Blog

Raising the bar with a new look

August 21, 2019

If you haven't noticed already, we're in the midst of re-branding here at West Valley Medical Center. We're moving from maroon and grey to navy...

6 min Read Time

Bug bite symptoms you should never ignore

August 19, 2019

Many bug bites only cause temporary itching or burning, but some insect bites and stings are more serious. One expert explains when it’s time...

tags: bites , bugs , disease , newsletter , repellent , symptoms

2 min Read Time

Why poor sleep could derail your weight loss goals

August 12, 2019

Poor sleep affects more than your energy level and alertness. Learn why it can trigger a cascade of hormonal changes that may lead to weight ...

tags: appetite , exercise , hormones , metabolic-problems , newsletter , sleep

5 min Read Time

6 things you need to know about hormone therapy

August 5, 2019

Hormone replacement therapy can offer relief from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes for certain candidates. Find out if this remedy is right...

tags: hormones , hot-flashes , menopause , newsletter , treatment

Pool Safety: Water Watchers

July 25, 2019

With the increasing temperatures, pool parties are becoming even more popular! Our Emergency Department Medical Director, Dr. Justin Sempsrott...

4 min Read Time

Can this drink increase your risk of stroke?

July 22, 2019

These drinks may give you a burst to meet a deadline, but consuming them is linked to serious health problems, including an increased risk of...

tags: caffeine , health risks , ingredients , newsletter , stroke

Opioid addiction resources

July 16, 2019

Deaths from opioids in the US have quadrupled in the last 15 years, and 78 Americans die every day from opioid overdoses. If you or a loved one...

3 min Read Time

Can a walk in the woods really make you happier?

July 15, 2019

Forest therapy is a traditional Japanese practice gaining fans around the world. Learn how walking in nature can ease your mind and boost your...

tags: calming , health benefits , nature , newsletter , senses , stress relieving

RECIPE: Sauteed shrimp salad

July 10, 2019 by Anne Brock, RDN, LD, CDE

This easy to prepare, light recipe is perfect for the summertime.

tags: healthy , nutrition , salad , shrimp , west valley

3 min Read Time

Is ghee actually healthy?

July 8, 2019

Certain diets like Keto and Whole30 suggest that ghee is a healthier cooking oil. But ghee is really just clarified butter, so is this really...

tags: cholesterol , dairy , diets , fat , health , newsletter

How to know if you have celiac disease, a gluten...

July 1, 2019

Not everyone who has a wheat allergy has to avoid other sources of gluten. Learn what gluten is and why some people can't have it.

tags: allergy , gluten , newsletter , sensitivity , symptoms , wheat

5 min Read Time

7 min Read Time

6 worst things you can do for your brain

June 24, 2019

Though you can't prevent dementia and cognitive decline, there are some steps you can take to help set you on the path to better brain health...

tags: alzheimer's , dementia , health , newsletter , risks , sleep

RECIPE: Jamaican jerk chicken

June 19, 2019 by Anne Brock, RDN, LD, CDE

This recipe of the month brings a sweet and spicy taste to your summer.

tags: chicken , healthy , nutrition , recipe , west valley

9 min Read Time

9 of the worst health mistakes men make

June 17, 2019

A whopping 6 out of 10 men don't go to the doctor when they should. Find out the reasons why.

tags: behavior , diabetes , health , men , newsletter , obesity , physical activity

4 min Read Time

Are spider veins anything to worry about?

June 10, 2019

Anyone can get spider veins, but they affect women much more often than men. Here's everything you need to know about these spiderweb-like veins...

tags: blood vessels , newsletter , spider veins , treatment , varicose veins

4 min Read Time

Is your headache a migraine?

June 3, 2019

Not all bad headaches are migraines. Learn how to figure out if you suffer from migraine pain and how you can improve your overall quality of...

tags: headache , migraine , newsletter , symptoms , treatments , triggers

2 min Read Time

Can Eating Red and Processed Meats Really Cause...

