Pets can be a common gift around the holiday season, but is a new cat or dog the culprit behind your sneezing? Allergist Sandra Hong, MD, with Cleveland Clinic explains some of the symptoms that could mean you're allergic to your four-legged friend.

When it comes to getting quality sleep, what you eat and how often you exercise can play a big role. Doctors say eating a diet high in sugar, saturated fat and processed carbohydrates can disrupt sleep. However, eating foods that are good for our overall health can help with sleep. They also suggest starting to avoid caffeine in the early afternoon. Hitting the gym regularly can increase sleep quality and decrease the time it takes to fall asleep.

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time to do so.

According to the CDC, so far this season, there have been over 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths from the flu and that number continues to climb. Infectious disease specialists say the southern hemisphere is often a predictor of what kind of flu season we will have here in the United States, and so far it's been pretty active. Younger people are also being impacted more than usual. Flu symptoms can vary widely, including everything from fever, cough, sore through, runny nose, to headaches, body aches, and fatigue.

Most people will usually feel better on their own within a week, but some may develop complications that could lead to hospitalization or even death. Over-the-counter medications and prescription antiviral drugs are available to help with treatment. However, the best defense in fighting the flu is getting vaccinated.

LIMA, OH (WLIO) - If you have noticed your mood or someone else's mood start to change as the daylight hours start to get less, it could be du…

The CDC says RSV cases in the country have reached a two-year high. The virus causes symptoms similar to the common cold and can be severe in infants and older adults. The virus is most common from November to early spring, and several states are already running out of beds in children's hospitals. We spoke to a family medicine doctor at Mercy Health-St. Rita's who says they still have plenty of bed space but are concerned with the growing number of cases this early.

Predicting clinical recovery of children with concussion is challenging. While concussion symptoms typically resolve within one to three weeks, up to one-third of children develop persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS), including headache, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision and sensitivity to light and/or sound. Compared with children without PPCS, children with PPCS are at increased risk of experiencing disruption to their daily routines and functioning, such as missed school days, depressed mood and loss of social activities, leading to lower quality of life.

Pediatricians say when a child is actively being exposed to lead, they may not show any symptoms or they might be vague. For example, trouble sleeping, behavior problems, and feeling tired. But as time goes on, the long-term effects tend to become more noticeable. Doctors say a child may have GI issues, decreased academic performance and IQ, and in severe cases – seizures and even death. 

The topic was women's health issues below the belt. A panel of four health providers took questions about gut health, hormones, and other issues. As many women's lives are already busy these healthcare professionals say they need to take the time to take care of themselves.

Ottawa, OH  (WLIO) - The Putnam County Health Department says there is no cause for concern after the county received its first case of Monkey…

Mercy Health Saint Rita's wants to promote prostate cancer awareness, as well as early detection. Common symptoms include frequent urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, blood in urine, or discomfort or pain while sitting. Doctors say the earlier you test the better, especially if you have a family history.