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.

The Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) has recognized Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group and Woodland Clinic Medical Group for providing high-quality care to Medicare Advantage patients in California. The IHA is a statewide nonprofit group committed to high-value care that improves quality and affordability for patients across the nation.

January is National Thyroid Awareness Month, and according to the American Thyroid Association, more than 20 million Americans have a form of thyroid disease. As we continue to explore goals for health and wellness in the new year, this post will highlight the importance of thyroid health and management, as well as debunk common myths about thyroid-related diseases.