Blog | Portsmouth Hospital

5 Reasons to get a flu shot

January 13, 2020

Getting the flu shot each year is an important part of your health care. Five reasons why.

Common items that send 12 kids to the ER every...

January 10, 2020

Babyproofing is typically pretty high on every new parents’ to-do list. We lock up our medications, our household cleaners and our fancy steak...

tags: babyproofing , emergency , er

Does my baby have RSV?

January 6, 2020

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause serious symptoms in young infants. Learn to recognize the signs of RSV in your baby.

tags: bronchiolitis , pneumonia , respiratory syncytial virus , rsv

Organizing hacks for a peaceful 2020

January 1, 2020

Research shows that a cluttered space may cause anxiety, lack of focus and decreased productivity. Learn organizing hacks for keeping your mind...

tags: new year , organizing hacks , tips for organizing

How to avoid the highly contagious stomach flu

December 30, 2019

The virus that causes most cases of “stomach flu” is highly contagious and tough to avoid. Learn what you can do to protect yourself.

Practice mindfulness to reduce holiday stress

December 16, 2019

The holidays are supposed to be enjoyable, but often stress gets in the way. Practicing mindfulness can help. Here's how.

tags: holiday stress , meditating , meditation , mindfulness , reducing holiday stress

Babyproof your holidays

December 9, 2019

If small children will be part of your celebration this year, take steps to keep them safe from household dangers and gifts that present hazards...

tags: babyproof , babyproof your home , child safety , choking hazards , toy safety

Tips to keep you and your family healthy during...

December 2, 2019

Get into the spirit of the holidays. Keep these healthy tips in mind to help you and your family enjoy this special time of the year.

tags: family , health , healthy through the holidays , holidays , holiday tips

Healthy Thanksgiving Traditions

November 25, 2019

A few healthy changes can make your Thanksgiving more enjoyable — and prevent binge eating you’ll regret later.

tags: brunch , healthy , holiday season , marathon , thanksgiving , thanksgiving meal , turkey trot

Avoid germs during holiday travel

November 11, 2019

If small children will be part of your celebration this year, take steps to keep them safe from household dangers and gifts that present hazards...

tags: air travel , avoid germs , flu shot , hand sanitizer , wash your hands

Daylight saving time: How the change affects your...

November 4, 2019

Are you ready for daylight saving time to end? Learn the health effects of this practice and ways to ease the sleep troubles that come with it...

Signs your back pain may be something more serious

October 25, 2019

Persistent back pain is not uncommon, but it shouldn’t be ignored. See your doctor if you experience any of these troubling signs.

4 min Read Time

Can the flu shot really save your life?

October 23, 2019

Do you really need the flu shot? The short answer is yes. Here's what you need to know about the flu shot and its effectiveness.

tags: flu , flu-season , flu-shot , flu-vaccine

Halloween: Fun facts and costume safety

October 21, 2019

Soon, your little ghost or goblin will be gearing up for another night of trick-or-treating. Impress your family this year with these fun Halloween...

tags: costume-safety-tips , diagnostic mammogram , halloween , mammogram

After eating fried foods, I often have severe ...

October 18, 2019

Your symptoms could be a sign of a problem with your gallbladder caused by gallstones or some other inflammation.

tags: abdominal pain , fried foods , gallbladder , stomach pain

How to stay healthy in an office full of sick ...

October 16, 2019

During the height of flu season, you'll likely find yourself surrounded by coughing, sniffling and sneezing coworkers. And close working quarters...

tags: flu , flu-season , flu-shot , flu-vaccine

Back and neck pain: When to see a doctor

October 14, 2019

Neck or back pain? These 8 questions can help you determine whether to seek medical attention.

tags: back-pain , back-pain-treatment , diagnostic mammogram , mammogram , neck-pain , neck-pain-treatment , spine-pain-treatment

How to conduct a breast self‑exam

October 11, 2019

Our expert physicians recommend women age 20 and over conduct monthly breast self-exams to catch any signs of breast cancer at its earliest stages...

tags: breast cancer , breast self-exam , cancer , cancer in women , mammogram

Robotic knee replacement surgery

October 9, 2019

We have the technology and experts that can help you understand if robotic knee replacement surgery is right for you.

tags: knee-replacement , knee-surgery , minimally-invasive-knee-replacement , robotic-knee-replacement , robotic-surgery

4 min Read Time

Physical therapy and occupational therapy: What’s...

