Dr. Sarah Mitchell

01/16/2026

Obesity stems from a complex mix of factors, primarily an energy imbalance (consuming more calories than burned) driven by poor diet (processed foods, sugary drinks), lack of physical activity (sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time), insufficient sleep, and chronic stress, alongside genetic predispositions, certain medications, underlying health conditions, and socioeconomic/environmental influences. Prevention focuses on adopting healthier habits: balanced eating (more fruits/veg, less sugar/fat), regular exercise (150 mins/week), good sleep hygiene, stress management, and reducing screen time.

01/16/2026

Do you truly understand obesity?
Unhealthy eating habits significantly increase the likelihood of developing obesity!
The main cause of obesity is energy imbalance, meaning that calorie intake exceeds the calories the body expends. Poor dietary habits, such as excessive consumption of high-sugar, high-fat, and ultra-processed foods, are common contributing factors. In addition, genetic, metabolic, and hormonal factors also play a role. Preventing obesity requires lifestyle changes: controlling total calorie intake, increasing physical activity, choosing natural, minimally processed foods, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Consistently combining a healthy diet with exercise can effectively reduce the risk of obesity.

12/17/2025

Common types of skin lesions (proliferative types)

12/17/2025

Taking precautions to stay warm can effectively prevent further damage to the skin.

12/17/2025

How can we prevent frostbite and other cold-related skin damage during the winter?
To prevent frostbite and cold skin damage, dress in loose, layered, moisture-wicking clothing with waterproof/windproof outerwear, protect extremities with hats, mittens, and warm socks, limit exposure in extreme wind/cold, stay dry, keep moving to maintain circulation, and take breaks indoors to check for numbness or skin color changes (white/waxy/gray). Also, avoid alcohol/smoking before going out and carry emergency supplies in your car for winter travel.

12/17/2025

What causes the appearance of age spots?
Age spots, or solar lentigines, are primarily caused by prolonged ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure and the natural aging process, which leads to melanin (skin pigment) cells overproducing pigment, creating dark spots on sun-exposed areas like hands, face, and shoulders, though genetics, hormonal changes, and certain medications can also play a role. They are essentially your skin's response to accumulated sun damage, resulting in clusters or clumps of excess pigment.
Sun Exposure (UV Rays): The biggest factor; UV light triggers melanocytes (pigment cells) to produce more melanin as a protective mechanism, leading to dark spots.
Aging: Over time, skin cell turnover slows, and pigment cells can become more active, contributing to their appearance.
Genetics: Some people are predisposed to developing age spots due to hereditary factors.
Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes, especially in women, can sometimes trigger pigmentation issues like age spots.
Medications: Certain drugs, including some antibiotics, hormones (estrogens), and anticonvulsants, can increase sun sensitivity and pigmentation.

12/11/2025

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) symptoms include "stuck-on" looking skin growths that are tan, brown, black, or yellow, often with a waxy, scaly, or rough texture and distinct edges, appearing on the face, chest, back, or arms. While usually painless, they can become itchy, irritated, or bleed if rubbed by clothing. Key signs to see a doctor include rapid growth, bleeding, changing color/shape, or sudden numerous growths, as these can mimic skin cancer.

12/10/2025

The importance of daily skincare.
Daily skincare is crucial for protecting your skin (the body's largest organ) from environmental damage (UV, pollution), preventing issues like acne and premature aging, maintaining skin health through cell turnover, improving tone/texture, and boosting confidence, essentially acting as long-term investment in your future skin's appearance and health, as prevention is easier and cheaper than correction.

11/20/2025

07/27/2025

A healthy diet helps our body maintain balance

03/22/2025

How has acne affected your life?