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Vitamin D is a vital nutrient. It's often called the “sunshine vitamin,” and is linked to everything from bone health to our immune system. Yet many Americans aren’t getting enough of it. Vitamin D is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies.

Learn About Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin| Banner Health Discover why vitamin D is so important for your health. Learn its benefits, how much you need to take, where to find it and signs you may need to get more.

Childhood cancer is cancer that occurs in anyone under age 18. The types of cancers found in children may be different from those found in adults and they may need to be treated differently. When childhood cancers are treated earlier, treatments may be less aggressive, so there can be fewer long-term side effects and better overall quality of life. It's important for parents to watch for any unusual changes in their child's health and get medical care quickly.

Warning Signs and Early Detection of Childhood Cancer | Banner It’s important for parents to watch for symptoms of childhood cancer and to make sure children have their checkups. These cancers are often treatable.

Being a mosquito magnet might feel like an unavoidable curse but armed with these tips it's possible to reduce the risk of becoming a blood buffet for these pests. Beyond the nuisance of itchy bites, remember that mosquitoes can also transmit serious diseases like the West Nile virus. So protecting ourselves from bites isn’t just about comfort — we are also safeguarding our health.

Why Mosquitoes Love You & Fighting Tips | Banner Health Do you get bitten alive at outdoor events while your friends escape untouched? Find out the reasons behind your mosquito magnetism and how to fight back.

Metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance syndrome, is a combination of findings in people who are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Identifying risk factors and making some lifestyle changes, like eating well and moving more, can help give metabolism a boost.

Your Guide to Navigating Metabolic Syndrome| Banner Health Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Here’s everything you need to know.

Yogurt contains probiotics that help promote gut health and immune function, and a pair of new studies show that adding honey might help these live bacteria survive longer in the gut. (via Verywell Health)

Adding a Spoonful of Honey to Yogurt Might Give Probiotics a Boost New research found that adding clover honey to yogurt can support probiotic survival, but this did not result in additional digestive health benefits.

Drug overdoses can happen in a lot of different ways. Someone on multiple medications could lose track of what they took and when they took it. Someone might swallow a handful of pills in a su***de attempt. Someone might take too much of an op**te or another addictive drug, or not know their drug is laced with fentanyl. The concern with overdoses is that they could lead to a dangerous or deadly outcome, so quick action can make all the difference in saving lives.

What to Know When a Loved One Is at Risk of Overdose | Banner Drug overdoses are a dangerous and often fatal health problem. Here’s what to do if you suspect someone has taken too much of a medication or drug.

For cancer patients, getting the flu vaccine is a key way to stay healthy and safe during flu season. It helps protect against a serious illness, making it easier to focus on cancer treatment without added health worries.

Why Flu Shots Are a Must for Cancer Patients | Banner Health The influenza (flu) vaccine is important for cancer patients to avoid severe complications. Learn why you should get a flu shot and how it protects you.

Grief is practically inevitable. Whether it’s an absent parent, an estranged sibling or an ex who made co-parenting a challenge, we may grieve someone who was a negative part of our life. For some people, the trauma of the old wounds, in combination with the loss, may be too much for them to take on by themselves. If that’s the case, seeking professional help from a therapist trained in issues of complex grief and trauma may be helpful.

Tips for Grieving Someone Who Harmed You | Banner Health You may be dealing with a range of emotions when you’re grieving someone who negatively affected your life. Here are some ways to process complex grief.

Waking up in the middle of the night can be frustrating. About 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have trouble sleeping through the night, a symptom of insomnia. These middle-of-the-night awakenings can affect our mental and physical health. They can also impact our quality of life and daytime productivity.

There are things we can do to ease our way back to sleep. And there are things we shouldn’t do as well. (via GoodRx)

How to Fall Back Asleep Fast - GoodRx Struggling with insomnia or falling back to sleep? Discover tips and techniques to help you fall back to sleep when you wake up in the middle of the night.

Engaging in intense physical activity on the weekend can be fun, but it also comes with the risk of injury. With an injury, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Urgent care centers are designed to handle any non-life-threatening injury or illness and are a valuable part of our health care toolkit, especially for active people who love making the most of their weekends.

Common Weekend Warrior Injuries and Urgent Care Guide | Banner Learn when to go to urgent care when you get injured on the weekend. Find out common exercise injuries and how urgent care can help you recover quickly.