May 27, 2019

Red and processed meats may up our cancer risk.

tags: cancer , newsletter , processed meat , red meat

6 min Read Time

Should I Take Supplements to Strengthen My Bones?

May 20, 2019

Not everyone needs to take bone supplements to prevent fractures and osteoporosis. Find out what foods are good for your bones, if you might ...

tags: bones , calcium , newsletter , supplements , vitamin d

4 min Read Time

The Risk of UTIs Increase as You Age - Here's ...

May 13, 2019

UTIs are common among older adults, but the infection can sometimes be confused with the natural signs of aging.

tags: antibiotic , bacteria , elderly , infection , newsletter , uti

4 min Read Time

7 Ways Mothers Make the World a Healthier Place

May 6, 2019

Mothers can help shape the healthy habits and behaviors of the next generation. Their influence may begin even before pregnancy and have a lasting...

tags: children , health , mother , newsletter , school

4 min Read Time

How Often Should You Really Be Washing Your Sheets?

April 22, 2019

Bedding can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Just how often should you wash your sheets?

tags: bacteria , bedding , newsletter , sleep , wash

4 min Read Time

Mucus: What You Need to Know

April 15, 2019

Mucus often gets a bad rap for signaling infections, but it is actually quite beneficial to your body. Find out what your snot says about your...

tags: bacteria , germs , mucus , newsletter , sickness

5 min Read Time

Could I Have an Ulcer and Not Know It?

April 8, 2019

Despite their prevalence, the symptoms of an ulcer can frequently be mistaken for other conditions, like heartburn, and some show no signs at...

tags: newsletter , nsaids , pain , stomach , symptoms , ulcer

5 min Read Time

Intermittent Fasting: What Really Happens to Your...

April 1, 2019

Here’s what we know about intermittent fasting so far–what it is and how it affects your body, along with tips should you choose ...

tags: diet , health , if , newsletter , weight loss

4 Thoughts on Women's Health in 2019

March 25, 2019 by Michelle Stoddard, PA-C

If you are like most women, you are really good at taking care of everyone else's needs in your life. But do you do a good enough job taking ...

tags: women's health

5 min Read Time

The Right Way to Treat a Sinus Infection

March 25, 2019

Find out how you can treat your sinus infection at home and when it’s time to call your doctor.

tags: acute , cold , congestion , newsletter , sinus , treatment

7 min Read Time

Gas: What’s Normal and What Isn’t?

March 18, 2019

Is your gas excessive, smelly or painful? Find out what’s normal, and what may be a sign of a more serious health issue.

tags: belch , bloating , foods , gas , newsletter , symptoms

Tell-Tale Heart Attack Signs in Women

March 16, 2019

It's no secret that men's and women's bodies work differently. That's why it's important to know the tell-tale signs — for women

tags: heart health , women's health

3 min Read Time

You Can Stop Colon Cancer Before it Stops You

March 13, 2019 by Scott Macaluso, clinical supervisor of Endoscopy Services

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, so there's no better time than the present to get a colonoscopy! Worried about the procedure?...

2 min Read Time

Millennials’ Odds for Depression Rise with Social...

March 11, 2019

Social media use can exacerbate or highlight depression systems, according to a new study published in the Journal of Applied Biobehavioral research...

tags: depressions , disorder , millennials , newsletter , social media , study

4 min Read Time

Is Your Anxiety Normal or a Sign of Something ...

March 4, 2019

Anxiety is part of life that helps people tackle new challenges, but excessive worry isn’t normal. One expert explains the difference between...

tags: anxiety , disorder , help , newsletter , symptoms , treatment

4 min Read Time

Do You Really Need an Antibiotic?

February 26, 2019

It’s normal to want relief from a fever, sore throat and congestion but antibiotics usually aren’t the answer. Lean why and what you can do to...

tags: bacteria , february , newsletter , side-effects , treatment , virus

3 min Read Time

Does Vaping Cause Cancer?

