Gazette Health

STATE COLLEGE — Following a recent report by the state Dept. of Health that measles cases are on the rise, Giant and Martin’s recently announced that MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines are available at its in-store pharmacies. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and unvaccinated individuals. The MMR…

As measles cases continue to increase across Pennsylvania, public health officials are reminding families that vaccination remains the best protection against this highly contagious disease.According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, more than 200 confirmed cases have been reported statewide in 2026 — with 46 new cases reported in just the last week — prompting…

Fiber is a plant-based nutrient that’s important for keeping your body’s digestion running smoothly. Unlike most other carbs, fiber resists digestion in your small intestine, so it travels through your body mostly unchanged. This trait is what makes fiber so beneficial. Some fibers are fermented in the colon, producing short chain fatty acids that support…

Whether your child is joining their first sports team or preparing for another season of competition, a sports physical is an important step in helping them stay healthy and safe. These exams help identify potential health concerns, assess physical readiness and ensure young athletes can participate with confidence. Here is what parents should know about…

Cyclosporiasis is a stomach and intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite known as Cyclospora cayetanensis. This parasite can enter your system through contaminated food or water, often linked to imported produce. Outbreaks in the U.S. often happen during warmer months, but the risk is largely tied to food sources rather than the season itself.…

Learning that your child has a birth defect affecting the face or skull can feel overwhelming. Conditions such as cleft lip, cleft palate and craniosynostosis are among the most common craniofacial birth defects, affecting thousands of babies each year. While these diagnoses can raise concerns about a child’s appearance, development and long-term health, advances in…

A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot or opening in the muscle or tissue that normally holds it in place. Most hernias happen in the abdominal wall, where soft tissue, fat or part of the intestine bulges through the abdominal muscles. Hernias can develop slowly over…

STATE COLLEGE — In June 2026, The Jared Box Project celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter century of delivering smiles and the gift of play to children in hospitals across the country. The Jared Box Project began during Vacation Bible School at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in State College in June 2001.…

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While stress after trauma is normal, PTSD occurs when that stress continues long after the danger has passed and begins to interfere with daily life. Symptoms of PTSD “While symptoms vary from person to person, they…

The temperature outside is predicted to be extremely high this week throughout our region which can be dangerous. To help prepare you for hotter temperatures, here are three ways to stay safe this summer. Apply the Right Type of Sunscreen To ensure adequate protection from the sun’s harmful rays, it is important to apply sunscreen…