Health Scene Premium http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium RSS Feed for Health Scene Premium en-us Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:30:00 GMT Patients should question their doctors http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20120710__Patients_should_question_their_doctors.html Journal articles don't usually cite "Seinfeld," but a recent study published in the May edition of Health Affairs mentions a memorable episode that shows how distressed the Elaine character gets when she discovers her doctor has labeled her a "difficult" patient. Arm yourself with knowledge to identify and avoid strokes http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20120612__Arm_yourself_with_knowledge_to_identify_and_avoid_strokes.html Imagine you're getting ready for a day at the mall with your mother when she tells you she's feeling a bit dizzy and has a headache; you notice she's flushed and having a hard time walking. Dip into fountain of youth by achieving 3 health goals http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20120529__Dip_into_fountain_of_youth_by_achieving_3_health_goals.html Those of us in the health insurance industry enjoy a unique perspective on what keeps people healthy, or makes them unhealthy. Many things affect health, but three "big ones" are more likely than anything to ensure that we live long, healthy lives. Care and early detection help avert kidney failure http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20120410_Care_and_early_detection_help_avert_kidney_failure.html The majority of people I meet know someone — a friend or family member — who has had to deal with kidney failure and dialysis. More than a lack of illness, wellness covers whole being http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20120313_More_than_a_lack_of_illness_wellness_covers_whole_being.html It's only March, but if you're like most people, some of those New Year's resolutions you made with the best intentions may already have fallen by the wayside. But don't be too hard on yourself. Ease off on events, buying and stress to enjoy season http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20111213_ease_off_on_events_buying_and_stress_to_enjoy_season.html The holiday season is a wonderful time for families and friends to gather, reconnect and build lasting memories. Yet we know from mental health studies and firsthand experience that it can also be a stressful time for both children and adults. Nicotine's strong pull makes quitting smoking difficult http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20111108__Nicotines_strong_pull_makes_quitting_smoking_difficult.html After years of research, the message is clear: Smoking kills. Tobacco use is responsible for 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States. Flu shot is best way to stay healthy and protect others http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20111011__Flu_shot_is_best_way_to_stay_healthy_and_protect_others.html The movie "Contagion," about a deadly global virus epidemic, really interests me. Although it's fiction and greatly sensationalized for entertainment value, the events are based on reality. We've had worldwide pandemics like this before; remember SARS, ebola and the swine flu? Healthy habits at home help kids thrive at school http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20110913__Healthy_habits_at_home__help_kids_thrive_at_school.html School's back in session, the kids are out of the house, and parents collectively express a sigh of relief. Laser-assisted procedure revolutionizes cataract surgery http://www.staradvertiser.com/featurespremium/healthscenepremium/20110830__Laserassisted_procedure_revolutionizes_cataract_surgery.html Cataracts — a clouding of the eye's natural lens — are commonly associated with aging and are the leading cause of blindness in the United States.