Better Health Blog

Salvatore Spinelli, MD
2 January, 2024

A new year brings new resolutions that can lead to improvements in daily habits as well as health benefits for many older Americans.

In fact, according to a 2020 study, older adults who engaged in healthy lifestyle choices such as physical activity, not smoking, not heavily drinking, following a healthy diet, and taking part in mentally stimulating activities, had a 60% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

1 November, 2023

As the holidays approach, and the season’s expectations and demands draw near, it is not uncommon for some, especially older adults, to catch a case of the “holiday blues.” But it’s important to know when it’s more than just the “blues” and how other conditions, like diabetes, can be linked with depression.¹

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
6 September, 2023

Did you know that we spend a third of our lives sleeping? But what happens if you snore or can’t sleep altogether? You aren’t able to get the restful sleep your body needs. More importantly, it could be a sign of a sleep disorder.

Mark P. Abrams, MD, Cardiac Electrophysiology
7 July, 2023

In medicine, AFib is not an exaggeration of the truth. Rather, it is an abbreviation for atrial fibrillation, the most common type of arrhythmia — or abnormal heart rhythm. AFib results from disorganization of the heart’s electricity that can cause an irregular heartbeat. Many people are not aware the condition has serious consequences such as an estimated four- to five-fold increased risk of ischemic stroke.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
7 July, 2023

Breastfeeding your baby exclusively for the first six months of their life,¹ and then continuing to breastfeed while introducing solid foods is highly recommended by most pediatricians. However, when to start weaning your baby is an entirely personal decision and is truly up to you. Some women prefer to wean right away, while others choose to wait until their precious little ones are toddlers.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
7 July, 2023

April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and Optum Medical Care is encouraging patients to think about their feet and the importance of taking care of them. Our feet are often overlooked as a vital part of the body and most tend to ignore issues that are affecting their feet.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
6 July, 2023

Strengthen and support your immune system with better, restful sleep.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
28 June, 2023

Pregnancy is such a beautiful experience and one that women are not soon to forget. For months, you are preparing for and anticipating the arrival of your precious newborn child. However, as the end of your pregnancy approaches, you may find yourself getting a bit anxious and even fearful of knowing when you should get to the hospital in time for your delivery.

Neil C. Dunleavy, MD, FAAOS, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
28 June, 2023

A tear or injury to the rotator cuff, an important part of your shoulder, can be painful and debilitating. Not all tears are the same, so each repair is tailored to the specific needs of an individual patient.

Ayelet Mizrachi-Jonisch, MD FAAD, Dermatology
27 June, 2023

Normal moles are common, small (less than 5mm) spots/growths on the skin that appear at birth or during the later years of childhood. Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in detecting skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma.

26 June, 2023

Did you know that your activities during the day can affect how well you will sleep at night? According to the 2022 Sleep in America Poll, most Americans have unconscious habits and routines—irregular meals times, lack of exercise and exposure to light that affect their overall sleep quality.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
23 June, 2023

If you’re someone who experiences heartburn, you know the signs: a harsh, burning feeling in your chest usually after eating a large meal, spicy food or when you’re lying down. Frequent, persistent heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and an estimated 20% of the population is living with it.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
16 June, 2023

Our eyes are thought to be one of our most effective means of non-verbal communication. They also may be one of the sincerest parts of the face because they convey our emotions often involuntarily. But what if droopy upper eyelids cover your eyes or hinder your vision preventing you from seeing the eyes of others?

Yaakov Liss, MD, Nephrology
16 June, 2023

Spring is the perfect time to take charge of your health and a good place to start is by learning more about your kidneys. Get to know what they do, risk factors and consequences of kidney disease, and the tests and screening that are key for early detection of kidney disorders.

Jill Brodsky, MD FAAP
16 June, 2023

Is your teen sleeping a lot? Isn’t that what all teens do? Maybe, but excessive fatigue and lack of energy can be caused by many conditions including a thyroid disorder.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
16 June, 2023

June is Men’s Health Month – a perfect reminder for men to make wellness a priority. Many men take care of their health, but additional work is needed to keep more men healthy.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
15 June, 2023

Diabetes affects more than 37.3 million Americans, which amounts to 11.3% of the U.S. population. For people with diabetes, the body cannot produce enough insulin or it can’t properly use it, leading to a buildup of blood sugar. The resulting high glucose levels can affect the tiny blood vessels in the body, damaging the eyes as well. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 18–64 years.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
7 June, 2023

Learn what tips can help you lower your risk of disease.

Optum Medical Care, P.C.
31 May, 2023

Getting your postpartum check-up is an important part of your post-delivery health. Postpartum check-ups are also a way to help you lead a healthy future with your baby.

Keyteshia Guy, MD, Internal Medicine
30 May, 2023

To care for others, it’s important to maintain a healthy well-being.

Alan Schuller, MD, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine
23 May, 2023

Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor the men and women who have served our country. It’s also the traditional start of the summer vacation and travel season – a time for family getaways and flavorful barbecues and picnics.

Danica Vargo, DO, Behavioral Health
1 May, 2023

Although exploring mental health treatment options, which includes psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy), medication, or self-care, can be confusing or difficult, is important in taking the first for help.

Adina H. Keller, MD FACOG, Gynecology
27 April, 2023

Each stage of a woman’s life brings new health concerns from menstruation through menopause, birth control and pregnancy, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.