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What is (are) Tick Bites ?
If you spend time outdoors or have pets that go outdoors, you need to beware of ticks. Ticks are small bloodsucking parasites. Many species transmit diseases to animals and people. Some of the diseases you can get from a tick bite are Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. Some tick...
Tick Bites
What is (are) Speech and Language Problems in Children ?
Children vary in their development of speech and language skills. Health professionals have milestones for what's normal. These milestones help determine if a child is on track or if he or she may need extra help. For example, a child usually has one or two words like "Hi," "dog," "Dada," or "Mama" by her first birthda...
Speech and Language Problems in Children
Do you have information about Chiropractic
Summary : Chiropractic is a health care profession. Chiropractors perform adjustments (manipulations) to the spine or other parts of the body. The goal is to correct alignment problems, ease pain, and support the body's natural ability to heal itself. They may also use other treatments including - Heat and ice ...
Chiropractic
Do you have information about Safety
Summary : You can't remove all the safety hazards from your life, but you can reduce them. To avoid many major hazards and prepare for emergencies - Keep emergency phone numbers by your telephones - Make a first aid kit for your home - Make a family emergency plan - Install and maintain smoke alarms ...
Safety
Do you have information about Secondhand Smoke
Summary : Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, and the smoke breathed out by the smoker. It contains more than 7,000 chemicals. Hundreds of those chemicals are toxic and about 70 can cause cancer. Health effects of secondhand smoke include -...
Secondhand Smoke
Do you have information about Diets
Summary : Your diet is made up of what you eat. A healthy diet - May include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products - May include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts - Goes easy on saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars ...
Diets
What is (are) Diabetic Eye Problems ?
If you have diabetes, your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Over time, this can damage your eyes. The most common problem is diabetic retinopathy. It is a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Your retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. You need a healthy retina to ...
Diabetic Eye Problems
What is (are) Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac ?
If you spend time outdoors, chances are you have been bothered by poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac at some point. Most people are sensitive to the plants' oily sap. The sap is in the root, stems, leaves and fruit of these plants. If it gets on your skin, it causes a blistering skin rash. The rash can range from m...
Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac
What is (are) Animal Bites ?
Wild animals usually avoid people. They might attack, however, if they feel threatened, are sick, or are protecting their young or territory. Attacks by pets are more common. Animal bites rarely are life-threatening, but if they become infected, you can develop serious medical problems. To prevent animal bites and ...
Animal Bites
Do you have information about Mammography
Summary : A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. It can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. It can also be used if you have a lump or other sign of breast cancer. Screening mammography is the type of mammogram that checks you when you have no symptoms. It...
Mammography
Do you have information about Health Screening
Summary : Screenings are tests that look for diseases before you have symptoms. Screening tests can find diseases early, when they're easier to treat. You can get some screenings in your doctor's office. Others need special equipment, so you may need to go to a different office or clinic. Some conditions that doctor...
Health Screening
What is (are) Acoustic Neuroma ?
An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. The tumor usually grows slowly. As it grows, it presses against the hearing and balance nerves. At first, you may have no symptoms or mild symptoms. They can include - Loss of hearing on one side - Ringing i...
Acoustic Neuroma
What is (are) Arm Injuries and Disorders ?
Of the 206 bones in your body, 3 of them are in your arm; the humerus, radius and ulna. Your arms are also made up of muscles, joints, tendons and other connective tissue. Injuries to any of these parts of the arm can occur during sports, a fall or an accident. Types of arm injuries include - Tendinitis and b...
Arm Injuries and Disorders
Do you have information about Vegetarian Diet
Summary : A vegetarian diet focuses on plants for food. These include fruits, vegetables, dried beans and peas, grains, seeds and nuts. There is no single type of vegetarian diet. Instead, vegetarian eating patterns usually fall into the following groups: - The vegan diet, which excludes all meat and animal pro...
Vegetarian Diet
What is (are) Small Intestine Disorders ?
Your small intestine is the longest part of your digestive system - about twenty feet long! It connects your stomach to your large intestine (or colon) and folds many times to fit inside your abdomen. Your small intestine does most of the digesting of the foods you eat. It has three areas called the duodenum, the ileum...
Small Intestine Disorders
Do you have information about Asian American Health
Summary : Every racial or ethnic group has specific health concerns. Differences in the health of groups can result from - Genetics - Environmental factors - Access to care - Cultural factors On this page, you'll find links to health issues that affect Asian Americans.
