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South Shore Health Blog

Health and wellness information from our experts

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Featured Article

Summer Safety Tips for Kids

From backyard barbecues, beach days and pool parties, to biking, boating, swimming and camping, summer vacation provides plenty of fun activities to keep children busy and entertained. You can also keep them safe by following these summer safety tips.

Summer Safety Tips for Kids

A sprawling poison ivy plant growing in a yard

Preventing Poison Ivy: How to Ditch the Itch this Summer

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.

Preventing Poison Ivy: How to Ditch the Itch this Summer

A female lone star tick crawling on a leaf

What You Need to Know About Alpha-gal Syndrome

Also known as alpha-gal allergy or red meat allergy, alpha-gal syndrome is on the rise in Massachusetts, particularly on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard, where lone star ticks have expanded and become established.

What You Need to Know About Alpha-gal Syndrome

A woman with allergies about to sneeze standing beneath a blooming tree

Six Ways to Alleviate Seasonal Allergies

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.

Six Ways to Alleviate Seasonal Allergies

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Testicular Cancer Awareness: Self-Exams Key for Early Detection, Better Outcomes

While it is less common than other cancers, testicular cancer still affects 1 of every 250 men during their lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates 9,810 new testicular cancer cases will be diagnosed this year and about 630 people will die from the disease.

Testicular Cancer Awareness: Self-Exams Key for Early Detection, Better Outcomes

A reminder to schedule a colonoscopy

First Colonoscopy? Here are the Steps to Prep and What to Expect

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.

First Colonoscopy? Here are the Steps to Prep and What to Expect

Dry January graphic with an empty wine bottle, corks and overturned glasses

Dry January: Eight Health Benefits of Going Alcohol Free

Considering giving Dry January a try in 2026? Amara Mulder, MD, highlights the health benefits you'll see by reducing or eliminating alcohol use, for the month or for good.

Dry January: Eight Health Benefits of Going Alcohol Free

A clinician checks a patient's blood pressure

Get the New Year Off to a Healthy Start

Before turning the calendar to 2026, make prioritizing your health your New Year’s resolution

Get the New Year Off to a Healthy Start

A father checks his young son's bike helmet before he goes for a bike ride.

Play it Safe When Giving Toys this Holiday Season

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, many of us are busily working through wish lists, hoping to find the perfect present for the children in our lives. Safety should come first when choosing toys for kids – at holiday time and throughout the year.

Play it Safe When Giving Toys this Holiday Season

A woman works on planning a healthy diet

Managing Diabetes Can Help Prevent Health Problems

November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about the chronic condition affecting more than 38 million people in the U.S. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled in the past two decades.

Managing Diabetes Can Help Prevent Health Problems