Learn how you can help someone after they leave inpatient mental health treatment.

Keep pets in good health All pets, whether they are kept indoors or outside, should be in good health, show no signs of disease, and be friendly toward children. These tips can help protect both your pet and your child from getting sick or hurt. Immunize cats and dogs. Use flea-, tick-, and worm-control programs. Keep...

Learn what steps to take in an acute mental health crisis, including who to contact, when to access care, and the options for care.

Source: Public Health Image Library (PHIL). Available online: http://phil.cdc.gov Brown recluse spiders ( Loxosceles reclusa ), also called violin spiders or fiddleback spiders, are found most often in the south-central part of the United States and live in hot, dry, abandoned areas, such as wood or rock piles. They are...

Adapted from: U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; U.S. National Institutes of Health (2000). The Practical Guide: Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. (NIH Publication No. 00-4084). Available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/prctgd_c.pdf Use the...

When you're dealing with everyday problems, stress, or health issues, it's important to have people in your life who can give you support. You may need a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to. It's also important to have social support when you're dealing with major life events or managing a serious health condition...

Covers the basics of obesity. Discusses health risks such as hypertension related to having excess body fat. Focuses on lifestyle changes you can make, like healthy eating and exercise. Includes information on weight-loss medicines and surgery and on creating a long-term plan with your doctor.

Clinical trials are research studies in which people help doctors find ways to improve health care. Each study tries to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat health problems. The purpose of a clinical trial is to find out whether a medicine or treatment is safe and effective for treating a certain condition or...

Source: Public Health Image Library (PHIL). Richard F. Darsie Jr., PhD. Available online: http://phil.cdc.gov The puss caterpillar, or woolly slug, is the most poisonous caterpillar in the United States. Its poison is hidden in hollow spines among its hairs. This hairy caterpillar is found in the southern states...

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.

A good quit-tobacco program can help you quit by providing support and encouragement. Programs are available for you to attend in person, by telephone, or online. Most state health departments can recommend a program in your area. Quit-tobacco programs are also called tobacco cessation programs. When looking for a...

Provides links that give tips, like making the most of your appointment and getting better care at lower costs. Also includes links on understanding lab results and deciding whether to get a flu vaccine.

Chiropractic is an approach to health care that tries to relieve pain through spinal manipulation. It is most often used for back or neck pain, and sometimes it is used for headaches or for pain in the arms or legs. Spinal manipulation involves working on the head, shoulders, neck, back, or hips to help relieve pain. It...

What is domestic violence? If you want to save this information but don't think it is safe to take it home, see if a trusted friend can keep it for you. Plan ahead. Know who you can call for help, and memorize the phone number. Be careful online too. Your online activity may be seen by others. Do not use your personal...

Helps you check your risk of weight-related diseases such as diabetes, CAD, and high blood pressure. Tool calculates risk using body mass index (BMI) along with your waist size and other factors. Discusses what score means and next steps.

Depression is a mental health condition that makes you feel sad, lose interest in things you used to enjoy, and withdraw from others. It's more than normal sadness, grief, or low energy. Treatment can help you enjoy life again. Who should be screened for depression? The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends...