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.

Anesthesia is the use of medicines to control pain and keep a person comfortable. Anesthetics are used to numb a specific area of the body (local and regional anesthesia). Or they can cause a person to be unconscious and not have pain during a procedure such as surgery (general anesthesia). The types of anesthesia...

Describes heart failure (congestive heart failure). Discusses common causes like hypertension and coronary artery disease. Has info on symptoms. Covers diagnostic tests and treatments. Discusses heart failure classification system and stages of CHF.

The immune system is the body's natural defense system that helps fight infections. An impaired immune system does not work properly and can't effectively protect a person against infection. Some conditions and medicines weaken or impair the immune system. These may include: Substance use disorders or problems caused by...

Should you talk about cost with your doctor? A doctor's main focus is to help you get better, not to save you money. But if you speak up, your doctor may be able to help with both. Don't expect your doctor to know the exact cost of a drug or test or treatment. There are so many things that determine the cost of care...

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...

Briefly discusses common skin changes and possible causes including infection, health conditions, and medicines. Includes info on skin cancer. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Explores how healthy thinking habits can help with negative thoughts and behaviors. Explains the three parts of healthy thinking: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), gratitude, and optimism. Outlines how CBT uses thought reframing and techniques for calming the body and mind. Provides links for learning thought...

Briefly discusses types of puncture wounds and the risk of infection. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

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.

Discusses causes and symptoms of COPD. Looks at chronic bronchitis and emphysema, two diseases that are usually a part of COPD. Covers quitting smoking. Includes treatment with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids. Offers home treatment tips.

Looks at infertility. Includes info on various tests used to find out why someone can't get pregnant. Covers treatments, including medicine to help stimulate ovulation and procedures to increase sperm count.

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...

Briefly discusses fevers in children age 11 and younger. Includes info on temperatures considered normal, mild fever, and high fever. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Briefly discusses the warning signs of suicide and describes the risk factors for suicide. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Offers tips on how to get help.

Helping someone with personal care involves many daily tasks. If it's been a while since you did day-to-day caregiving—or you've never done it—you might not know all the things you need to do and how to do them. Learn more This information gives an overview of the daily or weekly care a person needs. Bathing...

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.

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 teen substance use? Many teens try substances like alcohol or drugs. Some try them only a few times and stop. Teens who keep using substances may form a strong need for them. This can lead to substance use disorder. Substances teens may try include tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, household products...