Several years ago, a study published in the Clinical Research in Cardiology journal reported that hospitalizations for heart failure patients tend to spike just after the holidays. Experts presume some unhealthy holiday habits – like eating high-salt foods, lack of exercise and the stress associated with travel may contribute to these numbers. Here at WakeMed, […]
Category: Diseases & Conditions
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
Clostridioides difficile, also known as C. diff, is a germ that can cause diarrhea. The most common symptoms of a C. diff infection include: Watery diarrhea Fever Loss of appetite Nausea (sick on the stomach) Belly pain and tenderness Who is most likely to get C. diff infection? The elderly and people with certain medical problems […]
Latex Allergies
The term “latex” refers to the protein in the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). It also refers to “natural rubber products” made from that sap. Latex is in many everyday products: balloons rubber bands condoms and diaphragms rubber household gloves rubber balls bandages and more Contact with these products can cause an […]
Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is spread through direct contact with an infected person, ingesting food or water that is contaminated, or touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your hands in your mouth. Interestingly, norovirus has caused many outbreaks, specifically on cruise liners. Norovirus […]
September is Sepsis Awareness Month!
Sepsis is the body’s life-threatening response to an infection. Sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death – and it happens rapidly. Mortality related to sepsis increases 8 percent for every hour that treatment is delayed. According to the CDC, sepsis occurs in over 1 million patients every year, kills 258,000 Americans a […]
Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Download a printable version of this blog post. Below, Dr. Nunoo discusses some of the common questions, symptoms and treatment of diverticulitis. What is diverticulitis and what causes it? Diverticulosis are pockets that form on the colon. Although these pockets occur throughout the whole colon they are most commonly found in the section of the […]
Food Allergies: Myths & Questions Answered
Download a printable version of this blog post. As many as 15 million Americans have food allergies, including nearly 6 million children. [source] Food Allergies versus Food Intolerance: Know the Difference Food Intolerance Food Allergies A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a certain food as harmful and reacts by causing allergic […]
Understanding Heart Failure
Defining ‘Heart Failure’ Heart failure is a medical condition where the heart is unable to circulate blood normally, leading to symptoms of poor circulation or fluid retention, shortness of breath or leg swelling. Often, heart failure is due to either a weakened heart muscle or stiff heart muscle. Signs & Symptoms of Early Heart Failure Heart failure […]
Restricted Visitations Due to RSV & Other Viruses
*Please note, visitation restrictions on units that treat children and babies take effect across the WakeMed system on October 1, 2017. Dear patients, families and friends, During the fall, winter and early spring, viruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza (flu) are circulating in our communities. For most people who are healthy and older than the age of […]
Adults Need Vaccines Too!
Immunizations are not just something you need to get as a child anymore. Instead, they are an essential part of preventative care and overall well being. Get Immunized for a Healthier Life Immunizations help you live a longer and healthier life. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): Immunizations prevent more than 21 […]
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