Getting great care at a lower price is possible. Just like when you shop for food or clothes, there are things you can do to lower your health care costs. Save by taking charge of your health Here are some things you can do to take charge of your health and lower your health care costs. Protect your health with a...

A diabetes care plan for school is a document that includes information to help the school or day care staff know how to manage your child's diabetes. The goal of a care plan is to meet your child's daily needs and prepare ahead of time for any problems. For example, if your child needs to eat shortly after taking...

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.

Hospice care provides medical services, emotional support, and spiritual resources for people who are in the late stages of an incurable illness, such as cancer or Alzheimer's disease. Hospice care also helps family members manage the practical details and emotional challenges of caring for someone who is dying. Hospice...

Discusses role of health care agent if you can't make health care decisions for yourself. Covers medical power of attorney and living will. Includes link to checklist for writing an advance directive.

Being a parent of a child with physical, emotional, or behavioral problems can be exhausting. Try to take good care of your own physical and emotional health. Doing so will help provide you with needed energy to care for your child with special needs. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself. Schedule time for...

After surgery, you will need to take care of the incision as it heals. Caring for your incision may help lower the risk of problems like infection. Your doctor may have used stitches, staples, skin glue, or tape strips to close the incision. You will need to keep the area clean, change the bandage according to your...

Nail care is important for health and safety. A person can accidentally scratch themself (or you) if their fingernails are too long. Nails that are dirty or too long—especially for someone who usually cared for their own nails—also can be a sign that the person needs more help with personal care. You can do basic nail...

Covers skin, scalp, and nail care for psoriasis. Includes info on why care is important. Offers tips on products that may help and those to avoid. Covers moisturizing skin and how to protect skin, scalp, and nails.

Provides info on basic dental care like brushing and flossing regularly, seeing your dentist or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings, and eating mouth-healthy foods. Offers info on dental care for children.

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...

A health care agent is a person you choose to make medical decisions for you if a severe illness or injury makes it impossible for you to speak or decide for yourself. The document that grants this decision-making power to the person you select is called a medical power of attorney. A health care agent may also be...

Dental care for older people is much the same as for younger adults. But older adults do have concerns that younger adults do not. These may include: Caring for dentures. Having trouble holding a toothbrush. Having gum disease. Having tooth decay on the roots of teeth. Replacing missing teeth and broken fillings...

It's important to take care of your body when you are pregnant. This includes your teeth and gums. A healthy mouth—and good dental habits—will help you and your baby. Taking care of your teeth while you are pregnant helps prevent cavities and other dental problems. Brush, floss, and try to limit sugary foods and drinks...

Covers good skin care as an essential part of controlling the itch and rash of atopic dermatitis. Looks at what atopic dermatitis is. Explains why skin care is important. Gives tips on keeping your skin hydrated and avoiding irritants.

More of your health care takes place in your home than anywhere else. Having the right tools, medicines, supplies, and information on hand is important for your self-care. Most of the items below don't cost a lot. They are easy to use and can be bought at most drugstores and grocery stores. These are helpful first-aid...

Discusses casts, which are used when a bone is broken. Covers how to care for casts and deal with swelling. Discusses complications that may require emergency care.