By James Cotter, MD, Physician in Charge, Napa Medical Offices

Santa is not the only one who puts on weight eating all those cookies during the holidays. It’s no myth that people pack on the pounds. Most of us have a tendency to overeat–going to holiday parties and enjoying eggnog and festive fare. We load our plates to the brim with all the holiday trimmings—appetizers, baked goods, mashed potatoes, candied yams, ham, stuffing, turkey smothered in gravy, and then loosen our belts to make room for the fruit cake, pumpkin pie, cookies, and other treats.

By: Corinne L. Quinn

On December 1, 2011, people around the world gathered in commemoration of World AIDS Day. This event was designed to increase awareness of the AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) pandemic caused by the spread of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection.

By: Sarah Scher

Over the past few months, Northern California has experienced several earthquakes strong enough to shake residents into scrambling to dust-off their old emergency kits. When one thinks of healthcare, they generally do not conjure up images of natural disasters. Yet there is a steady barrage of media headlines reminding us of the types of disasters or other emergencies that could strike our communities at any time. In fact, a report produced by the Federal Signal 2011 Public Safety Survey, revealed that half of Americans feel they are less safe today than they were prior to the disaster of September 11^th, 2001. This data highlights the importance of recognizing emergency preparedness as a key aspect of general health and public safety.

By: Susan Whalen

During pregnancy, a woman tends to give thought to her health, but the truth is, the best way to have a healthy baby is to think about good health before pregnancy. This idea is called “preconception health,” and refers to the importance of women’s health throughout their lives, especially through their reproductive years.

By: Corinne L. Quinn

November is here. Gradually, the days have become shorter and the weather colder. This signals the beginning of the festive holiday season, which is a time to gather and enjoy wonderful meals and the company of family and friends. With that in mind, it is also good to remember that November is Diabetes Awareness Month.