The aorta is your body's main artery. It carries blood down along the front of your spine to the parts of your body below your heart. If the wall of your aorta in your abdomen weakens and balloons outward, you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It's a serious condition, and one that often has no warning signs.

We've all felt pain in our stomach area at some time. Usually, it isn't cause for alarm. But abdominal pain can be a sign of a medical emergency.

The da Vinci Surgical System is an advanced robotic platform that allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with great precision. da Vinci procedures are performed with minimally-invasive techniques that minimize scarring and pain during recovery. Compared to traditional surgery, a da Vinci procedure can offer a higher success rate and a shorter recovery time.

If you have an infected bone, your doctor may treat it with medicated beads. These are placed into the bone to send medicine directly into the infection. And that's helpful, because your bone may not have good blood flow. Lack of blood flow to the bone can keep antibiotics taken by mouth or by IV from reaching the infection. Here's how medicated beads are implanted.

This procedure is designed to treat problems with the Achilles tendon, such as chronic tendonitis or a short or contracted Achilles tendon. A series of cuts is created in the tendon to allow it to stretch and lengthen.

The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly called the ACL, is one of the ligaments that connects the femur to the tibia. During this procedure, a damaged ACL is replaced with a graft. The surgeon performs this procedure with the aid of an arthroscopic camera.

This procedure repairs your knee after a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (commonly called the "ACL"). This ligament is in the center of the knee. It helps anchor the femur to the tibia. This surgery can allow you to regain normal knee function.

This common skin condition is the formation of multiple blemishes on or just beneath the surface of the skin. These blemishes commonly appear on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back. Acne can affect anyone, but it most commonly affects adolescents and young adults.

This condition, also known as solar keratosis, is a common precancerous growth that develops on the skin. It is characterized by small, rough patches called keratoses. These growths are most commonly found on the face, hands, forearms and neck, and should be examined by a doctor.

This is an anxiety disorder. You have it if you feel certain symptoms of stress in the month after a shocking, scary or traumatic event, even though you aren't in danger. It's similar to post traumatic stress disorder (commonly called "PTSD"). Some people who have ASD go on to develop PTSD.

This condition is an infection of the adenoids, lumps of spongy lymphoid tissue at the very back of the nose that are positioned behind and above the uvula. Chronic or recurrent infections can cause the adenoids to swell and enlarge, blocking the airway.

These are bands of scar tissue that grow between your organs. Adhesions can pull on your organs in a harmful way.

This is a problem you can develop after spinal fusion. It happens when the vertebrae above and below the fusion become weak and damaged. We say they "degenerate." And as they degenerate, more vertebrae are at risk for harm.

Becoming a new parent is exciting. After months of waiting, you finally get to meet your baby. But adjusting to your new life can be difficult. Let's talk about what to expect.

These legal documents tell others what medical care you want to receive. If you lose the ability to communicate, they give others a clear plan to follow. These papers are important for anyone nearing the end of life. You don't need a lawyer to write them, but they must be witnessed. And, they become legally valid as soon as they're signed.

What happens after you get a COVID-19 vaccine injection? Here's what you need to know.

You've had a joint replacement. Now it's time to start your recovery journey. Let's see what you can expect as you heal.

After any surgery, you need some time to recover. Your recovery journey depends on your health and your surgery, of course. But let's learn about some of the things you can expect.

This condition is characterized by flat, brown, gray or black spots that appear on the face, hands, arms and shoulders. Age spots are most commonly found in adults over age 40 and are usually harmless. Although age spots are also known as liver spots, they are unrelated to liver function.

This is a serious condition. It happens when you drink a lot of alcohol very quickly. The alcohol overwhelms your body. Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. It can kill you.

This is a mental and physical need to drink alcohol. We also call it "alcohol dependence." It makes you want to drink alcohol even when it hurts you and others. This can cause chaos in your life. It can cause health problems.

An allergic reaction is your body's response to an allergen. Reactions can vary from person to person, and from allergen to allergen. They can affect many systems of your body, and they can range from mild to severe.

You have an allergy when your body believes that something harmless, such as peanuts or pollen, can hurt you. Your immune system overreacts. This can cause uncomfortable or even dangerous symptoms.

This test of your blood shows if you're allergic to something you've been in contact with. It's a simple test that you don't need to prepare for.

This is a disease that causes your hair to fall out in round patches. It happens when your body attacks the cells that make your hair. This disease is not dangerous or painful. But it can be very upsetting.

This is an antioxidant that's found in all of your cells. It helps turn glucose (a type of sugar you get from foods) into energy.

This is a degenerative disease that affects the brain. It's the most common form of dementia. It generally affects people aged 65 years or older. But in a small percentage of people, it develops earlier.

These molecules are the building blocks of protein. There are twenty different amino acids that we need for good health.

During this outpatient procedure, a doctor withdraws amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman's uterus. This is the fluid that surrounds the developing baby. It contains cells and chemicals related to the baby's development.

This is a severe reaction to an allergen. It happens when your immune system floods your bloodstream with chemicals that are supposed to protect you. But these chemicals overwhelm your body. You can go into shock. This is life-threatening.

The digestive tract, also known as the gastrointestinal (or GI) tract, is the pathway through which food passes through the body. The digestive tract begins at the mouth and ends at the rectum. Organs within the digestive tract break down food, extract the nutrients and expel the remaining waste.

The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout your body. It is positioned behind the lungs, slightly to the left side of the chest. Your heart is a bit larger than the size of your fist. Let's examine the structures of the heart and learn how blood travels through this complex organ.

This condition is a problem with your blood. If you have anemia, you don't have enough healthy red blood cells. These are the cells that carry oxygen through your bloodstream. Without enough red blood cells, your body's cells don't receive enough oxygen.

Anger can make it hard to deal with conflicts in your life. Small arguments spin out of control. You may break things or threaten others. If this sounds like you, anger management can help. It teaches you healthy ways to deal with anger. Here are some anger management tips that can make a big difference.

A bite from an animal can be very dangerous. Besides obvious injuries like tissue punctures and tears, bites can also introduce germs. Whether from a wild animal or from a pet, an animal bite - even one that seems minor - can cause a serious infection.

Ligaments are fibrous, elastic bands of tissue that connect and stabilize the bones. An ankle sprain is a common, painful injury that occurs when one or more of the ankle ligaments is stretched beyond the normal range of motion. Sprains can occur as a result of sudden twisting, turning or rolling movements.

This is a checkup we do in person. We call it a "physical." It's a way for us to evaluate your body. A physical is good for you even if you feel like you're in great health. It lets us collect important info that we use to track your health over time. And, it helps us find health problems you may not be aware of.

This is an eating disorder. It causes you to have a body weight that's so low it's unhealthy. If you have anorexia, you have a strong fear of gaining weight. Even if you weigh much less than you should, you want to lose more. This can be very harmful. It can be life threatening.

Overcoming anorexia is a long process. It's tough. But it is possible for you to get better and stay better. If you're dedicated and you follow your care plan, you can do it. Here are some things to think about as you work on your recovery.

If you have anosmia, you have lost some or all of your sense of smell. This makes it hard for you to enjoy the taste of foods. There are several causes of anosmia.

The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly called the ACL, is a thick, elastic band of tissue that runs from the bottom of the femur to the top of the tibia. It helps stabilize the knee joint. The ACL can become stretched or torn when the knee is twisted or hyperextended. For reasons that are not fully understood, ACL injuries are much more common in women than in men.

These medications help you manage your anxiety. They help reduce things like sweating, shaking and rapid heartbeat - you know - the physical reactions of feeling anxious.

Antibiotics are our best defense against bacteria. But did you know many antibiotics don't work as well as they once did? Some no longer work at all. And the reason may surprise you.

.There is a strain of bacteria that can spread easily in hospitals and long-term care facilities. We call it "staph. That's short for "Staphylococcus aureus" bacteria. Antibiotics used to kill staph easily. But some types of staph have become resistant to antibiotics. They are hard to kill. If this bacteria infects you, it can cause all kinds of problems in your body. It can even kill you

These drugs fight bacteria. We use them for things like strep throat and urinary tract infections. They kill bacteria, but they don't kill viruses. So they don't do anything for a cold or flu. And often, they aren't needed for many sinus infections or ear infections. These tend to get better on their own.

An anticoagulant is a drug that keeps blood cells from sticking together. It keeps new blood clots from forming. It can keep existing clots from getting bigger. But it does put you at risk for uncontrolled bleeding. Let's learn about how to use your drug safely.

This treatment uses medication to keep your blood from clotting. We call these drugs "anticoagulants, or "blood thinners." You may need to take an anticoagulant if you're at risk of having blood clots. You may take one if you have a circulation problem, or a problem with your heart or lungs.

These medications are mostly used to treat depression. But they also treat other problems like anxiety, pain and insomnia. Antidepressants may help balance your mood and get you back to everyday life.

These drugs are commonly used to ease your allergy symptoms. They're also used to treat other issues. You can buy some antihistamines over-the-counter. Others require a prescription.

If you have a disease that's linked to inflammation, changing your diet may help. That's because some foods trigger inflammation, and other foods fight it. So if you know which foods to eat and which to avoid, you can reduce your risk of illness.

These healthy chemicals are found in many of the foods you eat. Vitamins A, C, and E are all types of antioxidants. So are selenium and beta-carotene.

These medications help manage psychotic disorders. We're taking about problems of the mind that cause you to see or hear things that aren't there, or to believe things that aren't true. Antipsychotics reduce these symptoms. They can improve the quality of your life.

This is a mental health disorder. With it, you ignore the rights and feelings of others. You have no concern for "right" and "wrong." You may break laws. You may manipulate and hurt other people. And when you do this, you don't feel sorry. This can cause serious problems in your life.

This is a problem with the areas of the brain that process language. With aphasia, you may have trouble making sense of what others are saying. And it may be hard for you to communicate clearly.

This is a surgery for appendicitis. That's a painful swelling of your appendix, a small organ connected to your large intestine.

This is an inflammation of your appendix. Appendicitis can be severely painful. Without proper treatment, it can lead to a life-threatening infection.

If you take a brand-name medicine, your doctor or pharmacist may offer you a generic version of the drug. But what are generics, exactly? Do they work as well as brand-name drugs? Let's take a moment to learn more.

When you partner with someone, your lives become intertwined. You may share children and finances. You may share friends and business arrangements. And because relationships are so complicated, you can be in a bad relationship and not even know it. Here are some clues that your relationship is not a healthy one.

If your heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly, you have an arrhythmia. It's a problem with the rhythm of your heart. For many people, an arrhythmia is harmless. But for some, it can be life-threatening.

A person who identifies this way doesn't feel sexual attraction. They don't want sex with others. They can have other types of attractions. But they don't desire people in a sexual way.

This is the common name for acetylsalicylic acid. It's a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. You don't need a prescription for aspirin unless your doctor wants you to take a high dose.

Asthma is a long-term lung disease. It causes your airways to swell and narrow. This makes breathing difficult. Asthma often begins in childhood, but people of all ages can have asthma.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease. It is common in children. Children with asthma have trouble breathing. This happens when their airways become irritated and swollen. Many children who have asthma begin showing symptoms by age five.

Asthma is a lung disease that can make your breathing difficult. There are three main categories of medications for managing asthma. They are medicines for long-term control, for quick relief and for managing allergic responses.

"Asthma is a lung disease that can make your breathing difficult. The symptoms of asthma can worsen when you are exposed to certain things in the environment. These are called asthma triggers, and they can vary from person to person. "

This is a tumor that begins in a brain cell called an "astrocyte." These cells help give your brain its structure. An astrocytoma can form in your brain, in your brain stem or in your spinal cord. There are many types of astrocytomas. They can be cancerous or noncancerous. They can grow slowly or quickly. A doctor can figure out the specific type you have.

This disease is a buildup of a sticky, fatty substance called "plaque" on the inner walls of your arteries. Plaque buildup limits the flow of blood. This can lead to serious health problems.

This is a common disorder of childhood. It affects behavior. It can cause problems with social interactions. It can cause problems with learning. A person who has ADHD may have these problems throughout life.

If you're an adult and you have trouble paying attention and controlling your actions, you may have ADHD. It's a problem that begins when you're a child and continues throughout your life. But because the symptoms of ADHD may go unrecognized for years, you may not be diagnosed until you are an adult. ADHD can hurt your relationships and your career.

This syndrome is a set of symptoms that mimic those of Parkinson's disease. In fact, sometimes it's mistaken for Parkinson's disease. But the symptoms are not exactly the same. And, atypical parkinsonism may involve some nerve cells that don't play a role in Parkinson's disease.

This complex disorder is commonly called "autism." It affects the way people understand the world around them. It affects the way they think and feel. It affects the way they interact with others.

This is a mental health disorder that makes you go out of your way to avoid other people. It's more than shyness. That's because you constantly worry about what other people think about you. You have low self esteem, and you're very sensitive to rejection. Avoidant personality disorder makes it hard for you to have healthy relationships.

If you've had food poisoning, you know how sick it can make you feel. Fortunately, there are simple ways to avoid it. Here are some tips to keep you safe.

Lead is a highly toxic metal. It can be found in things like paint, dust, water and soil. Lead can build up in your body and cause a condition we call "lead poisoning." This is especially dangerous for children. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family from lead exposure.

The last thing you need right now is a cold. And if you do have one, you don't want it to spread to the people around you. So here are some things you can do to reduce the spread of colds.

If you have trigeminal neuralgia, you know how distressing it can be. You feel drained and hopeless. You live in fear of the next attack. But the good news is that some attacks are caused by specific triggers. Avoid those triggers and you may have fewer attacks. Here are some triggers we know about.

This is a group of eight nutrients we can't live without. They help us get energy from the foods we eat. They help form red blood cells. They also affect many other body functions.

Bad breath that doesn't go away is a problem for many people. It can be embarrassing and frustrating. You may not understand why it happens, or how to control it. But there are ways to deal with bad breath successfully.

This bulge, also called a "popliteal cyst," forms behind the knee. It's a swollen bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between soft tissues and bones. There are several of these sacs in the knee and in other joints. A swollen bursa can be uncomfortable, or even painful.

Your sense of balance is something you probably don't think about very often. That's because, for most of us, it just works. Balance keeps us stable. It allows us to stand up and walk around without falling over. But how do we do that? Let's learn about this complex system.

This is a group of tests performed on a sample of your blood. The tests measure different chemicals in your blood plasma. This is the pale yellow liquid part of your blood. Your blood cells float in this liquid. By examining your plasma, your doctor can learn about the health of many systems in your body.

Many overweight men carry their extra weight in the belly area. If you have a lot of belly fat, you may think it's harmless. But your tendency to gain weight in the belly area means you have a higher risk for some health problems. Let's learn more about what belly fat means for you.

We all know regular exercise is great for our health. It can helps us feel better physically and mentally. Let's take a moment to learn about the many ways it improves our lives.

These drugs lower your blood pressure. We use them to treat high blood pressure and other heart issues. They correct abnormal heart rhythms. They treat congestive heart failure, and chest pains we call "angina." They can help prevent heart attacks. And they help with migraines and some types of tremors.

You've heard about the dangers of "binge drinking." That's when you have many alcoholic drinks at one time. But when is drinking a lot actually considered a "binge"? And how is this harmful?

This is a serious eating disorder. With it, you lose control over your eating. You have an irresistible urge to eat large amounts of food. We call this "binging." It's bad for your health. And it can make you feel embarrassed and ashamed.

This disorder affects your mood and your energy levels. It's also known as "manic depression." With it, you have periods, called "manic episodes," during which you feel happy and full of energy. You also have "depressive episodes." During these times you feel sad, hopeless and tired. You can even have episodes that are a mix of these intense feelings. These extreme mood swings can disrupt your life.

There are many ways to prevent pregnancy. Let's look at some options.

A bisexual is someone who can feel attracted to people of both sexes. They can have physical, emotional or romantic feelings for men and women. The word "bisexual" is often shortened to "bi."

This is a cancer that begins in your bladder. This muscular organ stores your urine and pushes it out of your body when you urinate. Bladder cancer most commonly affects older people. Without proper treatment, it can spread to other parts of your body.

These masses of minerals form in your bladder. That's the organ that holds your urine. Both men and women get bladder stones, but they are more common in men over 50.

These are clumps of blood that form when blood cells stick together. Some types of clots are helpful. For example, when you're cut, your blood forms a clot to seal the wound. But sometimes, blood clots can form inside your arteries or veins for other reasons. They can clog your blood vessels. This can be life-threatening.

This quick, simple procedure lets us collect some of your blood for testing. A blood draw gives us a lot of info about your health. It helps us find problems you may not be aware of. And, if we're treating you for an issue, it can let us see how well your care plan is working.

These medicines help prevent blood clots. They also keep existing blood clots from getting bigger. You may need a blood thinner if you have certain problems with your heart or blood vessels, or if you have a high risk for clotting.

If you lose blood because of an injury or surgical procedure, or if your body has trouble making blood, you may need a blood transfusion. This is a common procedure that adds blood from a donor to your own blood.

What do you see when you look in the mirror? How does it make you feel? What do you think about your body? That's your "body image," and it can have a big impact on your sense of self-worth.

This is a type of x-ray that measures your bone density. Your doctor may recommend it if you're at risk for osteoporosis (that's a weakening of your bones). This scan is a quick and easy way to check for signs of bone density loss.

This is a serious mental disorder. With it, your mood and your actions aren't stable. You may have problems with anger, depression and anxiety. And, you may have intense mood swings. This can cause serious problems in your life. It can make it hard for you to have healthy relationships.

You're sick, and the thermometer says your body is warmer than it should be. You have a fever. But have you ever wondered just what a fever is? How do we get fevers, and why?

This outpatient procedure is a series of long-lasting injections of botulinum toxin (commonly referred to by the brand name BOTOX® administered into the muscle of the bladder wall to control the spasms that result in overactive bladder. The injections are performed through a cystoscope, a thin viewing telescope equipped with a light and camera that is inserted through the urethra. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes to perform.

