Dr. Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs

Did you know that the term “dog days of summer” actually has nothing to do with canines? Jon Katz, author of Dog Days says it actually goes back to the Romans belief that Sirius, the brightest star in the “big dog” constellation rose with the sun to create great days of heat.

The American Academy of Dermatology states the rash people develop after coming in contact with poison ivy is caused by an oil found in the plants called urushiol. The itching and blistering typically starts 12-72 hours after coming in contact with oil.

In the summer, many of us try to find a way to be in or near the water. Kids are taking swimming lessons and going to pool parties. Families spend weeks at the beach. Unfortunately, we can bring home an unfortunate souvenir from these outings: swimmer's ear.

As the temperatures rise and the sun’s rays intensify, it’s important to be aware that certain medications can make you more vulnerable to the adverse effects of heat and UV light.

John Adams wrote his wife, Abigail that July 4th “ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more children ages 1–4 die from drowning than from any other cause of death.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that sunburn accelerates skin aging and is a leading cause in the majority of cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

In horror movies, tarantulas and black widow spiders made frequent appearances, but it’s the brown recluse that gives me a real-life jump scare.

This is the time of year many people talk about memories being created: summer picnics, vacations, and reunions. However, it’s also a time of year to think about memory loss. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

College students are gaining weight. The phenomenon is so prevalent that it is known as the “Freshman Fifteen”. While, according to a study in the College Student Journal, freshmen do not gain fifteen pounds, they do gain between three and five pounds in one year.