A living will, also called a declaration, tells your loved ones and doctor your wishes when you can't speak for yourself. It's used to describe treatment you want as you near the end of your life or if you get seriously hurt or ill. You can change...

Contact lenses are small plastic or silicone discs shaped to correct refractive errors. After your doctor tests your vision, you will get a prescription for the lens you need. Your prescription may change over time. Contacts are placed directly on the eye, where they float on a film of tears in front of the cornea...

When you work nights or rotating shifts, taking good care of yourself can be a challenge. It's common to feel "off," tired, or disconnected from the rest of the world. And that can make it hard to get in a good, healthy routine. The following tips may help you make some changes. Your doctor may recommend things for you...

Discusses acne, a skin problem. Lists symptoms, including pimples. Covers causes such as puberty, medicines, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. Covers acne treatment for mild, moderate, and severe forms. Offers prevention tips.

Discusses basic types of advance directives. Covers living will and medical power of attorney to appoint a health care agent. Explains when and why advance directive is needed. Lists steps in preparing one.

Many people have more than one long-term (chronic) health problem. You may be one of them. For example, you may have high blood pressure and diabetes, or you may have high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure. When you have more than one problem, doctors call the health problems comorbidities. One health problem...

Children usually move in natural, predictable steps as they grow and develop language, cognitive, social, and sensory and motor skills. But each child gains skills at their own pace. It's common for a child to be ahead in one area, such as language, but a little behind in another. At routine checkups, your child's...

Explains why and how kidney stones form. Covers types of stones such as calcium, cystine, uric acid, and struvite. Discusses symptoms. Covers treatment, including extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy. Offers prevention tips.

An advance directive is a form. It describes the kinds of medical care you want to have if you're badly hurt or have a serious illness and can't speak for yourself. A living will (declaration) and a medical power of attorney (durable power of...

What is psoriatic arthritis? Psoriatic arthritis (say "sor-ee-AT-ik ar-THRY-tus") is a type of arthritis that sometimes occurs in people who have a skin problem called psoriasis. The arthritis causes joints to become swollen, tender, and painful. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. That means the body's own...

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, usually in the legs. These clots require medical care right away. These clots are dangerous because they can break loose, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block blood flow in the lungs (pulmonary...

Discusses teen use of alcohol and other harmful or illegal substances. Covers the effects and consequences substance use has on a teen's life, including physical and emotional health. Includes info on how to recognize and deal with teen substance use.

Tracking your tobacco use means recording things like when and where you use tobacco. When you know this, you can take steps to avoid these situations. And you can make a plan that lists what you will do instead of using tobacco when you find yourself in those situations. Tracking your tobacco use can be helpful both...

Discusses reasons to have or not have surgery or a procedure for varicose veins. Includes info on endovenous ablation, ligation and stripping surgery, sclerotherapy, external laser treatment, and microphlebectomy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

What is elder abuse? Elder abuse is the mistreatment of an older person. It can be physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect. The person who does it may be a caregiver, a family member, a spouse, or a friend. Elder abuse can include: Acts of violence. Examples are: Hitting, kicking, or beating. Pushing, choking, or...

Defines fitness and why you need to exercise. Covers topics such as flexibility, aerobic fitness, and muscle fitness. Offers tips on becoming more active, establishing fitness routines, and maintaining a fit lifestyle. Also covers injury prevention.

What is Down syndrome? Down syndrome is a genetic condition. It affects childhood growth and development. People who have it may share similar features and health issues. They may learn to talk later than other children and have some intellectual disability. But every person's experience is different. And everyone with...