Health Article description.Choosing a doctor or other health care provider is very important. The relationship you have with your health care provider greatly influences the health decisions you make and, ultimately, your health. Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a specialist, it's important to find a doctor you can partner...

Health Article description.What is it? Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein normally found in your lungs, liver, and blood. It helps protect tissues in your body from damage. Some people do not make enough AAT in their bodies. Some people make abnormal AAT. Both of these problems are called AAT deficiency. AAT deficiency is passed down by genes...

Health Article description.Many people hesitate to get help for their mental health. It can be hard to take that first step. Here are some common barriers and ideas for other ways that you might think about them. Maybe you'll see yourself in one of these.Reasons people might...

Health Article description.Provides an overview and step-by-step instructions and photos for doing exercises after breast cancer surgery.

Health Article description.What is tuberculosis (TB)? Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by a type of bacteria that is spread through the air. TB is easily spread from person to person through coughs or sneezes. TB usually occurs in the lungs. But it can spread to other parts of the body. TB is either active or latent. Active TB means...

Health Article description.Covers making your home fall-proof to prevent injuries. Looks at common hazards like clutter and throw rugs. Discusses simple changes you can make in your home and the way you do some activities to reduce risk of falling.

Health Article description.Guides through decision to have surgery for Dupuytren's disease. Includes other treatments for Dupuytren's disease. Describes the two types of surgery usually done. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Health Article description.Discusses tracheostomy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It's done only for severe OSA. Explains that a permanent opening in windpipe is created. Discusses possible complications, including lung infection, trouble talking, and scar tissue.

Health Article description.Some people have trouble swallowing, called dysphagia, after a stroke. You may not be able to feel food on one or both sides of your mouth. You may also have problems chewing or producing enough saliva. Or you may have other conditions that make...

Health Article description.After a stroke, you may not feel temperature, touch, pain, or sharpness on one side of your body. This may lead to injuries such as: Cuts and scratches.These can happen if your nails aren't kept short and smooth. For example, if you can't feel...

Health Article description.Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) includes a phase that helps you keep the healthy behaviors and habits that you learned in rehab. This phase, or program, is often referred to as the maintenance part of rehab, because it can help you maintain a...

Health Article description.Resistance training may be done with many things, including weights, elastic bands, machines, or your own body weight. Resistance training can help you get the most benefit from your cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program. Do not start a...

Health Article description.Using a walker can help you move with less pain and more stability. A walker can help you be more independent and safe as you do your daily activities. Be sure your walker fits you. When you stand up in your normal posture and relax your arms at your sides, the walker's hand grips should be level with your wrists. Then...

Health Article description.Learn three exercises to relieve heel pain or tightness.

Health Article description.What is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury? An anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, injury is a tear in one of the knee ligaments that joins the upper leg bone with the lower leg bone. The ACL keeps the knee stable. Injuries range from mild, such as a small tear, to severe, such as when the ligament tears...

Health Article description.When someone you care about has an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating and is in treatment, it is important that you show support. Try the following ideas. Show personal support. Show and state how much you care. Avoid the...

Health Article description.What is pulmonary rehabilitation? Pulmonary rehabilitation—"rehab" for short— is a program that uses education, exercise, and support to help people with breathing problems. The programs are designed based on your health needs and your goals. You'll work with a care team that includes doctors, nurses, dietitians, and...

Health Article description.Paget's disease is a problem of abnormal bone growth. It may affect just one bone, but it usually affects more than one. In normal bone, the bone tissue is constantly being broken down, absorbed into the body, and then rebuilt with new cells. In...

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

Health Article description.Sexual orientation means how you are attracted romantically and sexually to other people. There are different kinds of sexual orientation. For example, a person may be: Heterosexual. This means a person is attracted only or almost only to the other...

Health Article description.Covers shoulder surgery to replace the ends of bones in a damaged joint. Includes what to expect after surgery, continued recovery, and living with a shoulder replacement. Looks at why it is done, how well it works, and the risks of surgery.

Health Article description.Covers plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. Discusses causes, including flat feet and tight Achilles tendon. Covers treatment to relieve pain and improve strength and flexibility. Discusses what increases your risk and offers prevention tips.

Health Article description.A cane can help you walk when you have an injured hip, leg, knee, or foot. You may also use it if you have a weak leg or problems with your balance. The length of the cane is important. Your elbow should have only a slight bend when you lean on the cane. Being safe A walking aid—a walker, crutches, or a cane—helps if...

Health Article description.Vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve. The nerve is located in the inner ear. It carries signals that help with your balance from the inner ear to the brain. The inflammation may cause sudden vertigo. This makes you feel...