Resistance training may be done with many things, including weights, elastic bands, machines, or your own body weight. Resistance training can help you get the most benefit from your cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program. Do not start a strength-training program without discussing it with your doctor. Your doctor can...

What is post-polio syndrome? Post-polio syndrome is an illness of the nervous system that can appear 15 to 50 years after you had polio. It affects your muscles and nerves, and it causes you to have weakness, fatigue, and muscle or joint pain. Although post-polio syndrome can make some day-to-day activities more...

Opioids are strong medicines. They can help you manage pain when you use them the right way. But they can cause serious harm and even death. If you decide to take opioids, here are some things to remember. Keep your doctor informed. You can develop opioid use disorder. Moderate to severe opioid use disorder is sometimes...

This article discusses encephalits and covers the symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) of 1975 is a federal law. It is also known as Public Law 94-142. It requires public schools to provide appropriate educational services for all children with disabilities between ages 3 and 21. EAHCA has been strengthened and expanded over the years. It is now...

Describes clubfoot and what causes it. Covers symptoms and diagnosis. Also covers treatment, including surgery and nonsurgical methods. Offers info on when clubfoot might point to a more serious problem.

Covers symptoms of tennis elbow, including pain around the elbow. Covers activities that increase risk, like gardening, swimming, and golf. Looks at treatment options, including surgery. Offers prevention tips, including photos of exercises that may help.

Using a walker can help you move with less pain and more stability. A walker can help you be more independent and safe as you do your daily activities. Be sure your walker fits you. When you stand up in your normal posture and relax your arms at your sides, the walker's hand grips should be level with your wrists. Then...

What is a spinal cord injury? A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a soft bundle of nerves that goes from the base of the brain to the lower back. It runs through the spinal canal, a tunnel formed by holes in the bones of the spine. The bony spine helps protect the spinal cord. The...

Being active is one of the best things you can do to get fit and stay healthy. It helps you feel stronger and have more energy. It can help you lose fat, build muscle, and reach a healthy weight. Being active may also help you feel better, sleep better, and focus. It's easy to spend a lot of money on sports and programs...

Medicare is health insurance that the United States government provides for people ages 65 and older. It also covers some people younger than 65 who have disabilities and people who have long-term (chronic) kidney failure who need dialysis or a transplant. Medicare helps pay for most hospital services and doctor visits...

Discusses pacemakers to control heart rhythm. Gives information on safety guidelines and tips for exercise and travel.

What is Paget's disease of bone? Paget's disease is a problem of abnormal bone growth. It may affect just one bone, but it usually affects more than one. In normal bone, the bone tissue is constantly being broken down, absorbed into the body, and then rebuilt with new cells. In Paget's disease, bone tissue is broken...

Discusses decompressive laminectomy, the most common type of surgery to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. Looks at how surgery may reduce pressure on nerve roots to relieve pain. Covers risks.

Most people struggle at times with getting active—and with staying active over time. All kinds of things can get in the way. And those roadblocks can be different for everyone. But there are steps you can take to get past your barriers to being active. Here's how. Find out what is holding you back from being active. You...

A cane can help you walk when you have an injured hip, leg, knee, or foot. You may also use it if you have a weak leg or problems with your balance. The length of the cane is important. Your elbow should have only a slight bend when you lean on the cane. Being safe A walking aid—a walker, crutches, or a cane—helps if...

Covers causes and symptoms of changes in your spinal discs as you age. Includes changes that can result in back or neck pain, osteoarthritis, herniated disc, and spinal stenosis. Looks at treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

You may be worried about having enough energy to exercise. Remember that exercise can actually give you more energy. Most people feel more energetic throughout the day after they start to be more active. Here are some tips to help you. Eat a balanced diet. Unless you're exercising for long periods of time, you don't...

What are mitochondrial diseases? Mitochondrial (say "my-tuh-KAWN-dree-uhl") diseases are a group of rare diseases that can sometimes be passed down from mothers to their children. The diseases happen when mitochondria don't work the way they should. Mitochondria are tiny parts of the cells in your body. They are often...

If you've started a program to get more active but are having trouble keeping it going, it may help to figure out what's getting in your way. Then you can decide how to get back on track. Illness, travel, work, and just having a bad day are a few of the things that may keep you from staying on track. Your goal is to get...

For inspiration to exercise, John hasn't had to look far. His father rides his bike daily to prevent another heart attack. John's grandparents and others in his family also had heart disease. John's doctor told him that his steady weight gain over the years was putting him in danger of heart problems as well. "He said...

Discusses challenges of having young children and continuing to exercise. Offers tips on how to fit exercise into daily routine at home, at parks or playgrounds, and gyms.

Covers ways to be active in fall and winter weather. Offers tips for indoor activities like mall walking or joining a gym. Also covers outdoor exercise options like raking leaves and shoveling snow. Provides tips on how to be safe.

Covers outdoor summer activities. Offers tips for being safe in heat and humidity, such as drinking plenty of water and staying in shade when you can. Also suggests indoor activities, like mall walking and housework, if heat is too intense.

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