February 19, 2019

E-cigarettes and vaping products are not a truly safe alternative to smoking.

tags: cancer , e-cigarettes , fd-regulate , february , newsletter , vaping

6 min Read Time

What's Causing Your Cold Weather Allergies?

February 12, 2019

For some, winter's chill doesn’t keep allergy symptoms at bay. Find out which indoor triggers are causing your coughing, sneezing and watery ...

tags: allergies , february , newsletter , symptoms , treatments

6 min Read Time

When the Flu Becomes Dangerous

February 5, 2019

Influenza can be dangerous, even deadly. Find out who should be extra cautious, plus serious signs you shouldn't ignore.

tags: february , flu , flu-shot , newsletter , symptoms , treatment , virus

2 min Read Time

3 Ways to Improve Your Family's Health

January 22, 2019

We all want our families to be strong, smart, happy and healthy. Here are three tips for improving your family's health.

tags: diet , exercise , find-a-physician , health-eating , healthy-cooking , january , newsletter , nutrition , parenting

4 min Read Time

11 Ways to Make Over Your Kitchen for Weight Loss

January 15, 2019

Get rid of these mindless eating booby traps, and drop pounds!

tags: diet , general-wellness , healthy-diet , january , newsletter , nutrition , risky-foods

3 min Read Time

New Cholesterol Guidelines Focus on Personalized...

December 25, 2018

New cholesterol guidelines released by the American Heart Association recommend a “personalized” approach to fighting bad cholesterol.

4 min Read Time

Even a 2-minute Walk Counts in New Physical Activity...

December 18, 2018

New guidelines suggest physical activity lasting as little as two minutes still counts toward a person’s weekly activity goals. Previously, activity...

2 min Read Time

Acute Flaccid Myelitis, Polio-Like Illness Affecting...

December 11, 2018

What do parents need to know about AFM, the polio-like virus that’s left hundreds of children across the U.S. partially paralyzed?

3 min Read Time

December 2018 - Recipe of the Month

December 5, 2018

Around the holidays, many of us tend to make sweets to share as gifts or to enjoy for ourselves. These date-nut snowballs are a perfect treat...

3 min Read Time

New Study Finds That Smoking and Diabetes May ...

December 4, 2018

Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure: all bad for the heart, but perhaps worse for women's hearts than men's.

4 min Read Time

Are You at Risk for Epilepsy?

November 27, 2018

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. While some factors are outside your control, there are several ways to lower your risk...

tags: epilepsy , epilepsy-risk-factors , november , seizures , traumatic-brain-injury

2 min Read Time

Can Diet Help Treat Epilepsy in Adults?

November 20, 2018

When anti-seizure medications don't work well enough, people with epilepsy can try changing their diet to reduce seizures.

tags: diet , diet-treatment , epilepsy , epilepsy-treatment , keto-diet , november , seizures , seizure-treatment

3 min Read Time

A Holiday Recipe for Less Family Drama

November 14, 2018

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

4 min Read Time

Guilt Free Holiday Snacks That Won't Weigh You...

November 13, 2018

Don't let the holiday season weigh you down. These festive snacks are guilt-free and some even include leftovers.

tags: fruits-and-vegetables , healthy-holidays , healthy-snacks , holiday-weight-gain , november , overweight-children , weight-loss-foods

Road Trip Essentials: Car Emergency and First ...

November 13, 2018

You and your family have decided to take a holiday road trip together. You envision scenic snowy routes, countless rounds of the alphabet game...

Road Trip Essentials: Car Emergency and First ...

November 13, 2018

You and your family have decided to take a holiday road trip together. You envision scenic snowy routes, countless rounds of the alphabet game...

1 min Read Time

3 min Read Time

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

November 9, 2018

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...

