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UPMC Outpatient Rehab team helps stroke patient reclaim independence

COGAN STATION — When Jim Lakatos, Cogan Station, looks back on the night his life changed, the details remain unclear. “I don’t remember much,” he said. “I live alone. I was cooking dinner, and all of a sudden, I passed out. That’s all I remember.” Lakatos, an electrical ...

Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate

People with darker complexions aren’t at risk for skin cancer, right? Not so fast. People of all skin tones can and do get skin cancer. It’s true if you have darker skin, you have more melanin or natural pigments than people with lighter skin and, therefore, a lower risk of skin cancer. ...

Stay on track with your meds: refills, renewals and expiration tips

By ROSS CODER Have you ever considered the difference between renewal and a refill of a prescription? Or whether prescription expiration dates truly matter — and if it’s ever safe to take expired medicine? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you avoid gaps in treatment, ...

What to know about hantavirus, the illness linked to a cruise ship outbreak

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An outbreak aboard a cruise ship of a rare rodent-borne illness called hantavirus has left three passengers dead and sickened others, but global health officials say the risk to the general public remains low because the germ does not easily spread between people. “This is not the next COVID, but it is a serious infectious disease,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness at the World Health Organization. “Most people will never be exposed to this.” The virus usually spreads when people inhale contaminated residue of ...

Tick safety tips everyone should know

Ticks are small parasites that feed on blood from humans and animals. They thrive in grassy, wooded and shaded areas. Some ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease through bites, which can affect both people and pets. Ticks usually crawl onto skin or clothing from low-growing vegetation. ...