Covers control of asthma with an asthma action plan. Includes knowing the asthma zones and working with a doctor on a plan and medicines for symptoms and attacks.

Getting great care at a lower price is possible. Just like when you shop for food or clothes, there are things you can do to lower your health care costs. Save by taking charge of your health Here are some things you can do to take charge of your health and lower your health care costs. Protect your health with a...

Most people who have angina can manage their symptoms. This includes knowing when to rest and taking medicine such as nitroglycerin. You can also try modifying your daily activities to help prevent or relieve angina. Know when to stop and rest. If an activity or exercise causes angina, stop and rest to relieve your...

Taking charge of your type 2 diabetes means managing your blood sugar. But to manage your blood sugar, you have to test it, says Rhonda O'Brien, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. A big part of O'Brien's work is teaching people how to check their blood sugar, find their target blood sugar range, and...

The serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test measures specific proteins in the blood to help identify some diseases. Proteins are substances made up of smaller building blocks called amino acids. Proteins carry a positive or a negative electrical charge, and they move in fluid when placed in an electrical field. Serum...

After a stroke, keep in mind that you are the most important person in your own recovery. You need to have a major say in the decisions about your care. This may be hard for you, and you may sometimes feel like sitting back and letting others take charge. Make sure others understand that you want to be involved in the...

Many drowning and nonfatal drowning accidents occur in the bathtub and can be prevented by following these recommendations. Never leave a baby alone in the bathtub, even for a moment. Always keep the baby within arm's reach. Never leave children in charge of watching their younger siblings while bathing, even if they...

Epilepsy that causes focal seizures is sometimes called focal epilepsy, because the seizures start at a specific focus or location within the brain. In people with this type of disorder, the electrical charges that cause seizures begin in a specific area in the brain, although more of the brain may become affected...

Should you talk about cost with your doctor? A doctor's main focus is to help you get better, not to save you money. But if you speak up, your doctor may be able to help with both. Don't expect your doctor to know the exact cost of a drug or test or treatment. There are so many things that determine the cost of care...

Provides links to how-to information about asthma. Includes info on asthma in teens and adults, using an asthma action plan, and using inhalers.

As soon as you think you might be pregnant, visit your doctor or midwife. Your health in the early weeks of your pregnancy is particularly important. During your pregnancy, you'll have regular checkups. These prenatal visits can help you have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife is watching for problems...

Pain can be caused by many things, such as an injury, a surgery, or a health problem like low back pain or cancer. Long-term pain that isn't controlled can make it harder to enjoy life. But there are ways you can learn to manage pain. And managing pain can have a lot of benefits, like being able to do more activities or...

Provides links that give tips, like making the most of your appointment and getting better care at lower costs. Also includes links on understanding lab results and deciding whether to get a flu vaccine.

Provides links to how-to information about teen health. Includes info on acne, bullying, depression, headaches, and tobacco use. Covers talking with your teen about sex and responding to substance use. Also covers anorexia and bulimia.