Sugar can taste delicious, and it provides a quick source of energy. However, many people are becoming more mindful of what they eat, including how much sugar is too much. (via Health)

How Much Sugar a Day Is Too Much? Americans eat excess added sugar, which may be detrimental to health. Learn more about sugar and health, and how much sugar to eat each day.

More than half a million American men have vasectomies and nearly 700,000 American women opt for sterilization (tubal ligation) each year. While most of these procedures are permanent, a small percentage of people may change their minds. Deciding to reverse a tubal ligation or vasectomy is a big choice that could bring the joy of a new child. While some people have success, it’s important to think about the risks and consider all options.

Can I Reverse a Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy? | Banner Health Learn the pros, cons and process of reversing a tubal ligation and vasectomy. Find out if it is the right choice for you and how the procedures work.

Autoimmune diseases can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the earlier stages, and psoriatic arthritis is no different. Because there is no definitive blood test that can diagnose psoriatic arthritis and the similarities in symptoms it shares with rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosing can be tricky.

Psoriatic Arthritis: 6 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore| Banner Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some patients who have the skin condition psoriasis. Here are six symptoms to watch out for.

When we think back to our own childhood, we can probably come up with some times we felt anxious, like going to school for the first time, performing on a stage, trying out for a team or sleeping over at a friend’s house. If a child has anxiety often and it’s interfering with their life and activities, we may need to help them. Learn more: bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/what-parents-should-know-about-signs-of-anxiety-in-kids

Bariatric surgery is more than just weight loss. It’s a gateway to a healthier, more fulfilling life. For people struggling with conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and/or joint pain, these procedures offer a path to better health.

The Medical Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery | Banner Health Bariatric surgery isn’t just about weight loss. It can have life-changing benefits for your health. Here are five conditions weight loss surgery can help.

As parents, it’s easy to notice when a child has outgrown their shoes or when something isn’t quite right. But the signs of vision problems aren’t always so clear. While it might not seem like something to rush out to the doctor for, a child’s vision is essential to their growth and development. The sooner a vision problem is detected and treated, the more likely treatment will be successful.

Learn The Signs That Your Child Is Having Vision Problems | Banner Is your child squinting, losing their place while reading or sitting too close to the TV? They could have a vision problem. Learn how to spot the signs.

Muscle knots, also called myofascial trigger points, are common. They can occur anywhere, but they’re most common in muscles used frequently or repetitively, like those in the neck, shoulders and back. Healthy habits that help keep muscles flexible and reduce tension may help prevent muscle knots.

How to Prevent and Treat Painful Muscle Knots | Banner Health If you’re inactive, don’t take breaks from repetitive motions or have poor posture, you could be at risk for painful muscle knots. Here’s what to know.

About one-third of people will experience implantation bleeding in early pregnancy. In most cases, spotting is a normal sign of implantation. In addition to spotting, some other signs to look for are early pregnancy symptoms such as light cramping (less than a normal period), tender or sore breasts, nausea (morning sickness), darkening of the areolas (the dark skin around the ni***es), mood swings and changes in appetite.

Am I Pregnant? What Is Implantation Bleeding? - Banner Health Implantation bleeding is light spotting or bleeding that occurs about one to two weeks after conception when s***m and egg join together.

Happy National Dog Day! At Banner Health, we realize that sometimes tail wagging is the best medicine. That’s why we offer Dog Therapy in many of our hospitals. No medicine, no needles...just good, old-fashioned TLC delivered in a genuinely furry, four-legged way!

We extend our gratitude to all of our dedicated dog therapy teams, including those pictured:
Banner Heart Hospital
Banner Children’s at Desert
Banner Desert Medical Center
Banner Gateway Medical Center
Banner Baywood Medical Center
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix

Cancer fatigue is different from the fatigue most people can identify with. The main symptom of cancer-related fatigue is feeling extremely tired, drained or lethargic. Fatigue can interfere with every part of life and it’s a common side effect before, during and after cancer treatment. Getting enough sleep, adding in some light physical activity, choosing nutritious foods, managing stress and connecting with support can help.

7 Top Ways to Combat Cancer-Related Fatigue | Banner Health If you’re facing cancer and undergoing treatment, you may have a lot more fatigue than you’re used to. Here’s what can help you regain your energy levels.

Many new mothers who are breastfeeding wonder if things they eat or drink could harm their newborn. The good news here is that no foods or drinks are off-limits, but everything should be done in moderation. While the composition of breastmilk is tightly regulated by the body, there are a few things to keep in mind.

