Cultivating Health

Nurse giving woman a covid and flu shot for symptoms

COVID and flu: Symptoms, vaccine side effects and more

Can you get a COVID and flu shot at the same time? What are the side effects of each vaccine? Our infectious disease expert answers your questions to help keep you and your family healthy this winter.

Boy with blue shirt standing on track leaning on rail with goal posts and grass behind him.

Children's Health

Does your child have hip, groin, thigh or knee pain? It could be SCFE

SCFE is a common but often missed hip condition in children and teens. Knowing the symptoms can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.

A young boy plays with a purple and pink, glittery squishy toy.

Are squishy toys safe for kids? What parents need to know

Squishy toys can be fun sensory toys for kids, but some may pose safety risks. Learn about potential risks, including choking, harmful chemicals and burns, plus tips for choosing and using squishy toys safely.

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A woman in a blue shirt speaks with a physician in a white coat in a medial office.

Cancer Care

Ovarian cancer is hard to detect early. Here are the symptoms you should know about

Ovarian cancer is often caught late because screening options are limited and symptoms tend to be vague. Learn what to look for and when you should talk to your doctor.

Doctor listens to a patient's chest with a stethoscope during an exam in a medical clinic.

Health insurance 101: A simple guide to understand coverage, cost and how to choose the right plan

Health insurance can be complicated and confusing. Our experts answer common questions about coverage, costs and plan options so you can choose the best healthcare for you and your family.

Patient sitting talking with primary care provider about health screenings

Preventive health screenings by age: A complete guide for adults

Routine health screenings can catch problems early before symptoms appear. Learn which screenings are recommended for your age so you can make informed decisions and get the most from your healthcare visits.

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woman looking stressed sitting with her baby in her lap possibly suffering postpartum psychosis

Mental Health

Postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis: What new parents need to know

A new baby can bring a lot of joy, but it can also be a time of difficult emotional and hormonal change. Learn the differences between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis and how you can get help.

A female doctor in a white coat sits at a table, smiling and speaking with a man in a blue shirt.

10 questions to ask when choosing a primary care doctor

Choosing a primary care doctor is key to your health. You’ll want to compare providers, costs, convenience and family care options. Consider these 10 questions to find the best doctor for your needs and budget.

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Children's Health

Facts and myths parents should know about vitamin K shots for newborns

Vitamin K shots are part of routine care for newborns. However, there are many myths about vitamin K injections. Our experts give you the facts about this potentially life-saving vaccine.

A female doctor wearing a white coat with a stethoscope is sitting next to a woman with long curly hair in a medical office explaining something.

What is the difference between family medicine and internal medicine?

Family medicine and internal medicine both provide primary care, but they serve different ages and needs. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right care with confidence.

Exercise and Fitness

5 common running injuries, prevention tips and ways to treat them

Nearly 50% of runners experience an injury, often from overuse, poor training or worn-out shoes. The good news: simple prevention and treatment strategies can help keep you active and reduce your risk of injury.

Diverse group of healthcare providers’ hands stacked together.

HMO vs PPO: What’s the difference and which healthcare plan is right for you?

Choosing health insurance can feel overwhelming. This simple guide explains HMO vs. PPO plans, their key differences, and how to choose the best option for you or your family.

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A little boy drinking from a water bottle featured

Children's Health

How to keep active kids safe during extreme heat

Hot weather can be especially dangerous for active kids because their bodies heat up so quickly. Learn about heat illness and ways to keep children safe.

man with high blood pressure checking his numbers on a home monitor

Heart Health

Blood pressure basics: What’s normal, ways to lower it, and when to get help for high blood pressure

Lots of things we do every day can influence our blood pressure, as well as some factors we can't control. Learn about some lifestyle habits that can help lower or manage your blood pressure.

Pediatric patient and their mother smile at a pediatric primary care provider.

