Health Article description.Radiofrequency palatoplasty is a procedure that uses an electrical current to shrink and stiffen the back part of the roof of the mouth (soft palate and uvula). When the soft palate and uvula are stiffer, they are less likely to vibrate and you are...

Health Article description.Learn tips to talk to your child about what is (and isn't) appropriate online behavior, including setting rules, long-term consequences of inappropriate behavior, and strategies to lower the risk of cyberbullying.

Health Article description.A C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the amount of a protein called C-reactive protein in your blood. C-reactive protein measures general levels of inflammation in your body. High levels of CRP are caused by infections and many long-term diseases. But a CRP test cannot show where the...

Health Article description.HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine can prevent infection with some types of human papillomavirus. HPV infections can cause certain types of cancers, including: cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in women penile cancer in men anal cancers in both men and women cancers of tonsils, base of tongue...

Health Article description.With fibrocystic breast changes, your breasts may feel lumpy, thick, and tender, especially right before your period. They are also called cyclic breast changes, because they come and go with your menstrual cycle. Fibrocystic breast changes are...

Health Article description.Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) typically includes an outpatient program. This program is one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. You will likely take part in a supervised or home-based exercise program. You will receive information and tools to...

Health Article description.A folate test measures the amount of folate in the blood. Folate is one of many B vitamins. The body needs folate for normal growth and to make red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. Folate also is important for the normal development of a baby (fetus). Folate can be measured in the liquid...

Health Article description.The levonorgestrel (LNg) intrauterine device (IUD) releases small amounts of levonorgestrel, a form of progesterone, into the uterus each day. This type of IUD reduces cramping and heavy menstrual bleeding. And it is a highly effective method of birth control. Hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy for 3 to 5 years, depending...

Health Article description.Use this form to record information about your child's treatment plan for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Review the plan with your doctor often. Together you can keep the plan up to date. My child's main symptom of ADHD is (inattention, impulsiveness, or hyperactivity) ______________________. An...

Health Article description.What is Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP)? Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a mental health condition in which a caregiver makes up or causes an illness or injury in a person under their care, such as a child, an elderly adult, or a person who has a disability. Because vulnerable people are victims, it is a form...

Health Article description.A vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs.

Health Article description.Discusses C-peptide test, used to tell the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, find the cause of hypoglycemia, or check whether a pancreas tumor (insulinoma) was completely removed. Discusses how the test is done and how to prepare for it.

Health Article description.In transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), an instrument (called an antenna) that sends out microwave energy is inserted through the urethra to a location inside the prostate. Microwave energy is then used to heat the inside of the prostate. Cooling fluid is circulated around the microwave antenna to prevent heat from...

Health Article description.Spinal X-rays are pictures of the spine. They may be taken to find injuries or diseases that affect the discs or joints in your spine. These problems may include spinal fractures, infections, dislocations, tumors, bone spurs, or disc disease.

Health Article description.Looks at various tests used to check how well the thyroid gland is working. Covers what results might mean. Also looks at what might affect a test. Offers links to info on other tests that might be useful, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test.

Health Article description.Lymphedema is a collection of fluid called lymph in the tissues of the body. Normally, this fluid flows through the lymph system. If that system isn't working as it should, fluid can build up in the affected area and cause lymphedema. This happens most often in an arm or leg. What causes lymphedema? Lymphedema may be...

Health Article description.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio waves to make pictures of the breast. It does not use X-rays. An MRI may show problems in the breast that can't be seen on a mammogram, ultrasound, or CT scan. The MRI makes pictures that show your breast's normal structure; tissue damage or...

Health Article description.Learn how to care for your child if they start taking medicines for ADHD.

Health Article description.An alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood test checks the level of AFP in a pregnant woman's blood. AFP is a substance made in the liver of an unborn baby (fetus). The amount of AFP in the blood of a pregnant woman can help see whether the baby may have such problems as spina bifida and anencephaly. An AFP test can also be done...

Health Article description.Discusses blood test used to check for thyroid gland problems. Explains how TSH causes thyroid gland to make hormones that help control metabolism. Covers how it is done and test results.

Health Article description.COVID-19 vaccine can prevent COVID-19 disease. Vaccination can help reduce the severity of COVID-19 disease if you get sick. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 that spreads easily from person to person.

Health Article description.Electrical cardioversion is a procedure in which a brief electric shock is given to the heart to reset the heart rhythm back to its normal, regular pattern ( normal sinus rhythm). The shock is given through patches applied to the outside of the chest wall. In some situations an external defibrillator, which has paddles...

Health Article description.A rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test measures the amount of the RF antibody present in the blood. Normally, antibodies are produced by the immune system to help destroy and get rid of invading bacteria and viruses that can cause disease. But the RF...

Health Article description.Discusses test to check level of potassium (K) in urine. Includes info on what affects potassium levels in the body such as kidney function, blood pH, and hormones. Explains how and why test is done. Covers what results mean.

Health Article description.Placebo and sham treatment are methods used in medical trials to help researchers determine the effectiveness of a drug or treatment. Placebos are inactive substances used to compare results with active substances. And in sham treatments, the doctor goes through the motions without actually performing the treatment. A...