Blog

2 min Read Time

Top 5 Vaccination Myths Debunked

August 14, 2018

Vaccine safety has become a source of debate in recent years. If you are uncertain about whether or not to get vaccinations for yourself or your...

tags: autism , general wellness , immunization , vaccination , vaccination myths , vaccines

1 min Read Time

9 Shots Older Adults Must Get

August 7, 2018

If you think immunizations are just for children, think again! Adults need them too, including those 50 and older. Are you up-to-date with your...

tags: general wellness , immunization , vaccination , vaccines , vaccines for adults

4 min Read Time

Skin, Sun, and Cancer

July 24, 2018

Applying sunscreen when you go to the beach or the pool may seem like second nature, but according to the American Cancer Society, new cases ...

tags: basal cell carcinoma , cancer , dermatology , melanoma , skin , skin cancer , squamous cell carcinoma

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The Latest on Skin Cancer

July 17, 2018

The rates of dangerous skin cancers like melanoma have more than tripled since the 1970s, according to the National Cancer Institute. We spoke...

tags: basal cell carcinoma , cancer , dermatology , melanoma , skin , skin cancer , squamous cell carcinoma

10 min Read Time

Ouch, What Bit Me? 10 Common Bug Bites

July 10, 2018

Irritating bug bites are often harmless, but some are painful, and may cause an allergic reaction, infection or worse. Gabriel Schifman, DO, ...

tags: bug bites , chiggers , fleas , insect bite , mosquito , spiders , tick

Colon cancer screening; get one at age 45!

July 4, 2018

While you can’t control your genes, you can take care of your body. If you are between the ages of 45 and 50, add getting a colorectal screening...

tags: cancer , cancer screening , colon cancer

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News: Tick and Mosquito Infections Have Tripled...

July 3, 2018

In the 13-year period, more than 640,000 cases of vector-borne illnesses were reported—a 250 percent increase. In addition, nine new diseases...

tags: dengue , lyme disease , mosquito , tick , vector-borne illness , west nile virus , zika

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Exercise Benefits: Feel Happy for 12 Hours

June 26, 2018

That's what a study revealed. A short, moderately paced workout produced feel-good brain chemicals that lasted up to 12 hours afterward.

tags: exercise , happiness , mental health , physical health , work out

6 min Read Time

The Keto Diet Promises Big Weight Loss, But Is...

June 19, 2018

Cutting carbs and ramping up dietary fat comes with some major drawbacks. We looked into the details of the latest diet craze to break down the...

tags: diet , food , healthy eating , keto diet , nutrition , weight loss

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How Furry Friends Help You Live Longer

June 12, 2018

Three concurrent studies revealed that pet ownership offers lots of physical and emotional advantages, including better self-esteem, better physical...

tags: loneliness , mental health , pet therapy , physical health

Can You Get Alzheimer’s Disease When You’re Young?

June 7, 2018

We rightly associate Alzheimer's disease with an older population. Most people who develop this progressive brain disorder are age 65 and older...

tags: alzheimer's , behavioral health , dementia , early-onset dementia , mental health

6 min Read Time

Loneliness May Be Deadlier Than Obesity

June 5, 2018

Loneliness isn't the same thing as being alone. Rather, it's a feeling of loss or sadness due to a lack of meaningful social connections. If ...

tags: antisocial , health risk , isolation , loneliness , mental health , sleep deprivation

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Household safety: Preventing drowning

May 31, 2018

Water safety is important at any age, but is especially crucial if you have babies or toddlers in your home. Here's how to reduce drowning risks...

tags: drowning , emergency , safety

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How to Spot A Fad Diet

May 29, 2018

When it comes to weight loss, we all wish for uncomplicated solutions. As a result, many Americans fall prey to fad diets.

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5 Myths About Back Pain

May 17, 2018

Back pain can come on suddenly - while you're working in the yard, sitting at your desk, cleaning house or lifting something. Learn five myths...

tags: back pain , back surgery , joint pain , orthopedics , pain myths

What to know about the updated stroke treatment...

May 10, 2018

In January 2018, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association released new ischemic stroke treatment guidelines that make more...

tags: heart , stroke

West Valley Medical Center Celebrates Nurses Week...