Asian American Health
What is (are) Urinary Tract Infections ?
The urinary system is the body's drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. It includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. You may have a UTI if you notice - Pain or burning when you urinate ...
Urinary Tract Infections
What is (are) Asthma ?
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. Your airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways become sore and swollen. That makes them very sensitive, and they may react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. When you...
Asthma
What is (are) Sleep Disorders ?
Is it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night? Do you wake up feeling tired or feel very sleepy during the day, even if you have had enough sleep? You might have a sleep disorder. The most common kinds are - Insomnia - a hard time falling or staying asleep - Sleep apnea - breathing interru...
Sleep Disorders
What is (are) Turner Syndrome ?
Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects a girl's development. The cause is a missing or incomplete X chromosome. Girls who have it are short, and their ovaries don't work properly. Other physical features typical of Turner syndrome are - Short, "webbed" neck with folds of skin from tops of shoulder...
Turner Syndrome
What is (are) Shock ?
Shock happens when not enough blood and oxygen can get to your organs and tissues. It causes very low blood pressure and may be life threatening. It often happens along with a serious injury. There are several kinds of shock. Hypovolemic shock happens when you lose a lot of blood or fluids. Causes include internal ...
Shock
Do you have information about Artificial Limbs
Summary : People can lose all or part of an arm or leg for a number of reasons. Common ones include - Circulation problems from atherosclerosis or diabetes. They may cause you to need an amputation. - Traumatic injuries, including from traffic accidents and military combat - Cancer - Birth defects ...
Artificial Limbs
Do you have information about Diabetic Diet
Summary : If you have diabetes, your body cannot make or properly use insulin. This leads to high blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels. Healthy eating helps keep your blood sugar in your target range. It is a critical part of managing your diabetes, because controlling your blood sugar can prevent the complications of...
Diabetic Diet
Do you have information about Pesticides
Summary : Pests live where they are not wanted or cause harm to crops, people, or animals. Pesticides can help get rid of them. Pesticides are not just insect killers. They also include chemicals to control weeds, rodents, mildew, germs, and more. Many household products contain pesticides. Pesticides can protect yo...
Pesticides
What is (are) Hidradenitis Suppurativa ?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease. It can occur in one or multiple areas of your body. HS usually develops in your armpits, groin, and anal area. It causes long-term skin inflammation and can be painful. Symptoms include - Blackheads and red, tender bumps, called abscesses. The abscesse...
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Do you have information about Antidepressants
Summary : Antidepressants are medicines that treat depression. Your doctor can prescribe them for you. They work to balance some of the natural chemicals in our brains. It may take several weeks for them to help. There are several types of antidepressants. You and your doctor may have to try a few before finding what w...
Antidepressants
What is (are) Restless Legs ?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Some people describe it as a creeping, crawling, tingling, or burning sensation. Moving makes your legs feel better, but not for long. RLS can make it hard to fall asleep and stay as...
Restless Legs
What is (are) Eosinophilic Disorders ?
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. They help fight off infections and play a role in your body's immune response. They can also build up and cause inflammation. Normally your blood doesn't have a large number of eosinophils. Your body may produce more of them in response to - Allergic disorders - S...
Eosinophilic Disorders
What is (are) Wilms Tumor ?
Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer. It causes a tumor on one or both kidneys. It usually affects children, but can happen in adults. Having certain genetic conditions or birth defects can increase the risk of getting it. Children that are at risk should be screened for Wilms tumor every three months until they...
Wilms Tumor
Do you have information about Hazardous Waste
Summary : Even if you use them properly, many chemicals can still harm human health and the environment. When you throw these substances away, they become hazardous waste. Some hazardous wastes come from products in our homes. Our garbage can include such hazardous wastes as old batteries, bug spray cans and paint thin...
Hazardous Waste
Do you have information about Botox
Summary : Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. Doctors use it in small doses to treat health problems, including - Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles and improving your appe...
Botox
Do you have information about Medication Errors
Summary : Medicines cure infectious diseases, prevent problems from chronic diseases, and ease pain. But medicines can also cause harmful reactions if not used correctly. Errors can happen in the hospital, at the doctor's office, at the pharmacy, or at home. You can help prevent errors by - Knowing your medicines...
Medication Errors
What is (are) Moles ?
Moles are growths on the skin. They happen when pigment cells in the skin, called melanocytes, grow in clusters. Moles are very common. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles. A person may develop new moles from time to time, usually until about age 40. In older people, they tend to fade away. Moles are usually pi...
