Taking care of the largest organ in your body is about more than just avoiding age spots and wrinkles. While the appearance of your skin can affect how you feel about yourself, it can also be an indication of an underlying condition. 

If you notice a change in your skin, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Many common skin problems, such as rashes, hives and contact dermatitis, can be resolved with a visit to your doctor. While not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer, it’s important to get them checked out since early detection offers a better chance at successfully treating it. 

Your skin: 

• Protects germs from entering your body 

• Helps regulate body temperature 

• Plays a role in keeping our immune system healthy 

• Permits the sensations of touch, heat and cold 

• Makes up about 15% of your body weight 

• Consists of about 300 million cells 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. More than 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year. Most skin problems are not cancer, but they can be 

aggravating. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for common skin conditions can help resolve them sooner and more effectively than waiting it out or trying to treat them on your own. 

Your healthcare provider may suggest the following treatments to help with common skin problems: 

• Topical creams 

• Oral antibiotics 

• Antihistamines 

• Corticosteroids 

• Laser treatments 

One common skin problem is contact dermatitis, which is contact with an irritant or allergen that causes redness, itching, swelling, scaling or small blisters. Poison ivy is a classic cause, but dryness can result from something as simple as contact with detergents or hair dyes. Regular moisturizing can help avoid dryness and flare-ups. 

Another common problem is eczema (atopic dermatitis). This is characterized by red, itchy bumps that often starts in childhood. The cause of eczema is unknown, so the best bet for dealing with it is to make sure your skin stays moisturized. Medications can also help with the itching. 

Psoriasis is the result of immune system miscommunications that cause skin to regenerate too quickly. It is identified by elevated red lesions with a silvery coating. Triggers for psoriasis include infection, stress and simple environmental factors. It’s important to diagnose psoriasis early, because up to one-third of sufferers also develop psoriatic arthritis, which can be disabling. 

Many people suffer from hives at some point in their lives. These are raised red or white welts and are usually short-term, but they can become chronic. Antihistamines can be an effective weapon against them. Hives in the mouth or throat that result in swelling, however, can disrupt swallowing or breathing and require emergency department care. 

Another common skin condition – rosacea – is the presence of enlarged blood vessels, usually on the face. Early diagnosis and treatment can control and prevent progression. You may have rosacea if you have skin pinkness or redness with a “flushed” feeling. Rosacea may be caused by heredity, environment, or immune system problems. Heat, stress and the tannic acids in alcoholic beverages can also aggravate rosacea. 

Resource: Relevate 

Taking care of the largest organ in your body is about more than just avoiding age spots and wrinkles. While the appearance of your skin can affect how you feel about yourself, it can also be an indication of an underlying condition.

Ready to fire up the grill this summer? Here are some tips to help you keep it healthy. View the slideshow below.

Ready to fire up the grill this summer? Here are some tips to help you keep it healthy.

Your relationship with your doctor is one of the most important and personal ones you'll ever have, which is why you should be in one with a primary care provider (PCP). A PCP, or family doctor, is your first point of contact when you need non-emergency care for a wide variety of medical issues. Your PCP advocates for you and works with specialists and other healthcare professionals. Your PCP provides preventive care, identifies and treats common medical conditions and teaches healthy lifestyle choices. Yes, you need a PCP.  

Q: Why do I need a PCP? 

A:  Your PCP can take care of non-emergency health issues, such as colds, flu and rashes as well as your preventive health needs, like routine screenings. Each contact is an opportunity for prevention and health promotion. If your condition requires a referral, your PCP coordinates your care, and is a designated resource for specialists that knows you and your health history.  

Q: What’s a nurse practitioner and physician assistant?  

A: They are practitioners who go through a different training and certification process than doctors. They may serve as your PCP in some medical practices. 

Q: Is my PCP my lowest cost option for healthcare? 

A: Visits to your PCP are less expensive than visits to urgent care clinics, Emergency Departments or specialists.  

Q: Do I have to see my PCP for a referral?  

