Health Article description.An anal fissure is a narrow tear that extends from the muscles that control the anus (anal sphincter) up into the anal canal. These tears usually develop when anal tissue is damaged during a hard bowel movement or when higher-than-normal tension develops in the anal sphincters. Symptoms of an anal fissure include a...

Health Article description.There are many good reasons to quit using tobacco products. Think about your main reasons, and focus on them. Maybe you want to be a healthy adult. It could be that you need to save money. Or maybe you don't want to smell like smoke. Your doctor...

Health Article description.Discusses common vaginal infection. Covers symptoms like vaginal discharge and odor. Covers possible complications, including miscarriage, premature birth, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Looks at treatment with antibiotics. Offers prevention tips.

Health Article description.A Pap test is done to look for changes in the cells of the cervix. During a Pap test, a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix is collected by your doctor. The sample is then spread on a slide (Pap smear) or mixed in a liquid fixative (

Health Article description.Guides through decision to get the HPV vaccine. Explains the vaccination process. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Health Article description.Guides through decision to have a PSA test to check for prostate cancer. Includes what PSA results tell you and what they do not. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you decide.

Health Article description.Corticosteroid nasal sprays (such as Flonase, Nasacort, and Nasonex) are used to help allergy symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose. They help reduce inflammation in the nose. They start working quickly, but it may be several weeks before you get the full effect. Here are some tips for using these sprays: You may need to...

Health Article description.Most women are able to become pregnant from puberty, when their menstrual cycles begin, until menopause, when their cycles stop. A pregnancy starts with fertilization, when a woman's egg joins with a man's sperm. Fertilization usually takes place in a fallopian tube that links an ovary to the uterus. If the fertilized...

Health Article description.Tay-Sachs is an inherited genetic disease in which the body does not break down fatty compounds, called gangliosides, as it should. As the gangliosides build up in the brain and spinal cord, they damage the nerve cells, and then these cells cannot function properly. The three forms of Tay-Sachs disease include infantile...

Health Article description.Trisomy 18 is a genetic condition related to the presence of an extra chromosome 18 caused by a problem that occurs when cells divide in the egg, sperm, or fertilized egg. The extra chromosome causes the fetus to develop abnormally with a number of physical and mental problems. Trisomy 18 is also called Edward's...

Health Article description.Food gives you energy for physical activity. To have energy, you need: Protein. It maintains and rebuilds tissues, such as muscles. Carbohydrate. This is the body's preferred source of energy. Fat, which also provides energy. Water, to replace...

Health Article description.Ulcerative colitis makes swelling, inflammation, and sores in the lining of the large intestine (colon) and causes diarrhea, belly pain, and bleeding from the rectum. It's a lifelong condition, but in most people the symptoms come and go. Medicines can stop or reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. If the disease is...

Health Article description.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prepares the following immunization schedule for adults. Go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines/imz-schedules/adult-easyread.html to view it online.

Health Article description.Whether you work in an office building or on a construction site, your workplace can have an effect on your mental and physical health. Our workplace health topics can teach you how to avoid common problems and injuries that can happen in the workplace. Our topics can also give you some tips for being safe and help you...

Health Article description.The only over-the-counter weight-loss product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is orlistat (Alli). It is half as strong as prescription orlistat (Xenical). It blocks the body from taking in some of the fat from foods you eat. Many other over-the-counter products claim to help with weight loss...

Health Article description.Discusses causes and symptoms like sadness and feelings of helplessness. Covers related illnesses like bipolar disorder and SAD. Looks at treatment with medicines, counseling, and lifestyle choices. Discusses suicidal thoughts and when to call a doctor.

Health Article description.Sometimes people who have anorexia find it difficult to trust family members, friends, health professionals, and others who are trying to help them. There are many reasons for this, such as anxiety about losing control and gaining weight. And it can be hard to adjust to a whole new way of eating, exercising, and taking...

Health Article description.Inhalants are substances that produce chemical vapors that are mind-altering when inhaled. These substances are common household, industrial, or medical products. Most people don't think of them as drugs because they are not meant to be used in that way. Inhalants include: Solvents (such as paint thinners and...

Health Article description.Signs of use It's hard to detect LSD use. Signs of LSD use may include: Symptoms such as large (dilated) pupils, sweating, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. Having small squares of paper or other forms of the drug.

Health Article description.Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that's similar to amphetamine. It is sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD or obesity. The illegal form of this drug is usually called meth. It may also be called crystal meth, speed, ice, crystal, glass, or chalk. It's often made in home labs from cheap, sometimes toxic ingredients...