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.

This June, we’re sharing insights from clinicians across Dignity Health Medical Groups on topics that are crucial to men’s health. Next, is Rudy Idrogo, an LMFT with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group Behavioral Health.

Rudy discusses what men should know about their own mental health and what they can do to care for their mental well-being.

Our third installment of our Women’s Health Month series features Azadeh Toofaninejad, DO, a cardiologist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, sharing guidance on how heart disease affects women. Dr. Toofaninejad addresses symptoms to look out for, risk factors and lifestyle changes women can make to decrease their risk of heart disease.

Spring is synonymous with budding flowers, blooming trees — and for many, allergies. According to the CDC, seasonal allergies (also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis) can affect as many as 60 million people per year in the United States.

Below, Neil Parikh, MD, an allergy and immunology specialist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, discusses causes of allergies, management tips and seasonal allergy trends.

Serving as a caregiver to a child is one of the most important, rewarding and difficult roles one can have. Being a caregiver during a pandemic has made the role even more challenging. It goes without saying that the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have also been challenging for children and teens, especially as they navigate normal developmental milestones on top of challenges that may have been present prior to the pandemic.

Stephanie Parmely, Ph.D, a psychologist with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, answers common questions about anxiety in children and teens. Dr. Parmely identifies signs to watch out for, and actions that parents, guardians and/or caregivers can take to address issues.