Health Article description.HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system. Without a strong immune system, the body has trouble fighting off disease. HIV infection is treated with medicines that slow or stop the damage to the immune system. If it's not treated, in time HIV will...

Health Article description.Briefly discusses symptoms that may show a serious problem during pregnancy. Covers vaginal bleeding, fever, and swelling. Describes emergency symptoms like shock, seizures, and leaks from your vagina. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Health Article description.What is substance use disorder? Substance use disorder means that a person uses substances even though it causes harm to themself or others. This disorder can range from mild to severe. It can develop from the use of almost any type of substance. This includes: Alcohol. Marijuana and other drugs. Prescription medicines...

Health Article description.Covers the causes and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Covers possible treatments with over-the-counter pain medicines and prescription medicines. Includes info on home treatment for joint pain, including using heat or ice, staying at a healthy weight, and exercise.

Health Article description.Childhood is a great time to help your child develop healthy habits. The sooner in life we build good, healthy habits, the easier it is to keep them and stay as healthy as possible. One important thing to remember is that you are your child's role...

Health Article description.Intravenous means occurring within or by way of a vein. Medicines or fluids may be given by inserting an intravenous (I.V.) needle into a vein, usually in the back of the hand or on the forearm. When the I.V. needle is in place, medicines or fluids can go quickly into the bloodstream and into the rest of the body.

Health Article description.Explains labor and delivery, including planning, signs of labor, pain management, types of delivery, labor stages, labor positions, medical procedures, and what happens right after birth.

Health Article description.All medicines can cause side effects. Many people don't have side effects. And minor side effects sometimes go away after a while. But sometimes side effects can be a problem or can be serious. If you're having problems with side effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to lower your dose or change to a...

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.Inner strength is the ability to cope with the stressful situations in life. This is often called "resilience." Building inner strength begins with simple actions or thoughts that your child practices, such as planning for what to do next and learning to accept change. Inner strength can help a child face problems...

Health Article description.Anemia is a condition in which a person doesn't have enough red blood cells. With fewer red blood cells, your blood isn't able to carry enough oxygen to the cells in your body. This can cause symptoms such as weakness, skin that is more pale than usual, and general tiredness (fatigue). Different types of anemia are...

Health Article description.Briefly discusses causes of back problems or injuries, including common activities, sudden injuries, overuse, and health conditions that may cause problems. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Health Article description.Briefly discusses physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety. Covers anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and phobias. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Offers tips to help with anxiety.

Health Article description.Briefly discusses how cuts may occur and types of cuts. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Health Article description.Discusses ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and TIA (transient ischemic attack). Describes stroke symptoms and importance of acting fast if symptoms develop. Covers stroke treatment and prevention.

Health Article description.Each Decision Point is designed to guide you through a key health decision. Decision Points combine medical information with your personal values to help you make a wise health decision. See a list of: Decision Points about medical tests. Decision Points about medicines. Decision Points about surgeries. Decision Points...

Health Article description.What is food poisoning? Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating foods that have harmful germs in them. These germs are mostly found in raw meat, chicken, fish, and eggs, but they can spread to any type of food. They can also grow on food that's left out on counters or outdoors or is stored too long before you eat...

Health Article description.Aerobic fitness means increasing how well the body uses oxygen, which depends on the condition of the heart, lungs, and muscles. Experts tend to describe aerobic activity in three ways: light, moderate, and vigorous. When people do moderate-intensity activities, they notice a faster heartbeat. To get the benefits of...

Health Article description.Briefly discusses common types of headaches and their causes. Covers when a headache is an emergency. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Health Article description.Covers causes of heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) and unstable angina. Discusses symptoms like chest pain or pressure. Explains MI and angina differences. Offers prevention tips. Covers diagnostic tests and treatment with medicines and surgery.

Health Article description.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.

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.Briefly discusses when feelings of sadness or anxiety may indicate need for treatment for depression. Explains emergency symptoms, like talk about suicide. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Offers tips to help with depression.

Health Article description.Briefly discusses common skin rashes that affect those 11 and younger. Covers chickenpox, diaper rash, prickly heat, and contact dermatitis. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Health Article description.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.