When we think of vaccines, we often associate them with childhood — but staying up to date on vaccinations is just as important for adults. Whether you're in your 20s, 40s, or beyond, certain vaccines are essential for protecting your health and the health of those around you.

We all know what stress feels like in the moment — a racing heart, a pounding headache, or that feeling of being constantly on edge. But what about the signs that don’t feel like “stress” at all?

You may have heard the term prediabetes before but what does it actually mean, and why should you pay attention to it?

Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. This early warning system indicates to you and your provider that something needs to be addressed.

A stroke occurs when there is a reduction in the flow of blood to the brain. The lack of blood supply may be the result of a blockage in an artery or a burst blood vessel in the brain. A stroke deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die. A stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention by a medical professional.

Hypothyroidism is a common condition that occurs when an underactive thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to properly manage many important functions of the body. The thyroid is the gland in the front of the neck that controls energy use and metabolic functions.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing against the artery walls is above the normal range. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the blood flow resistance in the arteries.

Migraines are chronic headaches that cause intense pain, and throbbing or pulsing sensations in the head. Along with severe head pain, some people also experience nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Diabetes is the inability of the body to create or use insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that enables sugar or glucose, to enter the cells. Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to the insulin being produced.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a lung disease that obstructs airflow. It is a progressive condition involving a constant obstruction of the airways, which results in difficulty breathing.