Health Article description.A sweat test, also called a sweat chloride test, measures the amount of chloride in sweat. It is done to help diagnose cystic fibrosis. Normally, sweat on the skin surface contains very little chloride. People with cystic fibrosis have a high level...

Health Article description.Learn how to overcome barriers to wearing a mask.

Health Article description.Covers treating postpartum depression with counseling and medicines. Discusses when to seek care. Offers home care tips. Briefly outlines symptoms and the importance of treatment.

Health Article description.Oximetry is a medical test that uses a device called an oximeter to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood (oxygen saturation). Oximeters have a special sensor that is placed on the skin. The sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the blood flowing in the tiny blood vessels. Different types of oximeters are placed...

Health Article description.Guides you through decision to take bisphosphonate medicines for osteoporosis. Lists medicine names like alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel). Lists risks and benefits. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Health Article description.A child's crying can be very upsetting, especially when you are trying to figure out what the cause is. If you can't find a cause for the crying, such as an injury, try comforting techniques. These include using a pacifier and rocking your baby...

Health Article description.Orthotic shoe devices are molded pieces of rubber, leather, metal, plastic, or other material that are put into a shoe. They balance the foot in a neutral position. They can also cushion the foot from too much pounding. A wide range of orthotics are used for different foot problems. Doctors don't always agree about the...

Health Article description.Discusses ganglions, small cysts that look like bumps often on hands and wrists. Covers exams and tests used to diagnose ganglions. Covers nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. Offers home treatment tips.

Health Article description.Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of normal cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. These supplements come in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form. They are often taken together or taken with other supplements.

Health Article description.Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...

Health Article description.The recommended daily amount of iron varies. Most people need the following amount of iron each day.Recommended daily amount of iron Group Age Amount of daily iron Infants Birth to 6 months 7 to 12 months 0.27 mg 11 mg Children Ages 1 to 3 Ages 4...

Health Article description.Flat head syndrome means that a baby's head is flat in the back or on one side. Most often, it's from lying on the back or lying with the head to one side for long periods of time. Sometimes a baby's forehead, cheek, or ear may get pushed forward a...

Health Article description.Covers surgical removal of herniated disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord. Discusses why it may be done such as for a bulging disc, to relieve pain, or help prevent serious nerve damage. Looks at how well it works and risks.

Health Article description.Emphysema is a long-term (chronic) lung disease. With emphysema, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the airways in the lungs are damaged and lose their stretch. When the air sacs are damaged or destroyed, their walls break down and the sacs become larger. These larger air sacs move less oxygen into the blood...

Health Article description.If your child is facing a hospital stay, you want to do all you can to make the hospital less strange and frightening. Fear of the unknown can be worse than fear of the known, so letting your child know what to expect will go a long way toward lowering fear and stress. Here are some things to try: Talk to your child...

Health Article description.A myelogram uses X-rays and a special dye called contrast material to make pictures of the bones and the fluid-filled space (subarachnoid space) between the bones in your spine (spinal canal). A myelogram may be done to find a tumor, an infection,

Health Article description.Rehabilitation (rehab) is needed after most ACL injuries, with or without surgery. It will help you regain normal range of motion and flexibility in your knee. Rehab programs also strengthen the knee and the muscles around it, leading to better...

Health Article description.If you've had surgery on your back or belly, an injury to your trunk, or pain in your back, then you know that bending and twisting can cause more pain or injury. You can use the log roll method to get in and out of bed safely. To get into bed, you first need to sit on the side of the bed. To sit down safely: Stand with...

Health Article description.Discusses decompressive laminectomy, the most common type of surgery to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. Looks at how surgery may reduce pressure on nerve roots to relieve pain. Covers risks.

Health Article description.Nerve ablation is a procedure that destroys nerves in an area of pain. Destroying nerves helps reduce or stop pain signals. This can help relieve long-term (chronic) pain. Ablation may be used for chronic low back pain, neck pain, and pain in some...

Health Article description.Ravi, 34 Ravi fights back against depression about his back pain. "I started feeling sad and angry a lot. I didn't want to do anything. My back was hurting more. I was having trouble focusing on my work. My life just started feeling smaller and...