Cholesterol — a waxy substance that builds in the arteries — is not completely harmful, despite its reputation for being bad for you. In fact, some of it can even improve your health when consumed in the right amounts. The physicians at the USC Cardiac and Vascular Institute at Keck Medicine of USC can measure […]
Do you have a rash? Know the difference between common conditions and when it could signal a more serious health concern. Rashes are caused by exposure to any number of environmental allergens such as food, weather, sunlight and even stress. Many of these can be treated effectively with over-the-counter medications. But in some cases, your […]
You may be familiar with melanoma as a type of skin cancer, but what other types of skin cancer are there and what signs should you look out for? With more than 5.4 million people diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer people get. According to the latest reports, each year […]
Sometimes a mole is a mole. Other times, it’s cancerous. How can you tell the difference? Moles are common, even in children. Some darken, others remain light in color. Almost every adult has a mole, and some have as many as 40 on their skin. But moles can also be indicators of melanoma, a form […]
Your knee has been feeling funny for several days, but you’re not sure if you need to make an appointment with your doctor. Here are some telltale signs that it’s time to see a medical professional. Whether it’s knee pain, a strange finger cramp or a swollen elbow, joint pain can range from mildly uncomfortable […]
It’s been days and what you thought was a regular tension headache hasn’t gone away. Is it time to go to the doctor? Whether it’s a random headache that won’t go away or one that appears like clockwork the week before you have your menstrual cycle, headache pain can range from mild to so severe […]
Learn small hacks to make sure you’re getting the right readings. Over time, your blood pressure readings can tell you a lot about your overall health. But even healthy people’s blood pressure readings can fluctuate in any given 24-hour period, as blood pressure is affected by many physiological factors. That’s why it’s important to know how […]
There’s not a restroom in sight — and you have to go. Is it dangerous to hold it in for an extended length of time? Should you go every time you feel the twinge? In most cases, the only consequence that arises from holding in your urine is the discomfort you feel. Depending on how […]
Dr. Kim is a thoracic surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in thoracic oncology, with a focus on minimally invasive surgery. Here’s what you won’t find on his resume. He always wanted to explore space. “Medicine wasn’t my first dream. When I was growing up, I thought I wanted to be an aerospace […]
Raymond Jonathan Hah, MD, and Christopher C. Ornelas, MD, orthopedic surgeons at Keck Medicine of USC, reveal the best sleep posture to relieve back, neck or pregnancy pain and help you feel better each morning. Good posture is key to a healthy spine, but posture isn’t just about sitting or standing straight. Your sleep posture […]
