July is the hottest month of the year in Massachusetts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S., killing more than 700 people every year.

Spring is here and the budding plants, trees and flowers will soon be in full bloom. So too will the seasonal allergies that affect an estimated 81 million Americans. But there are things you can do to alleviate the sneezing, coughing, congestion and itchy eyes. Allergy specialists recommend the following tips to suppress seasonal allergies.

Now that the warm weather and longer days have arrived, many of us are itching to go enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re taking a hike, camping out, or getting the yardwork done, there’s one particular plant you should always try to avoid – poison ivy. Learn how to spot the plant that causes itchy rashes, how to soothe your skin, and when to seek medical attention.

While there has been a decline in colorectal cancer death rates in older adults for several decades, in people under age 50, colorectal cancer death rates have been on the rise since the mid-2000s, increasing by 2.4% annually. Mandeep Saund, MD, discusses risk factors, symptoms, treatments and the importance of screening in the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer.

Your primary care provider has recommended you have your first colonoscopy. Mandeep Saund, MD answers frequently asked questions and explains why colorectal screening is so important for the prevention and early detection of cancer.