Talking about your prostate, urinary symptoms, or sexual dysfunction can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential to men’s health. The prostate is a tiny reproductive organ the size of a walnut located below a man’s urinary bladder. It’s responsible for making semen and tends to grow larger with age.

“An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous condition that may affect sexual function,” says Steven Guarnaccia, MD, a urologist with Dignity Health Medical Group — Sequoia. “Its symptoms include slow urine flow, difficulty urinating, frequent or urgent need to urinate, dribbling after urination, and waking up at night to urinate.”

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing American sports and is only continuing to rise in  popularity as summer approaches. But as with many activities, injuries are likely to happen without proper technique and preparation.

Arati Dunbar, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Dignity Health Medical Group — Sequoia, shares how to prevent getting hurt while engaging in fun sports this summer.

All women will go through perimenopause, but it is not commonly discussed among women suffering from symptoms or as a women’s health issue in general. 

As we recognize Women’s Health Month, Paniz Heidari, DO, an OB/GYN with Dignity Health Medical Group —  Northridge, discusses what perimenopausal women can expect and when to seek support from your health care team.

Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and have some fun. There are loads of activities that can be enjoyed all season long, but whether you love to relax during the lazy days of summer or prefer to let that adrenaline soar, one thing you want to watch out for is avoiding injury. After all, it’s hard to have fun if you get hurt in the process.

Family Medicine physician, Dr. Srilakshmi Madhusudhan with Dignity Health Medical Group — Bakersfield, says that while summer fun may increase your risk of injury, that shouldn’t stop you from getting outside and enjoying the season. “You may be more at risk of being injured during the summertime simply because you’re more likely to be more active and engage in activities that carry some degree of risk. But with a few extra precautions, you can enjoy your summer without pain, injury or a trip to the emergency room.”

We’re pleased to share that Scott McCusker, MD, Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon; Ash Aveningo, PA; and Mike Desy, OR tech with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, completed the first Inspire procedure at the 8220 Wymark Dr. location in Elk Grove, CA. The Inspire system is an FDA-approved obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment option for people who cannot use standard Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.