Learning Center

Nuclear stress tests are designed to examine the way your blood flows to and from your heart. These tests utilize a radioactive dye to track and measure the blood flow over a specific time interval. This allows your doctor to determine the health of your heart and if there are…

Deciding to undergo a vasectomy is a very personal decision. When a man has considered other options to prevent having children, he may elect to have this procedure that effectively removes the ability for sperm to enter into semen. The procedure itself is simple enough that it’s performed on an…

Medicare recipients with certain digestive system problems may undergo an endoscopy to help a physician determine the cause of symptoms. Getting an appropriate diagnosis can be essential for treating disorders of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The Endoscopy Procedure During an endoscopy procedure for the upper GI tract, a…

Fractures in the vertebrae can cause chronic pain and impair mobility. These fractures can occur due to injury or as a result of certain medical conditions, such as compression fractures commonly associated with osteoporosis. If you or your doctor are reviewing treatment options for pain management due to a vertabral…

If you think you have been exposed to the rabies virus, immediate treatment is necessary. The disease is spread to humans via the saliva from an animal bite. While it is more common for wild animals to be infected with rabies, unvaccinated domestic dogs and cats can also contract and…

Osteoporosis affects approximately 20 million people in the United States. This degenerative bone condition is most commonly diagnosed in women who have gone through menopause and men over the age of 65. Left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures. Treatment including physical therapy and strengthening exercises can help, but…

Genetic counseling can play an important role in evaluating your chance of developing certain diseases or in preparation for pregnancy. Understanding what your risk is for developing cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, or certain cancers can help you take important preventive steps to lower your risk. Genetic counseling before pregnancy can…

An umbilical hernia can produce symptoms that range from mildly annoying to life-threatening, and in many cases, surgery will be the best option to repair tissue that has become herniated. Hernias can occur at any age, but as you get older, the risk of developing an umbilical hernia increases due…

Physical pain can range from mild discomfort to extreme agony. Over-the-counter medications can assist in temporary pain relief for mild to moderate injuries or illness, but many physicians prescribe opioid medications when a patient requires a higher level of pain relief. An opiod prescription can be an effective solution, but…