As Election Day nears, you may be wondering how to minimize your risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) while performing your civic duty. Here’s what you need to know on (or before) Nov. 3. How to Vote by Mail If you live in an area where virus transmission is high or you are at high…
At least 1 in 4 women older than 65 have osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones. It can affect men, too; overall, more than 53 million people in the United States have osteoporosis or are at high risk because of low bone mass. Fortunately, having a prevention plan can make a huge difference in achieving…
Every year, millions of Americans get sick with influenza, which most of us know as the seasonal flu. To make matters worse, this year’s flu season comes in the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. So what can you do to help prevent a “twindemic” of the flu and COVID-19? Get a flu…
If you live long enough, you’re likely to get cataracts. This eye condition affects more than 24.4 million Americans age 40 and older. By age 80, more than half of all Americans have cataracts or had surgery to fix them. So what are cataracts, and how are they treated? You are born with a clear…
Today, obstetricians have many tools at their disposal to learn important information about the health of a baby. Most people are familiar with ultrasounds, in which a technician runs a wand over the belly to pick up high-frequency sound waves and make an image of the developing baby. But moms-to-be might be surprised that much…
Clinical research related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exploded in recent months as public and private researchers look for ways to test, treat and prevent the illness. When it comes to vaccines, there are five selected by the U.S. federal government for funding and accelerated development under Operation Warp Speed: Moderna’s mRNA-1273, The…
Back when humans lived in the wild and had to hunt and gather their food, stress served an essential purpose. An imminent tiger or wolf attack would spur a response in the body known as “fight or flight.” This is when multiple systems in the body produce a response—releasing hormones such as adrenaline, increasing breathing…
Parents, teachers, pediatricians and local government officials across the country are facing a dilemma: How do we keep schools safe in the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic? Should children return to classrooms? Unfortunately, even health experts don’t have answers to this dilemma, but they have provided guidance. Children learn best in person,…
As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to wreak havoc in communities across the globe, researchers are racing to find successful treatments for the deadly virus and ideally, a vaccine against COVID-19. While it is understandable that everyone wants a miracle cure as soon as possible, it’s not that easy. All new medical drugs and…
Eye exams are an important part of staying healthy that goes beyond just making sure your vision isn’t blurry. Eye exams also check for signs of eye disease and can identify problems before your sight is compromised. We’ve answered some common questions about eye exams with the help of UNC Health optometrist Michael Thomas Mendsen,…
If you’re going to have surgery in the near future, it’s important to spend some time preparing. Planning ahead can help ensure you have a successful operation and heal faster. UNC Health trauma and acute care surgery nurse educator Beth Schreiber, RN, suggests you take these seven steps in the weeks before surgery to increase…
Breastfeeding is a way to feed your baby that offers several benefits, both physical and emotional. Studies have shown breastfeeding reduces the baby’s risk of some infections, diabetes and obesity. And for moms, breastfeeding might decrease the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Perhaps most importantly, breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your…
