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.

Learn More

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Prevention starts with Primary Care.

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Recent Posts

Woman using a mirror to check an irregular mole on her shoulder, monitoring skin changes that follow the ABCDE rule.
Cancer
 | 
May 27, 2025
How to Spot Skin Cancer Early: The ABCDE Rule Explained
Learn how to recognize early signs of skin cancer using the ABCDE rule. Know when to see a doctor and protect your skin with expert care from BASS Cancer Center.
A senior male veteran wearing a jacket with visible military USA flag, having his heart checked by a primary care provider.
Community
 | 
May 24, 2025
Honoring Veterans This Memorial Day: Health & Support Resources in Walnut Creek
This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
Man feeling nauseous in the morning, holding his stomach while sitting on the edge of a bed
Gastroenterology
 | 
May 19, 2025
Sick to Your Stomach in the Morning? Possible Causes
Morning nausea isn’t just a pregnancy symptom. Learn common causes like low blood sugar, acid reflux, stress, or medications — and when to see a doctor.
Unhealthy high-sodium foods, including canned soup, mac and cheese, and salad dressing, placed next to a salt shaker to highlight hidden sources of dietary sodium.
Lifestyle
 | 
May 15, 2025
Surprisingly High-Sodium Foods — and Healthier Swaps for a Heart-Healthy Diet
Many common foods are saltier than you think. Learn where hidden sodium lurks, why it matters, and easy swaps to keep your heart healthy.
A woman applying sunscreen on a cloudy day, highlighting the importance of UV protection even when the sun isn’t visible.
Cancer
 | 
May 12, 2025
Can You Get Sunburned on a Cloudy Day? (And Other Sun Protection Myths)
Don’t Let a Cloudy Sky Fool You
A mom in her 30s–50s smiling during a routine doctor’s visit, sitting on an exam table talking with a female provider
OB-GYN
 | 
May 9, 2025
Moms, Don’t Forget to Care for Yourself This Mother’s Day
A Gentle Reminder for the Caregivers
Health Education
 | 
April 27, 2025
Why Did I Suddenly Lose My Sense of Taste or Smell?
Lost your sense of taste or smell without warning? Learn about common causes—from sinus infections to neurological conditions—and when to see a doctor.
A person sneezing into a tissue near blooming flowers, representing seasonal allergies and the search for long-term relief.
Primary Care
 | 
April 25, 2025
Can You Get Rid of Allergies Forever? What the Science Says
Tired of sneezing and watery eyes? Learn whether allergies can go away for good—and the treatments that offer long-term relief.
Primary Care
 | 
April 22, 2025
High Blood Pressure Symptoms: What You Might Be Ignoring
Early Signs of Hypertension
Primary Care
 | 
April 20, 2025
Sinus Infection or Allergies? How to Tell the Difference
Stuffy nose or sinus pain? Learn how to tell if your symptoms are from allergies or a sinus infection—and when to see a BASS Medical Group provider.
Primary Care
 | 
April 18, 2025
Sore Throat When Swallowing? Here's What It Could Mean
Painful swallowing (odynophagia) can be caused by viruses, strep, tonsillitis, allergies/postnasal drip, acid reflux, or mono. Learn when to see a doctor and treatment options.
Gastroenterology
 | 
April 16, 2025
What Your Poop Says About Your Health: A Guide to the Bristol Stool Chart
Wondering if your stool is normal? Learn what the Bristol Stool Chart reveals about your digestive health—and when to see a doctor.