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.

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.

Whether you have an official break from school or simply want to take advantage of warm weather, spring travel is top-of-mind for many of us. Whatever your plans, keep in mind that COVID-19 is still poses a health concern and the virus can spread easily among groups of people during travel and in places like museums, sports venues or amusement parks.

We caught up with Kelley Brinsky, DO, a family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine physician with Dignity Health Medical Group — Sequoia, to discuss tips for safe and healthy travel this spring.

The holidays are here, and so are tasty treats and holiday staples. Whether it's childhood favorites, or shared family recipes, holiday foods tend to be sweeter and richer than we’re used to. While these foods are traditionally less healthy, they do not have to be off limits. We spoke with Melody Steeples, MPH, RD, a registered dietician with Woodland Clinic, about her recommendations for enjoying this time of year without overindulging.