This is a pocket of pus in your brain. Tissue has grown around it, walling it off from the rest of your body. The mass is filled with white blood cells, dead tissue and germs. It can grow and press harmfully against your brain, causing a medical emergency.

This therapy targets your brain with electricity. That sounds extreme, but our brains actually generate electricity of their own. It's how brain cells send signals back and forth. And by directing electricity into your brain, we can treat certain mental disorders.

This is a mass of abnormal cells. It may be inside your brain, or it may be next to your brain. It can grow and press harmfully against healthy brain tissue. This can cause a wide range of problems throughout your body. A brain tumor can severely impact your life.

This is a growth of cancer cells in your breast. It is the most common form of cancer in women after skin cancer. It affects one woman in eight during their lives. Men can also have breast cancer, but it's rare.

If you have pain in one or both breasts, you may wonder why. You may worry about cancer. But there can be many reasons why you're feeling pain. Let's take a few minutes to learn more.

This is a mental disorder that affects you temporarily. It causes you to have a break from reality. You may act out in strange ways. You may become violent. This can disrupt your life. It can have severe consequences.

This is an eating disorder. It causes you to have episodes where you eat a large amount of food, uncontrollably and all at once. We call this "binging." Then, you vomit or use laxatives to expel the food so you don't gain weight. We call this "purging." Bulimia can be very harmful to your health.

Overcoming bulimia is a long process. It's tough. But it is possible for you to get better and stay better. If you're dedicated and you follow your care plan, you can do it. Here are some things to think about as you work on your recovery.

Even though most of us treat others with kindness, there are some people who choose to be mean. They pick on kids who they think can't or won't fight back. We call this "bullying." It might happen to you. It might happen to a friend, or a kid you know. Let's talk about how to stop it.

If you're always stressed and unhappy in your job, you may be dealing with "burnout." It's a type of work-related exhaustion. It can involve your body and your mind. It can rob you of the satisfaction of a job well done.

This is an intestinal infection. It's caused by a bacterium known as Clostridium difficile. We also call it "C. diff." It lives in the intestines of some people. For most who carry it, C. diff. doesn't cause problems. But it can spread to others, especially in places like hospitals and nursing homes. And when it infects someone new, it can grow out of control.

It most often comes from plants, commonly coffee beans and tea leaves. But it can also be made in a lab. Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. It stimulates your nervous system, and most adults consume it regularly.

This is a mineral our bodies need in abundance. We need it for strong bones and teeth. Our bodies need it for other things too.  In fact, there's more calcium in your body than any other mineral.

Foolproof diets! Miracle cures! And did you hear about this "one weird trick"? With the popularity of internet and social media, we come across health topics every day. But how much of it's true? How do we know what we can trust? Here are some things to look for.

This infection is caused by a fungus known as Candida auris. We also call it "C. auris." It's an emerging threat around the world. It's spreading quickly, and it's very hard to fight with modern medicines.

If your heart beats too fast or doesn't beat with a regular pattern, you may need electrical cardioversion. During this hospital procedure, your heart is shocked with electricity. It can help give your heart a normal beat. Cardioversion isn't the same as defibrillation. That's an emergency procedure that uses high-energy shocks. Cardioversion uses low-energy shocks.

Your loved one has a COVID-19 infection, and you're caring for them at home. You've never done this before, and you need a plan. Let's go over some things to do as you provide care.

You're sick, and the thermometer says your body is warmer than it should be. You have a fever. But have you ever wondered just what a fever is? How do we get fevers, and why?

We all need to be aware of the danger of noise-induced hearing loss. That's hearing loss that's caused by loud noise. It tends to happen over time. When you finally notice it, your hearing is permanently damaged. Let's learn more about this type of hearing loss, and how you can prevent it.

It's important to keep your voice healthy. Teachers, singers, salespeople and others who rely heavily on their voices need to know how to keep the voice strong. So let's take a few moments to learn about proper voice care.

You're the caregiver for a family member or friend. You deal with pressures that most people don't understand. You've put your own life plans on hold. You may feel exhausted, overwhelmed and even frustrated or angry. But it's important to remember to take care of yourself, too. Here are some simple things that can make a difference.

This procedure removes plaque that's blocking a carotid artery. That's an artery that sends blood to your brain and your face. You have two of these arteries, one on each side of your neck.

This is an immune system disease. With it, your immune system reacts to foods that contain gluten. That's a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. When you eat gluten, your immune system attacks and harms your small intestine. This makes it hard for your body to absorb nutrients.

This disease causes a reaction to foods that have gluten. Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and barley. When a child with celiac disease eats gluten, the body's immune system attacks and harms the small intestine. This makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients.

This is a mass of enlarged blood vessels in your brain or spinal cord. Pockets in the mass slow down or even trap blood. This can lead to blood clots, or to a leaking of blood we call a "hemorrhage."

Cervical cancer happens here, in the cervix. It's the lower part of a woman's womb (or uterus). If this cancer is found early, it can be cured. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body.

This is the delivery of a baby through an incision in your belly. Some c-sections are planned ahead of time. Some are done because of an emergency.

This treatment rejuvenates the skin of your face. It helps the appearance of deep wrinkles and scars. It can also help blotchy skin, sun-damaged skin, and precancerous growths.

This treatment rejuvenates the skin of your face. It helps the appearance of fine wrinkles, acne, blotchy skin and dryness.

This treatment rejuvenates the skin of your face. It helps the appearance of wrinkles, scars and blotchy skin.

Do you have an uncomfortable feeling in your chest? Do you feel sharp or dull pain, or crushing or burning sensations? Do you feel vague discomfort? Let's look at the wide range of problems that can cause chest pain.

This is a structural problem with the back of the brain. It involves the cerebellum. That's the part of your brain that controls balance. Normally, the cerebellum sits in a space at the base of the skull. It's just above the opening to the spinal canal, called the "foramen magnum." With Chiari malformation, the cerebellum slips down through this opening.

This is a viral infection. It usually results in an itchy rash and mild sickness that lasts for five to 10 days. This virus spreads easily among children. In the past, contracting chickenpox was a routine part of childhood for most people. But a vaccine has made infections much less common.

Chickenpox is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It results in a rash of small red bumps that form all over the body. Chickenpox spreads easily between people. It can be very serious. But this disease can be prevented with the chickenpox vaccine.

This is one of the most common sexually-transmitted diseases. It's a problem for men and women. Medication easily cures it, but most people who are infected don't realize they have it.

This is a bacterial infection. It's caused by the cholera bacterium. It affects your digestive system. For some people, it causes severe diarrhea and other problems.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. It is found in all of your body's cells. It is also found in some of the foods you eat. Cholesterol screening is a test used to measure the amount and type of cholesterol in your blood.

An ear infection is a buildup of germs behind the eardrum, in the part of the ear called the "middle ear." For some infants and young children, ear infections are a continuing problem. They can come back again and again. We call these "chronic" ear infections.

This debilitating disorder causes severe exhaustion that doesn't go away after you rest. It makes even the most ordinary daily activities difficult to do.

This is an inflammation of the part of your throat that holds your vocal cords. It's called the "larynx." Laryngitis can make you sound hoarse, and your voice may be very weak. Your laryngitis is said to be "chronic" if it lasts longer than three weeks.

This condition is a recurring and persistent infection or inflammation of the throat and tonsils. Chronic pharyngitis can cause pain, discomfort and alteration of the voice.

This condition is a buildup of clotted blood between the brain's outer layer and the membrane that covers the brain (called the dura). It usually occurs in the elderly, and can be caused by even a minor bump to the head.

Your liver is an organ that helps filter your blood. It helps process and store nutrients from the foods you eat. And it does other important jobs. When scar tissue builds up in your liver over time, this is called "cirrhosis."

This is a common shoulder injury. It's a break of the bone that rests between the shoulder blade and the sternum. We call it the "collarbone." Your collarbones help connect your arms to your body.

If you have a mental health disorder or if you want to help researchers learn more about mental health, consider taking part in a clinical trial. This is a scientific study of a disorder or a treatment.

These are intensely painful headaches that come in patterns or clusters. You can have them regularly over weeks or months. They may stop for months or years, and then return again.

The cochlear implant is an electronic device that can provide a sense of sound to a person who is deaf or profoundly hard-of-hearing. This type of device is very different from a hearing aid, which serves only to amplify sound. A cochlear implant transforms sounds into electrical signals and transmits these signals directly to the auditory nerve of the inner ear, bypassing any damaged structures in the ear that are impeding normal hearing.

In this treatment, you and your therapist talk about what you think and feel and how you act. It helps you cope with stressful situations. It's used to treat a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and more.

This is a form of talk therapy. It's focused on your thoughts and feelings. It helps you see problems in the way you think about some things. You'll learn skills that will help you deal with your problems. Let's look at how cognitive therapy treats a wide range of mental health issues.

This is a surgery to remove part or all of your colon. That's another name for your large intestine. You may need a colectomy if you have colon cancer, Crohn's disease or some other problem.

This happens when air sacs in your lung deflate, either partially or completely. They can't fill with air. They may fill with fluid. This can happen to air sacs in just one section of your lung (which we call a "lobe"). Or, the entire lung can collapse.

This happens when a pocket of air builds up in the space between your chest wall and one of your lungs. The air pocket presses and forces air out of your lung. And when you try to breathe in, your lung has no room to hold the air. It has collapsed.

This procedure is an examination of the large intestine. The physician will look for inflammation, ulcers, or abnormal growths called polyps. The physician uses a colonoscope. This is an instrument with a small camera attached to a soft, flexible tube. The procedure usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour.

This condition is the formation of cancerous growths in the colon (called colon cancer) and in the rectum (called rectal cancer).

This procedure, which takes about ten to fifteen minutes to perform, is a visual examination of the cervix with a microscopic viewing device called a colposcope. It may be performed in conjunction with a biopsy or other procedure.

During this outpatient procedure, typically performed after an abnormal Pap smear, the physician collects a tissue sample from the cervix so that the cells can be examined under a microscope. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to remove precancerous lesions or larger areas of abnormal tissue.

We've all experienced the sneezing, coughing, sore throat and fever of a common cold. But what, exactly, is a cold? And how do you fight it?

Different eye disorders will affect sight in different ways. Use these vision problem simulations to get an idea of how eye disorders affect vision.

This is an examination of your blood cells. It gives your doctor information about your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, along with other features of your blood. Your doctor may recommend this test as part of your routine healthcare, or to look for signs of a specific disease or disorder. Your doctor may also use this test to monitor a blood disorder or to monitor your health during treatment.

This is a type of chronic, long-lasting, pain. In most cases, it develops in an arm or a leg that you have previously injured. With CRPS, you may have unexplained pain that won't go away. It may be severe, and it may spread.

This is a collapse of vertebral bone. It can affect one or more vertebrae. Compression fractures typically develop in your mid or lower back. This can change the shape of your spine.

This is a serious brain injury. It happens when your brain bumps back and forth violently inside your skull. A concussion can affect the way your brain functions. It can cause permanent problems.

This is a group of emotional and behavioral problems in children. With it, a child does defiant and impulsive things. The child may break rules and cause problems for himself or herself and for other people. Eventually, this can lead to criminal behavior.

This is a swelling or an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin, clear layer of tissue in the eye. The conjunctiva covers the white part of your eye, and also the inner side of your eyelids.

This condition is a problem with the function of your bowels. It can be an issue for you as you age. Constipation can be related to your diet or your daily routine. But for some people, it can be a sign of a more serious disorder.

This condition, also called OIC, is a temporary problem with the function of your bowels. It is an uncomfortable side-effect from taking certain drugs that contain opioids. These drugs are commonly taken to control pain.

Contraception is the voluntary prevention of pregnancy. Men and women can choose from a variety of reliable methods to prevent conception. Choosing the right birth control can depend on several factors, including effectiveness, cost, protection against disease, and personal preference. Contraception is intended to prevent undesired pregnancy and not to protect against STDs. Condoms may help prevent disease transmission.

This is a condition that involves your mind and your body. With it, you have physical symptoms that a doctor can't explain with a medical exam. You may have blindness, paralysis or some other problem that has no obvious physical cause. But these symptoms are real, and you can't control them.

The loss of a baby is a heartbreaking experience. It's devastating for you and the people who love you. It can be hard to know how to deal with the pain. But there are some things you can do to help you move forward.

After a heart attack, it's normal to feel powerful emotions. You may feel anxious and afraid. You may be angry, depressed or lonely. It can be overwhelming, and even make your recovery harder. Well, you need to know that many people experience these emotions. With help, you can cope with them and regain control of your life.

Just after a stroke, it's common for people to experience emotional changes. You may have drastic mood swings from one minute to the next. Your reaction to things may not make sense. This can be surprising and confusing to you and to those around you. But it's a normal part of recovery.

This is a small, flexible device made of plastic and copper. A doctor puts it inside your uterus (we also call it your "womb") to prevent pregnancy. It can be left inside your uterus for years.

When a baby is born, we cut the umbilical cord. It's the tube that connects the baby to the placenta. Blood in the umbilical cord has medical uses. We can collect and store it for future needs. We call this "cord blood banking."

This treats a blocked coronary artery in your heart. That's one of the arteries that supplies blood to your heart's tissue. With a bypass, blood will flow around the blockage so it can nourish this tissue.

Coronary arteries are the blood vessels that feed your heart muscle. If the arteries harden and narrow, your heart muscle can't get the blood it needs to work well. Coronary heart disease can lead to a heart attack. It is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

COVID-19 vaccination programs are beginning to launch. Here's what you need to know about these vaccines.

This procedure is used to freeze and destroy abnormal cells in the cervix. Cryosurgery is a common treatment for precancerous cells, a condition known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

This outpatient procedure uses liquid nitrogen, a freezing agent, to remove small lesions or growths on the skin. It is commonly used to treat benign growths, precancerous tissues, and less-severe cancers.

This scan lets doctors see inside your body by taking x-ray images from many angles. These are combined to show clear cross-section slices of parts of your body. A CT scan shows much more than a typical x-ray. It can show cancer and other problems.

This is a disease that affects your mucus and sweat glands. It causes the mucus your body produces to be thick and sticky. In your lungs, sticky mucus can clog your airways. This makes it hard for you to breathe. It also provides a place for bacteria to grow. That can lead to frequent lung infections.

This procedure looks inside your bladder. Your doctor uses a viewing device called a "cystoscope." There are two types of cystoscopes. Flexible scopes are used only for viewing. Rigid scopes also have a channel to pass small instruments through.

This procedure looks inside your bladder. Your doctor uses a viewing device called a "cystoscope." There are two types of cystoscopes. Flexible scopes are used only for viewing. Rigid scopes also have a channel to pass small instruments through.

This minimally-invasive procedure, performed with the da Vinci Surgical System, is used to remove a diseased uterus. In some cases, the surgeon may also have to remove the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes or surrounding lymph nodes.

Where did I leave my keys? Did I remember to buy milk? What's the new neighbor's name? We've all experienced forgetfulness at some point, and mild forgetfulness isn't usually a cause for concern. If you're struggling with mild forgetfulness, there are some things you can do to help deal with it.

Fitting in with other people makes us feel good. It's nice to be part of a group, because it shows we're liked and respected by our peers. But if you feel pressured to fit in, you may be tempted to do things you normally wouldn't do. We call this feeling "peer pressure." And it can be tough to deal with. Here are some strategies to help.

A virus is spreading in the community. You've been told to avoid others. You're staying home, but you feel lonely, stressed and anxious. Let's look at some simple ways to manage self-isolation.

This condition is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside the body. This type of clot most commonly develops in the legs. This condition is dangerous, because the clot can break free and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs.

Deep vein thrombosis is a type of blood clot that can develop when you sit still for long periods. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions that make the blood clot more easily. You can take precautions to reduce your risk for developing this dangerous condition.

When you spend long periods of time in a hospital bed, you may be at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis. This is a type of blood clot that forms in a vein, usually in the legs. You may be prone to developing this type of clot because of a blood clotting disorder or other condition. But these clots are also caused by lack of movement. If you keep your legs in the same position for long periods of time, you raise your risk for a clot. Fortunately, you can take some simple precautions to keep a clot from forming.

This is a psychotic disorder. With it, you have trouble recognizing reality. You believe something that isn't true. We call this a "delusion." Even when someone can prove that your belief is false, you continue to firmly believe it.

This is a mental health disorder that makes you emotionally dependent on other people. You may be clingy, needy and submissive. You may not trust yourself or your ability to make decisions. You may be terrified of being alone. This leads to unhealthy relationships.

This is a mental health disorder that makes you feel detached from yourself and from your surroundings. You may feel like you're watching yourself from outside your own body. Even though you know this is not reality, you can't make these feelings go away. This is disturbing and scary. It can interfere with your life.

Everyone feels sad sometimes. But if deep sadness and hopelessness makes your daily life hard, you may be depressed. Depression can last for a long time. You may have depression many times throughout your life.

This common condition is a misalignment of the nasal septum (the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nostrils). Ideally, the septum is straight and positioned exactly in the center of the nose. However, in many cases it is positioned slightly off center and may also be crooked or misshapen.

This disease makes it hard for your body to use blood glucose (also called "blood sugar"). That's what your cells use for energy. With diabetes, blood glucose builds up in your bloodstream. This leads to serious health problems.

This disease, once called "juvenile diabetes," is a problem with the way your body converts food to energy. It happens when your immune system attacks and destroys islet cells in the pancreas. These cells produce insulin, a hormone used to process blood glucose.

This is the most common form of diabetes. With it, your body has trouble making and using insulin. That's the hormone that helps glucose enter your cells to produce energy.

This condition, a complication of diabetes, is a buildup of toxins in the blood. It is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening.

This is a way to get a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid (which we call "CSF"). That's the fluid that flows around your brain, spinal cord and spinal nerves. Testing this fluid will show signs of bleeding, infection or other problems.

This artificial filtering of your blood removes waste from your body. It helps perform the job that your kidneys are supposed to do. If your kidneys don't function properly, dialysis may be a necessary part of your life. Two methods of dialysis treatments are commonly available.

Diarrhea is the passage of frequent, loose, or liquid stools. In an infant or child, it can be very serious. If it lasts for more than a day, the child is at risk of dehydration. It is important for parents to be able to recognize and treat dehydration.

Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet. You'll find it in fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods. It helps your digestion. It also adds bulk to the foods you eat, helping you feel full.

If you have a problem with digestion, you may have heard about enzyme supplements. They support digestive health. Some are prescribed by doctors. Others are sold in health food stores and drug stores without a prescription. But should you take them? And, are they safe to use?

In this outpatient procedure, a small tool called a curette is used to remove tissue from inside the uterus. Dilation and curettage is often used to obtain a biopsy in cases of heavy menstruation or postmenopausal bleeding or to clear tissue that may be left after a miscarriage or delivery. The procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

When it's time for you to leave the hospital, you will get a discharge plan. It lists important topics to discuss with your healthcare team. The discharge plan simplifies your exit with tips and instructions for continuing your care at home. If a family member or friend will be helping you with your care once you get home, try to have them with you when you receive your discharge plan.

Someone in your household has a COVID-19 infection. You're worried it could spread to you or other family members. Let's learn how to clean your home and lower your risk of infection.

If you're done taking opioids but have some pills left over, it's time to get rid of them. Keeping unused pills isn't safe. They can be deadly to people or pets who may find them. But don't simply throw opioids in the trash. Here's how to dispose of them safely.

This is a mental health disorder. It's a type of memory loss that is different from normal forgetfulness. With it, you may forget a specific event or important details about your life. Typically, these memories do come back. And when they do, they may return all at once.

This is a form of amnesia. It's a temporary state of memory loss. A person in this state may not be able to remember who they are. They may have no memories of their family or friends, or where they live or work. If this happens to you, it can seriously disrupt your life.

This is a mental health disorder. With it, your personality is divided into two or more identities. They are often very different from each other. You also have gaps in your memory. This can cause severe problems in your life.

When you're a caregiver, you often help with doctor's appointments. You'll need to make sure the person you're caring for gets the most out of their appointment. Before a visit, it's good to prepare. These tips will help.

You may hear about a do-not-resuscitate order as you near the end of your life. Or, if you legally represent someone who's near death but cannot make medical decisions, you may be asked about one. We also call it a "DNR order." It's a legal document written by a doctor, but it's only created if you agree to it.

This is a condition a baby is born with. It's caused by an extra bundle of genetic information, called a "chromosome," in the body's cells. Down syndrome affects the body and the brain.

You're on the go, and you can't always find time to focus on your health. Putting your health first isn't always easy or practical. But you may be overlooking one basic strategy: drinking water. Yes, although many of us reach for sodas, juice or sports drinks when we're thirsty, plain water is the healthy choice.

This is a bad reaction you have to a medication. It may happen the first time you take a drug. But it can even happen with a drug you've taken before without issue.

If you have dry skin, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Dry skin can be itchy, flaky and sensitive. For most people, it's a minor nuisance that's easy to treat. But in some cases it can be a chronic problem that lasts a long time.

This minimally-invasive surgical procedure is performed to help treat recurrent ear infections or a build-up of fluid in the middle ear. Small metal or plastic tubes are inserted into the eardrum to drain fluid and to allow air into the middle ear, equalizing pressure between the middle and outer ear. This procedure is most commonly performed on young children.

We all have ear wax. It's natural and healthy. But what is it, exactly? Why do we have it, and what does ear wax do for our ears? Let's take a moment to learn about it.

You want to be healthier, but you just can't seem to find time to focus on fitness. Well, don't get frustrated. You don't have to join a gym or an aerobics class to be physically active. There are some simple things you can do every day to get in shape.

Most people get too much sodium in their daily diet. Too much sodium can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. Let's take a moment to learn more about sodium, and how to eat less of it.

This is a name for several forms of swelling of the skin. We also call it "dermatitis." In many people it affects the cheeks, the insides of the elbows, or the skin behind the knees. You may have dermatitis on your hands or feet, or on your buttocks. It isn't a contagious condition.

This food allergy is an immune system response linked to eggs. It happens when your immune system treats harmless egg proteins as if they're a danger to your body. We see it most often in kids. Many of them will outgrow the egg allergy, but not all do.

This is test of your heart. It lets your doctor see how well your heart is working. A doctor can use this test to find out if you have a heart problem, or to monitor a heart problem your doctor already knows you have.

This outpatient procedure is used to remove small lesions or growths on the skin. It is commonly used to treat benign growths, precancerous tissues, and less-severe cancers.

This is a diagnostic test. It measures the electrical impulses in your brain. It can help identify abnormal brain activity.

These are minerals that contain an electrical charge. They dissolve in water. In your body, we find them in your blood, sweat, urine and other fluids. They affect many things. They're used in chemical reactions in your body. They affect nerves and muscles. And they help balance fluids in your cells. Some examples of electrolytes include calcium, potassium and sodium.

This is a test of your muscles and nerves. It usually has two parts. One is a nerve conduction study. This measures how well electricity moves through your nerves. The second part is a needle electromyogram. It records the electrical signals your muscles make when you move them. The results can help your doctor find problems linked to certain disorders or conditions.

During this procedure, which takes about 30 minutes to complete, the physician uses heated saline to destroy the endometrial lining of the uterus. This procedure is an effective method for the treatment of abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially heavy menstrual bleeding.

This outpatient procedure is used to treat abnormal vaginal bleeding by destroying the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.

This diagnostic procedure is used to collect a small tissue sample from the endometrium, the layer of tissue that lines the uterus, so that the cells can be examined under a microscope. Endometrial biopsy is performed on an outpatient basis, and takes about 5 to 15 minutes to complete.

This cancer begins in a woman's uterus. That's the hollow organ we call the "womb," where a fetus grows during pregnancy. The cancer forms in the endometrial tissue. That's a layer of cells lining the inside of the womb.

This outpatient procedure is used to treat abnormal vaginal bleeding by destroying the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.

An endometrial polyp is a soft, fleshy growth that develops on the inner wall of the uterus. A polyp may have a thick base, or it may be attached to the uterus by a thin stalk. A woman may develop a single polyp or multiple polyps, and they may be large or small.

During this procedure, which takes about 30 minutes to complete, the physician uses a radiofrequency device to destroy the endometrial lining of the uterus. This procedure is an effective method for the treatment of abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially heavy menstrual bleeding.

This minimally-invasive outpatient procedure uses a foam solution to shrink and close varicose veins. The foam is injected into the target veins through a catheter, leaving surrounding tissues unaffected.

This injection of anesthetic numbs your lower body. We commonly use it for surgeries in the pelvic area and the legs. We also use it to block the pain of childbirth. You'll be awake and alert during and after this injection.

This procedure is an injection of anesthetic into the lower back. This type of injection is used to relieve pain that does not respond to oral or IV medications.

This procedure is an injection of anesthetic through the lower back. This injection numbs the lower abdomen, blocking the pain of childbirth. A patient who has been given an epidural will remain awake and alert. The patient will still have the ability to push to deliver the baby.

This is a problem with the electrical activity of your brain's nerve cells. These cells are called "neurons." With epilepsy, they sometimes send out disorganized signals. When this happens, you can suddenly lose control of your body for a brief time. There may be a change in how you act or feel. We call this a "seizure."

This is a small cut you may need when you give birth. It makes the opening of your vagina larger. It speeds up delivery. It helps your baby come out without tearing your vagina. And if a baby is stuck inside you, it makes space for forceps or an extractor.

This is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection. It most often affects older men. It can be embarrassing. It might upset you. And, it's sometimes difficult to talk about.

We all know exercise is important for good health. But some people feel pain when they exercise. If you have pain that starts suddenly, lasts only a short time and then goes away with rest, we say you have "acute" pain. Don't ignore it.

We all know exercise is important for good health. But if you live with chronic pain, exercising can be hard. Pain often robs you of motivation. Some exercises may be too painful. But even with chronic pain, most people can exercise safely.

This is a treatment designed to help you overcome fear and anxiety. It helps you conquer a phobia, or cope with memories of a traumatic experience. Exposure therapy helps you gain control over irrational fear that disrupts your life.

These injections help your doctor find or treat pain in the facet joints of your neck. Facet joints are found on both sides of your spine. Your vertebrae connect at these joints.

When you're in the hospital, you may be in a small room with a lot of equipment. The medication you take may make you lightheaded or dizzy. You may be weak or injured. All of these things make a fall more likely. So let's learn how to stay safe.

With this problem, you have trouble controlling your bowels. You may have leaks. You may soil your clothing before you can get to a toilet. This keeps you from being as active as you like.

This common condition, which affects many women at some point in their lives, is a persistent lack of sexual desire, arousal, climax or a sensation of pain that can cause personal distress and may greatly strain a woman's intimate relationships. Although female sexual dysfunction can be a lifelong problem for many women, this condition is very treatable.

A pregnant woman who drinks alcohol can harm her developing baby. Fetal alcohol syndrome includes a range of problems seen in these babies. It can lead to lifelong issues.

This chronic condition is believed to be a type of interference with the way your brain processes pain signals. It leaves you highly sensitive to pain. If you have this condition, you may feel long-lasting pain throughout your body.

This is a viral infection that often causes a rash on the cheeks. It's most common in children, but the virus can infect adults, too.

We all struggle with negative feelings now and then. Frustration, boredom, loneliness - these are all part of being human. The one thing we're all looking for is happiness. And that means something different for each of us. Here's where you can look for your own happiness.

If your finger is dislocated, that means a bone has been forced out of its normal position. It's a common, painful injury, and one that needs proper treatment.

If you've fractured a finger, you've broken one or more of the finger bones we call "phalanges." Each individual bone is called a "phalanx." You've got three in each finger, and two in each thumb. They are supported by a network of soft tissues that can also be damaged during a fracture.

Our fingers are often in harm's way, and our fingertips are prone to injury. A fingertip injury can involve skin, soft tissue, nerves and bone. It can involve the nail and the nailbed. These injuries can be serious, painful, and slow to heal. If you've injured your fingertip, you can take a few simple steps to minimize problems.

This food allergy is an immune system response linked to finned fish. It happens when your immune system treats harmless fish proteins as if they're a danger to your body. Some examples of finned fish include salmon, trout, cod and tuna. A person with this allergy may be allergic to one or more of them.

This is one of the B vitamins that's essential for good health. It helps our bodies make new cells. It's used to make DNA and other genetic material. It also plays a role in cell division.

This immune system reaction is triggered by certain foods. Your immune system can react if you eat, touch or breathe in particles of the food. Even a very small amount can trigger a reaction. Many types of foods cause immune system reactions. Some common examples are shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, wheat and soy.

You get this illness from eating contaminated food. It may have bacteria, viruses or parasites in it. Or, it may have toxins in it that were created by these organisms. Food poisoning can make you very sick. It can kill you.

This condition is a fracture, or break, of one or more of the metacarpal bones of the hand. The fracture may be nondisplaced, in which the bones remain aligned, or displaced, in which the fractured ends shift out of alignment. Without proper treatment, the bones may not heal correctly. This can result in improper alignment of the fingers, leading to poor hand function.

This is an inherited genetic disorder. It can cause a wide range of mind and body problems. This syndrome affects both males and females, but it is more common and usually more severe in males.

These are chemicals that are formed naturally by your body. They're highly reactive. That means they're very unstable. Free radicals easily interact with other things around them. And when they do this, they can harm the DNA strands, proteins and membranes of your body's cells.

This skin and tissue damage comes from extreme cold. Frostbite can happen to any part of your body. And it can be very serious.

As part of your care plan, we may ask you to fill out a "functional health assessment." It's a list of questions about your health. It gives us a lot of info about your body and mind. It helps us understand what types of care you may need.

This healthcare approach looks for underlying causes of illness. Those who practice it take a broad view of your health. They may study your genes, your environment, and your lifestyle.

This is a surgery to remove a small organ under your liver. It's called the "gallbladder," and it stores bile (that's a fluid used for digestion). You may need this surgery if gallstones have collected in your gallbladder, or if the gallbladder is causing other problems. You'll be able to live a normal life without this organ.

These are hardened particles that form inside your gallbladder. This small organ plays a role in digestion. It stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fatty foods and eliminate waste from your body.

For many, occasional gambling is a fun way to relax and enjoy some mild risk-taking. But for some, the urge to gamble is uncontrollable. If you have this disorder, you can't stop gambling. It is an addiction. Losing makes you want to place riskier and riskier bets. This can destroy your life.

"These days, we have access to video games whenever we want them. At home, we can play them on TVs and computers. When we're out, we can play them on our phones and tablets. For many, video games are a fun and harmless diversion from everyday life. But for some people, they can become an addiction. "

A gay male is a man who is attracted to other men. This is a deeply-held feeling. It can be physical. It can be emotional or romantic. The word "gay" isn't used only for men. Women who are attracted to women may also identify as "gay."

We all worry sometimes about stressful things in life. But if you have this disorder, you have extreme, chronic anxiety. You can't control it. You worry about things even when you know you shouldn't. This can make it hard for you to relax and feel happy.

These are disorders that are caused by a problem with our genetic code, which we call "DNA." You can be born with a genetic disorder. Or, you can develop one later in life. Let's take a few minutes to learn more.

When your surgery is done, you may be surprised at how quickly we get you up and moving. Why do we do this? Because it helps speed your recovery. Let's take a moment to learn about the benefits.

Calcium is a mineral that you get from your diet. It helps build strong bones when you're growing. It helps keep your bones strong as you age. But many of us don't get enough calcium. This raises the risk for osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones. Here's how to make sure you're getting enough calcium.

Folic acid is a vitamin we all need to be healthy. We get it from the foods we eat. Let's learn about folic acid and how much we should be getting every day.

Zinc is a mineral we all need to be healthy. We get it from the foods we eat. Let's learn about zinc and how much we should be getting every day.

Opioid addiction is overwhelming. It robs you of happiness and health. It can steal away your family and friends. But it is treatable. With the right support, you can beat opioid addiction. Let's learn about treatment options.

Talk therapy, also called "psychotherapy," is an important part of care for many mental health issues. During talk therapy, you meet with a therapist. You talk about your life and your relationships. Together, you find solutions to your problems.

This is an illness of your intestines. It's caused by a tiny parasite that lives in water. The parasite is found all over the world. It's the most common cause of intestinal infection.

This disorder, also called "narrow angle" or "closed angle" glaucoma, is a buildup of pressure in your eye. It usually happens very quickly. It can damage your optic nerve. It can cause blindness.

This disorder damages the optic nerve at the rear of the eye, causing rapid loss of vision. It can strike suddenly and progress quickly.

This is an antioxidant that's found in all of your cells. It's used by the immune system. It also has other roles in the body.

This condition is a swelling of the thyroid gland, a gland in the neck that produces hormones to regulate metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Goiters occur most commonly in women over the age of 40. A goiter is not the same as thyroid cancer.

This is a sexually-transmitted disease. It affects the genitals, rectum and throat in men and in women. It's cured with medication.

This is a form of arthritis. It causes pain and swelling in your joints. For many people, it starts in the big toe.

This lets your surgeon examine and treat problems of organs in your pelvic area. It's done with a viewing device called a "laparoscope."

If you have experienced hair loss, you know it can be unsettling. It's a common issue that happens for many reasons. It can happen to anyone at any age.

If your scalp itches, you may have a lice infestation. Lice are tiny insects that like to live in the hair on your head. They bite your scalp and feed on your blood. And they can spread from one person to another.

Proper nutrition is important for your health. Making good food choices, combined with regular exercise, can help you maintain a proper weight. If you are overweight, making small changes in your eating habits can make a big difference in your health. Follow these simple tips for proper nutrition.

You want to eat a nutritious diet, but it isn't always easy. Fast food is cheap and plentiful. But eating a lot of fast food can wreck your health. With a little effort, everyone can find healthy, affordable options. Here's how.

We all want to be a healthy as possible. For many of us, there's room in our lives for some improvement. The good news is, adopting healthy habits doesn't have to be hard. It doesn't have to be time-consuming. Let's learn about some simple ways you can live a healthy life.

When life is busy, our health may be the last thing we think about. But adopting healthy habits doesn't have to be hard. It doesn't have to be time-consuming. Let's learn about some simple ways your family can live a healthy life.

As a teen, you have the freedom to make choices that have a big impact on your health. So let's learn about healthy habits, and some things you should avoid.

The path to good health begins in childhood. Children who develop healthy habits early have a better chance of avoiding things like obesity and heart disease later in life. Here are some simple ways to improve your child's health.

A hearing aid is a small device, worn on or in the ear, which amplifies sound and broadcasts it to the eardrum. Hearing aids are used to help those with hearing loss to listen and communicate more clearly. There are several types of hearing aids, and choosing the appropriate device can depend on comfort, size, performance and level of hearing loss.

This is a loss over time of your ability to hear clearly. For most people, hearing loss is a natural part of growing older. It can cause problems with your ability to communicate with others. It can be frustrating for you and for those around you.

This is a form of hearing loss that can develop quickly and spontaneously. You may wake up and find that you have lost hearing in one ear, and you may not know why. This can be a frightening and frustrating experience.

This is a blockage in one of your coronary arteries. They're the vessels carrying blood to your heart's tissue. A heart attack can strike suddenly, often without any warning.

Fast action during a heart attack can be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, most heart attacks start slowly. Many begin with telltale warning signs. If you know how to spot these signs, and if you act quickly, you can get the help you need before it's too late.

Many people don't realize that women and men often experience heart attack differently. We tend to think of a heart attack as a dramatic, chest-clutching event. But for many women, the signs are more subtle. Some women may mistake them for symptoms of heartburn, the flu, or aging. This can be dangerous.

This condition, also called "congestive heart failure," is when your heart becomes so weak it can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. It doesn't mean that your heart has stopped beating. But it's a serious condition, and it needs medical care.

This scan creates images of your heart. They're made with a CT scanner and show more detail than you can see with a regular x-ray. A heart scan helps your doctor diagnose heart disease, or see if you are at risk for it.

This condition is a dangerous overheating of your body. It happens when your core temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40° Celsius). Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

We all know that an active lifestyle is important for good health. But finding the motivation to exercise can be tough. Even if you're active, you may have a loved one who doesn't exercise. Here's how you can help your loved one get up and get on the path to better fitness.

