Recent reports from the Health Department indicate that influenza rates are on the rise in Travis County and throughout the state. Though not as severe of a flu season this year as compared to last, it is still a cause for concern as we head into what has historically been peak flu season. If you have not had the flu shot yet, it is not too late as flu season can run through mid-March. The flu shot is formulated to
Read More...Did you know … Bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract (also known as the “gut microbiome”) play a very important role in maintaining good health and prevention of disease. The human gut microbiome is composed of hundreds of microbial species and a total microbial population in the trillions! These organisms play key roles in regulation of our immune response and thus many aspects of our health. Through recent research, we’ve learned how these organisms can be specifically altered – positively andnegatively
Read More...Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime with approximately 9,500 people diagnosed every day. What causes skin cancer? The greatest risk factor for development of skin cancer is exposure to UV light, of which there are two types; UVA and UVB. UVA rays, which can pass through glass, leads to premature aging of the skin. More importantly, UVA suppress
Read More...According to the Alzheimer’s Association, of the estimated 5.4 million Americans that have the disease, 5.2 million people are over age 65. One in 7 over age 71 have some form of dementia. There are no effective treatments for dementia, but several studies over the past years have shown promise in delay of onset and prevention including: Preventing and treating diseases that damage the vascular system and thus the brain: hypertension, heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and high cholesterol Cognitive
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