3 min Read Time

Turkey Traumas, Solved

November 6, 2018

From thawing your bird to gobbling it down at the table, these tips will help you enjoy a safe and healthy Thanksgiving.

tags: cuts , emergency , heart-health , lacerations , november , thanksgiving , turkey

Slimmed-Down Thanksgiving Recipes

November 6, 2018

You can cut down on the salt by opting for healthier versions of a few Thanksgiving favorites. Try these slimmed-down recipes.

tags: healthy-eating , low-salt , low-sodium , november , recipes , thanksgiving

5 min Read Time

Is the Air in Your Home Polluted?

October 23, 2018

Your home should make you healthier, not less. Put your pollution radar to the test and answer these four questions about your home's indoor ...

tags: air-pollution , clean-indoor-air , indoor-air-quality , october , vocs , volatile-organic-compounds

Are You Prepared to Save a Life?

October 22, 2018

Hopefully, you'll never be in a situation where someone is suffering life-threatening bleeding. However, uncontrolled bleeding is the leading...

tags: 911 , bleeding , emergency , stop the bleed

3 min Read Time

Protecting Your Health from Air Pollution

October 16, 2018

Research suggests that, even at safe levels, air pollutants can harm your health. A reduction in short-term exposure to particulate matter from...

tags: air-pollution , carbon-monoxide , epa , lead , october , ozone , respiratory-illness

3 min Read Time

How to Stay Healthy in an Office Full of Sick ...

October 9, 2018

During the height of flu season, you'll likely find yourself surrounded by coughing, sniffling and sneezing coworkers. Thankfully, protecting...

tags: cold , flu , flu-season , germs , hand-washing , influenza , october , vaccines

3 min Read Time

Can the Flu Shot Really Save Your Life?

October 2, 2018

We've all heard the advice to get the flu shot each fall. But is it really that important to do so? The short answer: definitely yes. And timing...

tags: cdc , cold , flu , flu-symptoms , guillain-barre-syndrome , october , vaccine

8 min Read Time

Bone-Strengthening Foods to Fight Osteoporosis

September 25, 2018

About 30 percent of postmenopausal women in the U.S. have osteoporosis and 40 percent of them will suffer at least one fracture. There are some...

2 min Read Time

Why Vitamin D is Critical to Heart Health

September 18, 2018

Having a heart condition is a definite life crisis. But what if you could reduce the chances that it'll be deadly thanks to the benefits of vitamin...

3 min Read Time

Measles Outbreaks: A Wakeup Call

September 11, 2018

Learn the side effects of measles and why it’s important to get vaccinated.

2 min Read Time

Autism May Begin Well Before Birth

September 4, 2018

Findings in a new study states that elevated levels of DDE in pregnant women are associated with an increased risk of autism among their children...

1 min Read Time

Lower Your Blood Pressure in 30 Seconds

August 28, 2018

Practicing this exercise for just 30 seconds can give your cardiovascular health a boost.

tags: blood pressure , cardiology , cardiovascular health , deep breathing , exercise , heart , hypertension

2 min Read Time

Whole Grain Pasta Improves Blood Pressure

August 28, 2018

A recent study showed that a diet high in whole grains may assist in lowering high blood pressure by as much as 20 percent.

tags: blood pressure , healthy eating , heart health , whole grains , whole wheat pasta

4 min Read Time

6 Weird Reasons You Can’t Lose Weight

August 21, 2018

If you’re eating right and exercising, but still can’t seem to lose weight, some unexpected factors could be to blame. We spoke with...

tags: blood pressure , cardiology , cardiovascular health , deep breathing , exercise , heart , hypertension

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

3 min Read Time

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

4 min Read Time

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

1 min Read Time

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

1 min Read Time

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

4 min Read Time

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

4 min Read Time

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.

4 min Read Time

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

4 min Read Time

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.

3 min Read Time

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

5 min Read Time

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

4 min Read Time

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

4 min Read Time

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.

4 min Read Time

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

4 min Read Time

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...

2 min Read Time

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...

3 min Read Time

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

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

2 min Read Time

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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