Health Article description.Tetanus (lockjaw) is a preventable but dangerous bacterial infection that causes muscle spasms, trouble opening the mouth (lockjaw), trouble swallowing, and seizures. Usually found in dirt and soil, tetanus bacteria typically enter the body through a wound or cut. Tetanus bacteria thrive only in the absence of oxygen...

Health Article description.Taking charge of your type 2 diabetes means managing your blood sugar. But to manage your blood sugar, you have to test it, says Rhonda O'Brien, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. A big part of O'Brien's work is teaching people how to check their blood sugar, find their target blood sugar range, and...

Health Article description.Dengue (say "DEN-gay") is a viral infection spread to humans by mosquitoes. Mild cases cause a rash and flu-like symptoms. Some people, such as infants and those with other health problems, can get more severe types of the disease. Dengue is spread...

Health Article description.Discusses prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to measure amount of PSA in the blood. Explains that test is often used for cancer screening or follow-up. Covers how test is done and how to prepare for it. Discusses what results mean.

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.Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that can affect the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of any kind of mammal, including humans. Rabies-infected animals can spread the disease through their saliva or brain matter. Signs of rabies in animals may include excessive saliva or sometimes foaming at the mouth...

Health Article description.Discusses how to make walking a regular part of your life. Give tips for setting goals, increasing your steps, staying motivated, and staying safe.

Health Article description.Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that can infect people's red blood cells. The parasite is spread to people by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Most malaria infections cause fever and other flu-like symptoms (such as chills, muscle pain, and diarrhea) that may come and go in cycles. A severe form of malaria...

Health Article description.Whooping cough (pertussis) is an infection that causes very severe coughing that may last for weeks or months. During bursts of intense coughing, you may make a noise that sounds like a "whoop" when you try to take a breath. You can cough so hard...

Health Article description.Malaria is a disease that causes a fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A severe type of malaria can cause serious heart, lung, kidney, and brain problems, or death. You can get...

Health Article description.Completely-in-the-canal hearing aid The completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid is made to fit the shape and the size of the ear canal. It fits completely into the ear canal. This hearing aid can be made with special features such as a directional microphone system that can help you hear voices in a noisy room. It can...

Health Article description.Covers the kinds of cholesterol. Explains that cholesterol is one of many risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Covers treatment to lower risk of heart attack and stroke, which includes healthy habits and statins.

Health Article description.Giardiasis (also called giardia) is an illness caused by infection with the parasite Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia intestinalis. Giardiasis is usually caused by drinking water that is contaminated with the parasite. In the United States, G. lamblia is most often found in untreated streams, rivers, and lakes...

Health Article description.Massage is rubbing the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. Therapists usually apply pressure with their hands but sometimes with the forearms, elbows, and feet. There are at least 80 types of massage. Some are gentle. Some are intense.

Health Article description.Lab tests play an important role in your health care. They help your doctor make a diagnosis or treatment decisions. But they may not provide all of the information that your doctor needs. Your doctor will not usually make a decision or diagnosis based only on the results of a lab test, unless the test results are...

Health Article description.An HIV test detects HIV antibodies or antigens or the genetic material ( RNA or DNA) of HIV in the blood or another type of sample. This can show if an HIV infection is present (HIV-positive). HIV infects certain white blood cells. They are part of the body's immune system that help fight infections. Most doctors use a...

Health Article description.What is premature ejaculation? Premature ejaculation occurs when you ejaculate semen sooner than you want to during sex. This is a common sexual problem. What causes it? Most cases of premature ejaculation do not have a clear cause. Premature ejaculation may occur with a new partner. It may happen only in certain sexual...

Health Article description.The UV index forecasts the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) light for a given day. The index helps people know what precautions to take to avoid sunburn or other skin damage from being in the sun too long. The UV index is listed on local weather reports. Sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, should always be...

Health Article description.Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature, and body temperature continues to rise. Symptoms of heatstroke include: Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds. Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety. Convulsion (seizure). Symptoms of moderate to severe difficulty breathing. Fast heart...

Health Article description.The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a cooperative program for vaccine safety of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VAERS allows coordinated and centralized monitoring of possible adverse events (possible side effects) that occur after...

Health Article description.A tapeworm is a parasite that attaches to the walls of the intestine after it enters a person's digestive tract. A person may become infected with tapeworms after eating raw or undercooked meat or fish that contains the worms. A tapeworm infection may not cause any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include...