By Dr. James Richardson Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that affects more than six million people in America. It is irregular and is a common, although not the only, cause of “skipped beats” patients may feel or report to their doctors. There are many other causes of palpitations or skipped beats, some of which are benign.  Afib is commonly not benign. The presence of Afib may predispose to stroke.  This serious complication of Afib may be devastating for a patient and is the main reason why atrial fibrillation needs to be properly treated. Often, blood thinners …

By Kathryn Simons, M.D.McMurray OB/GYN Associates201 Waterdam Plaza Drive, Suite 201McMurray, PA 15317724-942-5420www.washingtonobgyn.netThe decision to have a have a baby is very exciting. For many women, this decision also comes with many questions. What can I do to prepare myself for pregnancy? What can I do to have a healthy pregnancy? How long will it take to get pregnant?The preconception period, the time before pregnancy, is the ideal time to optimize healthy habits and lifestyle choices. It is also the time to modify bad habits that could negatively affect a pregnancy. A healthy …

By Eric Schmalzried, exercise physiologist and personal trainerWilfred R. Cameron Wellness Centerwww.wrcameronwellness.orgRecently, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) has experienced a significantupsurge in popularity as a weight-loss aid. HCG is a hormone produced by thehuman placenta during pregnancy and can be found in many products available for purchase online and in certain stores. Some doctors have even recommended and administered the hormone to patients who wish to lose weight. The HCG diet rage started in the 1950s when Dr. A.T.W. Simeons—based onhis experience using HCG in a …

By Melissa Murtha Acupuncturist, Spa HarmonyIf you’re trying to become pregnant, you may want to think about acupuncture. It’s a safe, natural way to help you prime your body for a process that involves significant physical change.And if you’re having difficulty getting pregnant, acupuncture also may help. Treatments may aid with emotional or hormonal issues contributing to infertility, although they cannot address problems that require surgical intervention, such as blocked fallopian tubes.Manage stressFirst and foremost, acupuncture can help you manage stress. Often, trying to get pregnant …

By Jacqueline Clemons, RD, LDN, nutritional counselorWilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center of The Washington Hospitalwww.wrcameronwellness.org Many restaurants and fast-food establishments are now providing customers with nutrition information on their products. How many people really study this information prior to making a decision? Most of us probably look at this after the fact and think: “Let’s see how far I strayed off my diet with this meal.” Instead, take advantage of the wealth of information prior to making your selections, and you’ll know what you are indulging in and be more …

By Eric Schmalzried, exercise physiologist and personal trainerWilfred R. Cameron Wellness Centerwww.wrcameronwellness.orgIt’s that time of year again! New Year’s is the perfect time to set positive exercise goals for yourself. These tips can help you stick to your resolutions all year long.1. Set SMART goals. Use the acronym SMART to assist you in setting goals. SMART reminds you to make your goals: Specific—clearly define the goal Measurable—use concrete criteria, such as a number, so you can monitor your progress Action-based —include an activity; focus on what you will actually be doing …

By Mary Parks Lamb, M.D.Medical Director Lakeside Primary Care www.lakesideprimarycare.net With winter just around the corner, here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe and healthy.Falls are common in the winter months as ice and snow frequently cover our sidewalks, streets and steps. Should you or a loved one experience a fall, first assess the area that hurts. Remove any obscuring clothing. Check for lacerations or scrapes that could be bleeding, and if they are present, apply pressure and elevate. If the wounds are deep and the bleeding cannot be controlled, seek medical …

By Kristen Romesburg, D.O.Lakeside Primary CareWaterdam Plaza, McMurraywww.lakesideprimarycare.net724.969.1001I’m often asked, “What is the difference between an M.D. and a D.O.?”In the Unites States, full practicing physicians must obtain one of two degrees,M.D. or D.O. Many people have gone to both MDs and DOs without noticing adifference. D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathy wasfounded in the U.S. in 1874 by Andrew Taylor Still, M.D. So, it can be thought ofas American medicine.Osteopathic medicine is based mainly on the idea that the body has the ability toheal …

By Jacqueline Clemons, RD, LDN, nutritional counselor, Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center of The Washington Hospital 1. ExerciseRemember to continue to stay active through the holidays and winter. Go ice skating or sledding, or take an exercise class or a stroll through your local shopping center for exercise.2. Eat vegetables, fruits and whole grainsDon’t skimp out on your vegetables, fruits and whole grains at a party. If you are the host of the party, be sure to supply plenty of these delicious foods.3. Perfect party plannerDevelop a plan of attack for each party you will be attending. If …

