Gazette Health

CENTRE COUNTY — Women are frequently advised to schedule their annual mammograms and men a blood test for PSA to screen for prostate cancer. The list of adult screenings also includes a colonoscopy and total blood panels. But did you know that if you are a current or former smoker, a low-dose CT scan is…

By SCOTT GILBERT Penn State News UNIVERSITY PARK — Many symptoms of head and neck cancer are hard to miss — a lump in the neck, persistent hoarseness, a mouth sore that doesn’t heal — which is good news for early detection as long as symptoms aren’t dismissed. “While mouth ulcers and hoarseness are common and…

By MOHAMED SHITIA DO, Geisinger sports medicine specialist CENTRE COUNTY — If you’ve signed up for a half-marathon, you’re about to take on perhaps one of the most difficult and rewarding physical challenges you’ve ever faced.  First and foremost, start with a proper training plan. Following an established plan that enables you to build up…

UNIVERSITY PARK — Feeling tired all the time? Constantly longing for an afternoon nap? You’re not alone. Katelynn Sheaffer, family medicine physician at Penn State Health Duncannon Outpatient Center, often sees patients who struggle with persistent fatigue. “It doesn’t matter what they do, they’re just always exhausted and they’re not sure why,” she said. Feeling…

CENTRE COUNTY — There are labels on practically everything we buy — from washing instructions on clothing to important safety notices on electrical appliances. Labels that could be very vital to your health are the ones on the foods you consume. One of the best ways to take greater control of your health is by…

CENTRE COUNTY — As people age, a buildup of calcium on the aortic valve can make it thicker and stiffer, leading to aortic stenosis. In addition, congenital heart defects, rheumatic fever, bacterial infections of the heart valves, radiation therapy and high blood pressure can also cause this serious condition. If left untreated, aortic stenosis can…

BELLEFONTE — Geisinger’s new facility in Bellefonte is now offering walk-in services for medical needs. The Geisinger Bellefonte ConvenientCare walk-in clinic opened on Monday, March 10, at the new location, 226 Buckaroo Lane. The clinic has six exam rooms with three practitioners available to treat various non-life-threatening medical issues. Other than on major holidays, the…

CENTRE COUNTY — Applications for Geisinger’s summer Junior Volunteer Program are open now through Friday, Feb. 28. Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center are accepting applications. The summer Junior Volunteer Program will be from Monday, June 16, through Friday, Aug. 8, and provides an opportunity…

CENTRE COUNTY — Lung cancer is a source of more cancer deaths in the U.S. than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined. People diagnosed with lung cancer are living longer, higher-quality lives largely due to an early screening program offered at The Lung Center at Penn Highlands Healthcare.Named a Center of Excellence with the GO2…

CENTRE COUNTY — It’s winter and one thing that’s almost as certain as cold weather is that small children will develop ear infections. Otitis media, the medical name for an ear infection, refers to an infection of the middle ear that can be acute or chronic. Ear infections are very common in toddlers and preschoolers…