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