From 1990 to 2017, the average percentage of obese adults increased from 11.1 percent (for the 44 states and DC for which 1990 data are available) to 30.6 percent, according to statistics by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A doctor visit in February 2018 sparked a drastic life change for Elizabeth Swartz, of Danville, as she realized she was quickly becoming part of the region’s statistical crescendo of obesity cases.
All foods are not created equal. Most are palatable, or tasty to eat, which is helpful because we need to eat to survive. For example, a fresh apple is palatable to most people and provides vital nutrients and calories.
Lingering over your Thanksgiving meal and laughing through dessert and coffee makes for happy memories … until someone chokes, and things get serious quickly.
Some people never seem to be sick a day in their lives, while others catch every cold that comes around. In a similar way, some people seem able to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day with no repercussions, while others suffer life-threatening consequences.
Pointing to a set of pigs’ lungs, which are similar in size and structure to humans’, Ann Dzwonchyk, wellness educator with Evangelical Community Health and Wellness, explained that our lungs are made of tissue that expands and contracts with our every breath.
NORTHUMBERLAND — One of the perks of being an eighth-grader at the former St. Mary’s Elementary School, in Kulpmont, was helping with blood drives.
Cold and flu season is upon us. And medical professionals want us to know that when the sniffles, congestion, cough and other symptoms arise, patients and doctors must work together to ensure a correct diagnosis and treatment.
LEWISBURG — At the American Society of Breast Cancer Surgeons last year, actress Kathy Bates shared her story of surviving breast cancer surgery in 2012 only to develop lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling in the arms after breast surgery.
SELINSGROVE — If there’s a word that describes Freni Aungst’s attitude after two diagnoses of breast cancer, it’s thankful. But zany, energetic and hopeful aren’t far behind.
Mary Frances Knoebel was diagnosed with breast cancer in January and is wrapping up the last of her radiation treatments. After that she will meet with her oncologist, Victor G. Vogel, MD, Breast Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology, at Geisinger Medical Center, to talk about the next stage of…
With her months-long breast cancer treatment slowly winding down, Mary Frances Knoebel shared the importance of yearly mammograms and the importance of a positive mindset.
SELINSGROVE — Chrissy Findlay had played on enough team sports to know that, when a goal is needed, every player must do her part.
Belsano resident Tina Little lived with breast cancer for a short time, but while her experience was brief, it still came along with its challenges and hardships.
Geisinger will transfer ownership of Holy Spirit Health System to Penn State Health next year, a move dependent upon regulatory timeline and approval.
When it comes to the newest innovations in breast cancer detection and treatment, it pays to be less-invasive.
LEWISBURG — Because her surgeon reluctantly sacrificed sleeping in on a Saturday to attend a 6:15 a.m. lecture, Kathy Lahr, of Montandon, awoke from her mastectomy with no pain.
Volunteering at Evangelical’s Thyra M. Humphreys Center for Breast Health, Tamara Normington calls numerous patients to remind them of their upcoming mammograms.
As cancer infiltrated her extended family, Jennifer Barilar took action.
We asked our regional health care agencies what the biggest myths and misconceptions are concerning suicide throughout the region. Here are their responses:
Cycling through the peaks and valleys of severe Manic Depressive Disorder, Travis Wilt has experienced a number of moments where his life was out of control.
In 1980, at the age of 13, Troy Bowersox lost his hearing due to spinal meningitis.
DANVILLE — Geisinger and the IBM Data Science Elite team have broken new ground in detecting sepsis risk by creating a sophisticated predictive model using data from the integrated health system’s electronic health record.
DANVILLE — Better health can start anywhere, even at the Bloomsburg Fair.
Evangelical Community Hospital is holding its annual Cookin’ Men event where local celebrity men come together to turn up the heat on breast cancer awareness by creating culinary delights for people to enjoy while raising funds to support The Thyra M. Humphreys Center for Breast Health.
UPMC Susquehanna welcomes new pediatrician
It’s back-to-school time for kids across the nation, and as our children head off into days filled with classes, recess, snack time and lunch, it’s important to remember not all immune systems are created equal.
A couple weeks ago, Andrea Tufo walked into a local cafe, sat down and immediately began to start swelling.
WINFIELD — Who hasn’t tried a diet program? Cut carbs. Increase greens. Cut fat. Increase protein … every overweight person wants that sleek, svelte profile our culture admires.
At 3 a.m. March 8, 2015, Susan Lantz felt horrible and woke up her husband, John.
When Janel Zeigler was pregnant with her daughter Zoee, she had a lot of decisions to make — how to decorate the nursery, when to start buying supplies like diapers and would she use disposable or cloth?
FREEBURG — The thing Joel Newman never mentioned when talking of his Parkinson’s disease was the unfairness of it. He’s too busy focusing on finding treatments to help him feel normal again.
WILLIAMSPORT — UPMC Susquehanna recently broke ground for the new UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport.
LEWISBURG — Evangelical Community Hospital is currently seeking spiritual care volunteers. Volunteers may be from any spiritual background and no experience is necessary. Volunteers engage in conversation with patients while providing emotional and spiritual guidance.
DANVILLE — Janet Tomcavage, MSN, RN, a pioneer in population health and advanced medical homes, has assumed the role of Chief Nursing Executive at Geisinger, effective Aug. 1.
LEWISBURG — A catered lunch reception was recently held at Evangelical Community Hospital for students who were awarded nursing and health career scholarships through the hospital’s scholarship program.
Skin is the body’s largest organ, and it isn’t immune from its own set of potential health issues.
Young children have a tendency to put things in their mouths, leaving parents such as Stacey Eicher, of Mifflinburg, scrambling to make sure everyone is OK.
DANVILLE — Geisinger's new president and chief executive officer said Wednesday Geisinger is making progress in reducing patient wait times as it is finding more ways to bring care to patients.
Millions of people who take aspirin to prevent a heart attack may need to rethink their pill-popping, Harvard researchers reported Monday.
Here in the middle of summer, many people are enjoying vacations on the beach, poolside parties and relaxation, and general fun in the sun. While it’s a time to enjoy, it’s also a time to take the necessary precautions against the very real threat of skin cancer.
No one likes to think about death and dying. But when we see our loved ones experience declining health, we are often forced into making some difficult decisions.
Summer officially kicked off on Friday, and with it, the chance of heat-related illnesses will increase as temperatures climb over the next couple months.
Lying naked on the floor of a military helicopter flanked by two medics in full uniform while en route to the nearest hospital was not the end result Cody Dillman, of Middleburg, had in mind when volunteering to do a special assignment in the Mojave Desert.
A sharp, throbbing pain greets Ann Dorman, of Sunbury, as she wakes, starting in the front, right side of her head and soon branching out to the back of her head and down her neck.
Geisinger’s Dr. Greg Burke doesn’t need statistics or stereotypes to know that too many fathers tend to ignore their own health issues until it is too late.
Trying to burn an old, damp piece of weed-blocking fabric at his Buffalo Township home, Anthony DeLong soaked it in diesel fuel, let it sit a few minutes and grabbed a lighter.
In most regards, Adriana Richard, of Milton, is a typical 16-year-old. She’s learning how to drive, loves to take photos, babysits and enjoys spending time with friends.
In three years of working at the Danville SPCA, Shaylan Martin has only been bitten by an animal once.
There’s no way to prevent it, and there’s really no cure, and even though it creates a lot of inconveniences, those diagnosed with Celiac disease can learn to live full and healthy lives.