Moles
What is (are) Swallowing Disorders ?
If you have a swallowing disorder, you may have difficulty or pain when swallowing. Some people cannot swallow at all. Others may have trouble swallowing liquids, foods, or saliva. This makes it hard to eat. Often, it can be difficult to take in enough calories and fluids to nourish your body. Anyone can have a swal...
Swallowing Disorders
Do you have information about Tonsils and Adenoids
Summary : Your tonsils and adenoids are part of your lymphatic system. Your tonsils are in the back of your throat. Your adenoids are higher up, behind your nose. Both help protect you from infection by trapping germs coming in through your mouth and nose. Sometimes your tonsils and adenoids become infected. Tonsill...
Tonsils and Adenoids
What is (are) Compulsive Gambling ?
Many people enjoy gambling, whether it's betting on a horse or playing poker on the Internet. Most people who gamble don't have a problem, but some lose control of their gambling. Signs of problem gambling include - Always thinking about gambling - Lying about gambling - Spending work or family time gam...
Compulsive Gambling
What is (are) Coping with Chronic Illness ?
Having a long-term, or chronic, illness can disrupt your life in many ways. You may often be tired and in pain. Your illness might affect your appearance or your physical abilities and independence. You may not be able to work, causing financial problems. For children, chronic illnesses can be frightening, because they...
Coping with Chronic Illness
Do you have information about Minerals
Summary : Minerals are important for your body to stay healthy. Your body uses minerals for many different jobs, including building bones, making hormones and regulating your heartbeat. There are two kinds of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are minerals your body needs in larger amounts. T...
Minerals
What is (are) Botulism ?
Botulism is a rare but serious illness. The cause is a toxin (poison) made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It occurs naturally in soil. There are several kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism comes from eating foods contaminated with the toxin. Wound botulism happens when a wound infected with the bact...
Botulism
What is (are) Hypoglycemia ?
Hypoglycemia means low blood glucose, or blood sugar. Your body needs glucose to have enough energy. After you eat, your blood absorbs glucose. If you eat more sugar than your body needs, your muscles, and liver store the extra. When your blood sugar begins to fall, a hormone tells your liver to release glucose. In ...
Hypoglycemia
What is (are) Stuttering ?
Stuttering is a problem that affects the flow of your speech. If you stutter, you may - Make certain words sound longer than they should be - Find it hard to start a new word - Repeat words or parts of words - Get tense when you try to speak. You may blink your eyes rapidly, or your lips and jaw m...
Stuttering
Do you have information about Gun Safety
Summary : Many U.S. households have guns, but they can cause harm if not handled properly. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe: - Teach children that they shouldn't touch guns and that if they see a gun, to leave it alone and tell an adult. - If your children play at another ...
Gun Safety
What is (are) Movement Disorders ?
Imagine if parts of your body moved when you didn't want them to. If you have a movement disorder, you experience these kinds of impaired movement. Dyskinesia is abnormal uncontrolled movement and is a common symptom of many movement disorders. Tremors are a type of dyskinesia. Nerve diseases cause many movement di...
Movement Disorders
What is (are) Crohn's Disease ?
Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the digestive system. It is one of a group of diseases called inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's can affect any area from the mouth to the anus. It often affects the lower part of the small intestine called the ileum. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. It may be due to a...
Crohn's Disease
What is (are) Bullying ?
Bullying is when a person or group repeatedly tries to harm someone who is weaker or who they think is weaker. Sometimes it involves direct attacks such as hitting, name calling, teasing or taunting. Sometimes it is indirect, such as spreading rumors or trying to make others reject someone. Often people dismiss bul...
Bullying
What is (are) Diabetes Type 2 ?
Diabetes means your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. With type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much glucose stays in your blood. Over time, high blood g...
Diabetes Type 2
What is (are) Hyperglycemia ?
Hyperglycemia means high blood sugar or glucose. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose into your cells to give them energy. Hyperglycemia happens when your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it the right way. People with diabetes can get hyperglycemia from not eatin...
Hyperglycemia
Do you have information about Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health
Summary : Every racial or ethnic group has specific health concerns. Differences in the health of groups can result from: - Genetics - Environmental factors - Access to care - Cultural factors On this page, you'll find links to health issues that affect Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Health
Do you have information about Acupuncture
Summary : Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. Acupuncture involves stimulating specific points on the body. This is most often done by inserting thin needles through the skin, to cause a change in the physical functions of the body. Research has shown that acupun...
