BASS Health & Medicine Blog

Medical expertise, health tips, and wellness advice from Northern California’s top specialists.
Person holding their forehead in discomfort on a rainy California day, showing sinus headache triggered by cold weather and barometric pressure changes.
Primary Care

Why Cold Weather Can Trigger Sinus Headaches (and How to Prevent Them)

Cold, damp weather can cause sinus pressure and headaches. Learn why weather changes affect your sinuses—and how to prevent winter sinus pain in California.

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Recent Posts

Low-angle view of a woman jogging on a track, highlighting her calf muscles — the body’s ‘second heart’ that supports circulation and heart health.
Exercise
 | 
October 18, 2025
Want to Be Heart Healthy? Strengthen Your Calves — Your Body’s “Second Heart”
Strong calves help your heart. Learn why your “second heart” in your legs supports circulation, prevents swelling, and boosts cardiovascular health.
Elementary school kids washing their hands to avoid getting sick.
Primary Care
 | 
October 16, 2025
Norovirus in California: What to Know This Season (and How to Avoid It)
Norovirus surges across California each winter. Learn symptoms, how it spreads, the California settings at highest risk, and when to see a doctor.
California wildfire blazing at night above residential area.
Health Education
 | 
October 14, 2025
Is Wildfire Smoke as Bad as Smoking Cigarettes? What Californians Need to Know
Wildfire smoke in California can be as harmful as smoking multiple cigarettes daily. Learn the health risks and how to protect yourself during fire season.
A vial of MMR vaccine.
Primary Care
 | 
October 11, 2025
Is the MMR Vaccine Safe? Why Parents Shouldn’t Worry About Splitting the Shot
Some call for splitting measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines. But experts say the combined MMR shot is safe and effective. Learn when kids should get it.
A bottle of Johnson and Johnson Baby Powder spilled over on its side.
Cancer
 | 
October 9, 2025
Is Baby Powder Safe? What Recent Verdicts & Science Reveal
A California jury recently awarded $966M in a talc baby powder cancer case. What does the science say? Learn risks, safety tips, and alternatives.
Cashier handing a thermal paper receipt, a common source of BPA and BPS exposure.
Health Education
 | 
October 5, 2025
Are Receipts Toxic? The Truth About BPA and BPS Exposure
Many receipts contain BPA or BPS, chemicals linked to hormone disruption. Learn the risks and how to reduce exposure.
Smiling woman in a pink gown standing beside a male doctor at a mammogram machine, both smiling during a breast screening exam.
OB-GYN
 | 
October 3, 2025
When Should Women Start Getting Mammograms?
Learn when women should start mammograms, how often to get them, and why early detection matters. Discover guidelines and expert care at BASS Medical Group.
Capsule and tablet pills scattered across a pink background.
Health Education
 | 
October 1, 2025
Does Tylenol Cause Autism? What the Research Really Says
Concerned Tylenol causes autism? Learn what the latest research and manufacturer’s statement reveal, and how to make safe choices.
Lactose intolerant child with a stomach ache after drinking a glass of milk.
Gastroenterology
 | 
September 29, 2025
Is Lactose Intolerance Genetic?
Lactose intolerance often runs in families. Learn how genetics affect lactose digestion, who’s at risk, and why some people keep tolerating dairy for life.
Farmer holding a bottle of rapeseed oil in front of a rapeseed field.
Health Education
 | 
September 27, 2025
Are Seed Oils Bad for You? What Recent Research Shows
Recent studies show plant-based seed oils (canola, soybean, olive) are linked with lower mortality vs butter. Learn the truth about seed oils and health.
Young teen girl holding stomach in discomfort due to anxiety and stress.
Gastroenterology
 | 
September 25, 2025
Nervous Stomach: How Anxiety Affects Digestive Health
Learn how anxiety can cause stomach pain, nausea, and digestive issues. Understand the gut–brain connection and when to seek medical care.
Carton of fresh eggs, once thought to raise cholesterol but now shown to be heart-healthy
Health Tips
 | 
September 23, 2025
Do Eggs Raise Cholesterol? What New Research Says
New studies reveal that cholesterol in eggs may not raise LDL as once thought. Learn how eggs can fit into a heart-healthy diet.
Mosquito carrying West Nile virus on human skin.
Health Education
 | 
September 21, 2025
Why West Nile Virus Is Spreading in California and Across the U.S.
West Nile virus cases are rising in California and nationwide. Learn why infections are increasing, symptoms to watch for, and how to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Patient checking out his yellow eyes in the mirror.
Primary Care
 | 
September 19, 2025
Jaundice: What It Means When Your Eyes or Skin Look Yellow
Yellow eyes or skin may signal jaundice, often linked to liver or gallbladder issues. Learn causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor.
Close-up of a kissing bug (triatomine insect) against a brown and orange background, a known carrier of Chagas disease in California.
Health Education
 | 
September 12, 2025
Chagas Disease in California: What Residents Should Know
Chagas disease is increasingly a concern in California. Learn how it's spread, symptoms, prevention, treatment, and why early detection matters.
A diverse group of adults (different ages and ethnicities) smiling after getting vaccinated at a clinic, each with a small bandage on their upper arm. Include a nurse or provider in the background giving a flu shot in a clean, friendly environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
 | 
September 10, 2025
Are Flu Shots Free With Insurance? Here’s What You Need to Know
Stay Protected This Flu Season—Without Paying Out of Pocket
Woman practicing yoga at home for pain relief.
Health Tips
 | 
September 8, 2025
5 Holistic Approaches to Managing Chronic Pain Without Medication
Natural, practical ways to ease chronic pain and improve quality of life.
Illustration of sickle-shaped blood cells.
Knowledge
 | 
September 6, 2025
The Genetics of Sickle Cell Disease: Why It Affects Some Communities More
Understanding how genetics shape who is most affected by sickle cell disease.
Man wearing blue t-shirt and holding a blue ribbon for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Cancer
 | 
September 4, 2025
When Should Men Start Prostate Cancer Screenings?
Screening guidelines, risk factors, and early detection tips every man should know.
Person journaling at a cozy desk with tea and soft lighting, representing a calming mental health routine.
Mental Health
 | 
August 31, 2025
How Journaling Can Help Improve Your Mental Health
Journaling is more than a hobby—it’s a powerful tool for emotional healing and mental clarity.