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What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a speech and communication disorder that is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that store language. Although this disorder is relatively uncommon, it can be caused by stroke, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and brain tumors. People affected with aphasia do not have lower levels of intelligence, but have only

Your Weekly Dose of Health June 5, 2015

Today was the application deadline for groups interested in being selected as one of New York State’s five registered medical marijuana manufacturers/dispensers. An EPA study finding no proof that hydrofracking causes significant pollution has led to calls for New York State to revisit its six month old ban.  The DEC has no plans to do

The Ultimate Survivors

June 7th is National Cancer Survivors Day. This day celebrates the lives of those affected by cancer including those who are currently undergoing treatment, as well as those who have won their battle against cancer. A study conducted in 2012 concluded that there were more than 13 million cancer survivors living in the United States.

Your Weekly Dose of Health May 29th

An Urban Institute analysis shows that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is having a positive effect on health insurance coverage.  The ACA has meant that 9.4 million families are having an easier time paying for medical care, according to the Urban Institute. The Supreme Court is due to rule in a few weeks on whether

Should You Go Gluten Free?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects between two and three million Americans. For people with this disorder, gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley, cause their body to launch an immune response that attacks the small intestine. Celiac disease can occur at any age after eating or ingesting products that contain gluten.

Your Weekly Dose of Health May 22, 2015

New York City’s Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is facing huge deficits, which could hit $1.5 billion before 2020.  Although the city council is certainly concerned, it is not clear what can be done.  Most ideas aimed at cutting costs are unpopular, as is privatizing services. This week NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio nominated three

Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and affects about 5 million people in the United States each year. Skin cancer is so common that there are more new cases each year than breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancer combined. The three different types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell

Your Weekly Dose of Health May 15th, 2015

The State Department of Health (DOH) today extended the deadline for applications for potential medical marijuana dispensers and manufacturers.  The deadline to apply is now June 5th. Assembly Member Gottfried, the Health Committee Chair, introduced a bill to expand the number of ailments treatable under the medical marijuana regulations. This week the DOH released its long awaited review on hydrofracking.  The

Women’s Wellness

Women’s health issues are complex and unique to men because their bodies endure different changes. These distinct health issues come with pregnancy, menopause, and other conditions of the female organs. The most important step that women can take to remain healthy is by getting preventative health screenings. Screenings help with early detection, which often make

Your Weekly Dose of Health May 8, 2015

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio released his $78.3 billion Fiscal Year 2016 Executive Budget.  It includes $54 million in spending to improve the city’s mental health services.  This has been a major campaign for First Lady Chirlane McCray. Capital New York details investment in a healthcare program called the State Health Information Network