Acupuncture
Do you have information about Vitamin D
Summary : Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is one of the main building blocks of bone. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis or rickets. Vitamin D also has a role in your nerve, muscle, and immune sy...
Vitamin D
Do you have information about Liver Function Tests
Summary : Your liver helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. Liver function tests are blood tests that check to see how well your liver is working. They check for liver damage, and can help diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. You may have liver function tests as part of a reg...
Liver Function Tests
Do you have information about Underage Drinking
Summary : Alcohol is the most widely abused substance among America's youth. Drinking by young people has big health and safety risks. It is dangerous because it - Causes many deaths and injuries - Can lead to poor decisions about engaging in risky behavior, such as drinking and driving or unprotected sex -...
Underage Drinking
What is (are) Chiari Malformation ?
Chiari malformations (CMs) are structural defects in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls balance. With CM, brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. It can happen when part of the skull is too small, which pushes the brain tissue down. There are several types of CM. One type often ha...
Chiari Malformation
What is (are) Prediabetes ?
Prediabetes means you have blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Too much glucose in your blood can damage your body over time. If you have prediabetes, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart dise...
Prediabetes
What is (are) Lymphedema ?
Lymphedema is the name of a type of swelling. It happens when lymph builds up in your body's soft tissues. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells that defend against germs. It can build up when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. It usually happens in the arms or legs. Causes of lymphedema include ...
Lymphedema
Do you have information about Dietary Fats
Summary : Fat is a type of nutrient. You need some fat in your diet but not too much. Fats give you energy and help your body absorb vitamins. Dietary fat also plays a major role in your cholesterol levels. But not all fats are the same. You should try to avoid - Saturated fats such as butter, solid shortening...
Dietary Fats
What is (are) Leukodystrophies ?
The leukodystrophies are rare diseases that affect the cells of the brain. Specifically, the diseases affect the myelin sheath, the material that surrounds and protects nerve cells. Damage to this sheath slows down or blocks messages between the brain and the rest of the body. This leads to problems with - Movem...
Leukodystrophies
Do you have information about Biopsy
Summary : A biopsy is a procedure that removes cells or tissue from your body. A doctor called a pathologist looks at the cells or tissue under a microscope to check for damage or disease. The pathologist may also do other tests on it. Biopsies can be done on all parts of the body. In most cases, a biopsy is the onl...
Biopsy
What is (are) Seasonal Affective Disorder ?
Some people experience a serious mood change during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This condition is called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD is a type of depression. It usually lifts during spring and summer. Not everyone with SAD has the same symptoms. They include - Sad, anx...
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Do you have information about Caregivers
Summary : Caregivers provide help to another person in need. The person receiving care may be an adult - often a parent or a spouse - or a child with special medical needs. Some caregivers are family members. Others are paid. They do many things: - Shop for food and cook - Clean the house - Pay bills - G...
Caregivers
What is (are) Intestinal Cancer ?
Your small intestine is part of your digestive system. It is a long tube that connects your stomach to your large intestine. Intestinal cancer is rare, but eating a high-fat diet or having Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or a history of colonic polyps can increase your risk. Possible signs of small intestine cancer...
Intestinal Cancer
What is (are) Dystonia ?
Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes involuntary contractions of your muscles. These contractions result in twisting and repetitive movements. Sometimes they are painful. Dystonia can affect just one muscle, a group of muscles or all of your muscles. Symptoms can include tremors, voice problems or a dragging ...
Dystonia
What is (are) Macular Degeneration ?
Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older. It is a disease that destroys your sharp, central vision. You need central vision to see objects clearly and to do tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the ...
Macular Degeneration
Do you have information about Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators
Summary : An arrhythmia is any disorder of your heart rate or rhythm. It means that your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern. Most arrhythmias result from problems in the electrical system of the heart. If your arrhythmia is serious, you may need a cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardi...
Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators
What is (are) Male Infertility ?
Infertility is a term doctors use if a man hasn't been able to get a woman pregnant after at least one year of trying. Causes of male infertility include - Physical problems with the testicles - Blockages in the ducts that carry sperm - Hormone problems - A history of high fevers or mumps - Genetic di...
Male Infertility
Do you have information about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Summary : Part D is the name of Medicare's prescription drug coverage. It's insurance that helps people pay for prescription drugs. It is available to everyone who has Medicare. It provides protection if you pay high drug costs or have unexpected prescription drug bills. It doesn't cover all costs. You have to pay part...