A: Your PCP handles your overall care and can coordinate medical treatments across many specialties if a condition is beyond their scope. These specialists are responsible for your treatment, but your PCP oversees the entire series of events. Check with your insurance company on referral requirements.  

Q: Who do I see if I have a chronic condition?  

A: Chronic health conditions like diabetes, arthritis and lupus can be difficult to monitor by yourself. A PCP can help you stay aware of how your chronic disease is affecting your body. Scheduling regular visits and performing routine tests are two ways your doctor can help you maintain your chronic condition.  

A PCP will get to know you and your family medical history well enough to ask the right questions and detect other health issues in their early stages. They’re trained to care for a person from infancy to advanced age. Find a PCP close to where you work or live and start the important relationship.   

Your relationship with your doctor is one of the most important and personal ones you'll ever have, which is why you should be in one with a primary care provider.

Are your work deadlines getting shorter? Did you sign your kids up for too many activities? Start too many home improvement projects?  

Feeling overwhelmed?!  

Of course, you are. Many of us try to do too much and end up stressed, which can lead to unhappiness and other severe health problems. 

The solution? Well, there is no one perfect solution, but a vacation might be a great place to start. Take our quiz to learn more. 

Many of us try to do too much and end up stressed, which can lead to unhappiness and other severe health problems. The solution? Well, there is no one perfect solution, but a vacation might be a great place to start. Take our quiz to learn more. 

Did you know stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S.? Just as these facts may be surprising, the reality is even more shocking for those told they’re at high risk of the disease. Known as a “brain attack,” symptoms of a stroke are often silent until it causes devastating temporary or permanent disabilities, or worse, is fatal.

Fortunately, vascular surgeons at Genesis HealthCare System proactively monitor patients at high risk of stroke and provide cutting-edge preventative management with the minimally invasive procedure Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR).

“TCAR is a very welcome treatment for patients in the high-risk category,” explained Michael J. Kunstmann, D.O., fellowship-trained and board-certified vascular surgeon, Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. “The recovery time is less, the incision is smaller and the stroke rate is less than the standard treatment of carotid endarterectomy (CEA).”

Michael J. Kunstmann, D.O.

TCAR: Expanding stroke prevention care

For many, the risk of stroke increases due to blockage of a carotid artery. As the two main arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain, a blocked carotid artery often goes undetected until symptoms surprise a stroke victim, including:

- Sudden loss of vision, blurred vision or difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes

- Weakness, tingling and numbness on one side of the face, one side of the body or in one arm or leg

- Sudden difficulty in walking, loss of balance or lack of coordination

For some, a blocked carotid artery may be discovered during treatments for other chronic conditions. Regardless of how it’s found, treatment decisions are an immediate concern.

“The TCAR procedure is particularly well-suited for patients with other current or previous health issues,” Dr. Kunstmann noted. “We look at people who have had previous neck surgery or radiation, or those who have had previous endarterectomies as good candidates for the procedure. We also look at patients who are older and won’t necessarily tolerate carotid endarterectomy due to it being a longer procedure using a longer incision.”

A surgical procedure performed under local or general anesthesia, TCAR is completed through a small incision at the neckline just above the clavicle. After placing a tube directly into your carotid artery, the surgeon connects it to a system that directs blood flow away from your brain to prevent any loose plaque from reaching the brain. After being filtered, your blood will return through a second tube. A carotid stent is then placed to stabilize the plaque in your carotid arteries, and blood flow resumes its normal direction.

Take advantage of preserving life’s precious time

TCAR is a preventive treatment to avoid a stroke. Several factors are considered before recommending the procedure. “One factor we consider is if you have an 80% blockage, then your risk of stroke is approaching 10% a year,” said Lane Lee, D.O., fellowship-trained and board-certified vascular surgeon. “Your risk of a stroke with TCAR is generally much less than 2%.”

Dr. Lee stressed the importance and benefits of stroke prevention. “If you’ve had a stroke, there’s not much I can do to help. However, the TCAR procedure can prevent a stroke.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the TCAR procedure in 2015. At that time, fewer than 20 institutions were using the procedure; by 2019, the number had grown to over 200 institutions. The expansion of the use of TCAR is fueled by the extensive data on procedure outcomes being recorded by the Vascular Quality Initiative. All physicians in the U.S. performing TCAR have to be enrolled in the databank and record the outcomes of every procedure.

“All TCAR data is in the databank, from beginners to experts,” said Dr. Lee. “It’s not just the 10 best guys who know how to do this, it’s everybody. When you look at the overall databank, the stroke rate is less than 2% for this procedure.”

Genesis HealthCare System continues to have great success performing TCAR, and offering this innovative procedure is an important addition to patient care. “It definitely aids us by being able to provide our patients the best vascular care locally,” said Dr. Kunstmann.

Lane Lee, D.O.

Minimally invasive procedure takes advantage of every second to reduce and proactively manage stroke risk.

In the spring of 2017, Charles found himself taking naps frequently, but something didn’t feel quite right. “I soon realized I wasn’t actually napping, but instead was having blackouts,” explained Charles.

There is no downside to regular exercise, particularly for teens. Exercise helps teens’ muscle and bone strength, keeps hearts and lungs healthy and provides a supercharged immune system and energy levels. Exercise releases a wave of chemicals called endorphins through our bodies, which make us feel great naturally. Staying physically active helps teens feel confident and happy in themselves and maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise improves intelligence, contributing to higher grades and improved learning. 

So, why can it be difficult to convince some teens to be active? It may all be in the approach. 

1.) Teens shouldn’t be forced to play organized sports. There are many alternatives such as cycling, walking, running or sledding. Even video games promoting physical activity are better than those encouraging adherence to a couch. Several short bursts of exercise throughout the day can add to the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity for teens. 

2.) Take advantage of online sources. Zoom classes and other online programs are a handy alternative for those who prefer to exercise indoors or privately. Thanks to technology, inclement weather or a lack of outdoor space are no longer excuses for remaining inactive. Many fitness professionals offer free, guided workouts online or through various social media outlets. 

3.) Adopt a dog. It’s no secret teens love dogs. In fact, a study revealed teens with dogs do an extra 78 minutes per week of recreational walking, 285 more minutes per week walking, and an extra 260 minutes of unstructured activity than teens without dogs.  

4.) Make sure the exercise is fun. This may seem obvious, but a teen isn’t guaranteed to love an activity simply because his or her parents enjoy it. Fortunately, the options are endless. Enjoying the activity is essential to a teen’s success.  

5.) It must be the teen’s choice. There’s a fine line between encouragement and nagging. Most teens will dig in and refuse to change behavior if forced into an activity, no matter how beneficial it may be. Adults should take a relaxed approach to introducing a new physical activity, lead by example, and be less willing to provide transportation if the teen can easily walk or ride a bicycle to a desired location.  

There is no downside to regular exercise, particularly for teens. So, why can it be difficult to convince some teens to be active?

You probably update your closet and your hair style regularly – but what about your makeup? If your cosmetics routine hasn’t changed in the last few years, it’s probably time for an update. When you look good it can make you feel good too.  

Here’s how to get started: 

Baseline boost 

As you age and your skin has less collagen and hydration, it’s important to choose a foundation that makes you look just as radiant now as you did when you were younger. Your biggest weapon? A foundation with SPF, which moisturizes your skin and keeps the sun’s rays at bay. 

Once your foundation is set, sweep a soft pink blush across your cheeks. Satin or cream blushes work best, especially in colors like coral and rose. Unsure of which color is best for you? Pinch your cheeks (really!) and choose the hue that most closely resembles it. Bronzers can also add a dash of highlights. 

Bright eyes 

A busy schedule and little sleep can mean dark circles and less-than-perky eyes. Brighten up your peepers by sticking to neutral shadows with soft finishes or a slight shimmer and avoid frosty shades. If you want to try more a more intense look for a night out, make sure to blend with a neutral color over the lid. Opt for liquid eyeliners and mascaras with volume. 

