Health Article description.Discusses use of radiation therapy to kill cancer cells or control cancer pain. Covers brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy, two ways radiation is delivered. Discusses risks and side effects.

Health Article description.This article discusses steps you can take to help prevent a manic episode. Covers learning about the early warning signs of a manic episode.

Health Article description.Chemical exposure Protect yourself as much as you can from harmful chemicals. Avoid pesticides, household cleaners, and paint. Fumes from these substances can be harmful, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Use chemical-free cleaning alternatives while you're pregnant. If you must use chemical cleaners, wear...

Health Article description.Covers the causes and symptoms of upper and middle back pain. Looks at treatment with rest, pain medicine, and surgery. Includes steps to prevent back pain from returning, such as practicing good posture and getting regular exercise.

Health Article description.Provides step-by-step instructions for a sample set of exercises for an ankle sprain. Includes range-of-motion, stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises. Cautions that timing for starting each type of exercise depends on the care provider's recommendations.

Health Article description.A thyroid biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the thyroid gland and looked at under a microscope for cancer, infection, or other thyroid problems. The thyroid gland is found in front of the windpipe (trachea),

Health Article description.Includes information on gout, a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body. Info on symptoms, including swelling and pain that is often in the big toe. Covers how a diet high in purines can raise uric acid levels. Discusses diagnosis and treatment.

Health Article description.Briefly discusses possible problems that may occur after surgery. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Health Article description.Ravi, 34 Ravi fights back against depression about his back pain. "I started feeling sad and angry a lot. I didn't want to do anything. My back was hurting more. I was having trouble focusing on my work. My life just started feeling smaller and...

Health Article description.For some people with infertility problems, insemination procedures can improve the chances of pregnancy. These procedures use a thin, flexible tube (catheter) to place sperm into the female reproductive tract during ovulation. Before the procedure,

Health Article description.Pneumatic retinopexy is a surgery to repair certain types of retinal detachments. It is usually an outpatient procedure, which means you don't need to stay in the hospital. Before surgery, your eye is numbed with local anesthesia. Then the eye doctor ( ophthalmologist) injects a gas bubble into the middle of the eye...

Health Article description.Pityriasis rosea (say "pih-tih-RY-uh-sus ROH-zee-uh") is a common skin problem that causes a rash. Although it can occur at any age, it is seen most often in those between the ages of 10 and 35. Pityriasis rosea is usually harmless. Experts aren't...

Health Article description.Taking your child out of the house allows your child to have new experiences and interactions. You may start using a stroller as soon as your baby is born and can keep using one well into early childhood. Take some general precautions to avoid...

Health Article description.Children who are depressed may have the same symptoms as adults. But adults may believe that these symptoms are normal in children. Some signs that may alert adults that children are depressed include: Being irritable and crying for no reason you can see. Avoiding friends and social events. Having depression makes it...

Health Article description.The copperhead is a poisonous (venomous) pit viper found in areas extending from the eastern United States to Texas. Copperheads may leave distinctive double marks on the skin. They leave one, two, or three puncture marks on the skin, but you won't always see any marks. A copperhead has: Hourglass-shaped markings down...

Health Article description.Rattlesnakes are the most widely known of the pit viper snakes that can inject venom when they bite. They are found throughout the United States and parts of Canada. They are responsible for most of the venomous snakebites in North America. They...

Health Article description.Lung transplant is an option for people who have severe lung problems that are caused by cystic fibrosis (CF). The surgery removes the diseased lungs and replaces them with healthy lungs from a recently deceased donor. After lung transplant surgery,

Health Article description.Guides you through the decision to take insulin for type 2 diabetes. Provides info on when insulin may be needed to control blood sugar levels. Covers benefits and risks of insulin. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Health Article description.What is whiplash? Whiplash is pain and stiffness in the neck after an injury that has caused the neck to move suddenly or beyond its normal range. It occurs when the head is suddenly forced backward or forward and is then snapped in the other direction. This kind of motion most often happens to people in a car that is...

Health Article description.Visible genital warts on the penis or vagina or around the anus can be removed by excision. This means cutting off the warts with a surgical knife (scalpel). Warts on the cervix may be removed by laser or loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP). The...

Health Article description.Covers a procedure to widen narrow coronary arteries for stable angina and heart attack. Includes a slideshow of angioplasty. Describes use of stent and balloon to open artery. Explains why it's done and when it's not done. Includes how well it works, risks, and recovery time.

Health Article description.Some mood disorders are characterized by manic episodes, periods of abnormally high energy. Behavior may be diagnosed as a manic episode if: An abnormal and continuously elevated (happy or energetic) mood or an irritable mood occurs and lasts at least a week. During this elevated or irritable mood, at least three of the...

Health Article description.A dental implant is an artificial tooth. Your dentist may suggest it if a permanent tooth fell out from an injury or was taken out because of bad tooth decay. An anchor and post will be placed in your jawbone. Your new tooth will attach to the post. Implants look natural. They can provide support for dentures, and they...

Health Article description.Most of the time, people with epilepsy who become pregnant deliver healthy babies. But the risk of birth defects, stillbirth, and seizure-related problems is higher for babies born to someone with epilepsy. Most antiepileptic medicines increase the risk even more. If you have epilepsy and become pregnant, stopping...

Health Article description.Caring for a child who has congenital heart disease can be challenging. But there are things you can do to make sure that your child is as healthy and comfortable as possible, whether they are at home or in the hospital. And while you're taking care of your child, remember that it's important to take care of yourself...