Blog | Portsmouth Hospital

PSA testing: what’s normal?

September 16, 2019

Has your doctor recommended PSA screening? Learn more about this test and how it can be used to screen for prostate cancer.

tags: elevated psa , prostate cancer screening , psa test

What is advance care planning?

September 9, 2019

Advance care planning and advance directives aren’t just for seniors. Here’s what you need to know about both.

tags: advanced directive , durable power of attorney , end-of-life care , long term care

Don’t miss these suicide warning signs

September 2, 2019

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. Learn the warning signs and what to do if someone you know is at risk for suicide.

tags: helping someone who is suicidal , suicide , suicide awareness , suicide warning signs

Help your child be a good sport

August 26, 2019

Sports provide physical, social, and emotional benefits for kids. Learn how to encourage and support your child in whatever sport they pursue...

tags: children's sports , parent involvement , youth sports

The WHO recognizes burn-out as a medical condition

August 22, 2019

The World Health Organization added burn-out, or chronic workplace stress, to the list of diseases and health problems affecting the global community...

tags: burn-out , how to avoid burn-out , signs of burn-out , workplace stress

Transitioning your child to adult healthcare

August 19, 2019

Transitioning your child to adult healthcare is an important first step to a lifetime of healthy choices. We share tips on how to make the transition...

tags: adult healthcare , adulthood , college , health insurance , student healthcare services

Living well with gastroparesis

August 14, 2019

August is Gastroparesis Awareness Month. Learn more about treatment and how to live well with gastroparesis.

tags: delayed gastric emptying , digestive problems , gastroparesis , gastroparesis awareness , stomach emptying

Shoulder pain: when to see the doctor

August 12, 2019

Shoulder pain can be the result of an injury, overuse, or simple wear and tear. Learn the main causes of shoulder pain and how to determine when...

tags: bursitis , dislocated shoulder , shoulder pain , shoulder pain treatment , tendinitis

Understanding Epilepsy

August 9, 2019

Epilepsy is a chronic condition that causes seizures when temporary changes occur in the electrical function of the brain.

tags: causes of epilepsy , epilepsy , risk factors for epilepsy , seizure disorder , seizures

Please don't scratch - is it psoriasis?

August 5, 2019

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Learn more about new treatments and how to live well with psoriasis.

tags: psoriasis , psoriasis awareness , skin condition

Breastfeeding your baby: Don’t stress about your...

August 1, 2019

Many new moms worry that they won’t be able to provide enough milk when breastfeeding. Learn why this is rarely a problem.

tags: breastfeeding , breastmilk , milk supply

I'm Sad, Let's Eat!

July 31, 2019

Overhaul your diet. Reduce Stress. Pump it up. Get your Z’s!

tags: weight loss

The Not-So-Sweet Side of Eating Too Much Sugar

July 31, 2019

Consuming too much sugar not only increases your odds of having health problems but, because sugary foods often take the place of healthy foods...

tags: weight loss

Supersized: The Do’s and Don’ts of Portion Control

July 31, 2019

Many people eat more calories than they need because they have a warped sense of what an appropriate portion size is for their particular nutritional...

tags: weight loss

Nutrition Fads: What Works and What Doesn’t

July 31, 2019

Healthy eating habits not only help lose excess weight, but also help reduce high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excess body weight or...

tags: weight loss

Manage Your Weight To Help Manage Joint Pain

July 30, 2019

According to rheumatology experts at the Mayo Clinic, “Every pound of excess weight exerts about 4 pounds of extra pressure on the knees. So,...

tags: weight loss

Healthy Weight, Healthy Heart

July 29, 2019

All activity in our bodies is fueled by calories, including physical activity and basic bodily functions. Excess weight gain occurs when the ...

tags: weight loss

An app for detecting ear infections: Does it work?

July 29, 2019

Can a smartphone app detect ear infections? New technology shows promise.

tags: ear infection , fluid in ear , infants , smartphone app

Reducing childhood sports injuries

July 22, 2019

Sports injuries are a leading cause of children’s visits to emergency rooms. With knowledge and preparation, parents and coaches can team up ...

tags: reduce childhood sports injuries , youth concussions , youth sport injury prevention

WHO recommendations for preventing dementia

July 17, 2019

The World Health Organization has issued recommendations addressing 12 possible risk factors for dementia.

tags: alzheimer’s , brain health , cognitive decline , dementia

Too much screen time?