It's important to help your child stay at a healthy weight. A good weight reduces the risk of health problems now and later. Here are some tips to guide you.

This is a raised, rubbery bump on the skin. You might see it at birth, or it may form soon after a baby is born. It can be bright red or purplish, and it can be very large. Hemangiomas often develop on the face or neck, but they form on other places, too.

This is a disorder of the blood. With it, your blood doesn't clot the way it should. If you get cut or have an internal injury, you can bleed for a long time. That's very dangerous.

This condition is an inflammation and swelling of the veins of the anus or rectum. Hemorrhoids may occur inside or outside the anus.

This viral infection affects the liver. It's a short-term infection that doesn't cause lasting harm. A vaccine has made hepatitis A infections rare in the United States.

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It spreads easily between people. This disease can be prevented with the hepatitis A vaccine.

This viral infection affects the liver. It causes the liver to swell, and damages liver cells. You can have a short-term hepatitis B infection that gets better without causing lasting harm. Or, you can have a chronic infection. This may cause permanent liver damage.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. This disease can be prevented with the hepatitis B vaccine. It prompts the body to create antibodies that will protect against the virus.

This is a viral infection that affects the liver. It can cause you to be mildly sick for weeks or months. But even after you feel better, the virus can stay inside your body. It can slowly harm your liver over many years.

This viral infection affects the liver. The virus that causes hepatitis D only infects you if you also have hepatitis B. If you get both infections at the same time, you may get better with no lasting harm. But when you have a chronic hepatitis B infection and then get hepatitis D, this is serious. It may lead to permanent liver damage.

These are products made from plants. They're meant to keep you healthy or help with a range of health problems. These include headaches, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps and depression.

Between the vertebrae of your spine are soft discs. They let your spine twist and bend. They absorb shocks. But if damaged, the disc's soft center can push through the disc wall. That's a herniated disc. This bulge presses against nerves in your spine.

This condition is a rupture of one of the vertebral discs in your neck. A herniated disc can allow disc material to press harmfully against the spinal nerves.

This is a common viral infection. It causes small sores on or around your genitals, your buttocks or your anal area. They can also form around your mouth.

This is a common viral infection. It can cause small sores that we call "cold sores" or "fever blisters." Usually, these form on or around the lips or in the mouth.

Hib disease is a serious illness that usually strikes children under five years old. It is caused by bacteria. This bacteria can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A Hib infection can lead to meningitis, a swelling of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be deadly. Hib disease can be prevented with the Hib vaccine.

This vaccine protects against Hib disease. That's a bacterial infection that spreads through the air in coughs and sneezes. It can be serious. especially for babies and young children.

When your heart beats, it pushes blood through your arteries. This creates pressure against the artery walls. If this pressure is too high, you have high blood pressure. It's a common disease. But if you don't manage it properly, it can cause health problems.

Your doctor says you have high cholesterol. You know that's not good. But what is cholesterol, exactly? Why is it in your blood vessels, and why is high cholesterol bad for you?

With this injury, the head of your femur (which is shaped like a ball) slips out of your hip socket. It may slip forward or backward out of position. This can damage structures around the joint.

This is a break of the upper part of your femur. The femur is the long bone in your upper leg. At the top of the femur is the "head." This is the ball that fits into your hip socket. A hip fracture may happen at the "neck" of the femur (the thin portion of bone under the head). Fractures may also happen below the neck.

A broken hip is serious and disabling. With a broken hip, you may not be able to care for yourself. Sometimes, complications from a hip fracture can lead to death. Avoid a broken hip with these basic safety measures.

This is a mental health disorder that causes you to seek attention. You feel uncomfortable when people aren't focused on you. Sometimes, you draw attention to yourself in ways that aren't healthy. This can damage your relationships.

This is a disease of your immune system. It begins as an infection by the human immunodeficiency virus, which we call "HIV." Over time, this virus can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. That's the syndrome we call "AIDS."

This small, flexible, plastic device uses a hormone to prevent pregnancy. A doctor puts it inside your uterus (we also call it your "womb"). It can be left inside your uterus for years.

This treatment involves using synthetic or natural hormones to replace the hormones a womans body no longer makes after menopause. Hormones can be given through pills, skin creams or gels, or through patches placed on the skin. Hormones can also be delivered through vaginal creams, rings and tablets.

If you or someone you love has reached the end of life, it's time to think about hospice care. This form of care provides comfort and support for a dying person and for their family. Hospice care isn't meant to treat or cure disease. It helps people die peacefully and with dignity.

Many of us have broken a bone at some time in our lives. A broken bone can be frightening and painful. But with time (and proper care), your body will heal even a bad fracture. Have you ever wondered how that process works? Let's take a moment to learn more.

If you snore, you know how frustrating it can be. Snoring robs you and your partner of restful sleep. But there are many ways to treat snoring. Let's learn about how you can get relief.

The COVID-19 virus emerged in China in 2019. Since then, it spread around the world. But how is this possible? Let's learn about how this virus spreads.

We know body weight is linked to the calories you eat. But what is a calorie, exactly? How many calories should you consume each day? Let's take a few minutes to learn about calories and what they mean for you.

Getting enough sleep is important for everyone. It's one of the building blocks of good health. But how much sleep is enough? Well, the amount of sleep you need each night actually depends on your age. Let's learn more about it.

We've all heard we need to drink water to be healthy. But how much water is enough? Do we need eight glasses a day, like many believe? How do we know we're getting the right amount? Let's take a few minutes to learn about our daily water needs.

Opioids are powerful for controlling pain. But too often, they are abused. This leads to dependence and addiction. And as this happens, your personality can change.

If you've had an injury or a surgery, your doctor may prescribe an "opioid." This is a type of powerful painkiller. Opioids can mask severe pain. They may help when other pain control methods aren't working. But they can also affect your brain in a way that's harmful. You can become addicted. Let's learn about how they interact with your brain.

When we're young, making friends is easy. We can make friends at school or on the playground without much effort. But as we get older, making friends gets a lot harder. Work and family takes over. You may feel like you don't have a lot of chances to make new friends. And not having friends can really take a toll on your health.

You're going to see a doctor soon, and you want to make the most of your appointment. But are you sure you're ready? Before you visit your doctor, it helps to prepare. These tips will help.

You're ready to get serious about exercise. You want to get up and moving. But before you jump into a new fitness program, let's take a moment to make sure you do it safely.

Like every part of your body, your brain changes as you age. And some changes affect how you think. Let's look at what's normal, and let's talk about things that may be cause for concern.

Good oral hygiene involves more than just keeping plaque away. You need to be aware of other dangers, too. One of the biggest is HPV. That's human papillomavirus. There are more than a hundred HPV viruses. Many affect the mouth and throat and genitals.

This is a group of viruses that infect your respiratory tract. Most people will be infected with a coronavirus at least once in their lifetime. Usually, symptoms are mild or moderate, and may seem like those of a common cold. But some coronaviruses can be very dangerous.

This disorder causes the death of cells in various parts of the brain. It's a progressive disease. That means it begins with mild symptoms, but gets worse over time. It leads to a wide range of serious issues that affect the mind and body.

This condition is caused by an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid (commonly called CSF) in the brain's ventricles. The ventricles are a system of large, fluid-filled open spaces inside the brain. Too much CSF in the ventricles can elevate pressure in the skull. It can damage delicate brain tissue.

If you have diabetes, you need to watch for hyperglycemia. It's a dangerous condition that happens when your blood sugar is too high. If not managed well, it can cause serious complications. And when it becomes severe, it is life-threatening.

This disease lowers the body's ability to fight infections. It reduces the body's white blood cells. And without the antibodies that white blood cells make, it's hard for the body to fight off attacks by bacteria and viruses.

If you have diabetes, you need to watch for hypoglycemia. It's a dangerous condition that happens when your blood sugar is too low. It is life-threatening.

This disease is a cancer of the hypopharynx, the lower portion of the throat where the throat meets the trachea and esophagus. If left untreated, these cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body. This type of cancer is relatively uncommon, and affects more men than women.

This surgery removes the uterus. That's also known as the "womb." Other organs may be removed, too. Let's learn about the basic types of hysterectomy, and why they are done.

This diagnostic procedure is a fluoroscopic x-ray exam used to identify problems in the uterus and fallopian tubes that may be causing infertility or to confirm that the tubes are completely blocked after a hysteroscopic tubal occlusion procedure. This outpatient procedure takes about 15-20 minutes to perform.

This outpatient procedure is used to examine and in some cases treat abnormalities in the lining of the uterus. The procedure is performed with a lighted viewing instrument called a hysteroscope.

This is the most commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. You don't need a prescription for ibuprofen unless your doctor wants you to take a high dose.

This device is a small chamber placed beneath the skin of your chest or upper arm. An access port allows your healthcare team to inject medicines and fluids into your bloodstream easily. The port can also be used to take samples of your blood.

Did you just fail a big test? Are you struggling in school? If your study habits are holding you back, you need to make some changes. Here are some tips to get you on the right track.

A hospital is a great place to get well. But it's also a place where you can get sick. That's because a lot of germs can live in a hospital. Let's learn how you can stay safe.

A MRSA infection is caused by the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Because this bacteria is resistant to many antibiotics, preventing an infection is important. You can avoid a MRSA infection by following these guidelines.

This common viral infection is sometimes called "the kissing disease." It can leave an infected person tired for weeks or months. Mononucleosis is most often seen in adolescents and in young adults.

This condition is a buildup of fluid pressure deep inside the ear. Middle ear inflammation, common in infants and young children, can result in intense pain.

This is an infectious disease commonly called "the flu." It targets your respiratory system. For some people, an influenza infection can be very serious.

Influenza affects the lungs and is caused by several types of flu viruses. It can be serious, especially for people who are very old or very young. It spreads easily between people. Influenza can be prevented by the flu vaccine.

If you're dealing with a medical issue, or helping manage a loved one's care, know that you have the legal right to make healthcare decisions. Doctors and caregivers will make sure you understand your condition and your treatment options. You'll use that information to make choices that are right for you. We call this "informed consent."

This nutrient is a type of sugar that's found naturally in your body. It helps form the walls of your cells. It plays a role in your blood sugar level and other body processes.

If you dont sleep well, you may have insomnia. It can leave you feeling tired all day. That makes it hard to focus and get things done.

This is a way of managing things like chronic pain and fatigue. It combines standard medicine with other therapies that help relax the mind and body. It may help you cope with a serious or long-term health problem.

This eating plan helps some people lose weight. With intermittent fasting, you eat a healthy diet during some periods. During other periods, you don't eat. Or, you eat very little. We call these "fasting" periods. Fasting helps you eat fewer calories overall than you normally would. This helps with weight loss.

These days, many of us are connected online more often than we aren't. Smartphones, smart watches and laptops. Emails, instant messages and alerts. The internet is a part of everyday life. And for some people, it can become an addiction.

This word refers to people who aren't exactly "male" or "female." Their bodies naturally have features of both. For example, they may have male genitals on the outside, but female sex organs on the inside. Their genitals may have a blend of male and female features. And, they may have both male and female chromosome patterns.

If you live with pain that won't go away, you know how frustrating it can be. Interventional pain management is a branch of medical care that can help. Specialists in this field find the cause of your pain. They treat it at its source. This can give you a better quality of life.

This is harm directed at someone by a current or a former partner. Women and men can be victims of this type of abuse. It's a serious issue, and one that is often kept secret from friends and from other family members.

During this procedure, the physician inserts a flexible plastic and copper Paragard® intrauterine device through the cervix and positions it within the uterus. Once in place, the Paragard® IUD will continuously release a small amount of copper into the womb. The ParaGard® IUD is an effective method of birth control, and can be left in the uterus for up to ten years.

During this procedure, the physician inserts a flexible, plastic Mirena® intrauterine device through the cervix and positions it within the uterus. Once in place, the Mirena® IUD will release a small amount of progesterone (a contraceptive hormone) into the womb for a period of up to five years. The Mirena® IUD is an effective method of birth control, and it is also commonly used to control abnormal menstrual bleeding. It can also be used to treat endometrial hyperplasia and to protect the uterus in postmenopausal women who require estrogen replacement therapy.

Scientists around the world raced to develop vaccines for COVID-19. You've heard the vaccines are safe, but maybe you have some concerns. Let's learn more about the vaccines.

You've just flown across time zones, and now you don't feel quite right. You may be groggy, tired and cranky. You're getting hungry at odd times. You have jet lag. It's a problem for many air travelers.

As you get older, your brain goes through natural changes. These changes can affect the way you think, learn and remember. Support your brain's health by keeping it active. Here's how.

This is a common skin condition. It causes patches of small, rough bumps on your skin. The bumps are harmless. They don't itch or cause pain.

This treatment is for people who have severe depression. It's a series of IV infusions of the drug ketamine. Ketamine is an anesthetic that controls pain. When we use it for depression, we use a very low dose.

This is a low-carbohydrate diet that stresses the importance of eating fats. It can help people lose weight. And losing extra weight improves your health.

This disease, also called renal cancer, is a condition in which abnormal cells grow in one or both kidneys. The kidneys are fist-sized organs that filter blood and produce urine. In adults, the most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma. This cancer develops inside the lining of small tubes found in the kidney's cortex and medulla regions.

This is the loss of the function of your kidneys. These are the organs that filter your blood to produce urine. When your kidneys can no longer cleanse your blood, waste builds up in your body. This can be fatal.

This is an infection of one or both of your kidneys. These are the organs that filter your blood to produce urine. A kidney infection is a serious medical condition that requires prompt care.

These are mineral deposits. They form in your kidneys (the organs that filter your blood to produce urine). They can cause excruciating pain, but typically they don't cause physical harm to your body.

This is a disorder that involves your self control. With it, you have an irresistible urge to steal things. You may steal things you don't need, or things you can't use. You may steal things that aren't worth much, or things you could easily afford to buy. This can cause serious problems in your life.

This outpatient procedure reshapes or reduces the size of the labia minora, commonly called the inner lips of the vagina. These are the flaps of skin on both sides of the vaginal canal. Some women have large, protruding or irregularly-shaped labia minora, and this can be uncomfortable and may cause a woman to feel self-conscious. Labiaplasty can give the labia an appearance that a woman believes is more standard.

This minimally-invasive procedure is used to remove a uterus through one small incision in the navel. A LESS hysterectomy has fewer incision sites than traditional open or laparoscopic procedures and will provide a better cosmetic outcome for the patient.

This minimally-invasive procedure is used to remove the uterus through small incisions in the abdomen while leaving the cervix and ovaries intact.

This is an amino acid that our bodies need to be healthy. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is found in all our cells. L-arginine is known for helping to dilate blood vessels.

This is a throat irritation that happens when stomach acid travels up into your throat. Normally, this acid is kept in your stomach by a muscle called the "lower esophageal sphincter." But, if this muscle doesn't work properly, it lets acid escape and go up your esophagus to your throat. We call this "reflux."

This procedure uses laser light to destroy hair follicles in the skin, permanently reducing or eliminating unwanted hair. It can be used to selectively treat any area of the body, with the exception of the skin around the eyes. Results may vary depending on the patient's skin color and hair type.

This is an allergy to the rubber latex. Latex is made from the rubber tree. It's found in many products, including medical gloves and balloons. When you have this allergy, latex causes your body to react. It can happen when you touch something made of latex. You can also have a reaction if you breathe in tiny particles of latex that are released into the air when latex products are handled. A latex allergy can be very dangerous.

This is an amino acid that our bodies need to be healthy. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is found in all our cells. L-carnitine plays a role in energy production and other body processes.

Lead is a toxic metal. If you breathe it in or swallow small amounts of it over time, it builds up in your body. Its very dangerous for children's growing bodies and brains. Unfortunately, the signs of lead poisoning may go unnoticed until the damage is done.

Do you have trouble staying on task? Do you put off doing important things? Are you overwhelmed by your commitments? If so, you have a problem with time management. It can cause big problems in your daily life. But you can manage your time in better ways.

A lot of people have trouble expressing feelings openly and honestly. A lack of "assertiveness" may keep you from speaking up for yourself. Others can fail to consider your feelings. They may take advantage of you. This causes social problems. And it can hold you back at school or at work. Learning to be more assertive will help you in life.

This outpatient procedure is used to remove abnormal areas of tissue from the cervix. The procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

Your brain is divided into left and right halves, called "hemispheres." They specialize in different things. Because of this, a stroke on the left side of your brain can be very different from a stroke on the brain's right side. Let's look at some symptoms of a left brain stroke.

A lesbian is a woman who is attracted to other women. This is a deeply-held feeling. It can be physical. It can be emotional or romantic. Lesbians are also called "gay," or "gay women." Some prefer these labels.

This is a cancer of the blood cells. Commonly it involves your white blood cells, but leukemia can also affect red blood cells and platelets. Leukemia results in abnormal blood cells that don't work properly.

This is an amino acid that our bodies need to be healthy. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is found in all our cells. L-glutamine plays a role in digestion, immune system health and other processes.

This surgery removes unwanted fat cells from your body. It's not meant to be a weight loss technique. But it can change the look of specific parts of your body.

"This treatment breaks apart kidney stones that are stuck in your kidneys or your ureters (the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder). Breaking a stone into smaller pieces can allow it to pass more easily. "

During this outpatient procedure, one or more small samples of tissue are taken from the liver. These tissue samples will be studied under a microscope. A liver biopsy can help identify problems in the liver. If the patient has a liver disease, a biopsy can help doctors determine the type and severity.

This disease is a type of tumor that begins in the main cells of the liver. The liver is a large gland organ in your upper abdomen. It performs many roles, including helping break down and store nutrients.

If you've recently been given a pacemaker, you may have some concerns. You may worry that it will keep you from activities you enjoy. But it won't. Sure, you'll need to cut back on some things while your pacemaker settles into place. But soon, you'll be as active as anyone else your age.

If you're an adult who has ADHD, you know how disruptive it can be. You may make choices that hurt loved ones and damage your relationships. Your career may suffer. But there is hope. You can learn to manage your ADHD. These tips will help.

