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What if a tick bite could make you allergic to red meat? It sounds unusual, but alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a real allergy that can develop after certain tick bites. It can cause reactions to red meat and other products containing a molecule called alpha-gal. One of the most confusing features of AGS is that symptoms may not appear until several hours after eating. Recognizing this pattern can help people get the right evaluation and learn how to manage the...Read More

Irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair growth, difficulty becoming pregnant, or problems with blood sugar can sometimes have something in common: polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. PCOS is a common hormonal and metabolic condition that affects many women during their reproductive years. But despite its name, PCOS is about much more than the ovaries. It can affect menstrual health, fertility, metabolism, cardiovascular health, sleep, and mental well-being. There is also an important terminology update. In 2026, an international consensus process renamed...Read More

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognize because its early symptoms may be subtle, vague, or mistaken for common digestive or menstrual problems. That is one reason knowing your own “normal” and paying attention to persistent changes matters. So here are some of the ovarian cancer symptoms you shouldn’t miss. During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, it is worth remembering a simple message: new, persistent, or unusual symptoms deserve attention. Table of ContentsWhy Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Can Be Difficult to RecognizeSymptoms...Read More

Turning 40 often changes the way we think about health. Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, it becomes increasingly important to pay attention to prevention, screening, and the health habits that can influence how we age. For men, prostate health after 40 deserves a place in that conversation. The prostate is a small gland, but changes in the prostate can affect urination, sexual health, quality of life, and—in some cases—cancer risk. September is recognized as Prostate Health Month, making...Read More

September is Healthy Aging Month, a timely reminder that healthy aging isn’t something that begins when you reach a certain age. It starts with the choices you make today. Healthy aging isn’t simply about adding more years to your life. It’s about giving yourself the best opportunity to remain strong, mobile, independent, mentally engaged, and healthy as those years add up. The good news? You don’t have to wait until you’re older to start. The habits you build today can...Read More

Many people think of vaccines as something we get during childhood and then leave behind. But your vaccination needs can change throughout your life. As we age, our immune systems can become less responsive, and certain infections can cause more serious complications. Staying current on recommended immunizations is one important part of preventive care and healthy aging. During National Immunization Awareness Month, it is a good time to take a closer look at adult vaccination and why it matters at...Read More

Breastfeeding is often discussed as a way to nourish a baby, but breastfeeding benefits go far beyond nutrition. Human milk provides important nutrients and immune-supporting components for infants while breastfeeding is also associated with health benefits for mothers. At the same time, breastfeeding is not always easy, possible, or the right choice for every family. A healthy conversation about breastfeeding should focus on evidence, support, and informed choices, not guilt or judgment. During National Breastfeeding Month, let’s look at why...Read More

Most people think of an annual checkup as something to cross off their to-do list. If you’re not sick, it’s easy to assume you don’t need to see your doctor. As we recognize Health Center Week, August 2 to 8, it’s a great reminder that preventive healthcare is one of the most powerful tools we have for living a longer, healthier life. When I was in practice as a board-certified family physician, annual wellness visits were a big part of...Read More

Many people begin thinking more about healthy aging after turning 40, especially when they notice changes in how their body feels and functions. Maybe you’ve gained weight despite eating the same way you always have. Perhaps you’re feeling more tired, recovering more slowly after exercise, or finding it harder to build muscle. You may even notice your blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar beginning to creep up. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. As a board-certified family...Read More

As physicians, we spend years learning how to diagnose, treat, and guide patients through illness. But becoming the patient yourself changes everything. It gives you a completely different perspective on health, symptoms, and the importance of truly being heard. One of the biggest lessons I learned through my journey with primary hyperaldosteronism is this: listen to your body. That quiet voice telling you something is not right matters more than you think. Table of ContentsWhen Something Feels “Off,” Pay AttentionHigh...Read More