Medical Monday Archives - The Philly Files

April 3, 2020

4 steps to better health with black foods

Get your antioxidants from black foods Remember those sayings you grew up hearing: once you go black … the darker the berry …? When it…

March 31, 2020

Coronavirus: Should you be worried?

So far, according to official World Health Organisation reports as of March 29, the Wuhan novel coronavirus, called 2019-nCoV, has sickened 638,146 people and led to…

March 30, 2020

7 ways to boost immunity

As coronavirus runs roughshod across the country, having an immune system functioning at its peak is critically important. Vitamins and supplements may promise to…

March 28, 2020

Navigating pollen season amid Coronavirus fears

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and, for millions of Americans, the arrival of pollen season. It also coincides this year with the arrival…

March 23, 2020

Why black men are most at risk of kidney disease

African Americans are less likely to have life-threatening complication under control, new study finds Among people diagnosed with kidney disease and high blood pressure,…

March 16, 2020

Ditching unhealthy eating excuses, one by one

We can all come up with dozens of excuses for loading up on unhealthy foods. But it’s just as easy to load up on…

March 10, 2020

Understanding rare cancers

Although rare cancers don’t occur often, they can affect people of all ages and genders. A rare cancer is defined as fewer than 15…

March 9, 2020

What coffee can do for your workout

Your morning cup of joe just keeps getting better and better. When you need to hydrate for your workout, forget about sports drinks or…

March 3, 2020

5 ways to improve your heart health

If you worry that you or someone you love will get heart disease or even have a heart attack, it’s understandable. Heart disease is…

March 2, 2020

“Sitting is the new smoking”

In her role as an emergency room physician, Melissa Clarke, M.D., founder and CEO of the BHE Group, sees all manner of lifestyle behavior that…

February 24, 2020

Sad topic needs talking: Suicide rate rising among women

Suicide is a serious problem, and the rate of suicide among women is on the rise. People who consider suicide often feel like there…

February 17, 2020

Regular biking may reduce heart disease risk

People who bike regularly for pleasure or to commute have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, according to two studies. In a study of 45,000…

February 10, 2020

Dads need to care of themselves, as well as their kids

If you had to choose, which would you rather have: a healthy dad or a good dad? Studies suggest men often choose being a…

February 3, 2020

Small weight loss brings big benefits

A 5 percent weight loss can dramatically improve health. Obese folks trying to lose weight can focus on smaller goals. A new study shows…

January 27, 2020

Something in green tea may help reduce prostate cancer

Prostate cancer, the second most common type of cancer in men, is predicted to result in an estimated 220,000 cases in the United States…

January 20, 2020

Mammogram screening guidelines don’t help black women

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo took a step in the right direction to facilitate early detection of breast cancer by signing a bill into…

January 13, 2020

Can chemical hair straighteners cause breast cancer?

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health found women who use permanent hair dye and chemical hair straighteners have a higher risk of developing breast cancer…

January 6, 2020

‘Tis flu season again, and the message remains the same: Get your shot (still)!

It’s that time of year again: sniffles, body aches, fever and sore throat. And we repeat the message we share every year: Get your…

December 30, 2019

Vegan diet may reduce heart disease risk in African Americans

Following a vegan diet for five weeks may decrease risk factors for heart disease, new research shows. The study included 50 African Americans who…

December 23, 2019

Does alcohol increase breast cancer risk?

The holiday celebrations are upon us, so here is something to think about as you pop that champagne. This question often comes up when…

December 16, 2019

5 ways you should be watching your high blood pressure during the holidays

For the 80 million Americans with high blood pressure, the hectic holiday crunch ’tis the season for a little extra caution. Even people who…

December 9, 2019

5 Ways to Tame Holiday Stress

If the holidays sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control, you’re not alone! There are key things you can do to tame holiday stress….

December 2, 2019

10 foods beyond chicken soup that fight colds

There’s still no cure for the common cold, but there are foods you can eat to give your body the edge it needs to…

November 25, 2019

Feast on a healthier Thanksgiving

How many calories are on your plate? As we go into the kitchen to prepare another Thanksgiving dinner, food may be more on our…

November 18, 2019

How Gratitude Affects Your Health

Being thankful can strengthen your immune system. It might sound like a cliche, but counting your blessings really can be good for you. Research…

November 11, 2019

What’s on Your Workout Playlist?

Music may be just what you need to stick with an exercise program — and picking the right tunes could even improve performance. Federal…

November 4, 2019

Is Your Job Making You Sick?

Work-life balance may feel elusive, but it’s important to your mental health to make sure job stress isn’t interfering with your livelihood. Work hard…

October 28, 2019

7 Questions to Ask Before a Playdate

As children make new friends during the school year, many may also receive playdate invitations — and sometimes it’s between families who don’t know…

October 21, 2019

Simplify Your Life

Busy is the new black. But that’s not a good thing. We take on new work projects, squeeze in trips to the gym, schedule…

October 14, 2019

Early Detection Best for Breast Cancer Survival

Though treatment has advanced, smaller tumors linked to better outcomes — We’ve made significant strides in breast cancer treatment in recent years, including “targeted”…