Colorectal cancer has a high cure rate – especially when caught early – yet it remains the third deadliest cancer for men and women in the United States. It doesn’t help that many people avoid getting a colonoscopy, which is by far the best way to find colorectal cancer early or prevent it altogether.
Because of the need for social distancing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Legacy of Hope (LoH, formerly the Alabama Organ Center) has cancelled in-person events for National Donate Life Month, an observance established by Donate Life America to raise awareness about the need for organ donation. That’s the bad news. The good news is that, even in this time of crisis, organ donation continues due to the generosity of donors, their families, and the frontline staff who support the LoH mission.
IBS and IBD are medical conditions that can affect the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Both disorders can cause pain in the abdomen and changes in bowel movements, but there are important differences. In observance of IBS Awareness Month in April, the main differences are described below.
For Verlon Salley, UAB Medicine’s senior director of Radiology, his career in health care administration is part of a family tradition. You might even say that radiology is in his DNA.
Most people experience chest pain at some point, but how do you know if it’s a heart attack or simply heartburn or anxiety? Understanding the differences between cardiovascular events and other causes of chest pain can save you a trip to the emergency room. It’s also important because the discomfort could be caused by other urgent conditions, as well as less serious issues that may point to a chronic medical problem.
When we hear about a “broken heart”, most people think about an emotional reaction rather than an actual medical problem. However, there is a direct link between severe emotional or physical stress and a potentially serious condition known as broken heart syndrome.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re surrounded by images of idealized love: fragrant roses, luscious chocolates, and red-hot romance. But for those recovering from a substance use disorder, romantic love can be complicated. Relationships with partners or spouses may be bruised, broken, or a work in progress.
February is American Heart Month, an annual observance designed to increase awareness about heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Each year, one in four deaths is caused by heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Fortunately, almost 80 percent of heart disease cases can be prevented when people make healthier choices and manage their medical conditions.