Hometown Health

A community of information and resources to improve your health and well-being, including blog posts from providers, patients and community members.

From The Blog

Grocery store tour: Shopping the produce aisle

Eating five a day can get boring if you just buy the same old fruits and veggies. Learn how to get some variety at your next grocery store trip.

September 20, 2017

Household safety checklist for senior citizens

Each year, many senior citizens are injured in or around their homes.The following is a checklist to identify possible safety problems in or around your home that you may want to fix.

Michelle Geerdes OT By Michelle Geerdes September 19, 2017

Think safety in fall as weather changes

Nights are getting cooler, and the trees are starting to change colors as autumn begins. With it, routines change because the kids go back to school, the days get shorter and we start planning for winter. Think about these things as you enjoy the cooler temperatures and vibrant colors.

Alexandro Vasquez, D.N.P. By Alexandro Vasquez September 19, 2017

Routine checkup leads to lifesaving heart surgery

Brian Schilling didn’t know anything was wrong when he went in for his regular physical. But, unbeknownst to Schilling, there was a problem lurking in one of the valves in his heart.

September 18, 2017

Boxers or briefs? 4 common fertility myths debunked

It seems like there is endless advice on what to do when you’re trying to get pregnant, but what advice is actually true? Alicia Ogle, nurse practitioner, weighs in on some common questions.

September 14, 2017

Grocery store tour: Selecting meat and dairy

Are you a meat and dairy fan? Learn best options for a healthy diet.

September 13, 2017

Finding new purpose as a hospice volunteer

My heart was touched after reaping the benefits of the hospice program when my husband was dying from cancer 14 years ago. I never forgot what a volunteer being there for us meant to my family and me. I knew that someday I wanted to be involved in the program.

September 12, 2017

Diabetes education classes lead to improved quality of life

Ken Moore had lost his get-up-and-go. His wife said he had no motivation and should see a doctor. That's when he learned he had Type 2 diabetes.

September 11, 2017

Huh? Hunting and your hearing

Autumn colors and cool mornings in early September signal the beginning of the long-awaited hunting season. Shooting without hearing protection practically guarantees you will suffer at least some degree of hearing loss in your lifetime.

Thomas Lowry, M.D. By Thomas Lowry September 8, 2017

The W-Curve theory: What you should know to help your college freshman

Freshman year of college is known for being full of new experiences, but it also presents a variety of challenges. The W-Curve is an emotional pattern that most incoming students find themselves falling into throughout their first year in college.

September 6, 2017

What is Hashimoto's disease?

Hashimoto thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto’s disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. Hashimoto’s disease causes chronic inflammation of the thyroid, as antibodies form attacking thyroid cells due to the changes to your immune mechanisms.

Sakine Sever MD By Sakine Sever September 5, 2017

The real impact of a concussion

As fall approaches and students prepare to return to school, many look forward to the return of fall and winter sports. However, there are risks associated with sports participation, including concussion.

Russell Bergum DO By Russell Bergum September 1, 2017