It's flu season once again and we have already seen the virus surface here in Denver. While it's a little early to talk about how severe the flu season is going to be this year, we can address one of the most common questions we get from our Denver Health patients this time of year: "How Do I know if I Have the Flu vs. A Cold?"

Information for Parents on World Diabetes Day 

At Denver Health, we are proud to care for adolescents at multiple facilities throughout our system: including at the main hospital, family health centers and our school-based health centers. Two of the most common questions we receive from parents as their young people start maturing are:

Weight-loss surgery, medically known as bariatric surgery, has been proven as an effective way to help patients find a new lease on life. It is recommended to those who weigh more than 100 pounds over their ideal body weight or those who are considered severely obese with a medical complication, such as Type 2 diabetes (aka adult onset diabetes).

With summer now winding down – we can reflect on the memories of having fun: water slides at Elitch Gardens, basketball and kickball in the park, riding bikes and scooters around town and skateboarding. Every once in a while during those activities, you may twist an ankle or fall on an arm, which leads to a broken bone. As a doctor in Denver Health's Adult Urgent Care Center, I treat broken bones every day, year round – not just during the summer time.

After a long summer of lazy days and not-so-strict bedtimes, no homework and not having to pack lunches, going back to school can be a stressful time for both families and their students! Staying healthy is a major factor in a student's success at school, so here is a short checklist of what every family should talk about now that school is back in session.

“Relax!” “Calm down!” “Chill out!”

When you are stressed out, and you hear these words from co-workers, friends or family, have you ever noticed that they often do not have the intended effect? Your emotional experiences may stick around – whether they are anxiety, stress or irritability. You may even notice the opposite response when you attempt to “force” relaxation – you may become more tense, nervous or internally unsettled. While our intuition may tell us we need to do something to calm down, to suppress or avoid that internal experience – perhaps there is a better option.

August is National Breastfeeding Month

Did you know that each August, the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from August 1-7, and that August is National Breastfeeding Month in the United States? All month long, attention is drawn to the importance of breastfeeding and the continued need to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

This is MyChart Week at Denver Health, and all week long, we are helping our patients (with free giveaways) sign up for the free, easy-to-use mobile and desktop app. MyChart helps you take charge of your own health care by letting you schedule and change a doctor's appointment, talk to your doctor and refill your prescriptions, all from your phone, tablet or computer – anytime, anywhere.

Blue skies and sunshine are standards of living in Denver. Biking down your favorite mountain or relaxing in one of the parks is a big perk of summer in our state, but this can also mean dangerous sun and heat exposures, especially during the middle part of the day when the sun is the strongest. With the temperature set to hit 100 degrees this week, it is time to be aware of heat dangers and how to protect yourself and your family.

Heat Rash and Sunburn Symptoms

Effects from the heat range from mild to severe. On the mild end of the spectrum is heat rash.