Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that's similar to amphetamine. It is sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD or obesity. The illegal form of this drug is usually called meth. It may also be called crystal meth, speed, ice, crystal, glass, or chalk. It's often made in home labs from cheap, sometimes toxic ingredients...

You may get nosebleeds during pregnancy. That's because there is more blood flow to the tissue inside the nose (mucous membranes) when you are pregnant. There are things you can do to help prevent nosebleeds, such as using a humidifier. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine. You also have more blood flow to the...

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio waves to make pictures of the breast. It does not use X-rays. An MRI may show problems in the breast that can't be seen on a mammogram, ultrasound, or CT scan. The MRI makes pictures that show your breast's normal structure; tissue damage or...

Discusses pacemakers to control heart rhythm. Gives information on safety guidelines and tips for exercise and travel.

What are pressure injuries from scuba diving? Scuba diving can expose you to high waves and dangerous sea life. But the more likely dangers are those you can't see. You can be injured if your body isn't able to adjust to the increasing and decreasing pressure of the water as you breathe compressed air. Pressure changes...

Blood thinners are medicines that help prevent blood clots. Because they prevent clots, they also help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other problems caused by blood clots. But blood thinners can also raise the risk of serious bleeding. So it's important to know how to take them safely.

Discusses how to live with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device that helps control heart rhythm. Gives safety guidelines and tips for travel, exercise, and making an ICD shock plan.

Growth modification (early treatment) is part of the first phase of two-stage orthodontic treatment of children with malocclusion (poor bite). Growth modification is only possible when bones are still growing. It is most effective during children's growth spurts. Orthodontists use growth modification devices...

Germs and infection can spread easily in the home. This may happen when items around the house become soiled or when you come into contact with body fluids, such as blood or urine. A person's cough or sneeze can spread germs too. Washing your hands often can help you keep germs and infection from spreading. Keeping the...

If emergency care is not needed, the following steps will protect the wound and protect you from exposure to another person's blood. Wash your hands well with soap and water, if available. Put on medical gloves before applying pressure to the wound. If gloves are not available, to apply pressure you can: Use many layers...

Chemical exposure Protect yourself as much as you can from harmful chemicals. Avoid pesticides, household cleaners, and paint. Fumes from these substances can be harmful, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Use chemical-free cleaning alternatives while you're pregnant. If you must use chemical cleaners, wear...

A person who is getting care at home may need help with eating. When helping them eat, be patient and give the person plenty of time. Let the person do as much on their own as possible. This can help them feel more independent when having meals. You can help by encouraging the person to eat whenever they are hungry. If...

Caring for a child who has congenital heart disease can be challenging. But there are things you can do to make sure that your child is as healthy and comfortable as possible, whether they are at home or in the hospital. And while you're taking care of your child, remember that it's important to take care of yourself...

A carbon dioxide laser uses carbon dioxide gas as the active substance in a highly focused beam of light to cut or destroy tissue during surgery. Laser light cleans (sterilizes) and seals as it cuts tissue, which reduces bleeding and pain and shortens the healing time. Lasers are used for many different types of...

Oral surgeons (also called maxillofacial surgeons) are dentists who specialize in surgery of the mouth and jaw. Oral surgeons treat and reconstruct areas of the face, head, or neck after an injury or surgery. They prepare the jaw for denture construction, and they treat temporomandibular (TMD) joint problems. Also, they...

Orthognathic surgery treats malocclusion ("poor bite"). It restructures the jaw through cutting the bone and repositioning the bone segments. Adults who have jaw-related malocclusion are sometimes offered a choice. They can have simple orthodontic treatment . Or they can have orthodontic treatment combined with...

What is parotitis? Parotitis is a swelling of your parotid glands. These are salivary glands located between the ear and jaw. Causes can include viral and bacterial infections. It can also be caused by certain health conditions, a tumor, or salivary gland stones. Parotitis can be acute (happen suddenly) or chronic...

An autopsy is a thorough medical exam of a body after death. It may be done to learn about a disease or injury. Or it may be done to find out how or why a person has died. An autopsy is done by a doctor called a pathologist. This type of doctor is an expert in examining body tissues and fluids. Family members may ask...