Intravenous means occurring within or by way of a vein. Medicines or fluids may be given by inserting an intravenous (I.V.) needle into a vein, usually in the back of the hand or on the forearm. When the I.V. needle is in place, medicines or fluids can go quickly into the bloodstream and into the rest of the body.

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...

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread by sexual contact. If you're pregnant, you can also spread them to your baby before or during delivery. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some examples of STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and...

Includes causes and symptoms of heart disease. Looks at cholesterol, hypertension, and risk of heart attack. Covers diet, physical activity, and treatment with medicines, angioplasty, and bypass surgery. Includes how to help prevent heart disease.

Aerobic fitness means increasing how well the body uses oxygen, which depends on the condition of the heart, lungs, and muscles. Experts tend to describe aerobic activity in three ways: light, moderate, and vigorous. When people do moderate-intensity activities, they notice a faster heartbeat. To get the benefits of...

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.

Electrolytes are minerals found naturally in the body, such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are needed to keep the body's balance of fluids at the proper level and to maintain normal functions, such as heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and brain function. If the body's electrolytes are not in...

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...

Looks at forming a partnership with your doctor to manage your care. Suggests taking an active role by asking questions about treatment choices and costs, learning on your own, and prepping for office visits. Offers questions to ask when choosing a doctor.

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...

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...