If you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may have questions about what it means for you. Some people feel confused and scared. But bipolar disorder doesn't have to rob you of your life. You can learn to manage it. These tips can help.

If you're dealing with the long-lasting exhaustion of chronic fatigue syndrome, you know how frustrating it can be. You're tired all the time. Sleep doesn't give you relief. It can be so hard to find the energy to do the things you want to do. And while there's no cure for CFS, there are things you can do to get some relief.

If you've been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, you may be facing some unexpected challenges. But kidney disease doesn't have to take over your life. Use these simple strategies to manage it.

You've been diagnosed with cirrhosis, and you have some questions and concerns. How will it affect you? What does it mean for your future? Well, it means you'll need to make some changes in your life. Use these simple strategies to manage your cirrhosis and to keep your liver as healthy as possible.

If you're dealing with CRPS, you know how frustrating it can be. You hurt, and you don't know why. You feel like you should have healed by now, and no one can tell you why you aren't getting better. Although there's no cure for CRPS, there are things you can do to get some relief.

You've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and you have some questions and concerns. You may be wondering how it will affect your life. The good news is you can take steps to manage your symptoms. These tips will help.

A diagnosis of dementia changes your life. It changes the lives of your loved ones, too. You might face some unexpected challenges. But there are healthy ways to deal with dementia. Here are some coping strategies.

If you've been diagnosed with depression, you may have questions about what it means for you. You may feel trapped, overwhelmed and alone. But depression doesn't have to rob you of your life. You can learn to manage it. These tips can help.

If you've been diagnosed with epilepsy, you may be facing some unexpected challenges. But epilepsy doesn't have to take over your life. Use these simple strategies to help control it.

If you're dealing with the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia, you know how frustrating it can be. You're tired and sore. It may be hard to think clearly. And while there's no cure for fibromyalgia, there are things you can do to get some relief.

If you've lost some of your hearing, you know how frustrating it can be. You may miss parts of what people are saying. And people may leave you out of conversations altogether. But there are some simple things you can do to make communication easier.

If you've been diagnosed with HIV, you may have questions about what it means for you. You may feel confused and scared. But you can live a full and happy life with HIV. These tips can help.

If you're diagnosed with lupus, you may face some unexpected challenges. But lupus doesn't have to take over your life. These tips will help you manage it.

If you have migraines, you know how disrupting they can be. Migraine pain can stop you in your tracks. It interferes with things like school and work, and throws your life into turmoil. But there are some things you can do to get relief.

Trying to live with your narcolepsy can be hard. But don't lose hope. There are ways to manage it successfully. Here are some tips that can help.

If you've been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may be facing some unexpected challenges. Getting your OCD under control isn't easy, but you can do it. Here are some tips that will help.

If you've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, you may need to make some changes in your lifestyle. But you can still do many of the things you enjoy. You just have to take steps to manage your condition.

When you have osteoporosis, good health habits are a must. You need to stay as healthy as possible. And, you need to guard against broken bones. These tips will help.

If you've been diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder, you may have some questions and concerns. What does it mean for you? The truth is, paranoid personality disorder can damage your relationships and hurt your career. But if you learn to manage it, dealing with others gets easier. Here are some tips to help.

If you've been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, you may have questions about what it means for you. You may be worried or uncertain about your future. But you should know that Parkinson's disease doesn't have to rob you of your life. Although there is no cure, you can manage your symptoms. And these tips can help.

After a concussion, you may have some unexpected physical and emotional effects. You may experience things like headaches, memory problems and depression. We call this "post-concussion syndrome." You can have this syndrome even if your injury didn't seem severe. And, these effects can last for a long time.

If you've been dealing with lasting effects of Lyme disease, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. It can take a long time to identify your problem, and many people don't understand what you are going through. But with the right approach, you can manage this syndrome. Here are some things you should think about.

When you're living with prostate cancer, it's important to stay as healthy as possible. Proper diet and exercise help you fight the disease. Here are some tips that really make a difference.

If you've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you may be facing some new challenges. But you can live a full life with RA. You can do many of the things you enjoy. You just have to take steps to manage your condition properly.

If you've been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, you may have questions about what it means for you. You may feel confused and scared. But this disorder doesn't have to rob you of your life. You can learn to manage it. These tips can help.

If you've been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you may have questions about what it means for you. You may feel confused and scared. But schizophrenia doesn't have to rob you of your life. You can learn to manage it. These tips can help.

If you've been diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder, you may have questions about what it means for you. You may feel confused and scared. But this disorder doesn't have to rob you of your life. You can learn to manage it. These tips can help.

If you're diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, you may worry about how it will affect you. But you should know that that it's very manageable. These simple strategies will help you keep it under control.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with sickle cell disease, you may be facing some unexpected challenges. Here are some things you can do to manage sickle cell disease.

If you have sleep apnea, it's important to follow your treatment plan. That's because sleep apnea is a serious disorder. If you don't manage it properly, you can have serious complications. It can be fatal. Here are a few things you should think about.

This surgery takes an organ from a healthy person and puts it into a sick person. The two people must have blood types and tissues that are compatible. So before a transplant is done, both people must be tested to make sure they are a match.

The bonds we share with our friends and loved ones help us thrive. But what happens when we don't have enough of these connections? What happens when we don't feel like we are part of a community? We become lonely. And this loneliness can harm your health.

If you care for a loved one who lives an hour or more away, you're a long-distance caregiver. Caring from a distance can be hard for you and for your loved one. But you can do it successfully. These tips will help.

This condition is an abnormally low number of platelet cells in your blood. Platelets are tiny cells that help your blood clot to stop bleeding. If your platelets are destroyed, or if your body can't produce enough new cells to meet your needs, you can develop a shortage. You can be at risk for excessive bleeding, including internal bleeding. This is a medical emergency.

Testosterone is a hormone made in men's testicles. It plays a role in sex drive. It also regulates things like hair growth and other typical male features. If your body isn't making as much testosterone as it should, we say you have "low testosterone." We also call it "low-T."

"This condition is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the lumbar spine. Because these nerves travel to the hips, buttocks, legs and feet, an injury in the lumbar spine can cause symptoms in these areas. Sciatica may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the lumbar spinal column. "

This chronic autoimmune disease results in the immune system attacking the body's own healthy cells. Lupus most commonly affects women age 15-44. It causes tissue damage and inflammation, and can affect any part of the body.

This is a bacterial infection you get from a tick bite. It can spread through your body, causing flu-like symptoms. In some people, it can cause problems that last a long time.

This is a swelling of part of your body. Often, it involves an arm or a leg. Lymphedema is linked to improper drainage of your lymphatic system. This system of vessels, ducts and nodes carries infection-fighting lymph fluid throughout your body.

This is a mineral our bodies need to be healthy. Many things our bodies do rely on magnesium. It affects our nerves, muscles and blood pressure. It affects our energy levels and our bones.

If you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, dining out can present a lot of pitfalls. It's easy to overeat at a restaurant, and it's easy to eat more salt, fat, sugar and cholesterol than you realize. But by following a few simple guidelines, you can make your restaurant experience as healthy as possible.

This is a serious disease. It's caused by a single-celled parasite that lives and multiplies in your liver and bloodstream. It feeds on your red blood cells, destroying them. Malaria can make you very sick.

For many couples, male infertility interrupts plans to have children. What causes male infertility? Well, there are many reasons.

If your doctor says you have high blood pressure, you need to get it under control. It's important for your health. So take it seriously. Prepare to make some changes in your lifestyle. Medications may help, too. Here are some things that will make a difference.

If you have insomnia, your days are hard. You feel exhausted, and you may have trouble at work or at school. But for many people, better sleep habits can make a big difference. Here are some things that may help you get more sleep.

If you're dealing with neck pain, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, you can try these simple strategies for managing neck pain.

Your surgery is done, and now it's time to focus on pain control and recovery. Most people can expect to have some pain after surgery. But it should never be unbearable. Your doctor wants you to be comfortable enough to take deep breaths and move as needed. This will help your recovery.

You've had surgery, and you're recovering at home. During this time, it's normal to have some pain. But your pain should never be unbearable. If you're following your care plan, you should be keeping it under control. Here are some tips for a comfortable recovery.

Because we all feel pain differently, managing it after surgery can be tricky. In the past, we focused mostly on medications. Often, these were opioids. But now, we use a mix of pain-fighting techniques. We call it the "multimodal" method. It deals with the whole body and the mind. And it can cut down on the need for opioids.

If your doctor tells you your cholesterol is too high, you need to take steps to get it under control. It's important for your health. So take it seriously. You'll likely need to make some changes in your lifestyle. Here are some things that will make a difference.

Did you remember to take your pills this morning? Wait, do you take the oval pill with food, or without? It's easy to make a mistake with your medications if you aren't organized. But relax, these tips will help you manage your medications with no worries.

This is a disease you get from a virus. Measles isn't common. That's because most of us are vaccinated as children. But when an unvaccinated person is exposed to it, they can be infected. They can spread it to others.

You may hear about a medical orders for scope of treatment form as you near the end of your life. Or, if you legally represent someone who's near death but cannot make medical decisions, you may be asked about one. We call it a "MOST" form. It's a legal document that lets you keep control of your medical care.

This is a type of forgetfulness that doesn't feel normal to you or to others. Maybe you can't remember things from your past that you should be able to remember. Or, you may not recall things that happened recently. Severe memory loss can interfere with daily life.

This is a tumor in your meninges. These thin layers of protective tissue surround your brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are not cancerous. They usually grow slowly.

This is a swelling of thin membranes called the "meninges." These three layers of tissue cover and protect your brain and your spinal cord. Meningitis is a serious condition. It can be life threatening.

This natural biological process is the permanent end of fertility. Menopause is the time when the ovaries stop producing hormones at the levels needed to allow sexual reproduction. It typically occurs around age 51.

Menstrual cramps are abdominal cramps that can occur monthly just before and during a womans menstrual period. Usually they do not indicate a problem. However, sometimes cramps can be a symptom of a disorder.

We all know regular exercise is good for the body. But did you know it's good for your brain, too? When you're feeling depressed or anxious, exercise is one of the things that can help you feel better. Let's learn more about that.

This is a name we give to disorders of the mind. Depression, anorexia, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are examples of some well-known mental illnesses, but there are a wide range of others. These disorders can affect your mood, and the way you think and act. Some are very disruptive and hard to treat. But most can be managed with proper care.

There are many forms of mental illness. They affect all types of people and all ages. We don't fully understand what causes them. But we have learned to recognize them, even in the early stages. That's because mental illness often triggers dramatic changes. Here are the signs that help is needed.

This is a name we give to a group of conditions. Together, they raise your risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Five conditions make up this syndrome. They are a large waistline, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, a high level of triglycerides (a type of fat found in your blood), and a low level of HDL cholesterol. That's the "good" cholesterol.

This is a cancer that began elsewhere in your body and then spread to your brain, forming one or more tumors. Many different cancers can spread this way. These tumors are actually more common than tumors that begin in the brain's own tissues.

This form of cancer develops in or near the spinal cord or within the vertebrae. It can spread through multiple levels of the spine. It can lead to a wide range of serious complications.

This non-invasive, outpatient procedure uses an injectable foam solution to treat spider veins and varicose veins. In some cases, ultrasound may be used to guide the injection.

This minimally-invasive procedure is designed to provide support for the urethra to prevent accidental urine leaks. The urethra is the canal that urine flows through when it leaves the bladder. During the procedure, the surgeon implants a strip of surgical tape inside the body to cradle the urethra. The surgery takes about 30 minutes to complete. It may be performed in combination with other procedures.

A migraine is an intense, throbbing headache that may be accompanied by nausea or dizziness. A migraine can last from hours to days.

As you get older, you may notice that you forget things more often than you used to. This is a normal part of aging. But some older people have memory and thinking problems that aren't just forgetfulness. We call this "MCI." With MCI, you can still take care of yourself and do normal activities. But the changes in your brain may worry you.

This food allergy is an immune system response most often linked to cow's milk. It happens when a person's immune system treats harmless milk proteins as if they're a danger to the body. We see it most often in kids. Most of them will outgrow the milk allergy, but not all do.

It seems we don't always have time for traditional meals. We may grab a quick bite while working, or eat while we're "on-the-go." We may choose foods we know aren't healthy. Eating this way isn't good for you. Junk food is bad for your body. And when you eat while focused on other things, it's easy to eat too much. To combat these bad habits, you can practice a technique we call "mindful eating."

You can have a stroke that lasts for only a few minutes and then seems to go away. We call that a "mini-stroke." It happens when part of your brain's blood supply is blocked for a short time. But even if your symptoms disappear, a mini-stroke is a dangerous event. You need to seek help right away.

This "combination" vaccine protects against three serious diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. These were once common childhood diseases, and they spread easily. The MMR vaccine can prevent these diseases in children and adults.

This is a surgery for skin cancer. With this technique, the surgeon carefully studies tissue as it is removed to make sure no cancer cells are left behind. It's often used for cancers of the face and neck. It can be good for cancers that are rare or aggressive.

Although most skin moles are harmless, sometimes they turn into cancer. Skin cancer can be deadly, but many types of skin cancer can be treated successfully if caught early. So if you have a mole, it's important to watch it closely for warning signs of cancer. You can remember the warning signs by remembering "ABCDE."

This viral disease is related to smallpox. It's known as "monkeypox" because it was first found in colonies of monkeys. But the virus infects other animals and humans, too.

These medications help calm the activity in your brain. They treat severe mood swings caused by bipolar disorder and other mental disorders. Sometimes they're used to treat depression, impulse disorders and other issues.

During pregnancy, especially during the first three or four months, you may often feel nausea. You may have vomiting. It's called "morning sickness." But it can happen at any time during the day or night.

This is nausea triggered by a sense of movement. It happens in cars, trains, boats or airplanes. It can happen on rollercoasters and other rides, and when you use virtual reality devices. And some people are more likely to get motion sickness than others.

This scan lets doctors see inside your body without using radiation. Instead, MRIs use magnets and radio waves. An MRI shows clear views of your soft tissues. It can show cancer and other problems.

You're sick, and the thermometer says your body is warmer than it should be. You have a fever. But have you ever wondered just what a fever is? How do we get fevers, and why?

This type of infection is caused by a strain of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. Because of this, it is hard to treat. A MRSA infection can cause serious complications. It can be life-threatening.

Multimodal pain control eases your pain with a combination of medicines. It can be used before, during and after a surgical procedure. The goal is to reduce the use of narcotics and their unpleasant side effects.

This is a disease of your brain and spinal cord. MS causes the thin layer of tissue that protects your nerve cells (called the "myelin sheath") to become damaged. This makes it hard for signals to travel between your brain and your body. Signals can slow down, or they can be blocked completely. This can cause a wide range of problems.

This set of symptoms develops in some people infected with COVID-19. It happens when different parts of the body become inflamed. It may develop days or weeks after becoming infected. It can be life-threatening.

This set of symptoms develops in some children infected with COVID-19. It happens when different parts of the body become inflamed. It may develop days or weeks after becoming infected. It can be life-threatening.

This is a disease you get from a virus. Mumps isn't common. That's because most of us are vaccinated as children. But when an unvaccinated person is exposed to it, they can be infected. They can spread it to others.

This is the name we give a group of diseases that cause your muscles to weaken over time. There are more than 30 types of muscular dystrophy. They affect the body in different ways.

This is the collective name for a group of bone marrow disorders. Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found inside the large bones in your body. It's where new blood cells are made. With MDS, also called "bone marrow failure disorder," the marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells.

This outpatient procedure is used to remove one or more fibroids – growths that commonly develop along the walls of the uterus. The procedure is performed with the aid of a specialized device called a hysteroscope, which is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The hysteroscope contains a light, camera and a cutting instrument called a morcellator.

This outpatient procedure is used to remove one or more fibroids growths that commonly develop along the walls of the uterus. The procedure is performed with the aid of a specialized device called a resectoscope, which is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The resectoscope contains a light, camera and a wire loop or other cutting instrument.

This surgery removes a growth (called a "fibroid") from the wall of your uterus. That's the organ we also call the "womb."

This rare brain infection is caused by an amoeba. We call it Naegleria fowleri. It lives in sources of warm fresh water, like lakes and rivers. It can also live in the soil.

This drug is a nasal spray used for the fast treatment of opioid overdose. It reverses the effects of opioids for a short time. It can be given to people who are passed out and having breathing problems because of an overdose of opioids. It can wake them up and get them breathing again.

This drug is a nasal spray used for the fast treatment of opioid overdose. It reverses the effects of opioids for a short time. It can be given to people who are passed out and having breathing problems because of an overdose of opioids. It can wake them up and get them breathing again.

This is mental disorder. With it, you view yourself as more important or accomplished than you really are. You don't have empathy for others, and you expect others to admire you and to give you special treatment. And, you have a hard time handling criticism. This can make it hard for you to have healthy relationships.

This is a disorder of your brain and nervous system. Your brain has trouble managing sleep/wake cycles. You sleep poorly, and you feel very drowsy during the day. You may fall asleep without warning at inappropriate and dangerous times. This can disrupt your life.

This is a small, soft growth in your nose or sinus cavity. You may have many polyps, and they can be small or large. They are not cancerous.

A nasogastric tube, also called an "NG tube," is a thin tube that is placed into your nose and is pushed down your esophagus and into your stomach. This procedure is called an "intubation." An NG tube is helpful for patients who can't eat or swallow.

This is a serious, painful infection that can spread quickly through soft tissues. If it's not treated properly, you can die from it.

Complex networks of nerves travel through your hands and fingers. If you injure a hand or a finger, you can damage these delicate nerves. Without proper care, a nerve injury can cause permanent problems.

Some people become addicted to the drug nicotine. Of course, nicotine is found in tobacco products and in products made for vaping. Since it affects your brain and body, breaking this addiction is difficult.

This is a sleep disorder. It gives you extremely frightening dreams that disrupt your sleep. It can make you afraid to go to bed, which leads to being tired all day.