July 15, 2019

Reduce your child’s screen time this summer with these tips and recommendations from leading health experts.

tags: digital media , playtime , screen time

Does the hustle culture hurt millennial health?

July 10, 2019

Millennials are less healthy than previous generations. A new study shows why this doesn’t bode well.

tags: millennial health , millennials

What is cord blood and why does it matter?

July 8, 2019

Cord blood helps save lives. Learn how during Cord Blood Awareness Month.

tags: childbirth , cord blood , cord blood awareness month , stem cells , umbilical cord blood banking

Burns: when to go to the ER

July 4, 2019

It’s fireworks season. Learn how to stay safe when handling fireworks, and how to assess whether you need medical care in the event of a burn...

tags: burn injuries , burn treatment , er for burns , fireworks burns , fireworks safety

Protect your eyes from the sun

July 1, 2019

Protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. Learn how during UV Safety Awareness Month.

tags: eye safety , sun protection , sun safety , uv awareness , uv safety awareness

Measles in the United States: Is it really a threat?

June 24, 2019

Measles outbreaks in the U.S. have states taking a second look at childhood vaccination laws, and some adults considering boosters. Is it really...

tags: immunization , measles , measles vaccine , mmr , vaccine safety

Is my abdominal lump a hernia?

June 19, 2019

It feels like a bruise. It’s a knot in my muscle. I can push on my lump and it disappears. Hernia symptoms vary by patient but almost always ...

tags: femoral hernia , hernia surgery , hiatal hernia , incisional hernia , inguinal hernia , umbilical hernia

21st century dads

June 17, 2019

Dads today are more involved in day-to-day child care than their parents or grandparents were. We share a few fatherhood tips for the 21st century...

tags: birth , childbirth , fatherhood , labor , pregnancy

This is not your grandparent's surgery

June 14, 2019

Your (faster and less painful) recovery guide to robotic hernia repair.

tags: hernia repair , hernia surgery , hernia surgery recovery , robotic hernia repair

When Dad's Not Here (coping w/grief on Father's...

June 10, 2019

Father’s Day can be a painful day of mourning if you have lost your dad. But you can cope with your grief and honor your dad on this day.

tags: father's day , grief , loss of a parent

Healthy travel snacks

June 5, 2019

Is your family planning to hit the road this summer for vacation? Drive past the fast food joints, and pack these healthy, tasty snacks instead...

tags: healthy eating , healthy snacks , travel , vacation

After cancer

June 2, 2019

This Cancer Survivors Day, learn about the emotions a cancer survivor may feel after treatment and ways to cope.

tags: cancer recurrence , cancer survivor , life after cancer , support group , survival rates

A focus on men's health

June 1, 2019

June is a time to celebrate both Father’s day and Men’s Health Week, June 10 - 16. Learn more about men’s health including the top 6 actions ...

tags: men's health , preventative care , wellness

5 min Read Time

Intermittent Fasting: What Really Happens to Your...

May 28, 2019

Here’s what we know about intermittent fasting so far–what it is and how it affects your body, along with tips should you choose ...

tags: diet , health , if , newletter , weight loss

How Can I Help My Child With Asthma?

May 27, 2019

Does your child suffer from asthma? Learn 6 essential steps to keeping your home safe for your child.

tags: allergies , allergy , asthma , asthma-flare , asthma-triggers , home-safety , newsletter

Exercise and your mental health

May 20, 2019

More studies are showing that, besides being good for your physical health and physique, regular exercise can also lift your mood. Learn more...

tags: exercise , mental health , mental health , mental health month

Esketamine for treatment-resistant depression

May 17, 2019

The FDA recently approved esketamine for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Find out who may be a candidate and why it’s a breakthrough...

tags: depression , esketamine , treatment-resistant

Stroke therapy: Gardening

May 6, 2019

Gardening is a good way to incorporate an everyday activity into your stroke therapy. Learn the benefits of gardening for stroke survivors.

tags: gardening , newsletter , rehabilitation , stroke , stroke-survivors , therapy

Mild Stroke Effects Can Go Unrecognized

May 3, 2019

Whenever a stroke occurs, the brain sustains some damage, even during a mild stroke. You may not be in the clear even if physical symptoms disappear...

tags: brain-damage , depression , emergency-room , er , fatigue , insomnia , newsletter , stroke , suicide , tia , transient-ischemic-attack

Women and Strokes: Knowing These Symptoms Could...