May 4, 2018

This week, West Valley Medical Center and HCA Healthcare celebrate our nurses for their unyielding service and tireless dedication to improving...

tags: nurses-week

West Valley Medical Center Celebrates Hospital...

May 4, 2018

This week, we celebrate all our West Valley Medical Center teammates who are crucial to providing the best patient care and enacting our mission...

tags: hospital-week

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The signs of schizophrenia in your early 20s

May 3, 2018

Symptoms of the mental disorder tend to appear in early adulthood. Here's how to detect the disease in your loved ones.

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Top 5 Ways to Relieve Knee Pain

April 26, 2018

Here are the top five ways to keep your joints as strong, flexible and happily active as they can be.

tags: exercise , knee pain , orthopedics , relief , treatment

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These injuries send 9.2 million kids to the hospital...

April 19, 2018

The number one cause of death in American kids is unintentional injuries. Protect your child from concussions and more, with these tips from ...

tags: childrens health , injuries , pediatrics

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The ultimate guide to reversing heart disease

April 12, 2018

Heart disease is preventable, and even reversible. Changes to your diet, exercise and lifestyle are the keys to a healthier heart.

tags: cardiology , diet , exercise , heart disease , prevention

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6 Stress Relief Tricks ER Doctors Swear By

April 5, 2018

Stress can leave you with a headache, sleeping problems and more. To help you out, ER Doctors share their favorite stress relief tricks.

tags: deep breathing , relax , stress

Recipe of the Month: 20-Minute Chicken Creole

March 8, 2018

March is National Nutrition Month ^®. This year's theme is "Go Further with Food" with an emphasis on food loss and waste.

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When to Worry About Chest Pain

February 22, 2018

Pain in your chest could be nothing to worry about, or it could signal something serious. Here's how to tell.

tags: angina , cardiology , chest pain , heart attack , heart failure

4 min Read Time

Your Guide to Aspirin and Heart Health

February 15, 2018

HCA expert Ashesh Parikh, DO helps clear up the confusion about the risks and benefits of taking aspirin for your heart.

tags: aspirin , heart attacks , heart disease , heart health

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4 Reasons Your Arteries Are Hardening

February 9, 2018

You may know atherosclerosis as hardening of the arteries. These four conditions or behaviors greatly increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis...

tags: arteries , atherosclerosis , cardiology , coronary artery disease , prevention

Surviving the Flu: Symptoms, Treatment and Danger...

January 19, 2018

This year's flu vaccine doesn't cover the dominant strain of the flu. Find out how to treat the flu and recognize complications that can be deadly...

tags: er , flu , influenza , primary care , urgent care

Why is the Flu So Bad This Year?

January 19, 2018

Some flu seasons are worse than others. Learn why the 2018 flu season is so widespread.

tags: er , flu , influenza , primary care , urgent care

1 min Read Time

What's the Best Workout Routine for You?

January 11, 2018

Want to start a New Year's workout routine? It might be time to hit the ground running.

West Valley 2017 Year in Review

December 28, 2017

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. As everyone does this time of year, we too look back on all that we've achieved as a family...

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Recipe of the Month: Healthy Holiday Fudge

December 15, 2017

Holidays tend to be when tasty treats creep in to my home. Neighbors, family, and friends like to give holiday candy, cookies, and bread. One...

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4 Reasons Your Heart Skips a Beat

December 7, 2017

More than likely, your heart has skipped a proverbial beat at some point in your life — this phenomenon is perfectly normal from time to...

Get Fit Despite Psoriatic Arthritis

November 30, 2017

Discover how staying active can help reduce the effects of psoriatic arthritis to reduce joint pain and ease inflammation.

tags: arthritis , excercise , orthopedics , psoriatic arthritis

3 min Read Time

A Holiday Discussion: What's Our Family Medical...

November 21, 2017

The holidays are just around the corner. That means families will be gathering for big hugs and big meals. Sometimes, you haven't seen these...

