McLaren Port Huron

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men. This disease is most curable in its early stages. Routine screenings can help detect prostate cancer early. Experts recommend having a discussion with your primary care provider to understand if prostate cancer screening is right for you. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized organ located behind the bladder. It i...

While there remains a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the new school year, your child’s health should remain a priority. That’s why a routine physical exam is an important back-to-school preparation, no matter which grade your child is about to enter. It is often combined with a sports physical, required if your child will be participating in extracurricular activities this school year, even if school sports look differently than years prior. For student athletes, early detection of critical under...

Memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Anyone who is experiencing cognitive changes may be afraid that the symptoms could be from Alzheimer’s disease and may find it easier to deny that there is a problem.   Alzheimer’s isn’t the only cause of memory loss. That’s why it is so important to talk with your doctor. There are many reversible causes for the symptoms, such as a urinary tract infection, a vitamin B-12 deficiency or a side effect from medication.   You’ll want to prepare ...

When interacting with their family doctor, many patients may approach this relationship in a passive role. In this dynamic, the doctor recommends a course of action or treatment, and the patient complies. There are many instances in which this dynamic is required and benefits the patient. But when it comes to overall health, both patients and doctors are moving toward patients taking an active role in their health. In this active role, patients become more engaged in their health. Doctors discuss treatm...

As of August 23, more than 171 million people in the United States are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Among the vaccinated, there are more than 10,000 reported “breakthrough” cases, which is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 once fully vaccinated (two or more weeks after receiving the second vaccine dose). Medical professionals and public health experts expect these cases with mass vaccination programs. No vaccine is 100 percent effective, but the medical community rejoiced when the Pfizer an...

The CDC ranks lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, with cigarette smoking as the number one cause of lung cancer. Although many lung cancers are found in the late stages, making it more difficult to treat, the good news is there is a screening that can increase the likelihood of an early diagnosis and better outcomes.  Individuals who are at high risk can qualify for a low-dose CT lung screening. This screening is a CT image of the lungs that uses a lower amount o...

Summer. It’s the time of year when we venture outdoors, enjoying all the activities that we miss during those long winter months. As the temperature rises, and we revel in the sunshine, it is important to stay hydrated.   Our bodies are made up of about 60% water. The water or fluids in our bodies regulates our body temperature, protects our organs and tissues, and keeps our mouth, eyes and nose moist. These fluids also support our bodily functions by excreting wastes through urination, perspi...

There has been a significant increase in the state’s tick population this year. This has led many Michiganders to brush up on the precautionary measures to reduce the chances of being bitten by ticks. Protect yourself by covering up as much skin as possible when going to grassy or wooded areas. Wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants with the legs tucked into socks can be helpful. You can also use a bug repellant that contains a chemical such as DEET, IR3535 or Picaridin. Always check clothing...

Every year when summer weather approaches, we are reminded to put on sunscreen every time we venture outdoors to prevent skin cancer. But did you know it’s just as important to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays? Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation and too much exposure raises your risk of eye diseases and other problems. Protecting your eyes at an early age is vital as several studies have shown that the effects of UV exposure builds up over time and may increase the chance of devel...

Our beautiful water, inviting beaches and the warm temperatures gets Blue Water Area residents thinking about how we can enjoy the unique resources our area has to offer. Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a dip in the community or backyard pool, injuries aren’t the first thing on our minds. Yet, drownings are a leading cause of injury and death among children ages 1 to 14, and three children die every day as a result of drowning in the United States, and many more are seen in the emergency room for ne...