Health Matters

HEALTH MATTERS: SMOKING, JULY 19, 2017

Smoking is without a doubt one of the top risks for developing health problems and shortening your life, but there are plenty of folks who continue putting themselves at risk. Dr. Alan Blum with the University of Alabama’s College of Community Health Sciences has been studying smoking cessation for decades, and he’s responsible for UA’s

HEALTH MATTERS: PLANTAR FASCIITIS, JULY 5, 2017

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common, painful foot disorders that we see here in the United States. Pretty much everyone, sooner or later, is likely to have some degree of pain from this. One of the most important things to know about it though is that working with your doctor it’ll get better

HEALTH MATTERS: STRESS RELIEF, JUNE 28, 2017

In this day and age, we all get stressed, and we all try different techniques to alleviate that feeling. Dr. Nancy Rubin, a clinical psychologist at University Medical Center, offers several tips on relaxation.

HEALTH MATTERS: PNEUMONIA VACCINATIONS, JUNE 22, 2017

This week Dr. Rick Streiffer from Health Matters talked about pneumonia vaccinations for adults. Streiffer: “As we get older, one of the most common preventable infections that we all face the risk of is pneumonia. Pneumonia in the United States still kills or seriously cripples thousands of people every year, putting them in the hospital,

HEALTH MATTERS: ADHD, JUNE 6, 2017

Attention deficit disorders are often considered a children’s health issue, but did you know adults can suffer from the condition, too? Dr. Marisa Giggie, a psychiatrist with University Medical Center, said many patients with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are dealing with other conditions that are exacerbated by their attention disorder. “Approximately 50 percent of people

HEALTH MATTERS: DEPRESSION, MAY 31, 2017

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week Health Matters is taking a look at depression. Depression and other mental illnesses aren’t more common than they were in the past, but they are more commonly diagnosed and treated thanks to an increased emphasis on getting help, said University Medical Center Clinical Psychologist Dr. John Burkhardt. “I

HEALTH MATTERS: SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MAY 24, 2017

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week Health Matters is discussing substance abuse. “Heroin is something that has become a national epidemic,” said Dr. Thad Ulzen with University Medical Center. “It’s become much easier. It costs the people who make the drugs much less to make them, and so a very strong narcotic like

HEALTH MATTERS: DEALING WITH DEPRESSION, MAY 10, 2017

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so this month Health Matters is focused on mental health issues. At some point, everyone feels down, sad or not as happy as they’d like to be, but sometimes it’s hard getting enough willpower to admit help is necessary. Dr. Caroline Boxmeyer, a clinical psychologist at University Medical

HEALTH MATTERS: ANXIETY, MAY 3, 2017

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week dean of the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Dr. Rick Streiffer is highlighting anxiety. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five people in the U.S. will develop some kind of temporary or permanent mental health condition in their lifetime.

HEALTH MATTERS: SUGAR-SWEETENED DRINKS, APRIL 26, 2017

In the South, we love our sweet tea. But as a whole, Americans are consuming too much sugar, and a good portion of that comes from beverages. A long-term sugar surplus leads to issues like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. University Medical Center Registered Dietician Diane Henson said down here, sugar is an epidemic. “It

HEALTH MATTERS: LOWER BACK PAIN, APRIL 19, 2017

Dr. Rick Streiffer with the University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences said most people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Most times, it’s treatable without a doctor’s intervention — heat, over-the-counter medications and rest go a long way to helping a hurting back. “It is one of the most

HEALTH MATTERS: ADULT IMMUNIZATIONS, APRIL 12, 2017

Immunizations are often considered something just for children before they head to day care or school for the first time, but immunizations are important for adults, too. Dr. Jane Weida at University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa says skipping your shots can result in some nasty consequences. Adults should be getting a tetanus and diphtheria shot every

HEALTH MATTERS: SINUSITUS, APRIL 5, 2017

Most people develop some sinus issue or other at least once in their life. When it strikes, it’s tempting to ask your doctor for some antibiotics, but that’s not always the correct course of action. Dr. Ricky Friend with the University of Alabama’s College of Community Health Sciences says even the worst sinus

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