How to Turn Pre-diabetes into No Diabetes

November 16, 2017

If you've been diagnosed with prediabetes, it is important to understand what that means. Simply put, it means you have elevated blood sugar...

tags: diabetes , diabetic , exercise , general wellness , healthy diet , prediabetes

Sleep Positions to Ease Joint Pain

November 9, 2017

If one of your joints hurts, it can be almost impossible to get a good night’s sleep. Check out these tips for sleeping with joint pain.

tags: chronic pain management , joint pain , orthopedics , sleep

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Halloween at the ER Is No Treat

October 31, 2017

While trick-or-treating and carving jack-o-lanterns is all in good fun, injuries are more common than you might think. These safety tips will...

tags: adult supervision , alcohol , carving kit , costume , er , halloween , halloween costume , injury , lacerations , orthopedic , pediatrics , pumpkin carving , trick-or-treat

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How To Switch Obstetricians After Your First Trimester

October 24, 2017

Are you in your second or third trimester of pregnancy and thinking of switching OBs? Follow your instincts. Here are some things to consider...

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It’s breast cancer. Now what?

October 19, 2017

A million thoughts run through your mind and it can be difficult to figure out what questions you should ask or what next steps you should take...

tags: breast cancer , breast cancer treatment , cancer , cancer appointment , cancer doctor

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The Vajayjay: 8 Myths Women Still Believe (Part...

October 17, 2017

Why is it that people still blush when you say “vagina,” like it's a dirty word, or give it nicknames like “vajayjay&rdquo...

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Recipe of the Month: "Spaghetti" with Turkey Meat...

October 12, 2017

This easy to prepare meal is perfect for jumping in to meal planning. Take the leftovers for lunch the next day or double the recipe and freeze...

2 min Read Time

Recipe of the Month: Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

October 12, 2017

This easy to prepare meal is perfect for jumping in to meal planning. Take the leftovers for lunch the next day or double the recipe and freeze...

4 min Read Time

The Vajayjay: 8 Myths Women Still Believe (Part...

October 6, 2017

Why is it that people still blush when you say “vagina,” like it's a dirty word, or give it nicknames like “vajayjay&rdquo...

3 min Read Time

The 4 Worst Things for Your Bones

September 28, 2017

About half of women and a quarter of men will break a bone sometime in their lives because they have osteoporosis (a condition characterized ...

tags: bone health , bone loss , calcium , calcium for bones , how can i prevent osteoporosis , mens health , orthopedics , osteoporosis , preventing bone loss , womens health

1 min Read Time

4 Signs You're Pushing Your Student Athlete Too...

September 26, 2017

Sports are supposed to push you. Physically and mentally, competition challenges players to run faster, hit harder, and aim higher.

Recipe of the Month: Summer Vegetable Spaghetti

September 21, 2017

My garden is overflowing with fresh vegetables making it so I have to find extra ways to throw them in to meals. This recipe has been a quick...

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Prevent and Treat Shin Splints

September 19, 2017

You've probably heard that dancers often suffer from shin splints. But did you know runner, as well as tennis, soccer, and basketball players...

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The Shoulder: A User’s Guide

September 12, 2017

The shoulder is your most complex and mobile joint. The balance of extreme motion with fine control and strength allows us to participate in ...

Can your joints really predict the weather?

September 7, 2017

Your achy joints always let you know when there's a storm coming. Why does the weather affect your joints? Find out here.

tags: aching , arthritis , bone pain , hand pain , joint pain , joints , knee pain , weather

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A New Tool in the Fight Against Chronic Knee Pain

September 5, 2017

As we age, there are some complaints and maladies we've come to expect: reading glasses, gray hairs, creaky joints and hearing aids, to name ...

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Flexibility key to relief from plantar fasciitis

August 31, 2017 by Jonathon Wolf, MD

One of the most common foot complaints I see in my practice is heel pain in the form of plantar fasciitis. The typical sufferer complains of ...

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Impingement Could Be to Blame for Shoulder Pain

August 22, 2017

Speaking from a biased opinion, the shoulder may be the most complex and interesting joint in the entire body.

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Be Safe & Prepared For the Great American Solar...

August 15, 2017

The Great American Solar Eclipse will pass through our community on Monday, August 21.

tags: eclipse eye protection , eclipse eye safety , eclipse viewing tips , eye protection for solar eclipse , solar eclipse blindness , solar eclipse eye damage

Total Solar Eclipse: How to See it Safely

August 14, 2017

Dr. Mark Ewald, an ophthalmologist at TriStar Centennial Medical Center, addresses key questions on eye protection for the Great American Eclipse...

tags: eclipse , eclipse safety , eye protection , eye safety , solar eclipse , sunglasses

Watching the Solar Eclipse: Here's How to Protect...

