Your Health and Wellness
News, tips and resources to help you maintain and improve your health and wellness, from the experts at Day Kimball Healthcare.
Content Centers
Blog: The Family CHO (Chief Health Officer)
Children's Health & Parenting
Heart Health Tips
Nutrition
Skin Health & Skin Cancer
Smoking Cessation
Understanding Healthcare and Health Insurance
Women's Health
Latest
April 11, 2018
As if you needed it, here's another reason to love your furry, feathered or four-legged friend: studies have shown, over and over again, that having a pet can improve not only a person's happiness...
October 12, 2017
Originally published in the Norwich Bulletin
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, with about one in seven receiving the diagnosis in his lifetime. The good...
August 22, 2017
Our bodies were made to feed our babies and while breastfeeding is natural it may not always come naturally. Here are a few tips to get your breastfeeding journey off to a good start and to maintain...
July 7, 2017
Summer is a great time for kids to get outdoors. S’mores, swimming, and sunshine – what’s not to love? But when the days get longer and temperatures go up, all that great outdoor fun can also lead to...
June 16, 2017
Despite ongoing research across the globe, the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia continues to grow. According to current statistics from the Alzheimer's Association, an...
June 5, 2017
In women, the pelvic floor consists of muscles, bones, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves that attach to the pelvic bone and sacrum. Like a “sling” or “hammock” the pelvic floor support the...
May 8, 2017
May is National Stroke Awareness month, the perfect time to reflect on the impact that stroke has on our community and what we can all do as individuals to prevent and respond to it.
The Center...
April 10, 2017
It’s a topic that is difficult to think about, but one that is critical to address: how to prevent your child from being abused and what to do if you think abuse may have occurred. April is Child...
March 27, 2017
If you’re a woman who experiences significant pain during menstruation, particularly if that pain has worsened over time, it’s important to know that it may be a sign of a condition called...
March 6, 2017
You likely know that a colonoscopy is performed to evaluate the large intestine for possible cancer. You may even be familiar with upper endoscopy, which involves inserting a similar type of lighted...
February 14, 2017
There has recently been a significant change in the way Emergency Medical Responders (EMS) in Connecticut treat patients suffering from cardiac arrest. The change comes as the result of new national...
January 26, 2017
What is the most common cause of traumatic brain injury, more common than strokes but potentially just as serious, responsible for 90% of broken hips in people age 70 and older and the number one...
January 2, 2017
Do you feel tired, achy and depressed every winter? It could be that you’re not getting enough vitamin D. Researchers estimate that as many as half of all adults are at risk for this deficiency. Many...
December 15, 2016
Most people know that eating a healthy diet, exercising appropriately and getting enough sleep all contribute to good health. Another factor, spirituality, has also been shown to impact our health. ...
November 11, 2016
If you’re at risk for lung cancer, a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening could save your life. It’s the only recommended screening for lung cancer and has been proven to...
October 17, 2016
Our baby boomer generation is producing both an increasingly aging and more physically active segment of our population in greater numbers than ever before. A byproduct of this "epidemic" is the...
September 21, 2016
Back to school time means the return of a more disciplined family routines. It’s the perfect time to introduce some simple habits that will help kids (and parents) maintain a healthy lifestyle and...
August 15, 2016
August is world breastfeeding month and Day Kimball Hospital is proud to hold the Baby Friendly Hospital designation.
DKH is one of only six Connecticut Hospitals recognized as a birthing facility...
August 5, 2016
There’s no doubt that opioid addiction is a major epidemic. As the medical director of an Emergency Department, I don’t even need to reference the startling state and national statistics to know that...
July 7, 2016
Most of us have or have had a friend or family member with cancer. It can be a difficult diagnosis so it’s no wonder that proper nutrition can take a backseat – in fact, many patients have some form...
June 10, 2016
While it is relatively easy to find resources and support concerning women’s health issues, conversation and awareness around men’s health isn’t as common. Even though we think of ourselves as...
June 8, 2016
If your hands are hurting because of an injury or health condition, there are ways to lessen the pain and disability - and sometimes even to eliminate it altogether. Hand therapy can be very...
May 13, 2016
Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be stressful and difficult. With an estimated 15 million people in the U.S. caring for someone with a dementia-type illness, chances are...
March 17, 2016
What better time to celebrate the delights of good food than during March, National Nutrition Month? This year the theme is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right.” Who thinks healthy eating has to be...
March 3, 2016
Quality sleep is essential for good health. Unfortunately many people today are suffering from sleep disorders and disturbances. What’s worse the symptoms are often overlooked, leaving people...
February 17, 2016
Did you know that there is rehab for your heart? If you’ve suffered a heart attack or other cardiac event, there is something you can do to reduce the potentially devastating effects. And if you...
January 14, 2016
As a general surgeon with Day Kimball Medical Group for over 25 years, one of the more common surgeries I perform is thyroid surgery.
The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that produces...
