More than 2.7 million Americans live with a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib). This serious condition can lead to blood clots, causing heart attacks or strokes. Dr. Andrea Cooley, a cardiothoracic surgeon at UT Health Tyler, confronts this condition daily in the hospital and has been performing the most advanced procedures to help those…

As many of us try to fulfill our New Year’s resolution to reach and maintain a healthy weight, we face a food culture that makes it difficult to limit processed foods and choose appropriate portions of healthy foods. This same food obsessed culture is also obsessed with appearance; creating a perfect storm for eating disorders.…

Bob Robinson and his wife, Sherry, moved backed to East Texas and now enjoy spending time at their lake house and with their 6-year-old grandson. However, in 2010, Bob started to feel extremely fatigued and overall less-than stellar, which led him to speak to his primary care physician. The results came back, giving him a…

The health of your heart can be affected negatively by several factors, including birth defects, high blood pressure or simply aging. One issue that is caused by both birth defects and aging is aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening. This condition restricts the blood flow from the left ventricle…

Last year, at age 68, Steve Skommesa and his wife, Susan, relocated to East Texas. They did all the normal things you do when you move like forward your mail, meet the neighbors and find the closest grocery store, but he also set up an appointment with his new UT Health primary care physician’s assistant, Tony…

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects 1.5 million people in the United States. It affects more women than men and it’s commonly seen from ages 30 to 60. This type of arthritis can start with seemingly small symptoms such as tenderness, swelling and/or redness in the joints, but can lead to deforming and…

When the conversation of weight is brought up, it’s not always as straightforward as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18-25 kg/m2. Instead, it’s more important to find a point where a person’s weight isn’t having a negative impact on his or her health. “Studies have shown that a 5-10 percent weight reduction can…

Influenza seems like it hits around autumn and winter every year, but this virus can be found year-round. Flu season refers to the time between December and February when flu activity is at its peak. The unpredictability and complications that can arise from catching the flu make it essential to protect yourself from the virus.…