The autonomic nervous system controls all "automatic" body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, mouth-watering (salivating), and the movement of food through the intestines (peristalsis). One part of the autonomic nervous system, called the sympathetic nervous system, reacts when a person...

A blood pressure monitor is used to screen for high blood pressure. A blood pressure cuff is wrapped around your upper arm. The cuff is then pumped up. The cuff is slowly deflated, and the monitor shows your blood pressure numbers. Either an automatic or manual monitor can be used. After measuring your blood pressure...

Taking medicines for asthma every day can be hard to get used to. You may have several reasons why you find it hard to take your medicines. But figuring out how to handle these challenges can help you take good care of yourself. Here are some challenges and possible solutions. Maybe some of the reasons below are...

Using a home blood pressure monitor lets you keep track of your blood pressure at home. Blood pressure is a measure of how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body. Your blood pressure is recorded as...

Explores how healthy thinking habits can help with negative thoughts and behaviors. Explains the three parts of healthy thinking: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), gratitude, and optimism. Outlines how CBT uses thought reframing and techniques for calming the body and mind. Provides links for learning thought...

Amazing changes are happening in your newborn's development. Babies' brains develop quickly, as they begin to think, learn, and remember. Newborns listen to and learn the sounds of language. They can communicate with sounds and facial expressions.

Unhelpful thoughts, sometimes called negative thoughts, can keep you from enjoying life. They can also worsen other problems, like anxiety, depression, or pain. Changing your thought patterns may not be easy. But our minds can be trained to be stronger and healthier—just like a muscle. A technique called thought...

First, take a class on how to give CPR. Then use the chart below as a reference. Quick reference: CPR recommendations for adults and older children, young children, and babies What to do Adults and older children who have reached puberty Young children until the age of puberty Babies younger than 1 year When to call for...

Explains why you should monitor your blood pressure at home and how to choose a home blood pressure monitor. Includes steps on how to take your blood pressure at home. Covers why and how to keep a blood pressure diary.

When should you start toilet training your child? Your child must be both physically and emotionally ready for toilet training. Most children are ready to start when they are between 22 and 30 months of age, but every child is different. Toilet training usually becomes a long and frustrating process if you try to start...

An ICD is always checking your heart for a life-threatening, rapid heart rhythm. The ICD may try to slow the rhythm back to normal using electrical pulses. If the dangerous rhythm doesn't stop, the ICD sends an electric shock to the heart. This restores a normal rhythm. The device then goes back to its watchful mode...

Living with pain can be hard, especially if it's long-term (chronic) pain. Chronic pain is pain that lasts for 3 months or longer. It can make you sleep poorly, feel tired and irritable, and have a hard time being active or working. It may strain your relationships with loved ones too. You may feel stressed or get...

What is optimism? Optimism is a hopeful, positive outlook on the future, yourself, and the world around you. It's a key part of resilience, the inner strength that helps you get through tough times. Optimism helps you see, feel, and think positively. But it has extra benefits you might not know about—optimism helps keep...

Explains how to practice reframing negative thoughts to be more helpful. Provides steps to practice choosing healthier thoughts. Includes keeping a thought diary.

Is it safe for you to have sex? If you have an arrhythmia and your doctor says that it's okay for you to do moderate activity, like brisk walking, then it's probably safe for you to have sex. If you have any concerns, ask your doctor. Your doctor can check the health of your heart and help you know if it's safe to have...

What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)? An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small, battery-powered device. It can fix an abnormal heart rate or rhythm and prevent sudden death. The ICD is placed under the skin of your chest. One or two wires (called leads) connect the ICD to your heart...

Guides you through decision to get an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Gives information about ICDs and asks questions to help you learn if an ICD is right for you. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you decide.

Discusses how to live with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device that helps control heart rhythm. Gives safety guidelines and tips for travel, exercise, and making an ICD shock plan.

Topic guides reader through decision to get an ICD for heart rhythm problems. Provides general overview of what ICDs are and what heart rhythm problems can be helped with ICDs. Lists benefits and possible complications of getting an ICD.

Guides through decision to stop driving because of age. Discusses how aging affects the ability to drive and when it is time to stop driving. Offers other transportation options. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.