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Local Vitals

Your source for St. Petersburg's health and medical news, provided by local experts.

100 articles published • Page 2 of 9

What Every Adult Should Know About Shingles

What Every Adult Should Know About Shingles

If you've had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles is already in your body. Learn how shingles develops, recognize the warning signs, understand the risk of complications like postherpetic neuralgia, and discover how vaccination can protect you.

How Alcohol Affects Your Body After 50

How Alcohol Affects Your Body After 50

The same amount of alcohol hits harder after 50 due to body composition changes and slower metabolism. Learn how aging affects alcohol processing, dangerous medication interactions, health risks specific to older adults, and how to make informed decisions about drinking.

Osteoporosis: Building Stronger Bones at Any Age

Osteoporosis: Building Stronger Bones at Any Age

Osteoporosis silently weakens bones until a fracture occurs. Learn who's at risk, how bone density is measured, and evidence-based strategies for building and maintaining strong bones through nutrition, exercise, and medication when needed.

IBS vs. IBD: Understanding the Difference

IBS vs. IBD: Understanding the Difference

IBS and IBD are often confused, but they're fundamentally different conditions. Learn how to distinguish between irritable bowel syndrome (a functional disorder) and inflammatory bowel disease (which causes intestinal damage), and understand why accurate diagnosis matters.