Primary Care in Rochester and Kasson

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you've had chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in your body's nerve tissue for years when suddenly it's triggered by stress or a weakened immune system, and manifests as shingles. A new shingles vaccine called Shingrix is recommended for anyone over 50. It helps prevent the disease and reduces the severity of symptoms. 

Since babies don't come into the world immune from most illnesses, their first few rounds of vaccinations are critical. Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases specialist, says the "D" in "DTaP" stands for diphtheria. 

Worldwide, 1 in 3 women over age 50 will experience a bone fracture due to osteoporosis, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. But it's not just women, as 1 in 5 men over age 50 also will have the same issue.

Research shows proper sleep is essential for good health. Dr. Virend Somers is a cardiologist who studies sleep because sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, are associated with issues that affect the heart. Other symptoms of a sleep disorder include daytime sleepiness, irritability, obesity, erectile dysfunction, depression and certain heart-related conditions.