You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your heart valves, but if these structures don’t function correctly, the effects on your health can be profound. The heart’s four valves regulate the flow of blood throughout the muscle. Every time the heart beats, the valves’ flaps open and close, allowing blood to flow correctly through…

While beautiful to behold, that sparkling white blanket of snow can quickly turn to ice and make winter activities treacherous. Icy stairs and walks covered in drifting snow are hazards to wrists, ankles, heads, knees, shoulders, backs, fingers, and toes. This season, take steps to protect yourself from injury. Don’t Fall for It Slips and…

Recent estimates suggest that approximately 13 million men in the United States experience testosterone deficiency, yet less than 10% receive treatment for the condition. Fortunately, there are many ways to correct this deficiency, including lifestyle changes and various forms of testosterone replacement. Testosterone, a hormone produced primarily by the testicles, is often associated with one’s “manhood,”…

Every year there are more than 12,000 new cases of throat cancer in the U.S., with nearly 79% of those cases involving men. Do you have questions about throat cancer and if you may be at risk for the disease? Mina Le, M.D., otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeon at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Group,…

As we age, parts of our body will change and perhaps stop working as well. Tinnitus, a sound in one or both of your ears that others can’t hear, is often a sign of hearing loss in one or both ears. It affects 15-20% of people, with highest prevalence amongst those ages 40 – 80.…

Every year, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke, with 75% suffering their first. Have you or a family member suffered a stroke? Do you want to learn more about identifying, treating and hopefully preventing one? Ahsan Sattar, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, answers some of the most…

You may know what a hernia is, but do you know that a hernia without pain may be a ticking time bomb in your gut? To emphasize the importance of getting your hernia examined as soon as possible, we asked Harvey Rainville, M.D., a board-certified general surgeon at Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, to answer…

Are you thinking about trying to get pregnant? Congratulations! Preparing your and your partner’s bodies for pregnancy is an important factor in pre-pregnancy planning. When you and your partner decide that you are ready to start a family, one of the first steps you should take is speaking to your doctor before you become pregnant.…

For Peggy Spinelli, trying to manage her weight has been a struggle most of her life. The 64-year-old resident of Totowa, New Jersey grew up one of seven children in a family where money was usually tight and meals were often scarce. Over the years Peggy tried diet pills and various weight loss programs. Still…

Each November, we celebrate Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, ahead of breast, pancreatic and colon cancers combined.  In The U.S. alone, there are approximately 160,000 deaths each year. By spreading awareness about the disease, and lifestyle factors that can contribute to developing Lung…