most effective ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others is by washing your hands properly and often. It doesn’t take much time or effort and offers a very effective means of preventing the spread of illnesses ranging from viruses like cold and flu to other bacteria or viruses. As you touch people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, you gather germs on your hands. You can infect yourself with these germs by touching your face;...

Signs of Thyroid Disease That You Should Get Checked Immediately

Posted January 06, 2020 by Ryan D Mills, DO

The thyroid is a small but mighty gland in your neck that produces the thyroid hormone which has huge importance in how your body functions. This gland impacts many different areas of your health, including your metabolism, heart function, digestive function, muscle control, mood and brain development. According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 20 million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disease, and women are as much as 8 times more likely than men...

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