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Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates Blog View all posts

Common Chest Wall Conditions and How We Can Treat Them
Chest pain is never good, but it doesn’t always indicate a heart condition. Often, the pain stems from a problem in the chest wall. Here are some common and not-so-common conditions that can affect your chest.
Dec 1st, 2022

A Closer Look at the Different Types of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is quite common in the United States and worldwide, but not all lung cancers are the same. In this post, our team offers a brief overview of both common and uncommon cancers, along with their methods of treatment.
Nov 9th, 2022

Myths and Facts About Dialysis Access
If you need dialysis, you must have an access port that allows your blood to exit and return to your body. Don’t get confused by the varying sources of information on the internet — get the facts about dialysis access here.
Oct 1st, 2022

What To Do About Deep Vein Thrombosis
Thrombosis is the medical term for a blood clot, and when one forms in a vein deep inside your body, it can be life-threatening. Here’s what you can do about it.
Sep 1st, 2022

My Child Has Pectus Excavatum — Now What?
As a parent, you want nothing more than a happy, healthy life for your child. So seeing a sunken cavity in their chest caused by pectus excavatum can be alarming. Don’t panic. Here’s what you need to know.
Aug 1st, 2022

Healthy Hacks That Support Lung Health
When it comes to essential body parts, your lungs rank right up there with your heart. Fortunately, you can take some proactive steps to keep your lungs in top condition. Here are some hacks and habits to get you started.
Jul 11th, 2022

Common Risk Factors for Emphysema
Smoking ravages your lungs, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the leading causes of emphysema. But it might surprise you to learn that smoking isn’t the only risk factor for this serious lung condition. Find out more here.
Jun 1st, 2022

What To Expect from Lung Cancer Treatments
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, so hearing the diagnosis can be frightening. But lung cancer treatments can be extremely effective, especially in the early stages. Here’s what you need to know.
May 3rd, 2022

Is Oxygen Therapy Right for You?
There’s nothing more frightening than struggling to breathe. And if you live with a condition that compromises your lungs or heart, you may face this scary reality daily. Find out if oxygen therapy can help you breathe more easily.
Apr 1st, 2022

Tips for Supporting Lung Health
You use them all day, every day, and your life depends on them working perfectly every time you take a breath. Learn some simple ways to ensure your lungs keep doing their jobs and what happens when they don’t.
Mar 8th, 2022

Who Needs Dialysis Access?
If your heart skips beats, a pacemaker can get the rhythm back. If your lungs falter, a ventilator can breathe for you. In the same way, dialysis stands in for failing kidneys. Find out if and when you might need dialysis.
Feb 1st, 2022

Bad Habits That Negatively Impact Your Vein Health
Your veins are like superhighways that transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, so you need to keep them healthy. But a few bad habits can sabotage your veins. Are you committing any of these vein no-nos?
Jan 1st, 2022

Risk Factors for Emphysema
Breathing is so natural, you may take it for granted, but just a moment or two of difficulty can cause fear, panic, and serious complications. So you need to know if you’re at risk for diseases that interfere with breathing, such as emphysema.
Dec 8th, 2021

Tips for Living with Lung Cancer
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve been dealing with it for a while, here are some practical tips for coping with your condition in ways that support your treatment and survival chances.
Nov 14th, 2021

What Is the Chest Wall?
There are a few unsung heroes in your body that don’t get enough credit for the vital work they do, and your chest wall is one of them. Take a closer look at this structure and find out why it’s so important and what can go wrong.
Oct 13th, 2021

The Impact of Smoking on Your Veins
Smoking damages every organ in your body, including your veins, and is the No. 1 cause of all preventable diseases and deaths. Here’s what you need to know about how smoking affects your blood vessels.
Sep 9th, 2021

Life After Lung Failure
When your lungs failed, you faced a life-threatening situation. But the scary incident is behind you, and you’re getting treatment. But now what? Find out how to live the healthiest life possible from this day forward.
Aug 17th, 2021

Are You at Risk for Lung Cancer?
If you smoke, your chance of getting lung cancer is high. But you can get it even if you don’t smoke. Find out if you’re at risk.
Jun 29th, 2021

Treatment for Aortic Aneurysms
Your aortic artery delivers oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. You can’t survive without it. So if something goes wrong, like an aortic aneurysm, you need to know your treatment options.
May 24th, 2021

Understanding the Different Causes of Lung Cancer
Since lung cancer is the most deadly type of cancer in the United States, it’s in your best interest to understand exactly what causes it and what puts you at risk. Here’s what you need to know.
Apr 21st, 2021

Conditions That Affect Your Esophagus
As the pathway between your mouth and your stomach, your esophagus is critical to nutrition and life itself. Unfortunately, there are several conditions that can cause esophageal problems. Learn the signs and treatments here.
Mar 16th, 2021

6 Helpful Emphysema Treatments
Shortness of breath is always scary, especially now when it’s a common sign of COVID-19. But it’s also the primary symptom of emphysema, so you should get diagnosed right away to get the right treatment.
Jan 21st, 2021

Barrett's Esophagus and Cancer: Are They Linked?
When acid reflux becomes chronic and you reach for antacids more often than not, it’s more than just an annoyance. It could be causing internal damage called Barrett’s esophagus, and that could put you at risk for cancer. Here’s the connection.
Dec 7th, 2020

When to Seek Treatment for Bothersome Veins
You know varicose veins — those bluish, meandering, sometimes-bulging lines that form a network of unsightly blemishes on your legs. Are they just an eyesore, or could they be a serious medical concern? Find out here.
Nov 9th, 2020

Signs of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
If you notice clear signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), consider yourself lucky, because you can get early treatment. It’s the signs you don’t notice that are most dangerous. Here’s what to look for.
Sep 9th, 2020

Living with Esophageal Achalasia
Trouble swallowing, heartburn, and chest pain could be acid reflux. Or it could be a problem with your esophagus. Here’s what you need to know about achalasia, how to treat it, and how to live with it.
Aug 5th, 2020

What Happens When Your Kidneys Fail?
No one thinks about their kidneys until something goes wrong, then it’s the only thing you can think about, because kidney failure can be life-threatening. Here’s what happens when things go awry.
Jul 20th, 2020

Can I Get Emphysema If I Never Smoked?
Are you hacking, wheezing, and coughing like a smoker, but you’ve never picked up a cigarette? Find out if you can get emphysema in other ways.
Jun 23rd, 2020

4 Myths About COPD: There's Treatment and Help
Struggling for air is terrifying, and if you live with COPD, you may live in constant fear of an episode that leaves you breathless. But knowing the facts can ease your mind. Here’s what you need to know about COPD.
May 26th, 2020

Spotting the Warning Signs of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer can be serious, especially if it goes undetected and untreated. Read more to learn about the signs and symptoms of lung cancer so you can get treated sooner.
Mar 9th, 2020

What Is Venous Disease (and What Can I Do About It)?
Venous disease results when the veins in your legs don’t work properly. The disease can impact blood flow, which can lead to grave health problems. Here’s what you need to know about venous disease and how to correct it.
Feb 12th, 2020