May 1, 2019

Women are more likely to die from a stroke than men, so knowing the unique symptoms of stroke in women could help save your life or the life ...

tags: emergency-room , er , newsletter , stroke , womens-health

What Not to Say: Infertility

April 24, 2019

Infertility affects over five million women of childbearing age. How to support a friend or family member with infertility? Find out.

tags: infertility , infertility , pregnancy loss , pregnancy loss , women's health , women's health

5 Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Earth Day

April 22, 2019

Earth Day’s a great time to make a difference in your own health as well as the planet’s. These five lifestyle changes are good for the Earth...

tags: earth day , healthy lifestyle , healthy lifestyle

What You Should Know About Testicular Cancer

April 17, 2019

Get the facts on how to check yourself every month for early signs of testicular cancer. It could save your life.

tags: self-exam , testicular cancer , testicular cancer , testicular cancer awareness

Eggs: Cracking the Code

April 15, 2019

Are eggs healthy or not? And is one kind of egg healthier than another? Get the answers here.

tags: cholesterol , healthy eating , healthy eating , heart disease , nutrition , nutrition , vitamins , vitamins

How to Meditate

April 10, 2019

Discover easy ways to start meditating. Take five minutes out of your busy day to meditate and reset from feeling stressed to a sense of peace...

tags: deep breathing , deep breathing , health and wellness , health and wellness , meditation , meditation , mindfulness , mindfulness , stress relief

7 Ways Stress Can Harm Your Body

April 8, 2019

Stress hurts mental health and it can harm your physical health, too. Check out these smart strategies that can help you take control.

tags: anxiety , anxiety , back pain , back pain , headaches , headaches , insomnia , neck pain , neck pain , stress , stress

Best Workouts for Your Stress Type

April 1, 2019

Does the idea of lacing up your sneakers stress you out? Maybe you just need to find the exercise that best helps your type of stress.

tags: anxiety , dancing , exercise , kickboxing , stress , walking , walking , yoga , yoga

Doctor’s Day

March 30, 2019

National Doctor’s day is on March 30. Thank your doctor for taking good care of you today and throughout the year.

tags: healthcare observances , national doctor's day

Kidney Stones: Diet Matters

March 20, 2019

Ten percent of people will develop a kidney stone in their lifetime. Learn how five simple diet tips can help cut your risk.

tags: kidney stone diet , kidney stones , urinary tract health

Your First Colonoscopy

March 18, 2019

Colonoscopy can find and remove polyps early and prevent them from developing into cancer. It’s worth it to have the test and have peace of mind...

tags: colon cancer , colonoscopy , preventive screenings

Get the Facts on Colon Cancer

March 15, 2019

Learn what you need to know about colon cancer. Discover if you should have screening tests.

tags: colon cancer , colonoscopy , preventive screenings

Baby Blues Affect New Dads, Too

March 4, 2019

Becoming a father for the first time is cause for celebration and happiness. But one study finds new dads may also struggle with depression.

tags: baby blues , depression , despair , fatherhood , helpless , hopeless , men's health , new dads , pediatrics , post-partum depression

Why Heart Attack Signs Differ in Men and Women

February 25, 2019

Men typically experience chest pain and shortness of breath during a heart attack, but women often have less obvious heart attack symptoms.

tags: cardiac health , cardiology , heart attack , heart attack symptoms , heart attack symptoms in women , heart disease , heart health , heart problems , women's health

Can Stress Really Cause a Heart Attack?

February 21, 2019

Not only can stress cause a typical heart attack, stress can also be the culprit behind a heart-attack-like condition known as broken heart syndrome...

tags: anxiety , broken heart syndrome , cardiac health , cardiology , heart attack , heart health , mental health , stress , takostubo cardiomyopathy

7 Worst Things for a Woman's Heart

February 18, 2019

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States — killing one woman every 76 seconds — yet only one out of five American...

tags: anxiety , cardiac health , cardiology , dieting , heart attack , heart disease , heart failure , heart health , obesity , post-menopause , stress

5 Weight Loss Myths Your Nutritionist Wants You...

February 16, 2019

There’s no shortage of information about weight loss, but not all of it is true. One nutritionist reveals the truth about the biggest weight ...

tags: carbs for weight loss , counting calories , diet , general wellness , healthy eating , healthy fats , nutrition , weight loss , weight loss myths

Practice Mindfulness to Take Control of Emotional...