This condition, which usually occurs in adults 55 and older, is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. The ventricles are a system of large, fluid-filled open spaces inside the brain. Too much CSF in the ventricles can distort the brain's shape. It can make the brain susceptible to injury.

This is an anxiety disorder. It can cause unwanted thoughts and behaviors that you can't control. They can be troubling. They can interfere with your life.

This condition is a distinct type of headache caused by irritation or injury of the occipital nerves. These nerves travel from the base of the skull through the scalp. This condition can result in severe pain and muscle spasms.

Opioids are a class of powerful drugs. They can control severe pain. Oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine are examples of prescription opioids. So are morphine and fentanyl.

If you control pain with an opioid prescription, you may have been warned about the dangers of misuse. But what is misuse, exactly? Let's take a few minutes to learn about opioid misuse and how to avoid it.

Opioids are a powerful class of drugs. They can control severe pain. But many people who use opioids experience some side effects. You should be aware of these side effects so you can use these drugs safely.

Opioids are a class of powerful drugs. They can block pain signals, and they can help control severe pain. But they can be dangerous. Over time, you may find it hard to stop taking opioids. And some people become addicted to the drugs.

Opioids are a powerful class of drugs. They can control severe pain. But they often aren't recommended for many types of chronic pain. That's because their long-term use can cause your body to begin to depend on them.

We know pain and depression are linked. If you're in pain, you can become depressed about it. But did you know depression is also linked to certain pain medications? Let's take a few minutes to learn about this connection.

This is a cancer that forms in a part of your oral cavity. That includes your lips, tongue, mouth and throat. Oral cancers can be serious and hard to treat. They can spread through your lymphatic system to other parts of your body.

This disease is a cancer of the oropharynx, the middle part of the throat. The oropharynx includes the back portion of the tongue, the soft palate, the side and back walls of the throat, and the tonsils. If left untreated, these cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body.

This is the most common form of arthritis. It can make your joints feel stiff and painful. It's a common condition that affects men and women. It most often affects older people.

Knee pain may keep you from being as active as you like. And it may come from a gradual breakdown of your knee's cartilage. That's a protective tissue on the ends of your bones. In a healthy knee, the bones glide smoothly against each other. But in a knee with osteoarthritis, cartilage begins to wear away. Bone rubs against bone. Bony bumps we call "bone spurs" may form.

If you have back or neck pain that doesn't go away, you may have osteoarthritis of the spine. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. For many of us, it develops slowly as we age. And it can keep you from being as active as you like.

If you have an infection in a bone, you have osteomyelitis. It's a serious condition that can cause part of your bone to die. And, the infection can spread to other parts of your body.

As you get older, your bones may get weaker. This is called "osteoporosis." Weak bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis can be a problem for anyone, but it is more common in women.

As you get older, your bones may get weaker. This is called "osteoporosis." Weak bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis can be a problem for anyone, but it is more common in women.

This is a growth of cancer cells in one or both of your ovaries. These organs are part of a woman's reproductive system. They make your egg cells. They also make hormones.

This minimally-invasive surgical procedure is performed to remove a cyst that has developed on an ovary. It is performed with the aid of a lighted viewing telescope, called a laparoscope, and is performed in an outpatient setting.

These are sacs filled with fluid. They can form on or in the ovaries (the reproductive organs that produce a woman's egg cells). Ovarian cysts are common. Most women have them at some time during their lives. In most cases they are not cancerous and aren't harmful.

These are the drugs you buy without a prescription. We also call them "OTC" drugs. They may not be as strong as prescription medications. But they treat many common problems. Aspirin, cough syrup and even fluoride toothpaste are all examples of OTC medicines.

Staying fit is a challenge for many people. Carrying too much body fat is bad for your health. Being "overweight" means you weigh more than what we consider normal for your body type. If you keep gaining weight, you may become "obese." Let's take a few minutes to learn about weight and your health.

This is an opioid medication. Your doctor may give it to you for severe pain. It may help when other pain control methods don't.

This is an opioid medication. Your doctor may give it to you for severe pain. It may help when other pain control methods don't.

A pacemaker is a small device implanted in the chest to regulate the beat of the heart. Pacemakers may be used to treat a variety of heart problems, including irregularities of the heart's rhythm (called arrhythmias) and weakness of the heart muscle.

In this procedure, an impulse generator (called a pacemaker) is implanted in the chest to regulate the rhythm of the heart.

If you suffer from pain, you know how hard it can be to live with. Pain management is a branch of medical care that specializes in pain control. It can help you enjoy a better quality of life.

When you are being treated for an injury, illness or a chronic condition, you may be asked to talk about the level of pain you feel. This can be tricky, because pain can be difficult to describe. Pain can cause many types of sensations, and what feels very painful for one person may not feel so bad for another.

This is a type of care you may get if you have a serious illness. It helps ease or prevent many of the symptoms and side effects caused by your disease and your treatment. It isn't meant to cure your disease, but it improves the quality of your life. And it helps you cope.

This disease begins in the cells of the pancreas. Your pancreas is an important gland in your upper abdomen. It secretes hormones such as insulin. It also secretes enzymes that help digestion. Pancreatic cancer develops when cells in the pancreas mutate. Doctors are not sure what causes this to occur.

This is an intense feeling of fear and anxiety. It overwhelms you. It can happen without warning, and you may have no idea why it's happening. A panic attack isn't harmful, but it is a very unpleasant experience.

This is an anxiety disorder. With it, you have feelings of fear that overwhelm you. We call these "panic attacks." If you have panic disorder, you have these attacks repeatedly and at unpredictable times. They can happen without any warning. They can happen even when you don't know what is causing your fear.

A pansexual is a person who can be attracted to anyone. The person may have physical, emotional or romantic feelings. They can like people of any sex or gender identity. They can like people of any sexual orientation. This doesn't mean they like every other person. But it means they possibly could like anyone.

The simple, in-office screening procedure is used to identify the presence of abnormal cells on the cervix (the opening of the uterus). The Pap test can be used to detect precancerous cells and cervical cancer. It takes only a few minutes to perform.

This is a mental disorder. It's a problem with the way you perceive others. With it, you don't trust other people. You are suspicious of their motives. This makes it hard for you to work and to have friends.

This is a disorder of the nervous system. It affects movement, and it can interfere with your speech. It can severely impair your daily activities. Parkinson's is most common in people age 50 or older. It is more common in men.

As a patient, your safety is a top priority for members of your healthcare team. You can take a few simple precautions to help make sure this hospital stay is a safe one.

While you are hospitalized, your doctor may choose to let you control your own pain medication with a device called a patient-controlled analgesia (or PCA) pump. This pump is especially helpful for patients who are recovering from surgery. Because you control your own medication, you can fight pain as soon as you begin to feel it.

This immune system reaction is triggered by peanuts. With this allergy, your immune system reacts if you eat peanuts or foods that have peanuts in them. Even a very small amount can trigger it. Some people with this allergy react to touching peanuts, or to breathing in dust with peanut particles in it.

During this procedure, a feeding tube is placed in your stomach. This tube will be used to give you food, liquids and medicines (if needed). A PEG tube is very helpful for patients who have trouble swallowing.

This condition is an opening in the tympanic membrane, commonly called the eardrum. In some cases, a hole in the eardrum can lead to reduction or loss of hearing.

This outpatient surgery helps restore the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. This area is called the perineum. It can stretch and tear when a woman delivers a baby. It can also be surgically cut to widen the vagina as the baby is born, a procedure called an episiotomy. This procedure can repair excess skin and looseness of the vaginal opening that results from a poorly-healed cut or tear of the perineum.

This is a form of long-term depression. We also call it "chronic depression." It can make you feel sad or irritable on most days, and this mood can last for years. With this form of depression, your feelings are milder than they are in someone who has major depression.

This scan lets doctors see inside your body. A PET scan is different from an MRI or a CT scan, because it shows how your organs and systems are working. It can give doctors a clear view of some types of cancer cells, which show up brightly on a PET scan. It can also help doctors diagnose other disorders throughout your body.

This is an anxiety disorder. It's a fear of a specific object, place or situation. If you have a specific phobia, you feel an overwhelming sense of fear of that specific thing, even when you know there is little or no real danger. We call this an "irrational" fear. But even if you know your fear is irrational, you still feel like you can't control it.

This non-invasive outpatient procedure uses a topical, light-activated medication to reduce or eliminate acne. It can improve the appearance of acne scars.

This non-invasive outpatient procedure uses a topical, light-activated medication to eliminate precancerous lesions of the skin. PDT can also help rejuvenate the skin, softening the appearance of wrinkles and scars.

This is an eating disorder. With it, you crave things that don't have nutritional value, such as dirt, paper or paint. This can be bad for your health.

This is a thin, flexible tube that goes from an easy-to-reach vein to a large vein in your body just above your heart. Your medical team gives you fluids, nutrition and medicine though this tube. They can also sample your blood through this tube without sticking you with another needle. A PICC line can stay in your body for a much longer time than a regular IV.

This form of exercise builds strength and endurance. It focuses on proper alignment of your spine, shoulders and hips. It also develops your balance and flexibility. You can do Pilates with only a floor mat. You can also use equipment to create resistance.

Your pituitary gland is found just under your brain. This pea-sized gland makes hormones that affect many of your body's functions. A pituitary tumor can cause it to release too much or too little of these hormones. This can cause serious problems.

Pneumococcal disease is an infection. It can be caused by many types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The bacteria can infect the nose, ears, blood and lungs, where it causes pneumonia. It can lead to meningitis, a swelling of the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord. This can be deadly. The PCV13 vaccine can prevent infection.

Pneumococcal disease is an infection. It can be caused by many types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The bacteria can infect the nose, ears, blood and lungs, where it causes pneumonia. It can lead to meningitis, a swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. This can be deadly. A vaccine prevents the infection.

This is an infection of the lungs. It can make breathing difficult. For some people, especially young children, the elderly and people who have a weak immune system, it can be very serious.

If you have recently recovered from a bout of pneumonia, you can take a few simple steps to reduce your chances of getting it again.

Recovering from a bout of pneumonia can be difficult. Your recovery may take days or several weeks depending on your age, your overall health and the seriousness of your infection. Follow these few simple guidelines to regain your health as quickly as possible.

Pneumonia is a common infection of the lungs. It can be serious, and it can cause you to be hospitalized. The options used to treat you will depend on your age, your overall health and the severity of your infection.

This condition is an inflammatory reaction caused by contact with urushiol, an irritant found in the sap of some species of plants (most notably poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac). Even a tiny amount of this oil is enough to cause a reaction in most people.

Poliomyelitis, commonly called polio, is a contagious disease. It is caused by poliovirus. This virus attacks the nervous system. It destroys nerve cells. It can paralyze muscles, including those used to walk or breathe. It can be fatal. There is no cure for polio, but it is prevented with the polio vaccine.

With this disease, you develop clusters of fluid-filled cysts. They mainly grow in your kidneys, but they can grow in your liver and in other places, too. These cysts aren't cancerous. But they can harm your kidneys and make it hard for them to work properly.

This outpatient procedure is used to remove one or more polyps growths that commonly develop along the walls of the uterus. The procedure is performed with the aid of a specialized device called a hysteroscope, which is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The hysteroscope contains a light, camera and a cutting instrument called a morcellator.

This outpatient procedure is used to remove one or more polyps growths that commonly develop along the walls of the uterus. The procedure is performed with the aid of a specialized device called a resectoscope, which is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The resectoscope contains a light, camera and a wire loop or other cutting instrument.

This is a mark on the skin that is present at birth. Often, it's on the face. But it can form anywhere on your body. These birthmarks can be any size, from small to very large. A port-wine stain isn't usually harmful, but for some people it can be embarrassing or disfiguring.

This syndrome affects a small percentage of people who have had a COVID-19 infection. It's a cluster of symptoms that can last for many months after your infection. Post COVID-19 syndrome can severely impact your life.

This condition is an anxiety disorder. It can develop after a traumatic event. A person who has PTSD may feel stressed or frightened long after the event, even when there is no danger. If you have PTSD, this can severely impact your life.

This is a set of symptoms that you may have after a concussion. That's when your head is hit so hard your brain is injured. You can have a concussion even if you don't lose consciousness.

This is a bulge in the back wall of the vagina. It happens when the thin wall of tissue between the vagina and the rectum isn't strong enough to hold back the rectum. It lets the rectum push into the vagina.

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. When you get it after surgery, we call it "postoperative pneumonia." It can be especially hard to fight off pneumonia when your body is healing from surgery. It can make your hospital stay much longer than expected. For some patients, it can be deadly.

This type of depression develops in some mothers after childbirth. This makes it hard for you to care for your baby. And it can severely impact your life.

This is a chronic headache. It can develop after a whiplash injury (a violent back-and-forth jerking of the neck).

Before you have surgery, you may be asked to cleanse your skin with disposable cloths moistened with a chemical called CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate). This antiseptic eliminates many of the germs on your skin. It keeps your surgical site clean and free from infection. This video shows basic directions for using CHG cloths. To get the full benefit, follow the directions for the specific type of cloths you are asked to use.

Before you have surgery, you may be asked to wash your skin with a soap containing a chemical called CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate). This antiseptic eliminates many of the germs on your skin. It keeps your surgical site clean and free from infection. This video shows basic CHG showering directions. To get the full benefit, follow the directions for the specific soap you are asked to use.

Before joint replacement surgery, you need to prepare. You'll be given instructions to follow. While there may be many things you need to do, let's review the basics.

Before any surgery, you need to prepare. You'll be given instructions to follow. While there may be many things you need to do, let's review the basics.

When you spend long periods of time in a hospital bed, you are at risk for developing pressure ulcers. These injuries, also called pressure sores or bedsores, affect the skin and the soft tissue beneath the skin. They are caused by constant pressure.

Pressure ulcers, also called pressure sores or bedsores, are injuries that begin on the surface of the skin. They can be a problem for people who use wheelchairs, and for people who are hospitalized. Pressure ulcers start as simple sores, but they can rapidly become severely infected.

This injury, also called a pressure sore or bedsore, starts as an area of discoloration on the skin's surface. It can progress to form a lesion. Without proper care, a pressure ulcer can rapidly lead to a severe infection deep within the body.

Most of us know the frustration of back pain. It's something almost everyone has to deal with at some point in life. Back pain can last for a few days or weeks. For some, it becomes a chronic problem. The good news is, there are some things you can do to keep back pain away. These tips can help.

Bud bugs are tiny parasites. They feed on the blood of people and pets. If they get into your home, they live in your bed and furnishings. At night, they crawl onto your skin and bite you, which can leave lots of red, itchy bumps. Once in your home, bed bugs can be very hard to get rid of. Here's how to protect yourself.

As you get older, your body loses strength and durability. Your muscles begin to weaken. You may not be as steady on your feet. And you may develop vision problems or other medical conditions. These raise your risk of falling. Falls sometimes lead to serious injuries. But fortunately, there are some easy ways to prevent falls.

Even if you're careful with your medications, mistakes happen. And with medication, even a small error can have big consequences. So let's take a moment to learn how to avoid medication errors.

Before you spend time outdoors, be aware of the danger of mosquito bites. Some mosquitoes carry harmful viruses and bacteria like the Zika virus, West Nile virus and others. Here's how you can stay safe.

If you're having surgery, you need to know about a possible complication called "postoperative pneumonia." It's a lung infection some patients get at the hospital, or at home while recovering. It can be deadly.

The flu leads to missed days of work or school. For some people, it can be life-threatening. So when flu season comes around, it's time to protect yourself against the influenza virus. Here are some tips to help you avoid the flu.

Before you spend time outdoors, you should be aware of the danger of tick bites. Ticks can carry harmful viruses and bacteria. A tick bite can transmit lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other serious illnesses to you. Here's how you can stay safe.

This is the name given to a large group of rare, chronic genetic disorders. These are diseases of the immune system. A person who has a PI has a weaker-than-normal immune system. There are hundreds of primary immunodeficiency diseases. Some are serious, and some are mild.

This disorder happens when the brain cells that control important body and mind functions die. With it, you have problems with movements, thinking and emotions. It leads to serious issues, and it gets worse over time.

This is a common cancer in men. It forms in the prostate. That's a small gland at the base of the male bladder. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, but it can spread to other parts of your body.

This surgery removes your prostate. That's the small gland between a man's bladder and penis. Let's look at surgery with the robot-assisted method. It's less invasive than traditional, open surgery.

This condition, sometimes called a false brain tumor, is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the skull. It most commonly affects obese women ages 20 to 50. The reason it develops is unknown.

This condition is a common skin disease that can cause dry, itchy, painful patches of skin. Psoriasis is a chronic condition.

This is a form of arthritis you may have if you have psoriasis. That's a skin condition that causes patches of red, scaly skin. With psoriatic arthritis, you have pain in your joints. It's a chronic disease that can come and go, and it gets worse over time.

This is a form of care that focuses on your thoughts and emotions. With psychotherapy, you build a relationship with a therapist. The therapist helps you learn about yourself. You learn how you affect others, and how others affect you. Psychotherapy can help you become aware of problems. It can teach you to manage your feelings and control your actions. You should be open and honest during your therapy. You should be prepared to discuss very personal things. This is how your therapist helps guide you to solutions for your issues.

You may need a pulmonary artery catheter to see how well your heart and lungs are working. It is often used for people in intensive care. It can help patients with heart issues, severe burns, organ failure or other serious problems.

This is a clog in an artery in your lung. It can happen suddenly, even in a healthy person. It's a serious medical condition that can be fatal.

This is high blood pressure inside your pulmonary arteries. Those are the arteries that carry blood from your heart to your lungs. With this condition, your heart has to work harder to pump blood to your lungs. This is bad for your heart. It can cause serious health problems.

This is a broad label for sexual and gender minorities. A person who is "queer" may also identify in other ways. Some say they are "lesbian," "gay" or "bisexual." Some feel they belong to some other group. And, some may not want to be labeled at all.

Quitting smoking can be hard and frustrating. But there are many ways to stop, and with trial and error you can find a method that works for you. No matter which method you choose, here are some strategies that can help you along the way.

