As a society, we are constantly being inundated by the latest diet trends. We are bombarded by claims like “no need to exercise” or “eat what you want, when you want.” And while the types of diets may change, the “no fail” messages remain the same.

There’s no mistaking the freshness that a piece of peppermint chewing gum imparts to your mouth or the clean, fresh breath you get when using a minty mouthwash. There’s a good reason for that and it’s based in essential oils. After all, Listerine is one of the world’s most popular mouthwashe…

This month, we’re focusing on dental health and wondering how orthodontics and the process of straightening the teeth with braces has changed through the years. We talk with Dr. Robert Good II (DMD, MDS) and Dr. Ronald Good (DMD, MDS), who are board certified specialists in orthodontics and …

There’s a growing movement for students in Pennsylvania’s secondary schools to learn more than the three Rs by adding three more letters to their curriculum: CPR. An increasing number of states are recognizing cardiopulmonary resuscitation as an extremely valuable skill and have passed laws …

Heather Holtschlag tries an infrared sauna in this month's Healthy Habits. 

A local expert offers tips on how to keep your New Year's resolutions going. 

A practicing optometrist for 29 years, Dr. Lynn Pavlic OD, has a private optometry practice on Beau Street in Washington. She received her undergraduate degree from Washington & Jefferson College, her Bachelors of Visual Science from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1987 and her …

Do you have reading glasses stashed everywhere? Do you squint while reading a menu or texting on your phone? Even if you never needed glasses and have had 20/20 vision your entire life, no one is immune to middle-age presbyopia, which is a normal part of aging and causes the gradual loss of …

Did you know that nearly one third of American adults have high blood pressure? That was the statistic reported in 2016, and it’s about to rise dramatically thanks to a change in guidelines on blood pressure target numbers. Even more worrisome is the fact that only half of those who have hig…

How do I keep my heart healthy?

People are willingly subjecting themselves to extreme cold temperatures – in the name of health.

Paula Lis is the perfect example of the reason why people should consult their physician before beginning an exercise program.

February is American Heart Month, and so often we focus on the signs and symptoms of heart attack or stroke in adults. But, the reality is that cardiovascular issues affect children, too. We spoke to Dr. Lee Beerman, director of both the Electrophysiology Services and Pediatric Arrhythmia pr…

If you live in a location that has a harsh winter, you know that this type of year brings all types of inconveniences, from driving on icy roads to needing to bundle up wherever you go. But the winter brings a whole new set of challenges to the elderly population and those with compromised h…

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, so we sought out endocrinologist Dr. Wayne Evron at St. Clair Hospital to talk about thyroid issues, risk factors and treatments. Dr. Evron did his undergraduate studies and went to medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, his internship at the Un…

This month, we’re focusing on dental health and wondering how orthodontics and the process of straightening the teeth with braces has changed through the years. We talk with Dr. Robert Good II (DMD, MDS) and Dr. Ronald Good (DMD, MDS), who are board certified specialists in orthodontics and …

There’s a growing movement for students in Pennsylvania’s secondary schools to learn more than the three Rs by adding three more letters to their curriculum: CPR. An increasing number of states are recognizing cardiopulmonary resuscitation as an extremely valuable skill and have passed laws …

Heather Holtschlag tries an infrared sauna in this month's Healthy Habits. 

A local expert offers tips on how to keep your New Year's resolutions going. 

A practicing optometrist for 29 years, Dr. Lynn Pavlic OD, has a private optometry practice on Beau Street in Washington. She received her undergraduate degree from Washington & Jefferson College, her Bachelors of Visual Science from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1987 and her …

Do you have reading glasses stashed everywhere? Do you squint while reading a menu or texting on your phone? Even if you never needed glasses and have had 20/20 vision your entire life, no one is immune to middle-age presbyopia, which is a normal part of aging and causes the gradual loss of …

Did you know that nearly one third of American adults have high blood pressure? That was the statistic reported in 2016, and it’s about to rise dramatically thanks to a change in guidelines on blood pressure target numbers. Even more worrisome is the fact that only half of those who have hig…

How do I keep my heart healthy?

People are willingly subjecting themselves to extreme cold temperatures – in the name of health.

Paula Lis is the perfect example of the reason why people should consult their physician before beginning an exercise program.

February is American Heart Month, and so often we focus on the signs and symptoms of heart attack or stroke in adults. But, the reality is that cardiovascular issues affect children, too. We spoke to Dr. Lee Beerman, director of both the Electrophysiology Services and Pediatric Arrhythmia pr…

If you live in a location that has a harsh winter, you know that this type of year brings all types of inconveniences, from driving on icy roads to needing to bundle up wherever you go. But the winter brings a whole new set of challenges to the elderly population and those with compromised h…

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, so we sought out endocrinologist Dr. Wayne Evron at St. Clair Hospital to talk about thyroid issues, risk factors and treatments. Dr. Evron did his undergraduate studies and went to medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, his internship at the Un…

When we speak of healthy living, we primarily talk about diet and exercise. Rarely will we ever talk about the importance of an annual physical examination, yet, this is a key component to preventative healthcare, says a local physician.