February 15, 2019

This means paying attention to your body’s hunger cues and understanding if you really are hungry, or just eating out of boredom or stress.

tags: coping , dieting , emotional eating , mindful eating , stress , stress eating

5 Heart Attack Risks You Rarely Hear About

February 14, 2019

Many times your heart’s health is slowly compromised by conditions like diabetes, obesity or chronic stress, which could manifest into a heart...

tags: aspirin , aspirin therapy , autoimmune disease , cardiac , emergency room , er , flu , flu shot , flu vaccine , heart attack , heart health , influenza , lupus , migraine , rheumatoid arthritis , sleep apnea

When Abdominal Pain or Discomfort Strikes… Should...

February 7, 2019

Stomach pain may be a sign of a serious health condition. Here are some causes, treatments, and reasons not to wait it out.

tags: abdominal pain , abdominal pain , stomach pain , stomach pain

Seven Ways To Beat Winter SADness

February 4, 2019

During the winter months, about 15 percent of Americans suffer from a mood disorder known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

tags: depression , sad , seasonal affective disorder , winter blues , winter sadness

What is an Appendectomy?

January 23, 2019

An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix when an infection has made it inflamed or swollen. This infection, called appendicitis...

tags: appendectomy , appendectomy , appendicitis , appendicitis , appendix , appendix

Understanding Sepsis

January 21, 2019

What are the causes and symptoms?

tags: bacteremia , bacterial infection , sepsis , sepsis , septicemia

Preventing Teens From Driving While Distracted

January 16, 2019

Ways to help keep your new driver safe.

tags: driving , driving , driving distracted , teens , teens

Watch Your Step: Preventing Falls this Winter ...

January 11, 2019

Important tips for when the temperature dips.

tags: falls , safety , winter

Trauma Center: Treating Patients with Blunt Trauma...

December 12, 2018

In the United States, blunt trauma as the result of a car accident is 1 of the leading causes of death in children and adults under the age of...

tags: blunt force trauma , blunt trauma injuries , trauma , trauma center

Seven Step Action Plan for a Healthy Heart

September 10, 2018

When it comes to your heart health, what you do and what you don't do can truly make a difference. Try this step-by-step plan for a healthy heart...

tags: cardiac health , cardiology , cardiovascular , cardiovascular , heart disease , heart health

Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatments of Colorectal...

August 23, 2018

Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the U.S. each year.

tags: colon cancer , colorectal cancer , colorectal cancer symptoms , colorectal cancer symptoms , oncology , risk factors for colorectal cancer

What is Lung Cancer?

August 23, 2018

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women ... but what exactly is lung cancer?

tags: lung cancer , lung cancer awareness month , lung cancer treatment , oncology

Heart-Healthy Summer Foods

August 21, 2018

Summer is a season of sun-soaked gatherings and grilling out. Amid all the cookouts and events, it can be tempting to help yourself to just one...

tags: cardiology , heart attack , heart health

Prostate Cancer FAQs

August 21, 2018

Very high risk – those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer before age 65.

tags: oncology , prostate cancer , prostate cancer risk , prostate cancer screening , psa

Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

August 21, 2018

There is so much information about breast cancer online, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. We’ve called out some common myths here...

tags: breast awareness month , breast awareness month , breast cancer , cancer , lumpectomy , mammograms , mammograms , mastectomy , oncology

Prostate Cancer Screenings Guidelines

August 21, 2018

Be sure to consult your physician on the best screening schedule for you.

tags: oncology , prostate cancer , prostate cancer screening , prostate screening , psa

Preventing Colon Cancer: Making Cancer Screenings...

August 20, 2018

"If we can detect the polyps before they become abnormal, we can help to prevent the cancer altogether."

tags: cancer , colon cancer , colonoscopy , colorectal cancer , fecal immunochemical test , oncology , rectal cancer

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

August 20, 2018

Treatment is withheld until symptoms appear.

tags: oncology , prostate cancer , prostate cancer screening , prostate screening , psa , treatment options for prostate cancer

Mammograms 101

August 20, 2018

A screening mammogram is used to look for signs of breast cancer in women who don't have any symptoms, taking images from two different angles...

tags: breast cancer , breast cancer treatment , breast cancer treatment , mammogram , oncology

Mammograms What to Expect

August 15, 2018

Learn what to expect during a mammogram, including how to prepare, what is considered high risk and the difference between common breast screen...

tags: breast cancer , breast cancer screening , breast mri , breast ultrasound , mammogram , mammogram , oncology

