Antibiotics are medicines used to kill bacteria that cause infections. A doctor will choose an antibiotic to treat an illness based on: Whether taking an antibiotic will reduce the length or severity of the illness. Whether the person is allergic to any antibiotics. How likely it is that a certain antibiotic will kill...

What is lead poisoning? Lead poisoning occurs when you absorb too much lead by breathing or swallowing a substance with lead in it, such as paint, dust, water, or food. Lead can damage almost every organ system. In children, too much lead in the body can cause lasting problems with growth and development. These can...

The best way to stay healthy on your trip is to plan ahead. If you are planning to travel to another country, see a doctor several months before you leave so you will have enough time to get the vaccines you need. Also ask your doctor if there are...

Briefly discusses symptoms and possible causes of abdominal pain, such as peptic ulcer disease, indigestion, appendicitis, and stomach flu. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Briefly discusses male genital problems and injuries. Looks at testicle, penis, and scrotum symptoms. Covers rashes and infections. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Briefly discusses diarrhea in those 11 and younger. Covers causes such as infection and inflammatory bowel disease. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Explains ergonomics, common office injuries due to poor ergonomics, and how to help prevent injuries, including setting up your workstation. Gives self-care tips for relieving muscle aches and provides step-by-step instructions for stretches to relieve aches.

Briefly discusses common allergies, including ones to food, medicine, insect stings, latex, and animals. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Taking medicine as your doctor prescribes may improve your health and may prevent future problems. Not taking medicines properly could put your health or your life at risk. Taking your medicines safely is especially important for those who take a lot of medicines. Taking a lot of pills increases your chances of having...

Corticosteroid medicines—also called steroid medicines—are similar to natural hormones produced in the body that help control many necessary functions, including blood sugar and salt (electrolyte) levels, the body's water balance, and immune system function. These medicines may help provide relief for diseases that...

Discusses exercise, manual therapy, and education for chronic conditions like COPD or arthritis. Covers goals that include increasing flexibility, strength, and endurance. Covers what to expect.

Tips to help prevent falls and injuries for older adults and people who have had a stroke or have multiple sclerosis or osteoporosis. Covers taking care of your health and making changes in your home. Covers preventing falls in the bathroom and outdoors.

Discusses allergic rhinitis. Covers common immediate and chronic symptoms. Looks at what increases risk. Covers treatment options. Offers prevention and treatment tips.

Hospitals can be big, confusing places, especially if you've never been a patient in one before. But by taking the time to learn about how hospitals work and what you can expect, you may be able to lower your stress and concentrate on what's important: feeling better.

Estrogen is a hormone that produces female physical traits and helps regulate a woman's menstrual cycle. In women, estrogen is produced in varying amounts throughout the menstrual cycle, mainly by the ovaries. When a woman's estrogen levels reach a low enough point, she stops having monthly menstrual periods...

When you're ready to make some changes to your eating habits, having a plan for how you'll get started can help you succeed. Healthy eating is about balance, variety, and moderation. It means that you eat enough, but not too much, and that you eat...

What are colds? Colds are the most common infection of the nose, sinuses, or throat (upper respiratory infection). Colds are caused by viruses. They're spread by coughs, sneezes, and close contact. You can catch a cold at any time of year, but they're more common in late winter and early spring. There's no cure for...

Covers the kinds of cholesterol. Explains that cholesterol is one of many risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Covers treatment to lower risk of heart attack and stroke, which includes healthy habits and statins.