A strong password and multifactor authentication are two leading tools in protecting personal health data online. (For Health Beat) Thanks to technology, many people enjoy the convenience of accessing personal health information online. They can view results from medical tests and labs, renew prescriptions, access health insurance statements, pay medical bills and more. So how can people enjoy that accessibility while also protecting privacy on their devices? Corewell Health information services specialists Aphrodite M. Jones and Aaron Silver took a moment to provide some important tips about ..read more

Vegetable scraps and peels are often the most nutrient-dense part of a plant. When used for broth, they can help boost taste and up the nutritional value. (For Health Beat) Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of soup on a cold day. Grandma’s famous chicken noodle soup might even help kids recuperate from colds. Broths have been used for centuries as a base for cooking and soups. They’re warming to the soul and to the taste buds, and they offer a rich flavor profile. But is there more than just comfort to a good broth? Can it deliver any health benefits? In recent years, we’ve seen a push tow ..read more

Milk, cheese and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, which your body needs to maintain strong, healthy bones. (For Health Beat) Most people are careful to get the recommended tests to keep their heart healthy and detect cancer as they age. But there’s another important screening that doesn’t get as much attention: the bone density test. “Osteoporosis is a silent disease, meaning there would be no symptoms,” Arashdeep Litt, MD, internal medicine specialist with Corewell Health, said. “That is why it is very important to screen patients.” Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and more li ..read more

Using personal listening devices for long periods of time can damage hearing. Consider the 60/60 rule—listen at 60 percent volume for 60 minutes, then take a 30-minute break. (For Health Beat) Podcasts. Music. Audiobooks. Movies. Gaming. Talking with friends and family. There are a lot of reasons for popping in your earbuds or putting on your headphones. But ear doctors send a warning to young people and adults alike: All that listening might be fun and convenient, but it can damage your hearing. “We are definitely seeing more noise-induced hearing loss over the years than we would expect,” sa ..read more

The newest COVID-19 variant, XBB.1.5, is circulating across the United States right now and is rising in Michigan, although it hasn’t reached the levels seen in the Northeast. And while most people won’t know which variant they have, they should follow the same precautions as they did with previous variants of the virus. The newest COVID-19 variant, XBB.1.5, is circulating across the United States right now and is rising in Michigan. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat) Matthew Sims, M.D., Ph.D., FIDSA, FACP, director of infectious diseases research at Corewell Health William Beaumont U ..read more

There is no better time than now to check in on your heart health. With the news of Lisa Marie Presley’s death from an apparent cardiac arrest, it’s important to pay attention to risk factors and family history. And early detection can be helpful and even lifesaving in many cases. Laura Franey, M.D., is a cardiologist at Corewell Health West, specializing in advanced cardiovascular imaging. She said a woman’s heart health is very important. It’s important to pay attention to risk factors and family history when it comes to heart health. Early detection can be helpful and even lifesaving in man ..read more

We’ve all done it. You pull the toast out of the toaster and slather on a dollop of butter, giving little thought to the serving size. Later, while putting dinner together, the extra virgin olive oil flows freely into the pan while sauteing some vegetables. All these additions can indeed punch up the flavor. But without even thinking about it, you’re packing unnecessary calories into every meal. So what do realistic serving sizes look like for some of your common ingredients? Your recommended daily calories will vary based on age, sex and activity level. While many people are taught to try to ..read more

Dennis and Diane Bergstrom sat peacefully in their hospital room, awaiting the OK to head to Renucci Hospitality House after Dennis had a lung transplant just a few days prior. A noteworthy procedure for Corewell Health, as it marked the 300th lung transplant performed to date. And if you ask Dennis how he’s doing, he’d use the word great. “My oxygen levels are looking good, I’m feeling good and I’m in absolutely no pain,” the Cheboygan, Michigan, resident said. Prior to surgery, he was on 5 liters of oxygen resting, and he could only keep his oxygen levels at 91% or 92%. He’s now at a steady ..read more

Popular search engines and apps can lead to plenty of helpful information about important health topics, but they can also lead to confusion or misinformation. (For Health Beat) Nowadays, practically everyone walks around with an entire medical encyclopedia—and then some—right in their pocket. With a few clicks they can look up anything. And quite often, they’re researching health topics. For the most part, said Theresa Osborne, MD, an internist and medical director of Corewell Health, that’s terrific. Just as the internet has transformed medical practice and education, it’s helped people beco ..read more

Women who notice anything unusual about their periods, such as shorter or longer cycles or heavier periods, should meet with their provider to discuss options. (For Health Beat) After delivering a child, many new mothers expect to get their pre-baby rhythm back soon—at least as far as their period goes. Turns out there’s a wide range of what’s normal for new moms and menstruation, making a time of topsy-turvy adjustment even more unpredictable. Women who aren’t breastfeeding typically get their periods back around six weeks after delivery—some at three weeks and others eight weeks, said Megan ..read more