Children's Health

Choosing a pediatrician: A parent’s guide to pediatric primary care

Choosing a pediatric primary care doctor is key to your child’s health. Learn how care supports children from infancy to the teen years, when to choose a pediatrician and when to seek care.

Heart Health

Sudden cardiac arrest: How to perform CPR and use an AED

It’s estimated that 436,000 Americans (adults and children) die from sudden cardiac arrest each year. Find out how CPR and AED use can save lives.

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woman spraying mosquito repellent while walking on trail

West Nile virus is in California: 3 ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes

Warmer weather often means mosquitos start showing up, leading to an increase in West Nile virus activity. Find out how to protect against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.

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Young girl smiling as her mother puts sunscreen on her nose while at the beach to protect from skin cancer

Cancer Care

What you should know about melanomas, sunscreen and ways to protect yourself from skin cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. But there are several easy things you can do to protect yourself, including sunscreen. Learn skin cancer warning signs, which sunscreen is best for you and more.

Close-up photo of microplastic pieces resting on the tips of two fingers.

Microplastics: 10 easy ways to reduce your exposure

Microplastics are everywhere — from the food we eat to the air we breathe. So how can you decrease exposure? An expert shares 10 easy ways to reduce plastic in your life.

Family walking on a trail outdoors with grasses during tick season

Why tick season is lasting longer and how to protect yourself

Tick activity is rising as milder winters extend seasons, increasing disease risk. Learn causes, prevention tips, safe removal and when to seek medical care.

Children's Health

How do you know when to seek an autism evaluation for your child?

Autism can often be difficult for parents to detect, partly because autism can show up differently in people. UC Davis MIND Institute experts help parents know when to seek an autism evaluation for their child.

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woman breastfeeding a baby with a man sitting next to her

Children's Health

Breastfeeding benefits, latching tips and more for new parents

Breastfeeding can be a challenging time for new moms. There are many benefits to breastfeeding for both infants and moms. Our lactation specialist answers some questions new parents may have.

man with seasonal allergies rubbing his eyes

How to reduce and treat your seasonal allergy symptoms

Spring can be a tough time for people with seasonal allergies. Our experts explain ways to diagnose allergies and tips to help you manage your seasonal allergies.

Ultrasound Examination of a human Leg in a Medical Setting with a Healthcare Professional Assessing Muscle and Tissue Structure for Diagnostic Purpose

Heart Health

What is a DVT? Symptoms, dangers and when to get help

Deep vein thrombosis is a common, dangerous blood clot that needs recognition, prompt treatment and long-term awareness to prevent complications.

Mother taking her son's temperature with a thermometer as he's sick with a fever

Children's Health

When fevers in children are cause for concern and how you can treat fevers at home

Fevers are common in children. So when should you take your child to see a doctor? And how can parents help their child's fever at home? Our pediatricians have answers for you.

Healthcare provider talking to patient about head and neck cancers

Cancer Care

What is head and neck cancer? Learn about warning signs and ways to treat this disease

Head and neck cancers can show up as sores in your mouth. But there are a lot of other warning signs. Our cancer experts explain what you should know and what treatments are out there.

Surgeon talking to a patient about hip replacement

Signs you’re ready for a hip replacement and what to expect during surgery and recovery

Hip pain can affect your everyday activities, but how do you know if you might need a hip replacement? Our orthopaedic surgeon explains what you should know about this surgery and when to talk to a specialist.

A senior couple enjoying a picnic on a blanket in the woods.

Heart Health

6 lifestyle changes to improve heart health and lower your risk of heart disease

Heart disease remains the top cause of death in the U.S., yet most risk factors can be prevented. These six lifestyle changes can help improve heart health.

Man talking to female health care provider about GLP-1 drugs for weight loss

Could GLP-1 drugs be the key to your weight loss? Learn if they really can help people with obesity

About 1 in 8 Americans have used GLP-1 drugs. So can they help you? How are doctors using them to aid patients in weight loss? We answer your questions about weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound.

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