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.

Together, exercise and good nutrition have numerous benefits for our overall health. Just 30 minutes of aerobic workouts, five days a week can impact cardiovascular health, including lowering the risk of heart disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. 

Jonathan Hemphill, MD, a cardiologist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, shares why regular physical activity is a key component to heart health, and how to incorporate heart-healthy exercise and eating habits into your own life.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and, according to the CDC, over the last two decades the number of adults with diabetes in the United States has more than doubled. 

We spoke with Tarandeep Kaur, MD, an endocrinologist with Dignity Health Medical Group — Stockton, to learn more about prediabetes and diabetes management.

Summer is here and so are our favorite outdoor activities. When spending time in the great outdoors, it’s important to take all the necessary precautions, including protecting oneself from harmful plants and insects. Below, Nikki Pham, MD, a Family Medicine physician with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, shares tips on how to safely enjoy the outdoors this summer.