Anita Bennett MD

February is American Heart Month.  Since 1964, this is an annual event designated to encourage Americans to focus on their heart health.  Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of death globally.  Many people incorrectly think that heart and vascular disease is something that only affects…

Last week we talked about some of the causes of birth defects.  Today we are going to focus on things that you can do to lower your risk of having a baby born with birth defects. Can all birth defects be prevented? Unfortunately, not all birth defects can be prevented. …

About 1 out of every 33 babies born in the US each year is born with a birth defect.  Birth defects range from minor abnormalities to critical, life-threatening conditions.  Let’s talk about what they are and what women need to know to decrease their chance of having a baby born…

National Blood Donor Month has taken place each January since 1970.  Donating blood saves lives and improves health for many people.  It is especially important now.  Last week the American Red Cross warned that the US is facing a “dangerously low” blood supply. Why is January National Blood Donor Awareness…

 Last week, we talked about the Omicron variant.  Hospitalizations and daily positive cases have continued to increase since last week. The CDC has recently changed its guidance for quarantine and isolation related to COVID-19.  This week I want to talk about those recommendations. What is the difference between quarantine and…

The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting us all two years after the virus was first discovered.  The US has now had more than 830,000 deaths caused by COVID-19 infection.  I thought I would share some of the latest information with you. What should you know about the Omicron Variant? Transmission…

This is the 35th anniversary of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) “Tie One On for Safety Holiday Campaign”.  During the holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, MADD encourages everyone to tie a red ribbon, or place red ribbon magnets, on their car as a reminder to always…

We will continue our men’s health series with a discussion of testicular cancer. While it is a highly treatable cancer, men in the affected age group should be aware of it to recognize the signs and seek appropriate treatment. What is testicular cancer? The testicles are responsible for making male…

We are continuing our discussion of prostate cancer today, focusing on diagnosis and treatment.  Over the next few weeks, we will continue to spotlight men’s health issues, including testicular cancer and mental health. Is there routine screening for prostate cancer? Screening for prostate cancer is controversial.  Part of the reason…

The Movember Foundation is a charitable organization that leads a campaign during the month of November putting a spotlight on men’s health issues.  You may have seen men growing a mustache for Movember – Mo for moustache.  The focus is primarily on three important issues that can shorten the lives…