Hometown Health

A community of information and resources to improve your health and well-being, including blog posts from providers, patients and community members.

From The Blog

Expand their food horizons: Get your kids in the kitchen

Getting kids in the kitchen and experimenting with new foods increases the chances they will eat whatever they prepare. Try these techniques to get them involved.

July 10, 2020

Debunked myths about face masks

Wearing face masks can help slow the spread of COVID-19. However, there has been much debate about wearing masks and misinformation has spread online. Here are four debunked myths about wearing a mask.

Kimberly Frodl, M.D. By Kimberly Frodl July 10, 2020

Debunking COVID-19 myths

Chances are you've heard about a food, drug or other method that claims to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19. Here's a list of some of the substances and products that have been touted as ways to prevent infection with the COVID-19 virus or treat COVID-19 — and what the science says.

July 10, 2020

When temps rise, remember these heatstroke prevention tips

The weather forecast is calling for hot and humid days ahead. Follow these steps to keep cool and prevent heatstroke.

Marie Morris MD By Marie Morris July 9, 2020

7 tips to live a happier life

Do you wake up feeling sluggish most mornings? Have caffeinated beverages become a necessity to help power you through the day? If this sounds familiar, it's time to ditch the quick fixes you rely on, and develop an energy management plan.

July 8, 2020

Recovery slogans: More than a catchy phrase

Packing a world of wisdom, recovery slogans are easy to remember when you need to use them. Simply short instructions, the challenge begins actually putting them to work.

July 6, 2020

5 simple steps to help prevent skin cancer

Spring and summer are exciting seasons, but your skin’s exposure to the sun increases. You have a greater risk of skin damage, including development of skin cancer. The good news? Most skin cancers are preventable.

July 3, 2020

Use caution with fireworks

With COVID-19 resulting in the cancelation of many public Independence Day celebrations, more families may be inclined to use fireworks at home. As you celebrate, remember to exercise extreme caution when using the devices, as deaths and injuries occur every year.

Kim Schutterle MD By Kim Schutterle July 1, 2020

5 heart-healthy tips

Exercise isn’t the only way to a healthier heart. Try these five tips to keep the (heart) beat.

June 29, 2020

Trying to catch your breath? What's normal, when to see your doctor

Few sensations are as frightening as not being able to get enough air. Although healthy people occasionally may experience it, persistent shortness of breath is a sign of a medical problem.

Maureen O By Maureen O'Donnell June 26, 2020

Having surgery safely: Patient undergoes prostate surgery in midst of pandemic

Mark Skrien has a family history of prostate cancer. His father and two uncles were diagnosed during their lifetimes. So he wasn't surprised in February when lab results showed that his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a cancer screening test that looks for signs of prostate cancer, was high.

June 26, 2020

The ABCDEs of moles

Learning your ABCs the first time helped you read. Now, they could save your life by alerting you to changes in moles that could signal melanoma — the most serious type of skin cancer.

June 25, 2020