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Regaining bladder control is possible thanks to various treatment options. Urinary incontinence is a common experience for many women, especially after age 50, during pregnancy and after giving birth. However, there is no need to suffer through it. “There is almost always something we can do to help improve your urinary symptoms and ultimately improve your quality of life as a result,” says Mitchell Goldenberg, MD, a urologist with USC Urology, part of Keck Medicine of USC, who sees patients at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Cause of urinary incontinence in women Dr. Goldenberg treats two types of urinary incontinence often.

Learn about the signs of high blood pressure and how to manage hypertension. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. It’s estimated that nearly half of adults have high blood pressure, and only one in four have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Without proper management, high blood pressure can significantly increase a patient’s risk for serious conditions, including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. That’s why experts like Jennifer Boozer, DO, a family medicine physician at Keck Medicine of USC, who

Regular screening helps women prevent cervical cancer. A regular pap smear is the best way a woman can avoid cervical cancer. The simple screening identifies abnormal cell changes and checks for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted infection. “More than 80% of men and women will have HPV in their lifetime,” says Carmen Cueto, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist who provides services at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, part of Keck Medicine of USC. “With appropriate screening, we can reduce the risk of HPV progressing into cervical cancer.” What is a pap smear? A pap smear test

For managing uncomfortable acid reflux symptoms, a GI specialist says lifestyle and dietary changes are usually the best solution. Nearly everyone experiences acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn and nausea at some point. Bing Zhang, MD, a gastroenterologist who provides services at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, part of Keck Medicine of USC, says acid reflux is one of the most common issues he addresses with patients. Additionally, the American College of Gastroenterology estimates 1 in 5 Americans has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Luckily, most people who experience acid reflux can manage symptoms largely with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. Acid

Actions to take if an adult is choking, a child is choking – or you are choking. When someone is choking, it’s important to act quickly to ensure they get the help they need. “Choking is really scary regardless of how old you are,” says Shake Ovasapyan, NP-C, an advanced practice provider who treats patients in the emergency department at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC-VHH). She explains the different steps to take depending on whether the choking victim is an adult or small child  and what to do if you are the one choking and there’s no one around to

What should you do if you experience pelvic pain symptoms? Pelvic pain is a common problem affecting women and men. Pain in the pelvic area typically stems from the reproductive, urinary, digestive or musculoskeletal systems. Patients often describe the pain as a stabbing or cramping sensation. However, pelvic pain can be tricky to diagnose as the causes and symptoms of pelvic pain can vary widely. “Pelvic pain can come in many shapes and forms,” says Mitchell Goldenberg, MD, a urologist with USC Urology, part of Keck Medicine of USC, who sees patients at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC-VHH). “We have

Learning about common stroke symptoms will empower you to recognize a stroke — in yourself or someone else — and get help without delay. Stroke prevents blood flow to surrounding areas in the brain, which can result in debilitating or even fatal brain damage. In fact, stroke is a leading cause of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. The best way to increase the odds of surviving a stroke and recovery from stroke is to quickly identify stroke symptoms and get immediate help. Here are five key warning signs of a stroke to remember. 1. Sudden,

Does a weight loss diet promising quick results sound too good to be true? Here’s what to know about a fad diet. It’s easy to feel pressure to look a certain way, and a diet that promises remarkable results in a short amount of time can sound alluring. However, fad diets are not sustainable in the long term and can wreak havoc on our body’s natural systems. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Jen Hathwell, MS, RD, a registered dietitian at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, says there are common red flags associated with fad

Did you know heart disease affects women differently than men? Find out your risk factors and how to recognize the symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, but they still tend to be underdiagnosed. “There is still a lack of awareness about women’s unique risk factors and symptoms, and more women than men die each year from heart disease,” says Dr. Helga Van Herle, a cardiologist who practices at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Historically, not enough women have been included in heart disease research, experts note.