Each year, the World Health Organization estimates that vaccines prevent two to three million deaths of adults and children. This safe and effective preventative care is one of the most important things you can do for your health and can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. World Immunization Week is an annual recognition…

Over the past five decades, medical science and technology have advanced at an unprecedented rate. The public’s healthcare needs have changed. People are living longer lives and have more information available at their fingertips than any other time in history. One thing remains steadfast—the need for emergency care. But emergency room wait times can be…

Each year the Center for Disease Control and Prevention observes a National Influenza Vaccination Week. This year, that week runs December 4 – December 10 and it is designed to help you understand the importance of the influenza vaccination (more commonly called a “flu shot” or “flu vaccine”). Influenza is a serious disease that can…

During this National Kidney Month in March, it’s important to know all you can about your kidney health. The National Kidney Foundation informs us that one in three American adults is at risk for kidney disease. Anyone can get kidney disease at any time. Those at higher risk for kidney disease include individuals who have:…

Caregivers play an essential role in taking care of elderly patients and parents. Often though, caregivers are not registered nurses or medical professionals, but relatives and loved ones thrust into the role by circumstance. Taking care of the elderly can be a tough task for both the caregiver and the patient, and not much training…

September is National Cholesterol Education Month, and OakBend Medical Center encourages children, young adults and older individuals to get their blood cholesterol checked and take the active steps to lower if found to be high. Personal cholesterol goals can be reached with individualized knowledge of lipid profiles, in addition to food and lifestyle choices. According…

June is Men’s Health Month, and OakBend Medical Center is encouraging men everywhere to prioritize their health through awareness and healthy habits. So many conditions that affect quality of life are avoidable through early detection and prevention efforts. Men can take charge of their health by taking care of themselves physically and emotionally, but family…

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! Knowledge is power, and by learning the facts about this highly preventable disease, you can prioritize and protect your health. Colorectal (colon) cancer is the 3rd most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S and the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Through regular screenings and…

Since flu season typically peaks in January or February, there is no better time than now to review important prevention measures. Here are seven tips for flu season from OakBend Medical Center’s Infection Control Nurse, Funmilayo Ibironke. 1. Get a flu shot. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the…

Have you gotten your flu vaccination yet? Don’t worry; it’s not too late to protect you and your family from this contagious respiratory illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, “A yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older,” as the first and most important step in protecting against…