Anyone can be at risk of developing skin cancer, the most common type of cancer. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that makes up 1% of all skin cancers, but accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. 

Regular screenings with your dermatologist can significantly increase your chances of catching melanoma early. Knowing what to look for can also help you spot potential cancer. Below, Maulik Dhandha, MD, a dermatologist with Dignity Health Woodland Clinic shares signs you should look for.

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.”

Injuries and health concerns can occur out of the blue. But how do you know which kind of visit is right for you? We’ve created the following guide to help you determine which type of visit is best in any situation.

When Kern County resident, Kimberly Marchant first found out she had a blood clot in her heart that needed to be removed, her first thought was “I don’t know how I’m going to do this.” Kimberly was thinking about how she would manage the recovery from open-heart surgery, the proposed treatment for her condition.