Latest Articles

Shingles is a painful rash on the skin that comes from the same virus that causes chickenpox.
December 05, 2024

What’s the most effective way to prevent shingles? Getting vaccinated

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful, often debilitating rash that affects roughly 1 million people each year. Fortunately, the current shingles vaccine, known...

Shingles
Kristin Nannetti is the Palliative Care Coordinator for VHC Health in Virginia.
December 03, 2024

What is palliative care? We asked a professional

People with serious or terminal illnesses have to make difficult choices. It can be hard to understand all the information they get from their doctors....

Palliative Care, Caregivers
It’s a good idea to talk to as many relatives as you can about your family health history. Knowing two generations back is ideal.
November 26, 2024

Do you know your family health history?

Some people inherit heirlooms—jewelry, furniture, clothing, and other items—from their relatives. But there’s something even more valuable we all inherit: our health. Finding out what...

Genetic Testing
Osteoporosis can develop if your bone mass decreases or the structure of your bones changes, making the bones weaker and more likely to break.
November 21, 2024

Osteoporosis: What you need to know

Did you know that our bones are living tissue? To keep them strong, our bodies break down old bone and replace them with new bone....

Osteoporosis
Women between ages 50 and 69 who get mammograms have a lower chance of dying from breast cancer than women who do not get them.
November 19, 2024

My mammogram was ‘abnormal’—what do I do next?

First, thank yourself for getting a mammogram! Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in the United States, and a...

Breast Cancer
Rebecca Rose Vassy (right) with her partner Sean (left).
November 07, 2024

‘Nothing important went unsaid’

Over the course of their relationship, Rebecca Rose Vassy supported her long-term partner Sean in managing multiple chronic health conditions. Then a cascade of medical...

Caregivers
Many caregivers struggle to take time for themselves.
November 05, 2024

Caring for yourself while caring for others

Are you helping a loved one with daily tasks, medical care, or emotional support? If so, you’re a caregiver…and you’re not alone. According to the...

Caregivers
Making an advance care plan is valuable for people at any age but especially for older adults or those facing a terminal illness.
November 01, 2024

Advance care plan: A checklist for the future

Do you and your loved ones have an advance care plan? An advance care plan spells out decisions you'd like to make if you...

Caregivers
End-of-life care can be medical and physical, but it can also look like emotional or spiritual support.
November 01, 2024

End-of-life care: What to expect and how to plan

When older adults and people with terminal illnesses are dying, they may need a lot of care. This care can last from days to months,...

Caregivers, Healthy Aging
Aging in place is possible with the right support.
October 24, 2024

Home sweet home: Supporting a loved one aging in place

Many older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. This is called “aging in place.” Here are some things to...

Caregivers, Healthy Aging, Older Adult Health
Video calls can help you stay connected with family, friends, and medical providers.
October 24, 2024

Helping from miles away: Strategies for long-distance caregiving

Millions of people act as long-distance caregivers, supporting loved ones who are aging or coping with an illness or disability. This role can include managing...

Caregivers
As someone’s caregiver, learn as much as possible about their medical condition so you can best help them.
October 22, 2024

Caregiving 101: Worksheets, resources, and suggestions from the National Institute on Aging

Being a caregiver or care partner is a big undertaking. Caregivers don’t just manage someone else’s health care, daily tasks, financial decisions, and other logistics....

Caregivers, Healthy Aging
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 2 mg of fentanyl (which can fit on the tip of a pencil) can be enough to kill the average American.
October 08, 2024

Fentanyl 101

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic (lab-made) opioid. Prescription fentanyl is FDA -approved to treat severe pain related to surgery or complex pain conditions. Over the...

Substance Use Disorder, Opioids
Like other chronic medical conditions, SUDs can be managed.
October 01, 2024

Substance use disorders: Get the facts and find support  

Millions of Americans are affected by substance use disorders (SUDs). SUDs are chronic but treatable medical conditions that change the brain and behavior. While it...

Substance Use Disorder