Health Article description.Electrolytes are minerals found naturally in the body, such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are needed to keep the body's balance of fluids at the proper level and to maintain normal functions, such as heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and brain function. If the body's electrolytes are not in...

Health Article description.Discusses decisions related to care near the end of life. Discusses choosing where to get care and what kind you want. Covers who will make decisions if you can't. Info on advance directives and need for durable power of attorney.

Health Article description.Covers causes and symptoms of osteoporosis in women. Looks at treatment with medicine. Includes steps to slow bone loss with exercise, eating healthy foods, and quitting smoking. Covers protecting yourself from falling to prevent broken bones.

Health Article description.Covers causes and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Looks at how treatment can help and steps you can take. Discusses most effective treatments—counseling and antidepressant medicines. Includes stories from others in their own words.

Health Article description.Helping someone with personal care involves many daily tasks. If it's been a while since you did day-to-day caregiving—or you've never done it—you might not know all the things you need to do and how to do them. Learn more This information gives an overview of the daily or weekly care a person needs. Bathing...

Health Article description.Covers how your thoughts can affect your mental and physical health. Offers tips on positive thinking, including having positive expectations.

Health Article description.What is teen substance use? Many teens try substances like alcohol or drugs. Some try them only a few times and stop. Teens who keep using substances may form a strong need for them. This can lead to substance use disorder. Substances teens may try include tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, household products...

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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.