Your Health

With flu infections rising, brush up on the facts about this contagious respiratory illness — and learn why getting your flu shot is essential.

One in eight women in the United States (about 13%) will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and, for women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer besides lung cancer.…

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people put off taking care of themselves. There are understandable reasons why, including being overwhelmed with work responsibilities, worrying about finances, juggling childcare and feeling afraid to seek non-emergency medical care during a pandemic. Beyond…

Sleep is essential for our overall health. It gives our mind and body time to relax and recharge. Studies show that getting 7 to 8 hours of regular nighttime sleep is best for maintaining good health.1 But what happens when you…

Back-to-school time is often ripe with nerves and anxiety as parents and children alike adjust to new routines. But this year promises to be more challenging given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and given that many children haven't stepped foot in…

If you’ve been to a chain grocery store lately, you might have seen a long aisle of vitamins and supplements near the pharmacy. It makes sense: There are over 90,000 different supplements available in the United States,1 and 76% of adults take at…

August is National Breastfeeding Month! Kaiser Permanente recommends that, whenever possible, babies get nothing but breast milk for the first 6 months of life and continue to breastfeed for at least a year. Breast milk provides all the nourishment babies…

While the pandemic has shined a much needed light on our frontline health care workers – it’s also uncovered the stark divide in care and the racial inequities for people of color. This is particularly evident in maternal health –…

Kaiser Permanente member, Edna Derrick, 95-years old of Virginia, shares why she got the COVID-19 vaccine and how simple it was at Kaiser Permanente. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine at: kp.org/covidvaccine.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone's day-to-day lives. One of those ways, is many people are working from home more than ever before. Without a normal desk set-up, some people may experience sore and painful muscles. Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic physical…

There has never been a more important time to take control of your heart health. February is American Heart Month, a chance to raise awareness about heart disease but also a chance for you to start making healthy changes—and choices—to…

We understand that some people may be concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine on their health and underlying conditions. Below are some frequency asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine:  How will my health conditions be impacted by COVID-19…

Myth:  You can get COVID-19 from the vaccine. Fact: Not true. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. Neither of the current available vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) contain live or dead virus. In fact, these vaccines contain the genetic information…

When it’s your turn to get a COVID-19 vaccine, we want you to be prepared. Here are some things you can do to prepare, and what to expect when you get your shot: How to prepare for your COVID-19 vaccination:…

Practicing self-care is good for the mind, body, and spirit — especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been a challenging year, but here are some simple things you can do to boost your mood, beat stress, and find more…

November is National Diabetes Month—a time to bring awareness and attention to the disease. For those living with diabetes, it’s also a time to learn how to successfully manage it, and how Kaiser Permanente’s treatment and care options can help…

For children of all ages, Halloween means dressing up in a costume and heading out into the neighborhood with friends and family to trick-or-treat and collect candy in the crisp autumn air. However, with the virus that causes COVID-19 still…

More than 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes — and 90% of them don’t even know it.1 The good news is that most cases of type 2 diabetes are preventable — healthy lifestyle changes can help you avoid, control, or…

Fall is here—a time for colorful leaves, cooler temperatures, and celebrating seasonal holidays like Halloween, Dìa de los Muertos, and Thanksgiving. But this one isn’t like any other fall season we’ve ever had, so while it’s important to maintain some…

When you see pink ribbons everywhere, it means two things—it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, and it’s time for you to get screened. If you’re due for a mammogram, schedule one on kp.org today, because timely screenings—and a healthy lifestyle—are your…

It’s natural to feel heightened concern and perhaps even experience anxiety about the news of a possible surge of COVID-19 cases in combination with the upcoming flu season. Even though some amount of concern is expected — even normal —…

By: Erin VanLuven, a licensed clinical social worker with Kaiser Permanente and director of Behavioral Health Services for Kaiser Permanente in Maryland. From concerns about grades and college admissions to social pressures at school – teen years can be stressful.…

Forget juicing, fasting, and fad diets. Just focus on being healthy and fit. When you eat right and exercise regularly, maintaining a healthy weight can happen naturally. Fill up with fiber  High-fiber foods fill you up without filling you out.…

Cleaning and disinfecting commonly used surfaces can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. No one knows this better than Kaiser Permanente’s environmental services professionals who clean and sanitize more than 50 million square feet each day to help keep our…

When someone is struggling, it can be hard to know what to do, how to act, or what to say. Learn the steps you can take to have a positive impact. Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide directly. Whether…

Spring and summer have always been special seasons for family fun. And that tradition should endure, even in a pandemic. In fact, fun is more essential during spells of uncertainty because enjoying time with loved ones can provide a distraction…

  With summer in full swing, we know that many people are gathering with family and friends. At Kaiser Permanente, we recognize the importance of connecting with others, especially after such a challenging period of isolation. And, we want you…

The uncertain times we are living in can be stressful for all of us – and it’s normal to feel anxiety and fear as you attempt to navigate this new reality. Finding small moments to find relaxation can help improve…

If you’re expecting or have recently had a baby, we understand that you may have concerns about getting prenatal and postnatal care for yourself or your child during the COVID-19 pandemic. Go to our COVID-19 & pregnancy page to watch…

The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, so it's important protect yourself and others when you leave home for groceries or other essential items. Do Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand…

Every day, we are reminded to stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid social gatherings and limit our outings. Handling the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic is tough for everyone, but it can be particularly difficult for people…

The COVID-19 outbreak has distributed daily life for everyone - including those who are now working from home. Many are teleworking full-time for the first time, isolated from co-workers, friends, and family. This new routine can cause added anxiety, stress…

Everyone gets overwhelmed sometimes. But too much stress can be hard on your health — so it’s important to find ways to offset those negative effects. These healthy habits can help you stay cool under pressure, even when you’re pressed…

Updated December 29, 2020 The world is facing an unprecedented medical crisis. Throughout this challenging time, your health and safety remain our top priority. Protect yourself and your loved ones with the help of this important information on COVID-19. Together,…

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health. This is because quality rest prepares your mind and body to deal with life’s daily challenges. And with National Sleep Awareness week taking…

Take time to take care of your colon Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. This March, take time to learn about your risk and get screened so you can stay healthy. Top 1% in the nation* Kaiser…

Year after year, Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States excels in the detection and treatment of colorectal cancer. Statistically, we catch cancer earlier and treat it more effectively than all local health plans and even most national health plans. Thanks…

Many people are giving low-carbohydrate diets a try and focused on increasing protein in their diet. And this could be why the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently reported that Americans are eating more meat than ever before. While cutting carbs…

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, so regular screenings are important to minimize your risk. Kaiser Permanente recommends regular colorectal screenings beginning at age 45 for average-risk patients, age 45 for African…

Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the United States, but it doesn't have to be. As one of the more easily detected and slowly growing cancers, it often can be treated successfully if caught early. Colorectal cancer…

In the United States, colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. Yet, it remains one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer. Most colorectal cancers develop…

Is this your year to lose a few pounds? Many people select losing weight as a goal for the new year. Whether you are ready to act or still deciding, these tips can help you get started and stay on…

Your heart will love these numbers! You can help your heart by making healthy changes today. Healthy habits can also reduce your risk for other conditions — another good reason to take these tips to heart. #1 in the nation…

Having a heart attack can obviously be extremely scary – and it can also act as a big wake-up call to change some daily habits to ensure you’re on a healthy path forward. About 80% of individuals who have a…