January 5, 2016
Many people pledge to become healthier in the New Year – but what does that mean? Where should you start? You may have more success if you set a concrete goal rather than a vague pledge to “eat...
December 11, 2015
Holidays are usually a time for family gatherings and special occasions. However when someone you love has died, everything becomes different. How do you celebrate when your loved one is no longer...
October 22, 2015
Prefer to listen? This information is also available in a New Day Show podcast >
Head lice: a common childhood affliction that, though more a nuisance than a health hazard, still strikes...
August 25, 2015
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural thing, but it comes as a surprise to many women that it's not always easy at first. That's why at Day Kimball Hospital, we uphold the World Health...
June 23, 2015
Aches and pains are very common for the average person this time of year, as many embark on spring cleaning, yard work, home improvement projects and outdoor activities after being more or less...
June 12, 2015
After a stroke, people can experience a wide range of difficulties in their day to day activities.But many people don’t realize that speech language pathologists are part of the medical team that can...
May 22, 2015
I am surprised at the number of skin cancers I see every week in Northeast Connecticut. National statistics show Connecticut is among the states with the highest incidence of melanoma, the most...
May 21, 2015
This is what it looks like when you ask your whole family to take a bite out of lime. I’ve never been so happy to share such an unflattering photo of myself and unbelievably, my husband and daughters...
May 20, 2015
In spring, I start seeing a steady trickle of patients coming in with intensely itchy, raised, red and blistery skin rashes. I can usually confidently diagnosis a poison ivy dermatitis and give the...
May 7, 2015
Every day thousands of Americans present to emergency departments with signs of stroke. Conversely, every day thousands of Americans do not present to emergency departments with the signs of...
April 22, 2015
Most of us can’t wait for the real spring weather to arrive, but if you suffer from spring-time allergies, you might feel differently! Here's what you need to know to enjoy the season...
April 21, 2015
Physical medicine and rehabilitation can offer amazing benefits for people recovering from surgery or injury, or living with a debilitating illness. But many aren't really aware of what exactly it...
April 20, 2015
When your doctor orders a lab test, do you ever wonder where your blood or other specimen goes and what's involved in getting the results? It can be quite a journey, and involves lots of "detective"...
April 16, 2015
No one can predict the future. But you can plan for it. This video can help get you started.
Does your family know what your wishes are for care if you become seriously ill? Do they know what...
April 7, 2015
Today is World Health Day, and the World Health Organization (WHO) is putting this year's focus on food safety. From the food supply chain, to point of sale, to preparation in your kitchen, knowing...
March 16, 2015
I’ve got a confession to make – I’m the Family CHO. And you know what? You might be, too. You’re probably wondering what a Family CHO even is. I’ll get to that, but first I’ll begin by telling you...
March 6, 2015
It really is true that "you are what you eat." Good nutrition provides a strong foundation for overall health. But we know it's not always easy, especially in today's fast-paced world with so many...
February 25, 2015
Understanding how your health insurance works has become complicated; in particular, knowing when the insurance company pays and when you do. For many of us there’s the worry with each visit, “Will...
February 17, 2015
It seems that kids are always hungry - and why not, they're growing! But while they truly do need to snack, it can sometimes be a challenge to make sure those snacks are always giving them the good...
February 13, 2015
Come February 14, everything is hearts and roses as we celebrate Valentine's Day. But the month of February is also the time to observe American Heart Month. Take time to think about what you can do...
February 11, 2015
As health care grapples with the big issues of the Affordable Care Act and debates the complexities of the changes in the system, sometimes it’s important to be reminded that the simple things still...
January 16, 2015
Prefer to listen? This post is also available as a Medical Minute podcast >
Parents often ask for tips regarding how to handle behavioral problems in toddlers and school-aged...
January 9, 2015
Prefer to listen? This post is also available as a Medical Minute podcast >
What is the right age to start going to the gynecologist? How often do I need a pap smear? Do I really need a...
January 8, 2015
Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is known as the "silent killer" because it is colorless, odorless - and poisonous. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 150 people die from...
December 22, 2014
When presented with all of the beloved family recipes and tasty dishes expected at any holiday get-together, it can become difficult to say "no." Good news: you don't have to! Here are a few simple...
December 15, 2014
'Tis the season of giving, and seeing a child's eyes light up with joy at a new gift or toy is a highlight of the holidays for many. But before you wrap up that perfect gift, read up on these tips...
December 12, 2014
On Wednesday the United Health Foundation released its 25th annual "America's Health Rankings" report. The report ranks states from most healthy to least healthy based on analysis of key factors...
November 24, 2014
Numerous studies have shown that gratitude is good for your health in many ways. Gratitude is also contagious – the act of “paying it forward” is no coincidence. The mere act of thinking grateful...
November 18, 2014
No doubt about it - quitting smoking is hard to do. But with the right tools and support in place, you CAN do it!
Here are some tips for getting through the crucial first month, from Judith...
November 10, 2014
One important and positive way that health care is changing is that it's moving from a "sick care" model to a "well care" model. What does this mean? Well, in years past, most health care was...