August 14, 2017

A total solar eclipse will be visible from the contiguous US on August 21, 2017. Try these eye safety tips to avoid injury.

tags: eclipse eye safety , solar eclipse , solar eclipse blindness , solar eclipse eye damage

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4 Steps to Better Eye Health

August 14, 2017

Your eyes add more depth to each daily experience. Simply put, they're one of your most prized possessions.

tags: diabetic eye disease , glaucoma , macular degeneration , uva radiation , uvb radiation , uv rays , vision health

4 min Read Time

Children Left in Hot Cars: Child Abuse or Honest...

August 8, 2017

Every summer, this headline pops up: Baby Dies in Hot Car. The news story sparks polar opposite reactions. Some people pity the family, particularly...

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Is Arthritis Hereditary?

August 8, 2017

You've probably seen the commercials for arthritis medication on TV: An older woman stands by while her energetic grandchildren play outside.

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Living with Scleroderma

August 3, 2017

Learn about scleroderma — a disease affecting the body’s connective tissue — from one woman’s first-hand account of living with the...

tags: autoimmune disease , high blood pressure , joints , joints swelling , orthopedics , rheumatology , rheumotologist , scleroderma , skin , swelling

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6 Reasons Shoulder Pain is Like Car Trouble

August 2, 2017

When the check engine light in your car turns on, you just ignore it. You continue to drive for months as if the light's not even there. One ...

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Your Ultimate Fair Food Survival Guide

July 27, 2017

If we're being honest, none of us goes to the fair - be it Canyon County or Western Idaho - with healthy eating in mind.

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Essential Facts About Osteoarthritis

July 20, 2017

Learn how to deal with the joint pain and stiffness that comes with osteoarthritis, plus much more.

tags: arthritis treatment , joint pain , osteoarthritis , osteoarthritis treatments

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Recipe of the Month: Summer Breeze Smoothie

July 13, 2017

Summer is upon us! Mix up a smoothie for a tasty way to cool down on a hot day while getting extra servings of fruits and vegetables.

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Try Interval Training to Improve Fitness and Joint...

July 6, 2017

From walking to engaging in team sports, exercise comes in many forms. Aerobics, stretching, weightlifting and endurance training are some of...

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Swimming lessons: When should your children start?

June 22, 2017

Here's a sobering statistic: Idaho has one of the highest drowning rates in the nation for children ages 1 to 5.

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Protecting Kids from Heat Stroke

June 22, 2017

Our bodies create a tremendous amount of heat. Normally, they’re cooled through sweating and by heat radiating through the skin.

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Are you prepared to survive the wild?

June 14, 2017

Would you know how to survive if something went wrong on a Sawtooth backcountry hike or a Salmon River rafting trip? Have you been trained in...

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6 Things You Should Never Do With Fireworks

June 13, 2017

Independence Day is right around the corner, which means fireworks aren't far behind.

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Recipe of the Month: Spring Pasta Primavera

June 1, 2017

It's time we take vegetables off of the side lines and put them in the game! Try making them a star on your plate with this easy to make recipe...

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Pregnancy FAQs: Prenatal Testing

May 20, 2017

Concerns about the health of your baby, even before she is born, are completely natural. Fortunately, a wide array of tests for pregnant women...

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Ready or Not: Childbirth FAQs

May 18, 2017

The "Ready or Not" tag on this blog has perhaps never been more appropriate than today - my son's 4-month birthday - when I will divulge to you...

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Co-Sleeping with Baby: Is It Safe?

May 11, 2017

The practice of co-sleeping - parents sharing a bed with their infant - is a hot topic. Some believe a parent's bed is where baby belongs, but...

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What To Do When It Hurts to Breastfeed

May 4, 2017

You're not alone if you're a mom trying to breastfeed your baby and find yourself saying, "My nipples have become sore and I'm starting to dread...

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Recipe of the Month: Apple Rounds

April 27, 2017

April celebrates the "Every Kid Healthy" movement that promotes good nutrition in schools and being active.

