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South Shore Health Blog

Health and wellness information from our experts

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Featured Article

Six Things to Know About Breast Cancer Care

Ko Un Clara Park, MD, a breast surgical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center at South Shore Health answers questions about risk factors, symptoms and the advancements in detection and treatment changing the course of breast cancer care.

Six Things to Know About Breast Cancer Care

Child being given a flu shot by a nurse

Vaccines Arm Us for Respiratory Virus Season

Respiratory virus season is on the way and illnesses like influenza, COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and pneumonia will soon be circulating again. Todd Ellerin, MD provides updated vaccine guidance and shares other preventative steps you can take to stay well this season.

Vaccines Arm Us for Respiratory Virus Season

A Black woman kisses her son after dropping him off at college

Ten Health Tips for College-Bound Kids

Whether they are just starting freshman year, or heading back to campus as an upper classman, it’s important to have a plan for your student’s health care while at college.

Ten Health Tips for College-Bound Kids

Happy child wearing sunscreen

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