What is alcohol use disorder? Alcohol use disorder means that a person drinks alcohol even though it causes harm to themselves or others. It can range from mild to severe. People with this disorder may find it hard to control their alcohol use. Over time, drinking too much alcohol may cause health problems, like liver...

Habits are hard to break. That's why the sooner in life we build good, healthy habits, the easier it is to keep them and stay as healthy as possible. And when good habits are in place, it's easier to resist bad ones. The most important thing to remember is that you are your child's role model. Your habits affect your...

Keeping a food record can help you know what you're eating from each food group. The goal for most people is to: Make half the plate fruits and vegetables. Try to eat whole grains. Eat lean proteins, such as seafood, lean meat, eggs, and beans.

Covers eating a variety of foods so that your child gets the nutrients needed for normal growth. Looks at how much food is good for your child and how you can help your child eat well and be healthy. Explains how to help a child who is overweight.

Guides you through the decision to have your ovaries removed when you have a hysterectomy. Explains why it is done. Lists the risks and benefits of having your ovaries removed. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones thin, brittle, and easy to break. It's related to the loss of bone mass that happens as a natural part of aging. It's most common in women who have gone through menopause, but it can also occur in men. As osteoporosis gets worse, it can lead to broken bones in the hip...

Briefly discusses common sexually transmitted infections. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care.

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.

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...

Covers type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Describes how pancreas regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels. Includes info on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Discusses treatments, including insulin.

What is an environmental illness? An environmental illness can occur when you are exposed to toxins or substances in the environment that make you sick. These health hazards may be found where you live, work, or play. Maybe you have headaches that only occur on weekends. Or maybe you began to feel sick and got a rash...

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...

What are grief and grieving? Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone or something very important to you. The loss may cause sadness and may cause you to think of very little else besides the loss. The words sorrow and heartache are often used to describe feelings of grief. Grieving is the process of emotional...

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...

Answer the following questions before and during your appointment to follow up on a health problem. Concerns What health problem is the reason for this return appointment? What questions or concerns do I want addressed during this appointment? Do I have any new symptoms? Yes ___ No ___ If yes, include how long I have...

X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, that can be focused into a beam, much like a flashlight beam. Unlike a beam of light, though, X-rays can pass through most objects, including the human body. When X-rays strike a piece of photographic film, they can produce a picture. Dense tissues in the body...

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...

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...

Depression is an illness that makes you feel sad, lose interest in things you used to enjoy, withdraw from others, and have little energy. It's more than normal sadness, grief, or low energy. Most people get better with medicine, counseling, or a combination of the two. After you have had an episode of depression, you...