Health

New Year’s tips from a primary care doctor

With every new year comes New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions are a great way to assess your health and fitness goals and create a plan to encourage you all year long. In 2023, turn your resolutions into measurable and actionable SMART goals. Melchor Paulo Aranas, MD*, is a UChicago Medicine Medical Group physician double-board certified in

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Health

Why your primary care provider is key to your heart health

In addition to providing routine care like annual vaccines and wellness checks, your primary care provider (PCP) can also be your first line of defense against serious illnesses like heart disease. As a cardiologist that specializes in preventive cardiology, I am committed to improving the heart health of patients who have conditions that can lead

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Health

Simple steps for a heart-healthy lifestyle

Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association estimates up to 90% of cardiovascular diseases may be preventable with education and action. With over 30 years of heart disease prevention experience, I know that reducing your risk is possible, and I want everyone to understand

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Health

What’s the difference between the ER and urgent care?

It’s Saturday, and the cold you’ve been nursing for the past few days seems to be getting worse. You’ve vomited once and have a fever. Should you head to a hospital emergency room or an urgent care clinic? If you’ve ever wondered whether to go to an ER or an urgent care clinic, you’re not

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Health

What are the risks?

Fad diets often come with big promises of weight loss and optimum health, but at what risks? UChicago Medicine dietitians say the ketogenic or keto diet, which has gained popularity in the last several years, is extremely strict and difficult to maintain. What is the keto diet? Rachel Kleinman, RDN, LDN, clinical dietitian, says the keto

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Health

How to safely celebrate holidays and avoid respiratory viruses

Winter is time for many fun holiday traditions. It is also the season for respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV and COVID. This year, we have already seen a major (and earlier than expected) spike in RSV cases resulting in many excess hospitalizations in kids — and an earlier than expected rise in influenza. Severe COVID-19

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Health

What parents need to know about the vaccine, risk and more

The vaccine that prevents infection from human papillomavirus (HPV) is nothing short of a medical marvel. It is one of the most effective vaccines ever made against any disease or infection. It even prevents genital warts and several types of cancer. Pediatricians and primary care providers should recommend the HPV vaccine for all teens and

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Health

Is detoxing good for you?

Want to lose weight? Have more energy? Live pain-free? Sleep better? Detox products — things like supplements, smoothies, diets and exercises — claim to be remedies for all these problems. They tout themselves as aids in removing toxins from the body, promising improved health and increased energy. Do detox diets or cleanses work? In my

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