BASS Health & Medicine Blog

Medical expertise, health tips, and wellness advice from Northern California’s top specialists.
A person adds a packet of sugar-free sweetener into coffee — illustrating mindful sugar substitute use for diabetes management.
Lifestyle

Are Sugar-Free Sweeteners Really Safe for Diabetics?

Sugar-free doesn’t always mean risk-free — here’s what you should know about artificial sweeteners and blood-sugar control.

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Prevention starts with Primary Care.

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Recent Posts

older man suffering signs of a heart attack with a gurney coming into view.
Health Education
 | 
June 17, 2021
Coronary Heart Disease: Signs Your Cholesterol Levels Are Too High
High cholesterol is the leading risk factor for coronary heart disease. Learn how to recognize the danger signs and lower your risk of heart attack.
Health Education
 | 
June 10, 2021
Bleeding Between Periods: The Main Symptom Behind 3 Serious Conditions
Intermenstrual bleeding is common—but in some cases, it may signal a more serious issue. Learn when to speak with your doctor and what to watch for.
Health Education
 | 
June 3, 2021
Pelvic Pain in Women: 5 Common Causes and What to Do
From menstrual cramps to reproductive cancer, pelvic pain can have many causes. Here's how to recognize what's normal—and when it might not be.
person declining a glass of alcohol, which is known to increase cancer risk.
Breast Cancer
 | 
May 14, 2021
How Alcohol Affects Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Even light drinking can increase your breast cancer risk. Here’s what the research shows and how you can take steps to protect your health.
Doctor examining a patient's shoulder for skin cancer.
Cancer
 | 
May 10, 2021
Skin Cancer Symptoms: Early Warning Signs to Watch For
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer. Early detection can save your life—here’s what to look for.
doctor holding blood vials to test for blood poisoning, also known as septicemia.
Health Education
 | 
May 3, 2021
Septicemia: What Are the Symptoms of Blood Poisoning?
Know the warning signs of septicemia (blood poisoning) and when to seek emergency care
Woman in a gown with a mammogram.
Breast Cancer
 | 
April 30, 2021
Screening for Breast Cancer When You Have Implants: What You Should Know
Learn how breast cancer screening works if you have implants, including which imaging options offer the clearest and safest results.
Diagram of a uterus with a fibroid.
Health Education
 | 
April 28, 2021
PCOS Symptoms & Treatment: How to Overcome Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome is common—but manageable. Learn what causes PCOS, how to relieve symptoms, and what treatments can help.
heart illustration with an EKG line.
Health Education
 | 
April 21, 2021
5 Early Signs You May Have Heart Disease
Know the Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late
diverse group of women wearing pink for breast cancer awareness.
Breast Cancer
 | 
April 19, 2021
5 Signs of Good Breast Health and What They Mean
Understanding what healthy breasts look and feel like can help you stay on top of your breast health and detect changes early.
older athlete running on a track with severe knee pain, possibly due to osteoporosis.
Health Tips
 | 
April 7, 2021
How to Spot the Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis
Recognizing Bone Loss Early Can Help Prevent Serious Fractures
older person struggling to put together a brain puzzle symbolizing memory loss and dementia.
Vascular
 | 
April 5, 2021
Memory Loss from Poor Blood Flow? What You Should Know About Vascular Dementia
Your brain and heart are more connected than you think—especially when it comes to dementia risk.
illustration of a woman holding a pillow against her stomach due to cramps.
OB-GYN
 | 
March 29, 2021
Are Cramps a Sign of Endometriosis? Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for this Chronic Disorder
Breast Cancer
 | 
March 24, 2021
Is Chemotherapy Necessary Before or After a Mastectomy?
Learn how neoadjuvant chemotherapy and post-surgery treatment can impact your breast cancer outcome and when each approach is most effective.
doctor examining a patient's breast for lumps they saw on the mammogram scan.
Breast Cancer
 | 
February 24, 2021
What Type of Mastectomy Is Right for You?
Understanding Your Mastectomy Options
illustration of a heart with an EKG.
Health Tips
 | 
February 23, 2021
Health Conditions and Habits That Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease
Learn which risk factors—both lifestyle and medical—could be putting your heart health in danger and what you can do to prevent it.