It’s the same old New Year’s resolution we make year after year: Lose weight, eat healthier. But how do we accomplish that goal? Eating healthy is also a health goal for those who don’t have to lose weight, but who may be dealing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or cardiac issues.

The Orthopedic Group has opened a new, expansive office, in the former space of The Willow Room in Belle Vernon.

Why can your cousin seemingly stuff himself during the holidays with no problem, while you are reaching for antacids? It's simple: DNA. 

The local experts at Anytime Fitness are answering your health and wellness questions. 

Find out what local health experts do to stay healthy – mentally and physically – during the holiday season. 

“UroLift is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH,” Smith explains. “It works by inserting tiny implants into the prostate to hold the excess prostatic tissue out of the way to allow for better urinary flow.”

Melinda Millan of Relationship Resolutions in Canonsburg talks about getting through the holiday season and navigating grief at the same time. 

Colleen Presken often sees oncology patients right after they’ve received some disheartening news. “Some of them are in tears while they’re in here because they may have just found out from our oncologist across the hall that they’re going to lose their hair with chemotherapy,” says the radi…

Heather Baker, 31, of Washington County, has an extensive family history of breast cancer. Her mother passed away during her second bout of the disease at age 38, and her grandmother died when she was only 34. Barker also had several aunts on her mother’s side of the family who all passed aw…

Following a breast cancer diagnosis, or confirmation of the breast cancer gene, survival is the number one priority – as it should be. But then what? What happens after the cancer has been eliminated, or after the mastectomy to hopefully avoid the cancer in the first place? At UPMC, Dr. Caro…

“Acupuncture has steadily grown in popularity because people are recognizing and understanding its benefits,” explains Vanessa Burrows, supervisor of Spa Harmony at the Washington Health System Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center in Washington, which offers acupuncture, acupressure, Reiki and…

The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Washington and Greene County residents to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Dates, locations and start times for each Walk event are:

Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of abo…

This month, we’re focusing on senior health and how to stay healthy as we age. We talk with Dr. Mario Fatigati, who is board certified in internal and geriatric medicine and is affiliated with St. Clair Hospital. He is also a certified medical director in long-term care.

The 29th Annual Senior Expo will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Washington Crown Center, 1500 W. Chestnut St., Washington. The event will feature approximately 150 local, state and federal agencies, as well as businesses, all of which provide a range of programs and services for indi…

If you’ve never visited your local senior community center, you’re missing out! Stop by, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Some things I used to enjoy doing for workouts, like running and tennis, are becoming harder on my joints. How can I continue to remain active with less pain?

With the start of a new school year comes the beginning of increased extracurricular activities for kids. And though there may not be a direct correlation between the two, it does require some schedule readjustment.

As an emergency medicine doctor, Dr. Tony Aprea of Washington Health System has seen his fare share of sports-related injuries as students prepare to go back to school – and back on the playing field. We spoke to the Washington resident about how to stay out of the ER, and what you should lo…

Getting back into the morning routine at the beginning of a new school year isn’t easy for kids or parents. The a.m. hustle and bustle sometimes means school children don’t have time for a healthy breakfast. And in some cases, families aren’t in a situation to provide breakfast at home. Wash…

As fall comes and our schedules change, I am someone who regularly skips meals and workouts, thanks to both a busy work schedule and family life. I’m wondering if you have any tips that might get me back on track?

Becky Markley was in the hospital once again. The former nurse was used to working in healthcare environments, but was growing weary of always being a patient and knew her health was deteriorating. “I smoked for years and I did finally quit but, by then, I had already done the damage,” admit…

While summer breaks may be enjoyable, relaxing and fun for most of us, they can bring on added stress to the furry members of our families. Concerns about tick bites, family travels and hot, sunny weather can take a toll on everyone. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid problems and ensure a…

PVSEC – which stands for Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center – has long been the go-to emergency and animal hospital in the North Hills. Its Camp Horne Road location opened in 2008. Now, local pet owners will have a closer animal hospital (in addition to University Veterin…

Janet Jackson admits she has occasionally thought her pets had medical emergencies when, in reality, they didn’t. “Oh, yes, the last one was with the puppy when she lost a tooth and I thought she had broken it off,” says the Robinson Township cat and dog owner. “Another time, I had a dog tha…

My dog and I both have a few pounds to lose, how can we get moving more?

Washington Health System’s Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center is about to open a new labyrinth, thanks to Scott Township resident Dorit Brauer, labyrinth creator and owner of The Brauer Institute for Holistic Medicine.

I saw someone drinking a sports drink during their workout. Is this really needed for a typical one-hour workout?

If you ask most men you know what vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements they take daily, you’re likely to get a list that includes a multivitamin, vitamins B, C or D, fish oil and probiotics. Yet new research is changing the old advice about taking your daily vitamins in the form …

Have you ever placed something in a bag to donate only to pull it out again the next day and decide to keep it? Or felt frustrated with a cluttered room where you want to part with things you no longer use but can’t because of an emotional attachment?

As diligent as you may be about applying sunscreen every time you spend time outdoors, especially during the summer months, you may not be doing enough to protect your skin from skin cancer or even melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Though the course for the 2017 Pittsburgh Marathon, set for May 7, is new and runners may face a bit of uncertainty, there is one thing they can depend on.