By Alex Kuhn, Elite Aquatics CoordinatorWilfred R. Cameron Wellness Centerwrcameronwellness.orgI was recently speaking with a member of the Wilfred R. Cameron Welless Center, who has been exercising consistently for over two decades. She is a mother of three and works full-time, yet she has participated in classes ranging from yoga to kettlebell, competed in sports such as soccer and gymnastics, and even recently ran a marathon! Assuming she also swims, I asked her to join me for a morning workout in the water. Her reply surprised me: “I could never swim! Do you know how difficult it is to …

By Dr. Mary Parks LambMedical DirectorLakeside Primary Care1001 Waterdam Plaza DriveMcMurray, PA 15317Office 724-969-1001 It’s that time of year again—cough and cold season is gearing up. You get that dreaded scratchy throat, headache, fatigue, sneezing and runny nose, and you know you’re in for misery for a week or two. But just what is the common cold and is there anything you can do to prevent it or treat it once it has taken hold?The common cold, or upper respiratory illness, is the most frequent acute illness we experience. It is caused by more than 200 subtypes of viruses. The illness …

By Jacqueline ClemonsNutritional Counselor at Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center Inflammation is associated with many chronic diseases, and many factors play a role in the inflammatory response in the body. Could your food choices be one of them?The answer seems to be an astounding yes. Current research states that what you eat does affect the inflammatory response in your body, and some foods are considered “anti-inflammatory.” These foods contain various substances that help protect against oxidative damage that may result in diseases such as heart, diabetes, kidney and Alzheimer’s. There …

By Jessica PieperExercise Physiologist at Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center of The WashingtonHospitaljpieper@washingtonhospital.orgThe National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 10 million Americans are living with osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone-mineral density and increased fracture risk. Another 34 million are considered at risk, but luckily for most people, this disease is entirely preventable. Choosing foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D (low fat dairy, dark leafy greens, etc.) and exercising regularly are two important ways to protect and strengthen bone…

By Rebecca FeistFitness Operations DirectorWilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center of The Washington Hospitalwww.wrcameronwellness.orgStrength training is important for everyone from teenagers to mature adults. However, it is particularly important and useful for women. I often hear women say, “I only have 30 minutes to work out, and so I am just going to do cardio.” Big mistake!Cardiovascular exercise is necessary to maintain heart health and must be part of any wellness program; however, the smart woman will spend an equal amount of time on strength training, as well. Strength-training benefits …

By Dr. Allan Tissenbaum Knee replacement, or joint replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure that is performed to replace worn out cartilage. There are many problems that can lead to the cartilage wearing out. Once the cartilage, which is the lining on the ends of the bones, wears out there are not many alternatives aside from joint replacement.Cartilage can be worn out from overuse, trauma, or as a result of previous surgery. One of the largest contributing factors in our society is being overweight. If you are overweight this may lead to the development of arthritis quicker. Excess …

By Dr. Mary Parks Lamb Could it possibly be back-to-school time already? As the remaining days of summer fly by, be sure to take some time to prepare your child to head back to school or start school for the first time. • Obtain a physical School and sports physicals are an important part of each school year, even if they are not mandated by the school. Yearly physicals enable your health care provider to monitor growth and development, update immunizations, determine risks for sports participation, and discuss safety issues. If you did not plan ahead for a physical with your child’sprimary …

By Kathryn Simons, M.D. McMurray OB/GYN Associates 2001 Waterdam Plaza Drive, Suite 201 McMurray, PA  15317 724.942.5420 www.washingtonobgyn.net Once upon a time, there was one contraceptive option, “the pill.”  The introduction of the birth control pill more than 50 years ago revolutionized family planning and empowered women to delay or defer pregnancy until it was desired. The birth control pill suppresses ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary), and therefore is a very effective form of contraception. There are many non-contraceptive benefits of the birth control pill as well.  …

By Louise Schultz,Wellness Coordinator Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center of The Washington Hospitalwww.wrcameronwellness.orgSuffering from migraines or chronic pain? Try Yoga.If you’re seeking relief from migraine headache pain, consider giving yoga a try.According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 29.5 million Americans suffer from migraines, and turn to remedies from medication to alternative therapies in efforts to ease the often-debilitating pain. Julie Booth, a yoga instructor at the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center of The Washington Hospital, has seen first-hand how …

If your children are active in sports, especially contact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse or soccer, you’re probably aware of the risk of concussions. Concussions have been a hot topic in the media lately.A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. A concussion can occur even without the loss of consciousness, and those injuries that may seem to be mild can result in serious injury. …

Recognizing that grief and mourning after the death of a loved one is a typicalreaction with a wide range of emotions, one might next ask, "How do I help myself cope with everyday life while I am mourning?" Some suggestions include:1. Educate yourself about grief and grief responses by reading about grief or attending a grief support group. Talking with trained spiritual, medical and mental health professionals is also a way of meeting this educational need.2. You should take care of your physical needs by eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting the exercise your physician suggests and by…