5 Things for Breastfeeding Moms to Consider | Banner Health Breastfeeding moms shouldn’t worry too much about what they eat or drink, but it’s important to keep these things in mind. Here are five tips for moms.

In a significant step towards promoting accessible healthcare, Banner Children’s community clinics and its HealthMobile are offering medical appointments for uninsured youth in metropolitan Phoenix ensuring that everyone under age 18 has access to essential healthcare services, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

An array of free medical services is offered at the community clinics and HealthMobile, including sick visits and follow-up care, well-child exams, sports and camp physicals including eye and ear exams, health education, COVID tests, medical consultations, vaccines and other services. (via 12News)

Free medical appointments available for Phoenix kids at Banner clinics The free medical appointments can be made at one of Banner's community clinics in the Valley.

An addiction to drugs and alcohol can develop in anyone—no matter race, gender or socioeconomic status—which can make it hard to recognize in our friends and family, or even ourselves. Left untreated, addiction can get progressively worse. Recognize the warning signs and ways to help if there are concerns about a loved one's use of alcohol or drugs.

How to Spot an Addiction in Someone You Know | Banner Health Banner Health’s Dr. Marong shares signs and symptoms you should look for if you believe someone you know has a drinking or drug problem.

Dapagliflozin belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Dapagliflozin may be a good choice for people with type 2 diabetes who don’t get enough blood sugar control with lifestyle changes or other medications. It can also be used to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

What to Know About Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) | Banner Health If you have type 2 diabetes, dapagliflozin (Farxiga) may help control your blood sugar. But it’s not for everyone. Here’s more info about the pros and cons.

Whether for ear wax, ear pain, tinnitus or swimmer’s ear, ear drops are generally safe. Following some helpful tips and basic instructions can help make using ear drops easy and effective.

Tips for Using Ear Drops Correctly | Banner Health Warm the ear drop bottle in your hands. · Lie down with your affected ear facing up. · Gently pull your ear back to help straighten the ear canal.

This month, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center hosted a celebration for over 40 babies born in 2023. The event marked the first birthdays of these little ones, filled with joy and fun. A big thank you to our Women's Infant Services team and Sentio apartments for making this special day a reality.

One of the factors that can affect our heart rhythm is the amount of alcohol we consume. Alcohol can trigger atrial fibrillation (AF or AFib), an irregular rhythm in the upper chambers of the heart, which can feel like fluttering or rapid pounding sensations in the chest. Afib is linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart failure and dementia.

The Link Between Alcohol and Your Heart Rhythm | Banner If you drink alcohol, it could affect your heart rhythm and lead to complications. Here is what an expert said about the link between the two.

Teaching our kids about personal hygiene is one of the best gifts we can give them. It keeps them healthy and helps them develop a sense of responsibility and self-respect. Start early, be consistent and turn hygiene routines into fun and rewarding experiences. Doing so will help a child build lifelong habits that will help keep them healthy and happy.

Clean Hands, Healthy Kids: A Guide for Parents | Banner Health Help your child develop healthy habits for life. Learn how to teach your child about handwashing and hygiene at every stage of childhood and adolescence.

Mohs surgery is a specialized, layer-by-layer skin cancer removal technique. With it, skin cancer can be removed with narrow margins. Surgeons typically choose Mohs surgery for basal and squamous cell carcinomas, especially when they are on the head or neck or when they are bigger or more aggressive.

Mohs Surgery to Treat Skin Cancer | Banner For certain types of skin cancer, Mohs surgery can remove the cancer, while keeping your body functioning properly and preserving the appearance of your skin.

Pumpkin spiced lattes are out, which means fall is here. But most, if not all, of those sugary, syrupy drinks are ironically missing one important ingredient: actual pumpkins. So instead of reaching for that latte, why not try to ratchet up fall with the real thing? Pumpkins are just one of many seasonal fruits and vegetables we can add to our shopping cart and plate this fall.

Pumpkins and 6 Other Nutritious Fall Foods to Try | Banner Pumpkin spiced lattes are out, which means fall is here. They aren’t the healthiest, but pumpkins are! Here’s how to spice up your fall with pumpkins and 6 other foods.

College students who are concerned about any physical or mental health issues can connect with medical and mental health support through their school's student health care services. Student health care services and providers specialize in students and understand their unique challenges. And care is usually affordable. They enable students to stay as healthy as possible and keep their focus on academic goals and the college experience.