High Cholesterol: What You Should Know

August 15, 2018

Having high cholesterol can lead to serious health complications, including heart attack and stroke. Learn what cholesterol is, its causes, risk...

tags: cardiac health , cardiac health , cardiology , cardiovascular health , cardiovascular health , cholesterol , cholesterol , hdl , hdl , heart attack , heart health , high cholesterol , high cholesterol , ldl , ldl , stroke

Workouts to Prevent Heart Disease

August 15, 2018

Men are at higher risk for developing heart disease, but there are ways to avoid it. These workouts are designed to keep your heart healthy and...

tags: aerobic exercise , aerobic exercise , exercise , exercise , heart disease , weight lifting , workouts to prevent heart disease

5 Surprising Signs of Heart Disease

August 15, 2018

From snoring to sweating, learn more about these lesser-known symptoms of heart disease.

tags: cardiology , heart attack , heart disease , heart disease , heart health

What is Breast Cancer?

August 15, 2018

A growth in your breast can be benign or malignant. Learn about the cancer stages and how to cope with cancer.

tags: breast cancer , breast cancer , breast cancer awareness month , breast cancer awareness month , cancer , oncology

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer

August 15, 2018

The earlier lung cancer is identified and treated, the better the odds of survival. Find out how to recognize the signs and symptoms of lung ...

tags: lung cancer , lung cancer awareness month , lung cancer risk factors , lung cancer treatment , oncology , preventing lung cancer , secondhand smoke , smoking , tobacco

The Difference Between Heart Attacks, Cardiac ...

August 15, 2018

The risk factors may be the same, but understanding the differences between a stroke, heart attack and cardiac arrest could mean the difference...

tags: cardiac arrest , cardiac arrest , cardiology , heart attack , heart health , stroke

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

August 15, 2018

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed each year in the United States. Learn more about colon/rectal cancer and what you...

tags: cancer , colon cancer , colonoscopy , colorectal cancer , colorectal screening , oncology , rectal cancer

What You Need To Know About Lung Cancer Screening

August 14, 2018

Lung cancer screenings are good ideas for individuals who may be at a high risk for developing lung cancer.

tags: low-dose ct , lung cancer , lung cancer awareness month , lung cancer screening , lung cancer screening , oncology

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Why Is It Important?

August 13, 2018

Colorectal cancer screening is important to ensure your body stays healthy and also to detect any concerning developments in your body.

tags: cancer , cancer , colon cancer , colon cancer , colonoscopy , colonoscopy , colorectal cancer , colorectal cancer , colorectal screening , oncology , rectal cancer , rectal cancer

Prostate Cancer Controversy: Should You Get Screened?

August 13, 2018

Prostate cancers rates are spiking in recent years. Here’s the breakdown on the numbers and what they may mean for you.

tags: oncology , oncology , prostate cancer , prostate cancer , prostate cancer risk , prostate cancer screening , prostate cancer screening , prostate screening , prostate screening , psa , psa

Lung Cancer Risk Factors You Can Control

August 13, 2018

Lower your risk for developing lung cancer by not smoking, or quitting smoking if you already do; by avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke; and...

tags: lung cancer , lung cancer , lung cancer awareness month , lung cancer awareness month , lung cancer risk factors , lung cancer treatment , lung cancer treatment , oncology , preventing lung cancer , secondhand smoke , secondhand smoke , smoking , smoking , tobacco , tobacco

4 min Read Time

Six foods that can lower blood pressure

August 7, 2018

Lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease with these healthy foods.

tags: blood pressure , blood pressure , cardiology , cardiology , heart attack , heart attack , heart health

What Types of Mental Illness May Lead to Suicide

June 11, 2018

The key is recognizing the signs and seeking immediate help.

What to Know About Updated Stroke Treatment Guidelines

June 5, 2018

This change in guidelines will allow emergency medical services (EMS) to treat almost every patient that has stroke symptoms as a candidate for...

tags: fast , fast , stroke , stroke symptoms , stroke symptoms , stroke treatment guidelines , stroke treatment guidelines

Lower Sodium Intake, Lower Risk of Stroke

June 5, 2018

Research suggests we get up to 75 percent of our daily sodium intake from processed foods and restaurant meals. In fact, packaged and processed...

tags: heart attacks , heart attacks , heart health , heart health , salt intake , sodium , sodium , stroke

Average ER Wait Times

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