Why It’s Important for Children to Get the HPV Vaccine

a mother talks with her daughter outdoors
If you could vaccinate your child to prevent cancer, you would, right? That’s exactly what the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offers. I spoke to Independence Medical Director and board-certified pediatrician Dr. Anna Baldino about the lifesaving HPV vaccine, which has the power to prevent nearly 40,000 cancers a year in the U.S.

Why get the HPV vaccine for your child?

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Bring on the Nostalgia, Bring on the Joy

A hand holds a vintage photograph of a boy on a bicycle in front of a Christmas tree.
Not all traditions happen on purpose. Some happen by accident and some develop over time. When I was nine years old, my parents bought a stereo system, complete with a five-disc CD changer, just in time for Christmas. Two of the first albums they purchased were Johnny Mathis’ Merry Christmas and Bing Crosby’s White Christmas....
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How to Protect Children From Lead Poisoning

Paint peeling on an old windowsill
We assume our homes are safe, but something you can’t see or smell may be hurting your child or grandchild. This hidden danger is lead, a toxic metal that can build up in the body over time and cause serious health problems. There are several ways children can be exposed to lead, including contaminated dust and soil around a home or day care center....
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Staying Healthy on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Someone getting hand sanitizer from a dispenser
December is a month of heavy travel for many people. Whether you’re heading south to someplace warmer, visiting the in-laws for a holiday celebration, or embarking on international travel, you may be spending time on public transportation, surrounded by crowds of people, or in public venues such as rest stops, train stations, or airports. Unfortunately, this travel also coincides with cold and flu season,...
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CPR Ready Helps Local Running Group Prepare for Cardiac Emergencies

Penn Medicine’s Mobile CPR Project leads training at The Running Place in Newton Square, PA, Pennsylvania
Penn Medicine’s Mobile CPR Project leads training at The Running Place in Newtown Square, PA, Pennsylvania. Running groups offer support in reaching health goals Whether you’re a marathon runner or have yet to run a 5k, a group can motivate you to stay active. Ken Taylor is a lifelong runner and educator....
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Food vs. Food: Are Organic Fruits and Veggies Better?

A couple watches their young daughter choose a pepper from the produce section of a market.
Like all parents, my husband and I want the very best for our child. We’re not perfect, but we strive to make the best, informed decisions when it comes to our daughter. But one thing we can’t agree on: bananas! It causes a kerfuffle in the produce aisle each time we shop. So why do bananas drive us bananas?...
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Make This the Year You Quit Smoking

A nicotine patch being applied to an arm
Chris Guerrieri, a graphic designer at Independence Blue Cross, had been a two-pack-a-day smoker for ten years. He felt exhausted, sick, and older than his 33 years. He was tired of using nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine as a crutch, and was ready to change his life. Chris had tried to quit before — the gum, the patch — but nothing worked....
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Facing Alzheimer’s Disease as a Patient or Caregiver

An elderly man listens to a younger man on the couch
Even if you don’t currently know someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s likely that you will eventually. Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 6 million Americans, and that number is projected to rise as the population ages. Did you know that… Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. It’s also the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot be prevented,...
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Winter Wellness: Six Tips for Staying Healthy in the Cold Weather Season

A man and woman stretch before a workout in the snow
The end of the year can be a busy time for many of us. On top of that, the seasons are changing (winter officially begins on December 21), which can affect your physical and mental health. But you can’t forget to take care of yourself! With shorter days and colder weather on the horizon, it’s important to maintain healthy habits....
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Beating Cancer as a Family: An IBX Associate’s Story

Melissa Matyas and her son Nicholas, smiling
Nicholas and Melissa Matyas. No parent ever expects to hear the words “your child has cancer” and to say that our world came to a crashing halt one day in March 2018 is an understatement. My son Nicholas, then 13, had lost more than 20 pounds over the course of 18 months....
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