Offset the Symptoms of the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder

A young woman with dark curly hair holds a mug while looking thoughtfully out of a window, symbolizing reflection and introspection.

As winter approaches, some people experience the “winter blues,” feeling sad from shorter days, climbing into bed earlier, and not ready to wake up on dark mornings.  “Winter blues” are different from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), a type of depression related to the change in seasons. SAD begins and ends at the same time every […]

Do I Have a Cold or The Flu?

A Black woman blowing her nose, showing symptoms of a cold or flu."

What is the difference between a cold and the flu? The common cold and influenza (flu) are both contagious respiratory illnesses that share similar symptoms, making it difficult to tell the difference between them, especially during the cold and flu season (late fall to early spring). The key difference is that different viruses cause them. […]

Keeping Your Health In Check During The Winter

Health and wellness are important all year long. Winter brings cold, dry weather and brings forth various health concerns. Here are some common issues and practical tips to help you navigate the colder months. Arthritis Approximately 1 in 5 US adults suffer from arthritis, and according to the Arthritis Foundation, cold temperatures and changes in […]

Communication with your primary care provider

older patient speaking to primary care provider

Effective communication with your primary care provider is essential for healthy aging. Whether you’re seeing a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, a strong doctor-patient relationship leads to better health outcomes. Why is good communication important? When you have open and clear communication with your healthcare provider, you’re more likely to understand your health challenges […]

What You Need to Know About Osteoporosis: Causes, Risks, and Prevention

to promote bone health and growth, try doing weight-bearing and resistance exercises

What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease that causes bones to decrease in mass and density, becoming frail and easily breakable. It often goes undetected because there are typically not symptoms associated with the early stages of bone loss until a fracture occurs. For this reason, it’s important to visit your primary care […]

Embrace a Safe and Active Summer for Optimal Health

Summer provides the perfect opportunity to adopt an active lifestyle while taking necessary precautions to ensure safety. By incorporating simple practices into your routine throughout the summer, you can make the most of this season, promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall vitality. Here are six tips to have a safe, active, healthy summer: 1. […]

Sun Safety: Keep the Sun Fun

mom assisting son to apply sun screen to his face

Make the most of your summertime fun by staying safe in the sun! Incorporate these simple tips into your everyday routine to protect yourself in hot and sunny conditions.   Festivals, pools, backyard BBQs – oh my! It’s the season for fun in the sun.   But nothing can put summertime fun on ice like a sunburn! […]

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Room: How to Make the Right Choice

Reducing the burden on hospitals is more important than ever, and one way you can help is by visiting urgent care instead of the ER when appropriate. However, it can be confusing to know when to go to urgent care or the emergency room. The key is to get the right care from the right […]

Women’s Health: Your Path to Well-being Through the Years

Top Health Concerns for Women

Each year, National Women’s Health Week kicks off on Mother’s Day, urging women and girls to prioritize their health. The focus in 2025,  is on empowering women to focus on their whole health —mind and body. Taking care of yourself encompasses nurturing your physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being at every stage of life. From […]

Hy-Vee Health’s Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Dr Fick and Dr Van Der Veer

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Hy-Vee is raising awareness of the impact of mental health in the nation and how to support the millions who are affected. We’ve created a series of videos providing important information and helpful advice from a team of health and wellness professionals at Hy-Vee. Dr. Daniel Fick, Chief […]