Students: Connecting with Health Care on Campus | Banner If you’re a college student, you can connect with a lot of services through your student health center. Here’s how to connect with care before you need it.

Actinic keratoses are precancerous areas or lesions on the skin that usually appear in places where a person has experienced a lot of sun exposure over time. AKs are common, and dermatologists can usually diagnose them with a physical exam. Untreated, these skin growths can become squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer.

How Actinic Keratosis Could Become Skin Cancer | Banner Health Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition that causes small scaly or crusty spots on your skin. Left untreated, it can become skin cancer.

The benefits of a sauna session extend beyond the comfort it provides. Sauna use, or sauna bathing, can promote a sense of well-being, enhance post-workout recovery, and may benefit overall health. Explore the health benefits of saunas and how to safely and effectively incorporate sauna sessions into a post-workout routine to reap additional benefits. (via Verywell Health)

5 Health Benefits of a Sauna After Your Workout The health benefits of using a sauna after your workout are wide-ranging, from a reduced risk of stroke to weight loss. Here's everything you need to know.

People with a change (mutation) in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene might not be able to process folate properly. Folate is an important nutrient, especially for pregnant people because it helps reduce the risk of some serious brain and spine defects in babies. Newer research has found that folic acid supplements should provide enough folate even in people with the mutation.

Understanding MTHFR in Pregnancy | Banner Health The MTHFR gene affects your levels of folic acid, which is an important nutrient during pregnancy. Learn why testing recommendations have recently changed.

Whether canned, fresh or frozen, with the variety of fish in the sea, fish provides a great shelf-stable, nutrient-dense, tasty protein option for our healthy meals. Just be sure to limit fish that are high in mercury and prepare fish without adding too much fat.

Top Seafood Choices to Include in Your Diet | Banner Health Seafood is loaded with heart-healthy fats and other nutrients. But some types have high levels of dangerous mercury. Here’s how to choose the best fish.

Many times back or neck problems can be successfully treated with medication, heat, ice or physical therapy. But sometimes, if these treatments don’t work, surgery might be the best way to reduce pain and improve mobility. Having a thorough conversation and opportunity for questions to be answered by the health care team can help those considering spinal surgery understand the recovery process.

What Happens After You Have Spine Surgery | Banner Health If you need to have spine surgery, you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect afterward. Ask your surgeon and care team these questions.

Emerging blood tests have begun to revolutionize the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. A recent story in USA Today, “How a new blood test technology could change Alzheimer’s treatment forever,” includes insight from Dr. Nicholas Ashton, senior director of the new Banner Research Blood-Based Biomarker Program.

Dr. Ashton is developing and overseeing a research laboratory dedicated to discovering new spinal fluid and blood tests, including pinprick blood tests for easier Alzheimer’s testing and blood tests for other age-related cognitive and movement disorders. He is also developing and overseeing a lab dedicated to the high-quality assessment of different spinal fluid and blood tests from national and international research studies and trials, characterizing and comparing their performance, and using them to help transform the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these diseases.

The Banner Research Biomarker Program is located at Banner Sun Health Research Institute and involves researchers and clinicians from there and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute.

How a new blood test technology could change Alzheimer's treatment forever A new generation of blood tests could accelerate Alzheimer's diagnosis and improve treatment for millions of older Americans.

Most people associate lung cancer with smokers. But, living or working near someone who smokes, and breathing in their to***co smoke, can also cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to experience heart disease, stroke, and chronic lung disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Secondhand Smoke and Your Risk for Lung Cancer | Banner Is secondhand smoke putting you and your loved ones at risk of lung cancer, heart disease and many other diseases? Learn the facts and how to lower the risk.

There are lots of good reasons we may need some time alone. Disconnecting from other people and responsibilities can be good for our mental and emotional health. Learn about the signs when we may need alone time: bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/advise-me/ways-to-tell-your-partner-you-need-some-time-to-yourself

Today, screens are a big part of how teens and tweens learn and have fun, but we can help look out for their long-term eye health and avoid digital eye strain. Following tips like the 20-20-20 rule, regular physical activity and regular eye exams are helpful in reducing vision-related symptoms caused by prolonged use of digital devices.

Tips to Protect Your Child From Digital Eye Strain | Banner Digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome is an increasing problem in teens and tweens. Discover tips to protect your child’s eyes and overall health.