Personal Medicine of Rochester

09/25/2025

Packing lunch can be a smart way to eat healthier and save money. But if that lunch isn’t stored the right way, it might not be safe to eat by the time lunchtime rolls around. Warm temperatures, moisture and even how you handle food before it goes into the bag can all raise the risk of food borne illness.

Luckily, there are easy ways to prevent packed lunches from making you sick. Just follow these simple tips to help keep foods safe to eat, whether you’re bringing food to work or sending lunch to school with your child:

Follow these easy tips for keeping food from making you sick.

09/22/2025

If you’ve ever gone for a walk wearing a backpack or carrying hand weights, you’ve already done a version of a weighted walk. This type of workout is becoming increasingly more popular lately, and for good reason. There’s not much you need to learn or spend money on to do a weighted walk, but it offers some added benefits to regular walking.

Here are answers to common questions about what a weighted walk is, why people are doing it and what you need to keep in mind before giving it a try:

Here are answers to common questions about this increasingly popular workout.

09/19/2025

The end of the year can sneak up fast, and it’s easy to push aside things like going to the doctor when schedules get busy. But if you’ve met your deductible or have health benefits that reset in January, it makes sense to schedule any needed appointments or procedures now so you can get them in before the year ends. Doing so not only helps to keep you healthier, but it can also save you money.

Here are some appointments to make now so you can get on the schedule before January rolls around:

Schedule these visits to stay healthier while making the most of your insurance benefits.

09/17/2025

What happens during menopause?

Menopause usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can start earlier or later. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, and throughout this time, your body starts producing less estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal shift can cause several physical and mental symptoms, including:

Menopause brain may be a common symptom of this life stage. Here’s why and what can help.

09/15/2025

As we age, staying steady on our feet becomes more important than ever. Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults and can lead to broken bones, hospital stays and the loss of independence. In fact, one in four adults over age 65 falls each year and some people don’t recover fully, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But luckily, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling.

Being physically active is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of falls, helping you stay stronger and healthier while improving the likelihood that you can maintain your independence. Even a few minutes of exercise a day can make a difference.

7 Exercises to Lower Fall Risk:

Improve your balance, strength and flexibility with these exercises you can do at home.

09/12/2025

The expression, “Just think positive,” might sound like a simple saying designed to make people feel better when times are tough, but science shows that positive thinking can actually have a positive impact on your health. Thinking about things with a positive spin isn’t about ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about focusing on what you can control, being hopeful about the future and finding silver linings in difficult situations.

Here are 7 ways that positive thinking may help your physical and mental health:

09/10/2025

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a type of irregular heartbeat that may make your heart feel like it’s fluttering, racing or skipping beats. Sometimes you might feel tired or dizzy. Other times, you may not notice anything at all. But even if you feel fine, AFib can raise your risk for serious health problems like stroke, blood clots and heart failure. That’s why it’s important to take it seriously and work with your doctor to manage it.

Whether you think you might have AFib or you have already been diagnosed with the condition, here are some things to do to stay healthier:

Take these steps to avoid potential complications if you have atrial fibrillation.

09/08/2025

Peripheral artery disease, also referred to as PAD, happens when the arteries in your legs (or less commonly, in your arms) become narrowed or blocked. This makes it harder for blood to flow, especially to your lower body.

PAD is more common as people get older. You’re also more likely to get PAD if you smoke or have diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of the condition. Many people with PAD don’t know they have it, however, because symptoms can be easy to ignore or mistake for something else.

Here are 7 of the most common signs of PAD:

Don’t ignore these symptoms that may indicate a problem with the circulation in your legs.

09/05/2025

When something feels off “down there,” it can be tempting to ignore it and hope it goes away. But for men, symptoms like trouble peeing, pain in the groin or blood in the urine can point to an issue that needs to be addressed by a urologist.

A urologist is a doctor who specializes in urinary tract health and male reproductive issues. Some problems are harmless or are easily treated. Others can be serious if left alone. Either way, it’s important to bring any of the following symptoms to the attention of a urologist:

If you have these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Seeing a urologist can help.

09/03/2025

Many people experience annoying but relatively minor symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain or changes in appetite or bathroom habits from time to time. If they occur, you may think it’s due to something you ate or a gastrointestinal issue. But in some cases, the symptoms you’re experiencing could be early warning signs of ovarian cancer if you’re a woman.

Ovarian cancer is sometimes called a “silent” cancer because noticeable symptoms often don’t appear until the cancer has already spread. When symptoms do occur, they can be vague, seem like they’re not that serious or may be attributed to other common health issues. That’s why ovarian cancer usually isn’t diagnosed until it’s at a later stage, when it’s harder to treat.

Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

Ovarian cancer signs can be hard to notice, so here’s how to know when to get screened.

08/29/2025

This healthy broccoli salad is packed with crunch from toasted almonds and shredded carrots, and a tasty natural sweetness from raisins. Crispy bacon adds smoky flavor, and it’s all mixed in a creamy, tangy yogurt dressing. It’s easy to make in 35 minutes and it’s a perfect side dish for lunch, dinner, or a party.

This healthy broccoli salad is packed with crunch from toasted almonds and shredded carrots, and a tasty natural sweetness from raisins. Crispy bacon adds smoky flavor, and it’s all mixed in a creamy, tangy yogurt dressing. It’s easy to make in 35 minutes and it’s a perfect side dish for lunch...

08/27/2025

Measles and other diseases that most people thought were no longer a concern have been making a comeback and there have been recent outbreaks around the country. As a parent, that may have you worried about what happens if your vaccinated child is around someone who has one of these contagious viruses.

If you’re concerned about the measles outbreak, here’s what to do if your vaccinated child is exposed:

Concerned about the measles outbreak? Here’s what to do if your vaccinated child is exposed.