8 Ways to Prep Your Body for Pregnancy
When you’re ready to become a mom, get your body in the best possible shape to conceive and carry a child.
How to Cope with Infertility Treatment
Infertility often causes major stress for both partners, but mindfulness can help you handle the challenges and reclaim your life.
8 Ways to Boost Men's Fertility
The healthier you live now, the better your odds of getting your partner pregnant and becoming a dad.
Is Egg Freezing Right for You?
Freezing eggs can extend your fertility window, but there are drawbacks and uncertainties to consider.
Featured Articles
![Woman Talking To Doctor](/images/health-topics/sexual-health/Woman-Talking-To-Doctor-280x150.jpg)
Is Egg Freezing Right for You?
Egg freezing can extend fertility, but first weigh the drawbacks and unknowns.
![Older man doing push ups outside on the grass](/images/health-topics/fitness/older-man-doing-push-up-outside-280x150.jpg)
Male Testosterone Loss
Decreases in male hormones can impact a man’s quality of life and health. Here’s when and how to treat.
![Woman with dog](/images/people/women/woman-and-dog-280x150.jpg)
10 Simple Ways to Cope with Stress
To improve your health, learn how to identify and deal with everyday stress.
Ask an Expert
Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
At what age should I have a pneumonia vaccination? Thank you!
The pneumonia vaccine helps protect you from S. pneumoniae, a bacterial germ that causes serious lung infections like pneumonia as well as blood infections and meningitis. It protects you from the most common t... continue reading about At what age should I have a pneumonia vaccination? Thank you!
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I can't tell if my son (age 14) is just being a teenager or if his symptoms might be early signs of a mental health problem. He's not doing as well in school, is overly sensitive to comments, sleeping more, and binging on junk food.
You are correct, in framing your question, to suggest that the vicissitudes of normal teenage development can often appear as emotional or behavioral problems. Adolescence is a period of development when young ... continue reading about I can't tell if my son (age 14) is just being a teenager or if his symptoms might be early signs of a mental health problem. He's not doing as well in school, is overly sensitive to comments, sleeping more, and binging on junk food.
Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
There are a ton of antimicrobial clothing and footwear options available right now. Is it good for my body to be encased in something that is antimicrobial? I've read a lot about a healthy microbiome.
Say "no thanks" and save your money. Common antibacterial agents like silver, triclosan, and trichlorocarban are found in germ- and odor-killing clothes and shoes. Researchers with the Swedish Chemical Agency f... continue reading about There are a ton of antimicrobial clothing and footwear options available right now. Is it good for my body to be encased in something that is antimicrobial? I've read a lot about a healthy microbiome.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.
Although the Mirena IUD is an excellent method for contraception, control of menstrual bleeding, and cramping with periods, in some women it is not well tolerated. Since you have quite clearly identified your p... continue reading about I'm female (36) with a Mirena IUD. I have lower abdominal pains that feel like my uterus is being squeezed. It's worse after my period or intense orgasms. My IUD was checked and it's in the correct place.
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Eden Medical Center
I've been taking statins to lower my cholesterol for years. Most leave me extremely fatigued and even foggy in my thinking. Is this a known side effect of statins? Are some statins less likely to cause these side effects? What about Crestor?
Statin drugs (including Crestor) have been credited with the declining incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, they do have recognized side effects, particularly when taken over a long period of time, as ... continue reading about I've been taking statins to lower my cholesterol for years. Most leave me extremely fatigued and even foggy in my thinking. Is this a known side effect of statins? Are some statins less likely to cause these side effects? What about Crestor?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
So many frozen fish entrees consist of pollock. How nutritional is this fish compared to cod, salmon, tuna, etc.?
Almost everybody eats Alaska Pollock but hardly anybody knows what they are eating. Alaska Pollock is known as the fish that doesn't get any respect. Pollock is the preferred fish of many restaurants, taquerias... continue reading about So many frozen fish entrees consist of pollock. How nutritional is this fish compared to cod, salmon, tuna, etc.?
C. Scott Walthour, M.D.
Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
I had an X-ray and MRI on my right knee for severe pain. The radiologist said there was an ACL tear, but my doctor attributed it to arthritis. I don't have swelling and the pain is intermittent. If it were arthritis, wouldn't I have other symptoms?
This is a complicated question, so I'll try to break it down into two issues.First, let's talk about the ACL tear diagnosis. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main stabilizers of the knee.... continue reading about I had an X-ray and MRI on my right knee for severe pain. The radiologist said there was an ACL tear, but my doctor attributed it to arthritis. I don't have swelling and the pain is intermittent. If it were arthritis, wouldn't I have other symptoms?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
I heard about “bulletproof coffee” – adding butter or another fat into your morning coffee. Are there really benefits?
The "bulletproof coffee" trend is a new fad, and presented as a way to gain energy, stay mentally sharp, avoid morning hunger AND lose weight. However, there is no scientific merit to the claims being made. The... continue reading about I heard about “bulletproof coffee” – adding butter or another fat into your morning coffee. Are there really benefits?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
It's hard for me to follow a conversation when two or more people talk at once. I'm a 48-year-old woman who has had no hearing problems in the past. Should I be concerned?
Hearing loss is often the main culprit with concerns about communication difficulties. Communication is the ability to hear, listen and respond to others appropriately. In order to hear, the auditory system (ou... continue reading about It's hard for me to follow a conversation when two or more people talk at once. I'm a 48-year-old woman who has had no hearing problems in the past. Should I be concerned?
More Resources
![View Sutter's full resource library](/images/icons/medical-library-80x80.png)
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
![View information for Sutter Health Patients](/images/icons/patient-record-80x80.png)
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
![Tools and Quizzes](/images/icons/tools-quizzes-80x80.png)
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.