Starting to notice fine lines? Cooling eye gel can help smooth them out. 

Lip service 

Our lips become thinner with age, so if you’re looking to add a little volume, use a lip pencil closest to your natural color. Line just outside of your natural lip line, and then layer with a rich shade. 

For everyday looks with little fuss, switch out your bright lipstick for translucent lip gloss in nude pink colors and leave the lip pencil at home. 

Safety first 

Makeup can get old and go can bad. It is important to watch expiration dates. If no expiration date is provided, write on the packing when you purchased the product and replace it after six months. If it smells bad, do not use it and throw it away. Also, it is important to keep your brush clean and never share your makeup with anyone. 

You probably update your closet and your hair style regularly – but what about your makeup? If your cosmetics routine hasn’t changed in the last few years, it’s probably time for an update. When you look good it can make you feel good too.

Frozen coffee drinks at the popular coffee shops can be expensive, and full of empty calories. Learn how easy it can be to make our delicious mocha flax seed smoothie in your home kitchen instead. It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Watch the video below.

Frozen coffee drinks at the popular coffee shops can be expensive, and full of empty calories. Learn how easy it can be to make our delicious mocha flax seed smoothie in your home kitchen instead. It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

Do you love your smartphone? Don’t laugh. You probably do. Most of us do. 
 
On the flip side, there may be times that you loathe it. Do any of these scenarios sound familiar: 

• You feel a sense of panic when you can’t find your phone 

• Areas without cell service turn you into an anxious mess 

• When your battery gets low, you race to your charger to avoid any interruption in your online access 

• You can’t resist checking if you were “liked,” “friended” or got a reply to a text you sent five seconds ago—and then you refresh and check again 

If you’re feeling a little too dependent on your phone—or suspect your phone is having a negative effect on the way you feel or how you deal with others—these frequently asked questions about phone addiction may open your eyes to a very real problem (hint: your phone) that may literally be staring you in the face.  

Is phone addiction a real thing? 

Yes. Constant, undisciplined phone use can negatively affect mental, social, developmental and physical well-being and can cause symptoms similar to other forms of addiction. Before clicking a button or sending another emoji, ask yourself—is this really the best use of my time? 
 

What are the symptoms of phone addiction? 

The symptoms may include irritability and anger, restlessness, sleep issues, lack of concentration and uncontrollable desire to check your phone. If you’re feeling any of these, that shiny rectangle in your pocket may be to blame. 

Who is most susceptible to phone addiction? 

If you guessed teens, you’re absolutely right. Because teen brains are still developing, they are less able to recognize when they're becoming addicted. If you have a teen, why not talk to them about phone usage, social media and related issues, and ask them to read these questions, too? Then make a plan so you can help each other reduce your phone usage. 

How can being dependent on your phone cause problems in your life? 

While “disappearing” into the online world of your phone may seem like shelter from the outside world, this type of comfort can actually make the boredom, depression and loneliness you are experiencing worse. Make a choice to live in the real world, not the digital one. 

Are there ways that I can determine if my phone use is problematic? 

If you’re finding that you’re preoccupied with cellphone use during other activities, if you turn to your phone for shelter from unwanted feelings or your sense of time is completely altered, your cellphone usage may be becoming a problem. 

What can I do to make my phone usage healthier? 

The good news is, you’re still in control. So, make a choice to regain control and vow not to be addicted to your phone. Here are some tips to get you going in the right direction: Put your phone away or turn it off during mealtimes. Install apps that limit your usage or give you reminders to turn off your phone. Don’t keep your phone in your bedroom, so it’s easier to sleep. Everyone is different, so identify your weak areas and build new habits that keep you away from your phone more often. 

Sources: 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6449671/ 

https://www.who.int/china/news/detail/28-03-2018-are-our-smart-phones-affecting-our-mental-health- 

If you’re feeling a little too dependent on your phone—or suspect your phone is having a negative effect on the way you feel or how you deal with others—these frequently asked questions about phone addiction may open your eyes to a very real problem.