Your Health

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…

Summer and fall 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…

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 carb 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…

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 50 up to 75 for average-risk patients, age…

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…

There’s no denying that heart disease is a killer for both men and women, but there are some risks that apply specifically to women. As with many health-related issues, awareness is incredibly important; if you’re aware of the risks, prevention…

While heart attacks are common and incredibly scary, many of them are preventable. If you focus on practicing healthy habits, you are much more likely to keep your heart happy and healthy, with the goal of avoiding the number one…

Updated March 9, 2020 The novel coronavirus, which causes a disease known as COVID-19, is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention the potential public health threat posed by…

Make the New Year your “you” year With the beginning of each new year comes the opportunity to start fresh. That may mean you’re ready to make a big change in your life—perhaps quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more, start…

Vaping and electronic cigarettes have dominated much of the news lately—and you’ve probably noticed vape shops opening in or near your neighborhood. But how much do you really know about the nation’s latest nicotine-fueled trend? Electronic cigarettes (also known as…

No matter what your situation is, it’s important to know that help is available, and it’s okay to reach out. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, visit findyourwords.org, where you can take a depression self-assessment test…

Congratulations to our new parents and our newest members. We want you and your baby to be healthy, so we offer enhanced well-child visits, parent information resources, lactation consulting, and more. This gives you the support you both need to…

We are pleased to announce that fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a noninvasive imaging test that provides detailed information about the bodily structure of a fetus, is now available at our Tyson’s Corner Medical Center. Fetal MRI, which provides clear,…

Surely this is not your go to conversation starter nor a topic you enjoy discussing, we do not blame you. That said, it could be a conversation or information that could save yours or a loved one’s life. Prostate cancer…

HIV patients are living longer today than ever before, thanks to innovations in medicine. As a national leader in those innovations, Kaiser Permanente frequently participates in medical studies to learn how we can even better care for you and all…

Most of us know that calcium is critical for strong, healthy bones. As an essential building block of bone tissue, calcium is a natural go-to for giving our bones a little boost. This is especially true as we age, when…

Whether you’re going for a weekend getaway or a month-long stay, you’ll enjoy the journey more when you feel your best. Here are a few easy ways to keep wellness a priority as you plan a great trip. Check in…

Everyone knows to protect their skin with sunscreen, but did you know your eyes can get sunburned too? Sunlight contains UVA and UVB radiation, which can cause burns with overexposure—one of the fastest ways to ruin your vacation. Severe exposure…

Kaiser Permanente is committed to total health for all—in mind, body, and spirit—so we’re a natural supporter of Mental Health Awareness Month, which has been observed in the U.S. since May of 1949. Our integrated care model makes it easy…

Although it isn’t always easy, it’s important to have conversations about what you value most in life and how you want to handle certain matters during specific health or medical situations. In Life Care Planning, you will choose someone to…

Being at a healthy weight lowers your risk for health problems, but reaching a healthy weight is about more than just a number on a scale. If you want to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, practical lifestyle changes will…

Rapid advances in combatting cancer through precision medicine, such as an array of new FDA-approved targeted therapies like pembrolizumab (the first tissue-agnostic drug), are showing tremendous promise. These advances in treating various forms of cancer, however, aren’t available to most…

Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States was recently granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, for its cancer program. To receive this noteworthy endorsement, cancer programs must…

If you're the parent of a teenager, you've probably come to expect some degree of moodiness from your adolescent. It's completely normal for teens to retreat a bit and guard their privacy as they try on different personas in their…

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it accounts for one in four deaths or about 610,000 people every year. While there are many kinds…