October 7, 2019

Physical and occupational therapy both help you gain strength and function. Find out how these two forms of therapy differ and why you might ...

tags: diagnostic mammogram , differences , mammogram , occupational-therapy , ot , physical-therapy , pt , similar , strength-function , therapy

4 min Read Time

Your first mammogram

October 1, 2019

National Mammography Day is October 18 this year. We share information that will help you get prepared for your first mammogram.

tags: breast-cancer , diagnostic mammogram , diagnostic-mammogram , mammogram , screening-mammogram

7 misconceptions about the flu shot

September 30, 2019

HCA Healthcare's chief epidemiologist answers the most frequently asked questions about the flu shot and why it's important to get vaccinated...

tags: flu , flu shot , flu shot misconceptions , flu vaccine , influenza

What is AFib: know the symptoms, reduce the risks

September 23, 2019

AFib—or atrial fibrillation—is a serious condition. Get the facts on symptoms, treatment, and reducing risk of stroke or heart failure.

tags: afib , afib treatment , atrial fibrillation , atrial fibrillation risks , atrial fibrillation symptoms

4 min Read Time

10 joint replacement FAQs

September 20, 2019

Are you planning to have total joint replacement surgery? Here are 10 frequently asked questions to guide you on your journey to better joints...

tags: hip-replacement , joint-pain , joint-replacement , knee-replacement , orthopedic-surgery , surgery

4 min Read Time

7 signs it's time for knee or hip replacement ...

September 17, 2019

Is your knee or hip pain impossible to ignore? Here’s how to determine when it might be time to consider knee or hip replacement surgery.

tags: hip-pain , hip-replacement , joint-replacement-surgery , knee-pain , knee-replacement

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 , newsletter , 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

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

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

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

Is chocolate good for your heart?

February 14, 2019

Chocolate may contain specific benefits to your heart health. Find out how the right chocolate can lead to a healthy heart.

5 heart risk factors to watch after age 40

February 10, 2019

Your risk of heart disease and heart attack increases as you age. Watch for these 5 risk factors after age 40.

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 distracted , teens

Watch Your Step: Preventing Falls this Winter ...

January 11, 2019

Important tips for when the temperature dips.

tags: falls , safety , winter

2019 resolutions

December 31, 2018

This list shows some of the most popular resolutions so you can see how your list compares to people across the country.

tags: getting organized , new years resolutions , resolutions , weight loss

All is calm: Stress busters for holiday hassles

December 19, 2018

We tackled the three biggest challenges – shopping, parties, and traditions – and rounded up Zen-inducing tips for those moments when stress ...

tags: anxiety , depression , holiday stress , stress

When old holiday traditions mean new holiday injuries

December 17, 2018

Can cherished holiday traditions lead to painful holiday injuries? ERs across the country report a seasonal spike throughout the holidays.

tags: emergency room , er , holiday injuries

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

5 holiday gifts that might land you in the ER

December 3, 2018

Tis the season for... danger? In all the excitement of the holidays, we might not see the hazards in popular holiday gifts. Check your list twice...

tags: emergency room , er

This Must Be A Mistake! Why Non-Smokers Get Lung...

November 26, 2018

The average age of someone diagnosed with lung cancer is 70, but a new group of young cancer victims has emerged—non-smokers under 40.

4 ways Thanksgiving can put you in an ER

November 22, 2018

The holiday season has begun, family is on the way, and you’re in charge of the turkey! What could possibly go wrong? Between the travel, the...

tags: emergency room , er , food safety , safety tips , thanksgiving

Surviving Black Friday

November 19, 2018

For millions of Americans, Black Friday marks the height of the holiday season.

The dangers of thirdhand smoke

November 12, 2018

Thirdhand smoke is residue that stays long after someone actively smokes in a home or enclosed area. And with time, these harmful remnants become...

tags: secondhand smoke , smoking , thirdhand smoke

Get outta town! Health-minded travel tips

November 5, 2018

Holiday trips can mean stress, hassle, and illness. Brush up on seasonal travel tips to arrive safe and sane.

tags: healthy travel tips , holiday travel , travel tips

Raise your Afib awareness and cut your risk

October 29, 2018

AFib is the most common type of arrhythmia, affecting up to 6.1 million people in the U.S.

tags: afib , afib symptoms , atrial fibrillation , irregular heartbeat

Fact or fiction: do ER visits increase during ...

October 28, 2018

You’ve heard the story before. But is it true? Do emergency room visits really increase when there’s a full moon?

tags: emergency room , er

The silent dangers of PAD

October 26, 2018

8.5 million Americans are affected by PAD, but many don't know they have it. Are you one of them?

tags: pad , peripheral artery disease , symptoms

Cold or flu?

October 25, 2018

Learn the ways to identify which illness you may or may not have, and a few tips for how to best combat each.

tags: cold , flu , influenza , stomach flu

How to avoid a heart attack when your team is ...

October 25, 2018

Have you ever watched your favorite team blow a lead and said, “You guys are killing me?" Well, you might not be far from the truth.

tags: blood pressure , heart attack , 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

Average ER Wait Times

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