All about the Flu Vaccination

It’s that time of year again: flu season. Homes and workplaces across the country are already experiencing the first wave of influenza. Almost everybody gets infected with it at some point in their lives. For most, it amounts to a few days of the usual unpleasant symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough and body aches. But influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.

Vitamin D deficiency has received a lot of attention lately, and rightfully so, because many Americans don't get adequate amounts of vitamin D. In fact, people who live in an area that the Harvard School of Public Health classifies as "north of the line connecting San Francisco to Philadelphia" likely lack adequate levels of vitamin D.

You may have heard about the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle on heart health, but did you know inactivity is also bad for your bone and joint health? If you work in an office and spend most of your weekdays sitting down, you may be at risk for problems such as repetitive motion injury, poor posture, and even bone loss. In fact, the American Osteopathic Association lists "limb problems" as a key consequence of a sedentary lifestyle. Read this article for three helpful tips to help overcome this issue.

How do you know what type of doctor to see when you are sick? Do you know the difference between a primary care and specialty care physician? Check out our infographic below to find out!

"...the most innovative thing that I’ve seen in health care yet is a simple and proven idea – that kindness has the power to heal." Lloyd H. Dean has been profiled in Forbes. Learn more about the Dignity Health CEO and the latest on changes in health care on Forbes.com. ‪

Five years after a double lung transplant, Dick Jarrard is back in the saddle.

“Most people don’t get a second chance,” said the 72-year-old cowboy from Wheatland, WY. “The people that gave me my lungs, they gave me another chance at life.”

Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center are conducting a unique study on the effects of aging on older people who have Autism. 

While much research has been done on the cause of the condition and treatment for children, this study is believed to be among the first ever regarding the impact of Autism on the elderly. The study is being led by Leslie Baxter, PhD, who is a nationally recognized expert in the use of Functional MRIs (brain imaging that monitors brain activity via blood flow.)

New job with a new insurance plan? Need to select a new primary care physician (PCP)? With so many out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are some tips that will help you find a good match!