This dangerous disease is caused by a virus. It can infect all mammals. The virus spreads through saliva, and attacks the brain and spinal cord. By the time symptoms appear, it's almost always fatal.

Radiation is a form of energy that can pass through our bodies. We're exposed to low levels of it all the time. Minerals, electrical power lines and cell phones are all sources. It even comes to us from space. These sources don't usually cause harm. But too much radiation damages your body's cells. It can cause cancer.

Your risk for heart attack is tied to a lot of factors. Some things (like your age and family history) you can't control. But you do have control over many others. So if you're worried about your risk, focus on these aspects of your health.

Your risk for stroke is tied to a lot of factors. Some things (like your age and family history) you can't control. But you do have control over many others. So if you're worried about your risk, focus on these healthy habits.

Your risk for stroke is tied to a lot of factors. Some things (like your age and family history) you can't control. But you do have control over many others. So if you're worried about your risk, focus on these healthy habits.

This is an injection of anesthetic. It blocks pain in a large area of your body. It doesn't put you to sleep. But along with it, we may give you medicine to relax you or put you to sleep.

This is a virus that infects the lungs and airways. For most people an infection isn't dangerous. But for babies, the elderly, and for people who have a weakened immune system, infections can be severe.

This condition makes you feel like you need to move your legs when you are resting. It can keep you awake at night. And trips in a plane or a car can be uncomfortable.

This is a pulling away of the retina from the inner surface of your eye. It severely impairs your vision. Without proper treatment, this vision loss can become permanent.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the immune system. This is the system that protects you from infection. RA may cause pain and stiffness in your shoulder where the humerus (the bone of the upper arm) meets the shoulder socket. It can also affect the joint where your clavicle meets your scapula.

This is a break of one of the thin, curved bones that protects your chest cavity. Your ribs connect to each other with layers of muscles. They attach to your spine. With a minor fracture, your rib may only be cracked. With a severe fracture, you may have a complete break. Your rib may shift out of place.

Your brain is divided into left and right halves, called "hemispheres." They specialize in different things. Because of this, a stroke on the right side of your brain can be very different from a stroke on the brain's left side. Let's look at some symptoms of a right brain stroke.

This is an infection that causes red, circular rashes on your skin. Ringworm of the body can affect the skin anywhere except your scalp, your groin, the soles of your feet and your palms. But ringworm of the body is just one of many forms of ringworm infections. There are other, closely-related infections such as jock itch and athlete's foot that can affect other parts.

This is a skin disease. It affects your face, and sometimes your eyes. It causes red, thickened skin and other problems, which begin as flare ups but over time become more permanent. This can be troubling and embarrassing.

The rotator cuff muscles and tendons hold your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. A hard fall, repetitive arm motions or problems with the structure of your shoulder can injure the rotator cuff.

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in each shoulder. It holds your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket. It keeps your arm stable while allowing it to lift and rotate. Too much stress on the rotator cuff can cause a tear. This can be a painful injury.

After a heart attack, it's important to get regular exercise. By exercising your heart, you lower your risk for future problems. But you need to make sure you're exercising safely. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get back on your feet. Of course, before starting any exercise plan, talk to your doctor.

This rare form of cancer begins in the tissue of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, which aids in chewing, swallowing and digestion. Salivary gland cancer can form in any of the salivary glands.

Scabies is an itchy skin rash caused by the microscopic scabies mite. It burrows into the skin, where it lives and lays its eggs.

Scar formation is the body's way of healing the skin after injury. A scar's appearance depends largely on the type of wound and where it is on the body, but other factors such as age, sex, ethnicity and heredity can play a role as well. Scar tissue is different than normal skin in both texture and color. Scars may fade over time or with treatment, but they will never completely disappear.

This is a long-term mental health condition. With it, you lose contact with reality. You also have problems with your mood. You may be very happy, or you may be very sad and hopeless. This can cause serious problems in your life. It can cause you to engage in risky behaviors.

This is a mental health disorder. If you have it, you aren't interested in relationships with others. You don't form close bonds with other people, even with members of your own family. This can lead to social isolation.

This is a serious mental disorder. It affects the way you think. It can make it hard for you to manage your emotions. It can make you act strangely and it can disrupt your life.

This is a mental health disorder. If you have it, you have trouble understanding relationships and how you affect others. You also think and act in ways that are not normal. You may dress oddly and behave in unusual ways. This can make it hard for you to get along with others.

This non-invasive, outpatient procedure uses a mild chemical solution, called a sclerosant, to treat spider veins and varicose veins. In some cases, ultrasound may be used to guide the injection.

This condition is an abnormal curvature of the spine. It most often develops in early childhood, just before a child reaches puberty.

This is a type of depression that is linked to the seasons. For most people with SAD, depression comes in fall and winter and goes away in spring and summer. But others have depression during the summer months.

These noncancerous, warty growths form on the outermost layers of the skin. These superficial patches resemble scabs, and are sometimes called barnacles.

This is a sudden burst of electrical activity in your brain. It overwhelms parts of your brain, usually for no more than a few minutes. Most seizures don't cause lasting harm.

This is the act of hurting yourself on purpose. It's a sign of emotional distress. You feel urges that you can't ignore. You may cut or burn yourself. You may pull your hair or pick at wounds so they don't heal. Self-harm may lead to shame and guilt. These feelings can make you want to hurt yourself again and again.

This is a life-threatening condition. It's an immune response that's so intense it causes inflammation throughout your body. It can lead to organ failure.

This is a dangerous buildup of serotonin in your body. That's a chemical your body makes naturally. It's used by your brain and your nervous system. It helps regulate things like body temperature, digestion and breathing. But too much serotonin can be bad for you.

As you recover from your heart attack, it's good to set goals for yourself. Goals keep you motivated. And they help you see improvements as they happen.

If you're planning to lose weight, congratulations! Before you begin, let's talk about weight-loss goals. Many people set goals that that aren't well thought out. This leads to failure. But by avoiding common pitfalls, you can set goals you can achieve.

Most of us are drawn to others. Our attractions may be physical. They may be emotional or romantic. To describe the types of attractions we feel, we use the term "sexual orientation."

This food allergy is an immune system response linked to shellfish. It happens when your immune system treats harmless shellfish proteins as if they're a danger to your body. Shellfish include crustaceans and mollusks. Some examples include shrimp, lobster and crab. Oysters, scallops and snails are shellfish, too. A person with this allergy may be allergic to one or more of them.

This is a viral infection that usually affects older people. It makes your skin break out in a rash that can be very painful.

This is an emergency medical condition. It happens when your blood pressure drops suddenly. We say you've "gone into shock." When you're in shock, your organs don't get the blood they need to work properly. This is life-threatening.

You want to be healthy, and you're thinking about taking a daily multivitamin. But what do we know about the benefits of multivitamins? Will they make you healthier? Well, it depends.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball of your upper arm bone fits into a socket in your shoulder blade. If the ball slips out, your shoulder has "dislocated."

Our shoulders are the most movable joints in the body. They give our arms great range of motion. They allow us to lift and control heavy loads. Shoulder pain is a problem many of us feel at some time in our lives. Let's learn about shoulder pain, and what you can do about it.

This is an injury of the acromioclavicular joint (commonly called the "AC" joint). This is the joint where the clavicle meets the scapula. A shoulder separation is a stretching or a tearing of the ligaments that support these bones. This allows the bones to move out of position.

This is an inherited blood disorder in which the red blood cells are abnormally shaped. Sickle cell anemia can prevent tissues in the body from receiving enough oxygen. It can cause a wide range of complications.

This disease is a disorder of the blood. With it, the shape of red blood cells becomes distorted. They can clump together and get stuck within small blood vessels. Sickle cell disease can cause problems throughout the body.

Opioids are powerful tools for controlling short-term pain. But using them for a long time can be dangerous. That's because long-term use causes severe side effects. Let's look at how they can impact you.

Lately, something just doesn't seem right. You think your loved one could be abusing opioids. But how can you tell? Keep an eye out for these subtle signs of opioid abuse.

The COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping the world. We all want to avoid this dangerous virus. Let's look at some simple ways to lower your risk of infection.

This condition is an inflammation and swelling of your sinuses. These are hollow, air-filled cavities in your skull. They open into your nasal passages. Sinusitis can be a painful condition. For some people, it can become a chronic problem.

This is the most common form of cancer. It often happens on body parts that get a lot of sun, like your head, face, neck, arms and hands. Anyone can get skin cancer, but it's more common in older people and in people who have light skin, hair and eyes.

This procedure is used to replace large areas of damaged skin, often in cases where a patient has suffered severe burns. The technique uses sheets of skin harvested from other parts of the patient's body to cover the damaged areas and promote the growth of replacement skin cells.

This is a breathing disorder. With it, your breathing becomes irregular when you sleep. Your breaths may become shallow. Your breathing may stop completely for extended periods of time. This severely disrupts your sleep.

Sleep apnea is an interruption of breathing during sleep. Though we often think of sleep apnea as a problem experienced by adults, it is also common in children. Disruptive sleep is not healthy for a child. It can lead to problems when a child is awake.

This diagnostic test is a study of the body and the brain waves during sleep. It is performed to identify sleep disorders. A sleep study can identify problems such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, limb movement disorders and behavior disorders. A sleep study can also help a doctor determine the best course of treatment for a person who has a sleep disorder. The study may be performed at a hospital or a sleep center.

This is a sleep disorder that's most common in children. Those who have it wake up suddenly during the night. They can be scared and confused. You may not be able to calm them down.

This is an infection caused by a parasite. It leads to swelling in your brain. Sleeping sickness can be very serious.

This is a behavior disorder that usually affects your deep sleep. During a sleepwalking episode, you may get out of bed, perform complex tasks and interact with other people. But you are still in a state of sleep, and you aren't aware of what you are doing. When you wake up, you may have no memory of what you did. This can be dangerous. It can cause problems in your life.

We all know cigarette smoking is bad for you. We know it hurts your lungs. But did you know it can hurt you in other ways, too? Let's learn about the ways smoking affects your body.

Some things make it really hard to stop smoking. We call these "triggers." Let's learn about triggers and how to deal with them.

It's loud, it's repetitive, and it can prevent a good night's sleep. Snoring is problem many of us have to deal with. It can happen occasionally or every night. Let's take a few minutes to learn more about snoring.

This is a mental health condition. It's a fear that other people are watching you and judging you. This fear is intense and constant. It can make it hard for you to interact with others.

This food allergy is an immune system response linked to soy. It happens when your immune system treats harmless soy proteins as if they're a danger to your body. Soy is a product of soybeans. We see this allergy most often in kids. Many of them will outgrow the soy allergy, but not all do.

Spider veins are tiny varicose veins that appear as thin, squiggly lines just under the skin. They are common on the legs and the face, and most frequently affect women.

This surgery removes your spleen. That's an organ in your abdomen. It filters your blood and helps your body fight infection. You may need this surgery if your spleen has ruptured. The surgery may also treat some medical conditions.

This is a name we give to a group of arthritis diseases. They cause inflammation in your spine and other joints and can lead to chronic pain.

This exam makes sure you're healthy enough for physical activity. It's often required for kids and teens who want to play organized sports. A sports physical is usually valid for one year. Then, you need to get a new one.

Fast action during a stroke can be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, there are many stroke warning signs. To help you remember the signs and how to respond, just use the word "FAST." That's F-A-S-T.

These drugs lower the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood. LDL cholesterol is known as "bad" cholesterol. Having high levels of bad cholesterol is dangerous. It sticks to artery walls to form plaque. Plaque causes blood clots to form. It can break away and clog blood vessels. By reducing bad cholesterol, we lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Physical activity is good for everyone, but it's especially important as we age. It can prevent disease and injury. And, it can keep you feeling good and thinking clearly. Here are some tips for staying active as you age.

Physical activity is good for everyone. And that's true for women who are pregnant, too. If you're pregnant, staying active can help you feel more comfortable. It may reduce the risk of complications. Here are some tips for staying active during your pregnancy.

Before you pack bags for a trip, consider your health. When you travel outside of your country, you may be exposed to parasites and diseases that your body isn't protected against. And you may not find the medical care you're used to. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to protect your health.

You're working hard to lose weight, and even though you've had some success, it's not easy. Maybe your weight loss has stalled. Maybe your diet is beginning to bore you. Maybe you're having cravings you just can't ignore. You need help to stay motivated. Let's talk about some tricks that can keep you on track.

Every job comes with risks. Whether you do manual labor or sit behind a desk, a day on the job is one that can lead to injury. But there are plenty of things you can do to stay safe at work. These tips can help.

These are strong medications. They're similar to natural hormones your body makes when you're sick or injured. They reduce inflammation. They also lower your immune system's response. This helps us treat certain conditions.

These are medications that make you more alert and focused. They raise your blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate. Your energy level rises, too. Stimulants are commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (which we call "ADHD"). Stimulants can also be used for other disorders.

This cancer usually forms in the cells that line the inside of the stomach. These cells produce your stomach's protective mucus layer. Stomach cancer is not as common as other cancers. It can spread to other parts of the body if it is not treated in its early stages.

This common illness affects your digestive system. It's not really a flu. It's an inflammation of the lining of your intestines. Doctors often call it "gastroenteritis." Most people recover from it with no treatment.

This type of exercise focuses on developing muscles and burning calories. It's an important part of any overall fitness plan. It's especially helpful as we age, because our bodies weaken as we grow older. Let's take a moment to learn more.

This is a bacterial infection of your throat. It can pass easily from person to person. It is most common in children, but adults can also contract this infection.

Strep throat is a contagious infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the streptococcus bacteria. It can make your throat feel painful and scratchy. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics. But first, you need a medical test to make sure your sore throat is being caused by the bacteria.

We know stress is bad for your health. So is high blood pressure. But is there a link between the two? Could the stress you feel be the cause of your high blood pressure? Well, we aren't completely sure, because it's complicated. Let's learn more about stress and blood pressure.

We all have stress in our lives. But too much stress is bad for your health. It can hurt your mind and your body. Let's look at proven ways to cope with stress.

This is a slow down or blockage of the blood that normally flows to part of your brain. When it happens, your brain cells don't get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Within minutes, they begin to die.

If you've had a stroke, you're likely facing some unexpected challenges. Strokes affect different people in different ways, and every recovery is unique. But here are some things you'll need to consider.

During a stroke, fast action is key. Getting help quickly can be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, there are many warning signs that show you a stroke is happening. So get help immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms.

Your nose gets stuffy when blood vessels in the inner lining of your nose become inflamed. You may have a runny nose, too, which makes breathing even harder. For most people, a stuffy nose isn't a serious problem. But it can be a nuisance.

This is a buildup of clotted blood beneath the dura. That's a membrane that covers your brain. The blood can press harmfully against your brain.

This is a slow buildup of clotted blood beneath the dura. That's a membrane covering your brain. This clotted blood presses against your brain. When we say you have a "chronic" subdural hematoma, it means the blood has been there for several weeks.

This is when you use alcohol or drugs in a way that harms you or puts you in danger. Abusing a substance can cause you to become dependent on it over time. You may feel powerless to stop using it. This can cause problems for you and your family. It can severely impact your life. It can be life threatening.

This is a physical condition. It's a change in your brain after you use a drug over and over again. Nerve cells in your brain, called "neurons," get used to the drug. They adapt to it. These cells begin to need the drug to function normally. And taking the drug away causes discomfort or pain. We call this "withdrawal."

Many people who have a mental health disorder also have a substance use disorder. A person with depression may also abuse alcohol. A person who has schizophrenia may also be a drug user.

When a person ends his or her own life, it can be devastating for family and friends. It leaves them with unanswered questions and unresolved guilt. Suicide is a common cause of death that touches people from all walks of life.

Suicide is tragic. It can leave devastated family and friends in its wake. But in many cases, suicide can be prevented. A person who is considering suicide often goes through a period where they struggle to decide if they want to make this choice. If you begin to see warning signs, you can take steps to help save a life.

Suicide is linked to desperation and hopelessness. It's the final act of a person who is deeply in pain and who wants to stop hurting. But in most cases it follows a long period of internal struggle.

This is an uncomfortable and often very painful skin condition. With it, your skin becomes red, tender and warm.

If you are having trouble coping with something in your life, a support group may help. It's a group of people who come together to talk to each other. There are support groups for many topics such as divorce, addiction, and various illnesses and disorders.

This procedure, performed with local anesthetic, is used to remove and examine a tissue sample from a suspicious growth on the skin. Depending on the type and location of the growth, one of three biopsy methods may be used.

Swallowing is a complex process. It begins in your throat, and it ends as food or liquid is pushed into your stomach. A problem at any step along the way can make swallowing hard for you.

Swimming can be a wonderful activity for everyone. It's a great way to get exercise. It's a great way to cool down on a hot day. But it's important to remember the dangers linked to swimming. Here's how to stay safe in the water.

This is an inflammation, irritation or infection of your ear. It can affect the ear canal and the outer part of your ear. Swimmer's ear is most common in teens and young adults. It can be a short-term problem, or something that keeps coming back.

You're not feeling well. You're worried you may be infected with the COVID-19 virus. But what are the signs? Here's what to look for.

This is a sexually transmitted disease. It's a serious problem for men and women. But it can be cured with medication.

This form of exercise is based on a Chinese martial art. It's slow and graceful. Some people think of it as a type of meditation. Tai chi is used to lower stress and improve overall health. And, you don't need any special equipment to practice it.

For many people, drinking alcohol becomes a habit. And we know too much alcohol is bad for health. If you're worried you drink too much, that's something you need to discuss with your doctor. But it's hard to talk about, isn't it? Here are some tips to help you.

If you feel sad and hopeless, and these feelings won't go away, you may have depression. Depression is a real illness. For most people, it doesn't get better on its own. But it can get better with treatment. You may not feel comfortable telling your doctor you are depressed. But the truth is, it's probably easier than you think. Just follow these steps.

If you lose someone or something you love, you feel unhappiness and pain. These feelings can overwhelm you. We call this "grief." Everyone experiences and responds to grief in their own way. If you're finding your grief hard to handle, it's important to talk to your doctor about it. Here are some tips to help you open up.