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Do you have information about Household Products
Summary : The products you use for cleaning, carpentry, auto repair, gardening, and many other household uses can contain ingredients that can harm you, your family, and the environment. These include - Oven and drain cleaners - Laundry powder - Floor polish - Paint thinners, strippers and removers -...
Household Products
What is (are) Floods ?
Floods are common in the United States. Weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tsunamis can cause flooding. Flooding can also happen when a river or stream overflows its bank, when a levee is breached, or when a dam breaks. Flash floods, which can develop quickly, often have a dangerous wall of roari...
Floods
What is (are) Disabilities ?
Disabilities make it harder to do normal daily activities. They may limit what you can do physically or mentally, or they can affect your senses. Disability doesn't mean unable, and it isn't a sickness. Most people with disabilities can - and do - work, play, learn, and enjoy full, healthy lives. Mobility aids and assi...
Disabilities
What is (are) Childhood Brain Tumors ?
Brain tumors are abnormal growths inside the skull. They are among the most common types of childhood cancers. Some are benign tumors, which aren't cancer. They can still be serious. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Childhood brain and spinal cord tumors can cause headaches and other symptoms. However, other conditio...
Childhood Brain Tumors
What is (are) Esophagus Disorders ?
The esophagus is the tube that carries food, liquids and saliva from your mouth to the stomach. You may not be aware of your esophagus until you swallow something too large, too hot or too cold. You may also become aware of it when something is wrong. The most common problem with the esophagus is gastroesophageal r...
Esophagus Disorders
What is (are) Pulmonary Hypertension ?
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the arteries to your lungs. It is a serious condition. If you have it, the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your lungs become hard and narrow. Your heart has to work harder to pump the blood through. Over time, your heart weakens and cannot do its j...
Pulmonary Hypertension
Do you have information about Men's Health
Summary : Most men need to pay more attention to their health. Compared to women, men are more likely to - Smoke and drink - Make unhealthy or risky choices - Put off regular checkups and medical care There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. ...
Men's Health
What is (are) Chickenpox ?
Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most cases are in children under age 15, but older children and adults can get it. It spreads very easily from one person to another. The classic symptom of chickenpox is an uncomfortable, itchy rash. The rash turns into fluid-filled blisters and event...
Chickenpox
What is (are) Hearing Disorders and Deafness ?
It's frustrating to be unable to hear well enough to enjoy talking with friends or family. Hearing disorders make it hard, but not impossible, to hear. They can often be helped. Deafness can keep you from hearing sound at all. What causes hearing loss? Some possibilities are - Heredity - Diseases such as e...
Hearing Disorders and Deafness
What is (are) Knee Replacement ?
Knee replacement is surgery for people with severe knee damage. Knee replacement can relieve pain and allow you to be more active. Your doctor may recommend it if you have knee pain and medicine and other treatments are not helping you anymore. When you have a total knee replacement, the surgeon removes damaged cart...
Knee Replacement
Do you have information about Hospice Care
Summary : Hospice care is end-of-life care. A team of health care professionals and volunteers provides it. They give medical, psychological, and spiritual support. The goal of the care is to help people who are dying have peace, comfort, and dignity. The caregivers try to control pain and other symptoms so a person ca...
Hospice Care
Do you have information about Eye Wear
Summary : Eye wear protects or corrects your vision. Examples are - Sunglasses - Safety goggles - Glasses (also called eyeglasses) - Contact lenses If you need corrective lenses, you may be able to choose between contacts or glasses. Either usually requires a prescription. Almost anyone can wear gl...
Eye Wear
What is (are) Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction ?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the side of your head. When it works well, it enables you to talk, chew, and yawn. For people with TMJ dysfunction, problems with the joint and muscles around it may cause - Pain that travels through the face, jaw, or neck - Stiff jaw muscles - Limi...
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Do you have information about Indoor Air Pollution
Summary : We usually think of air pollution as being outdoors, but the air in your house or office could also be polluted. Sources of indoor pollution include - Mold and pollen - Tobacco smoke - Household products and pesticides - Gases such as radon and carbon monoxide - Materials used in the build...
Indoor Air Pollution
What is (are) Polymyalgia Rheumatica ?
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulders, and hips. It is most common in women and almost always occurs in people over 50. The main symptom is stiffness after resting. Other symptoms include fever, weakness and weight loss. In some cases, polymyalgia rheumatica ...
