Did we learn any lessons from last year's flu season? Why did fewer people choose to get a flu shot? How would you know if you have the flu? We have some answers from one of Maine's top infectious disease specialists
Got carbon monoxide monitors in your house? Fresh batteries? Winter's on its way and that means the heat will be on. Make sure you're not putting yourself at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
For a while, the cause of my aching thumb was a mystery. Fortunately, I figured it out and also, how to make it feel better.
Research shows that too much stress may affect memory. What happens and what can you do to reduce stress? Find out in this Catching Health blog post.
A Portland law firm recently expanded its parental leave benefits to be more inclusive and more flexible and to provide more time off (with pay) for new parents. It now has what it considers an extremely progressive policy.
Sometimes, it only takes seconds for life to change dramatically. That is all it took for the Cochrane family. A day that began like any other ended in a nightmare and has not been the same since.
For years, Luanne Cameron knew her calcium ran slightly high. Only recently did she find out it was a sign that she had a problem with her parathyroid glands. She shares her story so that others won't go through what she had to.
Loneliness is a huge issue for many people, including elderly people. Imagine living in a rural area where access to resources and human contact may be limited. A recent summit focused on the problem and possible solutions.
More than a year has passed since well-known Maine sportsman and columnist George Smith found out he had ALS. As the disease progresses, it takes things away from him, but his sense of humor and optimistic nature remain steadfast.
Cats love to play with string and thread, but did you know they can be deadly? I know because my cat Charlotte nearly used up all nine lives at once, thanks to a piece of thread. Read what happened.
We love the sun, but too much can make you (and your pets) sick. Stay cool and learn about heat-related illnesses, their symptoms and what to do if someone has any of them.
Alzheimer's disease is usually an emotional roller coaster not only for the person who has it but also for family and friends. While you can't let go of the disease, people can learn to let go of their emotions. One way is by expressing themselves through art.
This is the story of how one woman turned the darkest time of her life — when she was being treated for a malignant brain tumor — into something positive. She was supported and inspired by someone special and now she is the one who is supporting and inspiring others.
A new two-shot shingles vaccine was recently approved for people 50 and older. Catching Health has an overview of shingles and some information about the new vaccine, which is called Shingrix.
More than 8 million people in the United States have gout. Learn what it is as we separate fact from fiction and hear one man's story about dealing with this painful disease.
While at its core, the practice of nursing continues to be caring for people, the profession has undergone many changes over time. We take a brief look at the history of nursing in Maine in the final segment of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report.
In celebration of National Nurses Week and of the dedication that most nurses show each and every day, we're sharing some love. Read stories of nurses who made a difference in someone's life – in part six of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report. Has a nurse made a difference in YOUR life?
Public health nurses have been traveling the state of Maine since 1920, trying to keep people healthy and prevent diseases. They still do, but in far fewer numbers and under challenging circumstances. We look at the current state of Maine's Public Health Nursing Program in part 6 of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health Special Report.
Nursing care is moving from inside the hospital to outside in the community. What kind of work are nurses doing if they're not at the bedside? How are they being trained? You'll find some answers in Nurses Needed: In the community, part 4 of a Catching Health special report on nursing in Maine.
Historically, men played a major role in caring for the sick. Their numbers dwindled in the late 19th century as people began to see nursing as "women's work." Today, we're seeing a slow, but steady increase in the numbers of men who become nurses. We hear from several Maine nurses about their chosen profession. Nurses who happen to be men, in part 3 of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report.
As Maine faces a critical shortage of nurses, nursing schools and healthcare facilities are already coming up with possible solutions. We take a look at some of them in part two of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report.
Why does someone choose to become a nurse? The most common answer is to provide care to another human being. Compassionate care. In this seven-part series on nursing in Maine, we explore the challenges and rewards of being a nurse. At the moment, the nation and especially Maine faces a critical shortage of nurses. We look at why in part one of Nurses Needed, a Catching Health special report.
Calling all book lovers. It's time to celebrate all the benefits of reading. Just looking at a picture of a Grampie reading to his granddaughter can make you feel better. Find out how and where you can join the party and why reading is so good for you.
Did you know that a salamander can regenerate nearly every part of its body — without any scars? Why can't humans? A Maine scientist is working hard to uncover the salamander's secrets. Find out what he's learned so far.
By 2050, as estimated one in three Americans will be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Today is Diabetes Alert Day. The American Diabetes Association has a short test to see if you are at risk.
It's obvious that your parent is no longer safe on the road, but you freeze when it comes to having the conversation. Read this and you'll understand how important it is to act.
As lawmakers figure out how to handle Maine's medical cannabis program alongside the newer recreational use program, people like Dave Whitten remain in limbo.
Learn how Classical Five-Element Acupuncture connects with nature to restore a person's balance and promote healing of the mind, body, and spirit.
Nothing says l love you like something you made yourself. We've got some handmade inspiration for you. They're simple ideas but packed with love.
Millions of diabetics develop painful peripheral neuropathy. Discoveries by a scientist at MDI Biological Lab in Bar Harbor may lead to new treatments.
Hypothermia: When the core body temperature is below 95°F. It happens if the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Read these important tips.