Medical tests are an important part of healthcare. Blood tests, x-rays, cancer screenings and other studies help your doctor find out if something's wrong. They help show if treatment is working. But before you agree to have a medical test, it's good to ask some questions. Here's what you need to know.

Before you start taking any prescription medication, it's important to talk to your doctor. You need to learn how to take it correctly. And understand how to use it safely. Get the facts. Here's what you should discuss with your doctor.

As you age, your brain changes. Some parts shrink. Brain cells don't communicate as well as they once did. You may have some mild forgetfulness, and trouble learning new things. This is normal. But some older people experience brain changes that are not normal. And memory loss can be a warning sign that something is wrong. So if you worry about your memory, or if loved ones are worried, you need to tell your doctor. Here's how to make the most of your doctor's appointment.

Sometimes you need to talk to your doctor about things that make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. And that can be hard. But your relationship with your doctor is personal. Your doctor knows how to discuss these things and can give you the care you need. Here are some tips to help you open up.

Even though sexual health is an important part of your overall health, you may have trouble talking about it with your doctor. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed. But if you don't discuss a problem, you can't get the care you need. Here are some tips to help you talk about sexual issues.

You've just received a diagnosis from your doctor. Maybe it's one you were expecting. Maybe it was a surprise. But now, it's time to focus and get the facts. Here are a few questions you should ask your doctor.

When it's time for you to stop taking your opioid medication, you need to do it safely. If you've only been using your medication for a brief time, your doctor may say it's OK to stop suddenly. But if you've used it for longer, your doctor may say you need to stop gradually to let your body adjust. We call this "tapering."

This infection is caused by the tapeworm parasite. When you are infected, one or more tapeworms live and grow inside you. They can live in your intestines, and they can spread to other parts of your body. An adult tapeworm may live in the intestines for decades.

This procedure uses laser light to break up the ink particles that form a tattoo, gradually lightening the appearance of the tattoo and eventually causing it to fade away completely. Typically, multiple treatments are required. The number of treatments depends on the skin type, age and color of the tattoo.

This is an amino acid that our bodies need to be healthy. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is found in all our cells. Taurine may affect the heart and nerves.

This is an unconscious grinding or clenching of your teeth. We call it "bruxism." For many people, it happens during sleep. For others, it happens when they're awake. It can damage your teeth and cause other problems.

This type of seizure begins in one of the temporal lobes of the brain. It happens because of abnormal electrical activity. Temporal lobe seizures can severely impact your daily life.

This is a common type of headache that can be painful and frustrating for many people. It tends to start in the back of the head and then move forward to surround your head.

This cancer is most often found in males between the ages of 15 and 35. It can form in one or both testicles (also called the "testes"). These reproductive organs make sperm and sex hormones.

This is a serious illness also known as "lockjaw." It's a bacterial infection that causes muscles all over your body to tighten and spasm. It's a medical emergency.

One of the best ways you can keep from getting sick is to wash your hands often. Proper hand washing keeps harmful germs you've touched from getting into your eyes, nose and mouth. And, it keeps you from spreading harmful germs to others.

This is an abnormal growth of cells in your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland. Your thyroid is located in the base of your neck. The hormones it produces help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.

If you hear an annoying buzzing or ringing sound in one or both ears, you have tinnitus. It can bother you a lot. Tinnitus is a problem with your auditory system. That's the system that lets you hear. The problem may be in the ear. It may be in the nerve that connects your ear to your brain. Or, it may be in the part of your brain that makes sense of sound signals. Usually, tinnitus is not a sign that you have a serious issue.

If you're scared of needles, the thought of having your blood drawn can fill you with anxiety. So let's talk about ways you can stay calm during this quick, simple procedure.

This condition, which is most common in people who have chronic tonsil infections, is a hardened buildup of debris in the pockets of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are not usually harmful. People who have them are often not aware of them.

This routine, outpatient procedure is used to remove the tonsils. These are the large glands at the back of the throat that normally help protect against infection. In some people who have frequent throat and ear infections, removing the tonsils can help reduce the number of infections. People who have very large tonsils may also have them removed so that they can breathe and sleep more easily.

This condition is an infection of the tonsils (the large lymph glands at the back of the throat). Tonsils normally help protect against infection, but they can become overwhelmed by viruses or bacteria. Tonsillitis occurs most often in children and rarely in adults.

This minimally-invasive procedure is used to remove both the uterus and the cervix through small incisions in the abdomen.

This is a disorder of the brain and nervous system. With it, you have an overwhelming urge to make sounds or movements we call "tics." This can be embarrassing. It can cause problems at school and work.

This is a group of minerals that your body needs in very small amounts. They're an essential part of good health. Without them, your body can't work properly. Some examples of trace minerals include copper, fluoride and iodine.

This refers to people who feel the sex of their body doesn't match who they really are inside. This feeling begins early in life. It can be distressing and confusing. And often, others don't understand.

During this procedure, your doctor removes a tumor from the inner wall of your bladder. That's the organ that holds your urine. Transurethral resection can help your doctor diagnose and treat bladder cancer.

This is an injury that damages your brain. It results in brain dysfunction. It can severely impact your life.

A traumatic experience can have a lasting impact on you. An accident, a violent crime or a natural disaster can hurt you mentally in ways that aren't obvious to others. This is especially true for people who struggle with things like stress or depression. It's important to recognize when you need help.

This is an infection of the digestive system. It causes loose, watery poop. Traveler's diarrhea gets its name because it often strikes after visits to places with poor public hygiene.

This food allergy is an immune system response linked to tree nuts. It happens when your immune system treats harmless nut proteins as if they're a danger to your body. Almonds, walnuts, pecans and cashews are tree nuts. So are Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios and pine nuts. A person with this allergy may be allergic to one or more of them. Kids who have a tree nut allergy often don't grow out of it.

This chronic condition is caused by a misfiring of the trigeminal nerve. An attack causes brief episodes of extreme, shooting pain.

This procedure, commonly called “having ones tubes tied,” is performed to block the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. It is performed with the aid of a lighted viewing telescope, called a laparoscope, and usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

This procedure, commonly called "having ones tubes tied," is performed to block the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. It is performed with the aid of a lighted viewing telescope, called a laparoscope, and usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

This procedure, commonly called “having ones tubes tied,” is performed to block the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy. It is performed with the aid of a lighted viewing telescope, called a laparoscope, and usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

This disease, most commonly a problem among people who live in developing countries, is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord and kidneys. A full-blown, active case of tuberculosis can be deadly.

This genetic disorder affects only females. In some, it causes distinct physical features. And it affects how a girl grows and develops. It can also affect parts of the body like the heart.

This is a bacterial infection. It's caused by the Salmonella typhi bacterium. It spreads easily between people.

This lets a doctor see inside your body. Sound waves are used to create images of organs and soft tissues. It's helpful for a wide range of medical issues and procedures.

If you're taking an opioid to control pain, your doctor may have warned you about misuse. That's because opioid misuse leads to addiction. And opioid addiction has become a widespread problem. Let's learn about this public health crisis.

This is an x-ray exam. It can help your doctor identify problems with your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine. You may benefit from this exam if you have a problem such as heartburn, indigestion or unexplained pain in your chest or abdomen.

This is a procedure to put a thin, soft tube called a stent into one of your ureters. Ureters carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder. The stent will help hold your ureter open. That helps your urine flow properly.

This is when you need to urinate often and suddenly. It happens when the muscles that control your bladder have spasms. These spasms can force out urine even when your bladder isn't full. When you feel the need to go, you may have only a few seconds to get to the toilet.

This urine test can show a variety of problems in your body. Your doctor may order a urinalysis to check for signs of urinary tract infection or kidney disease. The test can also show signs of diabetes or pregnancy.

This condition is an inability to hold back urine when pressure or physical stress is placed on the bladder. Stress incontinence can cause embarrassing incidents of wet clothing.

This is an infection of any part of your urinary system, which collects and removes urine. Most UTIs involve the urethra and bladder. But some UTIs involve the ureters and kidneys.

Opioids are powerful drugs. They control severe pain. But they can be dangerous or even life threatening if used incorrectly. Follow these guidelines for safe use.

These growths, also called "myomas," form in the wall of your uterus. They are made from muscle cells and other tissues. They can be small or large, and you can have one or many. Fibroids are tumors, but they are benign. That means they aren't cancerous.

These are substances given to you to help protect your body from disease. Vaccines can be made from dead or weakened germs, or from portions of germs. A vaccine introduces your body to a disease in a safe way. It stimulates your body's immune system to protect you against the disease without causing you to become sick.

If you have swollen, twisted veins beneath your skin, you have varicose veins. Most often, they are found in the legs and the feet. They can be painful, and many people feel embarrassed by them.

This form of dementia is linked to a problem with blood flow to the brain. With this condition, the brain cells aren't getting enough blood, or the blood flow has been cut off for a period of time. This damages brain cells. It affects your memory, thinking and behavior.

This is for men who don't want to father any more children. It's a form of permanent birth control. It stops sperm from getting into your ejaculatory fluid. You'll still be able to ejaculate, but the fluid won't contain sperm.

This minimally-invasive outpatient procedure, which takes less than 45 minutes to perform, uses laser light to shrink and close varicose veins. The laser is inserted into the target veins through a catheter, leaving surrounding tissues unaffected.

This condition, commonly called "VTE," occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep within your body. This can happen in your leg, or in another part of your body. The clot travels through your circulatory system. When it reaches your lungs, it blocks an artery within them. This prevents oxygenation of your blood. This is a pulmonary embolism. It can be fatal.

Spending long hours in a bed or a chair can increase your risk for venous thromboembolism, commonly called "VTE." This is a type of blood clot that can form in a vein in your leg and then travel to your lungs. It can be fatal. It's important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider so you can prevent this dangerous condition.

If you feel like you're spinning for no reason, you have vertigo. This dizziness can be a nuisance, but it's usually not a sign of anything serious. It can interrupt your day. And it can put you at risk for falling.

These are measurements of your body temperature and what your heart and lungs are doing. Checking your vital signs gives us a snapshot of your current health. It lets us know if your body is working as it should, or if something is wrong. Let's look at the main vital signs we monitor.

This nutrient is one of the B vitamins. Our bodies use it to make red blood cells. It's used to make DNA, and to keep our nerve cells healthy.

This nutrient is one of the B vitamins. It helps turn the foods you eat into energy.

This is a nutrient we can't live without. It helps build connective tissues like cartilage and collagen. It's used to make muscles and blood vessels. It also helps you absorb iron.

These are substances our bodies need to live and grow. They support our cells, our organs and our immune system. If we don't get enough vitamins and minerals, our bodies don't work well.

This condition occurs as a result of an interruption of nerve impulses to the larynx. Vocal cord paralysis can affect speech, allow food and liquids to enter the lungs, and create difficulty in breathing.

This is a growth on one of your vocal cords (also known as the "vocal folds"). The cords are muscular bands in your throat that vibrate to produce sound. A polyp may look like a swollen bump or a blister, or even a thin, long growth. It can change the way your voice sounds.

"You may think it's easy to tell when a relationship is abusive. But it isn't always. Abusers can be good at manipulation and control. They can make you doubt yourself. Here are some signs that a relationship may be dangerous. "

Warts are small, rough skin growths that typically occur on the hands and feet. They may occur singly or in multiples, and may spread to other parts of the body. Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious.

This is a checkup we do when you're not sick. It lets us collect important info to track your health over time. And, it helps us find health problems you may not be aware of.

This is a viral infection you get from a mosquito bite. For most people, it's not serious or dangerous. You can get it and not even know you have it. But for some people, it can be life-threatening.

If you're trying to lose weight, or even maintain a healthy weight, you may have been told to stay away from "empty calories." Nutritionists agree they aren't good for your waistline. But what are empty calories, exactly? And why are they so bad for you?

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs at the back of your abdomen. They're found below your ribs on each side of your spine. Let's take a moment to learn more about these organs and what they do for the body.

LGBTQ is an acronym that stands for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (or "questioning"). It's for people who aren't heterosexual. It's also for people who don't identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. Let's go through each letter to learn about those in the LGBTQ community.

A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in caring for the kidneys. These bean-shaped organs remove waste and extra fluid from your blood. They also perform other important jobs. When the kidneys don't work properly, you can develop serious and even life-threatening issues.

A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in caring for the brain and nervous system. They identify problems and find ways to treat them. They work closely with you to develop an effective care plan.

A primary care physician is a doctor who has a broad knowledge of diseases and conditions. This is the doctor you see for checkups. It's often the first doctor you see when something is wrong. They find health problems and create care plans. And they refer you to a specialist when you need one.

A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in medical imaging. They study and treat problems throughout the body. A radiologist may care for you directly. Or, they may work with your main doctor.

A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system and other parts of the body. These diseases affect your bones and joints. They affect your muscles, tendons and ligaments. They can make your joints swollen and painful. And they can cause serious problems in other parts of your body.

A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the care of the urinary system. This system includes the bladder and kidneys. It includes the ureters and the urethra. Urologists also care for problems that affect your reproductive system.

An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in blocking pain. They do this with drugs called "anesthetics." These drugs block the pain of childbirth. They can put you into a deep sleep for surgery. And they can help you manage pain from injury and chronic conditions.

An internist is a type of primary care doctor. They are trained in internal medicine. This is a broad category of healthcare that deals with all parts of the body. Internists understand the wide range of adult diseases and conditions. They find health problems and create care plans. And they refer you to a specialist when you need one.

An OB-GYN is a doctor who specializes in women's health. "OB-GYN" stands for "obstetrician-gynecologist." These doctors deal with all aspects of the female reproductive system. They care for women throughout the different stages of life.

You know you need to exercise more, but you're stuck. Should you join a gym? Hit the local pool? What about an aerobics class? There are so many ways to exercise, and you just don't know which is right for you. So let's talk about some ways to choose.

When you take medicine, you should do it safely. One thing to watch for is something we call a drug "interaction." That's when things like the food you eat or other drugs you take change the way your medicine works. It could make the drug less effective. It could cause a dangerous side effect.

Sweating. Chills. Headache. Weakness. We've all had a fever. But what is it, exactly? Why do we get them, and when is a fever dangerous? Let's take the mystery out of this common problem.

Measuring your blood pressure is an important tool for tracking your health. If your blood pressure is too high, you're at risk for heart disease, stroke and other serious problems. When it's too low, you can have dizziness, fainting and other issues. But what is considered "normal" pressure?

If you've ever been a hospital patient, you've probably been hooked to an intravenous line. We call it an "IV." It sends fluid into your bloodstream. But what's the purpose of an IV, exactly? Let's take a moment to learn more.

This food allergy is an immune system response linked to wheat. It happens when your immune system treats harmless wheat proteins as if they're a danger to your body. Wheat allergy is most common in children, but it can also develop in adults. It's not the same as celiac disease.

It's painful to watch a family member or friend struggle with substance abuse. It can be frustrating and scary. But don't lose hope - it can get better. Here are things you can do to make the journey to recovery easier for you and your loved one.

You feel bad. Was it something you ate? Maybe it's just a common cold. But what if it's something more serious? When you're sick, it's not always easy to know when you should see a doctor. But ignoring illness can be dangerous. Here are some signs that you need to get help.

Lower back pain is a common problem that severely impacts the quality of your life. It can limit your ability to be active. It can cause you to miss work. Many different causes may lead to pain in your lower back.

Neck pain is a common problem that severely impacts the quality of your life. It can limit your ability to be active. It can cause you to miss work. Many different causes may lead to pain in your neck.

This is a common neck injury. It happens when your neck jerks back and forth quickly and violently. Your spine bends past its normal range of motion. This can injure the vertebrae of your cervical spine. It can damage the supporting ligaments and muscles in your neck.

This is an infection of the lining of your airways. It is highly contagious. It is most common in young children who have not been fully vaccinated and in people who have not received booster shots.

Feeling tired all the time is different from occasionally overdoing it. It's unrelenting. Even after a full night's rest, you feel unrefreshed. Your tiredness drains you. You can't focus. Why do you feel this way? And how can you get help?

Every year, we're reminded to get the flu vaccine. Many of us do. But each flu season, some vaccinated people still get the flu. Why? Shouldn't the vaccine protect us? Let's take a moment to learn why the flu vaccine doesn't always work.

"Addiction is a complex issue that involves the brain and the body. It also leads to a lot of poor choices, secrets and lies. For some, it's hard to understand why we call addiction a ""disease."" So let's take a few minutes to learn about it. "

You're hungry, and that bag of chips in the vending machine sure looks good. Maybe you could wash it down with a soda. What's the harm, right? Well, it depends on how often you indulge. These are what we call "junk food," and they aren't good for your body.

This genetic disease causes copper to gradually build up inside your body. Over time, the copper gets to toxic levels. It harms your tissues and organs.

Whether you have a chronic skin ulcer, a surgical wound or some other skin injury, proper wound care is important. Without it, even a minor skin wound can turn into a big problem. If your doctor has given you a wound care plan, follow it carefully. Let's also review some wound care basics.

Wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process that almost all people experience to some degree. Wrinkles are typically most noticeable around the eyes, lips, neck and hands.

When your wrist is bent too far, this can injure bands of tissue called "ligaments." Ligaments connect the bones of your hand to each other. They also connect the bones of your hand to the bones of your forearm.

This is a way of taking pictures of the inside of your body. It relies on a form of electromagnetic radiation we call "X-rays." X-rays can be used to create images of your bones and tissues.

This is a viral infection. It is common in South America, and in sub-Saharan Africa. The virus that causes it is carried and spread by mosquitoes.

This practice involves the mind and the body. It can improve your health. It also helps you feel more relaxed and focused. Some people do yoga to cope with things like chronic pain and depression.

This viral infection is spread by mosquitoes. For most people, it's not serious or dangerous. You can get it and not even know you have it. But it can cause problems for a developing fetus. It can cause severe, permanent disabilities. It can be fatal.

This is a mineral we need to be healthy. It's found in cells throughout the body. Your body uses zinc for many things, like growth and development, making proteins and DNA, and helping the immune system fight off germs.