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What is Comprehensive Spine Care?

April 20, 2017

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems; it affects about eight out of 10 people at some point in their lives.

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For Heart Health, Brisk Walking Equals Running

April 13, 2017

Brisk walking is as good as running for reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk - three key players in the development of heart...

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In Her Own Words: Living with Endometriosis

April 6, 2017

Lindsay, a 25-year-old data analyst, suffered with abdominal pain for years before being diagnosed with endometriosis.

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6 Ways to Beat Spring Allergies

March 23, 2017

There's nothing like the warm, spring weather to make you want to step outside - but there's also nothing like nasty pollen allergies to make...

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Talking to Your Kids about Drugs

March 16, 2017

Shocking fact of the week: more than 24.6 million people in the U.S. are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.

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Recipe of the Month: Bento Box-Style Chicken Salad

March 9, 2017

It is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme is "Put Your Best Fork Forward."

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Want to Prevent Hemorrhoids? Examine Your Diet

March 1, 2017

Hemorrhoids can be a real pain in the you know where.

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Can Stress Really Cause a Heart Attack?

February 23, 2017

You see it in movies all the time: someone gets upset, clutches their chest and collapses with a heart attack. But can stress really cause a ...

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Recipe of the Month: Buffalo White Bean Hummus

February 2, 2017

A healthy game day recipe.

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Nosebleeds Can Be Worse in the Winter

January 26, 2017

Most nosebleeds look worse than they are. In other words, nosebleeds are messy, a little uncomfortable, and sometimes even scary, but they're...

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Do I Need a Coronary Artery Stent?

January 24, 2017

If you're one of the 11 million Americans affected by coronary artery disease, you may have wondered if a stent - a wire mesh tube that props...

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Ready or Not: The Final Post

January 20, 2017

Charlotte and Cameron welcomed Baby Owen into the world at 8:34 AM on Thursday, January 19, 2017.

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Recipe of the Month: PB & J Overnight Oats

January 19, 2017

My goal for 2017 is to start each day off in the same way by adding an easy, creative breakfast!

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Ready or Not: Week 41 Freak Show

January 17, 2017

My initial idea for a blog this week was a touching, poignant letter to my future child, with my vision for their future and all the things I...

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Ready or Not: Week 40 - Yep, Still Pregnant .....

January 10, 2017

Your due date is just a guesstimate based on the date of your last period and the growth of your baby over time.

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Be Prepared: A Winter Storm Checklist

January 4, 2017

There's a winter storm coming, and you're in the path. The good news is you know it's coming, so there's time to get ready and avoid a tough ...

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Ready or Not: Week 39 - My Digital Baby

January 3, 2017

I don't know if I'm going to share my baby's picture with you.

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6 Warning Signs of Diabetes

December 29, 2016

Approximately 30 million people in America have diabetes, and about another 80 million have prediabetes.

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Ready or Not: Week 38 - You Down with GBS?

December 27, 2016

When I started this blog, I promised to share every gory detail of pregnancy. And I meant it, truly, it's just that there haven't been many gory...

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A Holiday Recipe for Less Family Drama

December 22, 2016

What comes to mind when you think of family holiday gatherings? Perhaps festive décor, gathering around the dinner table for fun conversation...

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Ready or Not: Week 37 - Why West Valley

December 20, 2016

A few weeks ago, I talked in detail about why I chose West Valley OBGYN and its providers for my pregnancy care. Today, I thought I'd share a...

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Ready or Not: Week 36 - The Name Game

December 13, 2016

Okay, this kid can get out of my uterus now. I haven't started jumping jacks yet, but I'm almost to that point. The mini human hasn't "dropped"...

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Recipe of the Month: Microwave Hot Cocoa

December 8, 2016

According to my favorite holiday movie, "Elf," the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. After an in-car caroling...

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Ready or Not: Week 35 - Stop, Shower Time

December 6, 2016

I adore my family, but my in-laws have a holiday tradition that's started to grow on me over 7.5 years of marriage. In my family — as I'm...

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4 common skiing injuries ... and how to avoid ...

December 1, 2016

Skiing — it's one of those winter sports that people either love, or they're terrified of it. For those who love it, skiing is a great ...

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