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Do you have information about Understanding Medical Research
Summary : It seems to happen almost every day - you hear about the results of a new medical research study. Sometimes the results of one study seem to disagree with the results of another study. It's important to be critical when reading or listening to reports of new medical findings. Some questions that can help y...
Understanding Medical Research
What is (are) Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse ?
For most adults, moderate alcohol use is probably not harmful. However, about 18 million adult Americans have an alcohol use disorder. This means that their drinking causes distress and harm. It includes alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is a disease that causes - Craving - a str...
Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
What is (are) Nausea and Vomiting ?
Nausea is an uneasy or unsettled feeling in the stomach together with an urge to vomit. Nausea and vomiting, or throwing up, are not diseases. They can be symptoms of many different conditions. These include morning sickness during pregnancy, infections, migraine headaches, motion sickness, food poisoning, cancer chemo...
Nausea and Vomiting
What is (are) Pleural Disorders ?
Your pleura is a large, thin sheet of tissue that wraps around the outside of your lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity. Between the layers of the pleura is a very thin space. Normally it's filled with a small amount of fluid. The fluid helps the two layers of the pleura glide smoothly past each other as you...
Pleural Disorders
Do you have information about Patient Safety
Summary : You can help prevent medical errors by being an active member of your health care team. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results. To reduce the risk of medical errors, you can - Ask questions if you have doubts or concerns. Take a relative or friend t...
Patient Safety
Do you have information about Vitamin C
Summary : Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It is important for your skin, bones, and connective tissue. It promotes healing and helps the body absorb iron. Vitamin C comes from fruits and vegetables. Good sources include citrus, red and green pep...
Vitamin C
What is (are) Poisoning ?
A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body. You might swallow it, inhale it, inject it, or absorb it through your skin. Any substance can be poisonous if too much is taken. Poisons can include - Prescription or over-the-counter medicines taken in doses that are too high - Overdoses of illegal drugs...
Poisoning
What is (are) Constipation ?
Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious. There are many things you can do to prevent constipation. ...
Constipation
Do you have information about Cholesterol
Summary : Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narr...
Cholesterol
Do you have information about HIV/AIDS in Women
Summary : HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, kills or damages cells of the body's immune system. The most advanced stage of infection with HIV is AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV often spreads through unprotected sex with an infected person. It may also spread by sharing drug needl...
HIV/AIDS in Women
What is (are) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ?
You're working at your desk, trying to ignore the tingling or numbness you've had for some time in your hand and wrist. Suddenly, a sharp, piercing pain shoots through the wrist and up your arm. Just a passing cramp? It could be carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones a...
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Do you have information about Air Pollution
Summary : Air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and gases in the air. Car emissions, chemicals from factories, dust, pollen and mold spores may be suspended as particles. Ozone, a gas, is a major part of air pollution in cities. When ozone forms air pollution, it's also called smog. Some air pollutants are p...
Air Pollution
What is (are) Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines ?
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) are serious bacterial infections. Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw. Diphtheria usually affects the nose and throat. Whooping cough causes uncontrollable coughing. Vaccines can protect you ...
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines
What is (are) Dementia ?
Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain. It is not a specific disease. People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their perso...
Dementia
Do you have information about Alcohol
Summary : If you are like many Americans, you drink alcohol at least occasionally. For many people, moderate drinking is probably safe. It may even have health benefits, including reducing your risk of certain heart problems. For most women and for most people over 65, moderate drinking is no more than three drinks a d...
Alcohol
What is (are) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) happens when a woman's ovaries or adrenal glands produce more male hormones than normal. One result is that cysts (fluid-filled sacs) develop on the ovaries. Women who are obese are more likely to have polycystic ovary syndrome. Symptoms of PCOS include: - Infertility - Pelvi...
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Do you have information about Pancreas Transplantation
Summary : The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It produces the juices that help break down food and the hormones that help control blood sugar levels. A pancreas transplant is surgery to place a healthy pancreas from a donor into a person with a diseased pancreas. It is mostly done fo...
Pancreas Transplantation
What is (are) Anxiety ?
Fear and anxiety are part of life. You may feel anxious before you take a test or walk down a dark street. This kind of anxiety is useful - it can make you more alert or careful. It usually ends soon after you are out of the situation that caused it. But for millions of people in the United States, the anxiety does not...
Anxiety
What is (are) Birth Defects ?
A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing in the mother's body. Most birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy. One out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect. A birth defect may affect how the body looks, works or both. Some birth defects like...
Birth Defects