Wellness Tips Archives | Carson Tahoe Health

What You Need to Know About RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (also known as RSV) cases have seen an uptick in Northern Nevada. To help keep both you and your family healthy this season, we want to share information you should know about the virus and the simple ways to stay healthy: RSV is highly contagious and spreads through large infectious droplets and contaminated surfaces RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness in babies and young children Through touch and kisses, RSV is primarily passed from adults and older children (with mild to no symptoms) to infants Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the spread: Wash hands often Clean surfaces and toys with a viral disinfectant everyday Do not allow individuals with cold symptoms around your child …


Exercising in the Cold

Exercise is important for a healthy heart all year long. But during the winter months, exercising in the cold can raise the risk of angina (chest pain) or even a heart attack for some people. HOW COLD CAN HURT HEARTS If you’re out in the cold—whether on a run or shoveling snow—the low temperatures cause your blood vessels to constrict. This means your heart gets less oxygen, just when you need even more of it due to exercise. And that can lead to dangerous results. STAY SAFE (AND IN SHAPE) If you’re heading outside for any vigorous activity this winter, follow these tips to lessen your risk: Dress in layers Always wear a hat Stay hydrated Warm up for 15 …


Does Soda Leave You Flat?

Soda, pop, or coke—no matter what you call them—contain high amounts of added sugar that pose risk to your health. And it doesn’t stop with soft drinks. Regularly drinking any sugar- sweetened beverages can cause adverse health effects. “Enjoying the occasional sugar-sweetened drink isn’t detrimental,” says Matthew Gordon, MD, Family Medicine Provider with Carson Tahoe Health. “It becomes problematic when you consume them on a regular basis.” One recent report published in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that drinking 12 ounces of sugary drinks more than once daily is linked to reduced levels of “good” cholesterol and higher levels of triglycerides—a combination which increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Drink This, Not That Dr. Gordon suggests water …


Gut Check: Probiotics and Prebiotics

Incorporating probiotics and prebiotics in your diet could be the key to better health. Are you one of the millions of people who suffer from symptoms of poor digestive health? It’s estimated that 60 to 70 million Americans experience gastrointestinal issues, according to the National Institutes of Health.  These problems range from bloating and gas to more serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcerative colitis. But whether you experience occasional or chronic issues, there are things you can do to alleviate symptoms and make your gut healthier. Bacteria: Good vs. Bad Your gut is home to about 50 trillion bacteria made up of around 1,000 different species. While you might think of bacteria …


Fun In the Summer Sun – Safely!

COVID-19 had many of us cooped up – for pretty much all of 2020 – causing us to avoid many of our normal, fun, social outdoor activities. But, 2021 is not 2020. With more and more people now fully vaccinated, we are packing our bags, hitting the road, and finding fun in the summer sun! Before you head out the door for your weekend adventure … don’t forget to grab the sunscreen … and an extra big hat! Right now, Carson Tahoe’s Health & Wellness Institute is offering no-cost skin cancer screenings during the month of June. With both the screenings and summer on the horizon, we thought now would be a good time to discuss skin cancer and everything …