Health Article description.What is sepsis? Sepsis is a serious reaction to an infection. It causes inflammation across large areas of the body and can damage tissue and organs. Sepsis requires immediate care in a hospital. Septic shock is sepsis that causes extremely low blood pressure, which limits blood flow to the body. It can cause death...

Health Article description.Healthy snacks are a great way to get more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein foods, and low-fat milk products. Use these ideas to get started. Make it easy. Have snacks ready for when you get hungry. Keep some healthy snacks at work or...

Health Article description.Interactive tool that helps you estimate the impact smoking will have on your lifespan. Provides links to info on quitting tobacco use and a decision tool to determine whether you're ready to quit smoking.

Health Article description.Describes monitoring blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. Gives step-by-step instructions. Covers how to record testing results and how to prevent sore fingers.

Health Article description.At each prenatal visit in the second trimester, you'll be weighed and your blood pressure will be checked. Your urine may be checked for bacteria, protein, or sugar. Your doctor or midwife will listen to your baby's heartbeat and measure the size...

Health Article description.Doctors are experts on medical care. But you are the expert on yourself and your life. That's why it's important to be an active patient. When you're actively involved in decisions about your care, you can be sure that your choices reflect your...

Health Article description.When asthma symptoms suddenly occur, it's called a flare-up or an asthma attack. It may also be called an acute asthma episode or exacerbation. Attacks can be brief (about an hour) or last for several days. They may be seasonal (similar to hay fever)

Health Article description.Oxygen therapy helps you get more oxygen into your lungs and bloodstream. You may use it if you have a disease that makes it hard to breathe, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), or heart failure. Oxygen therapy can make it...

Health Article description.What is placenta previa? Placenta previa is a pregnancy problem in which the placenta blocks the cervix. The placenta is a round, flat organ that forms on the inside wall of the uterus soon after conception. During pregnancy, it gives the baby food and oxygen. In a normal pregnancy, the placenta is attached high up in...

Health Article description.What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine. The spine curves from side to side in an "S" or "C" shape rather than being straight. The spine also may be twisted. What causes it? In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is not known. Scoliosis usually starts in the preteen years. In some cases, scoliosis...

Health Article description.A vitamin and mineral supplement provides a variety of nutrients that are also found in food. These supplements are often called multivitamins. They come in the form of pills, chewable tablets, powders, and liquids. A standard multivitamin may contain: Water-soluble vitamins. These include vitamin C and the B vitamins...

Health Article description.Briefly discusses how fishhook injuries happen. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Health Article description.Covers things you can do to make it easier to take your high blood pressure medicine. Includes working with your doctor to find the right meds, getting organized to stay on schedule, and learning about side effects and what to do if you miss a dose.

Health Article description.Name: ________________________ Target blood pressure: __________ Date Time (a.m.) Blood pressure Time (p.m.) Blood pressure Comments Sample: 8/6 8:15 138/87 6:20 142/92 Stressful day at work

Health Article description.Discusses aortic valve regurgitation. Discusses symptoms and how it is diagnosed. Covers treatment with medicines and aortic valve replacement surgery. Covers lifestyle changes to help the heart work better.

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.Dental care for older people is much the same as for younger adults. But older adults do have concerns that younger adults do not. These may include: Caring for dentures. Having trouble holding a toothbrush. Having gum disease. Having tooth decay on the roots of teeth. Replacing missing teeth and broken fillings...

Health Article description.What is placental abruption? Placental abruption is a pregnancy problem in which the placenta separates too early from the wall of the uterus. The placenta is a round, flat organ that forms during pregnancy. It gives the baby food and oxygen from your body. In a normal pregnancy, the placenta stays firmly attached to...

Health Article description.Gestational age is the number of weeks and days a fetus has developed since the beginning of the pregnancy, or gestation. A pregnancy is formally considered as beginning on the first day of the mother's last menstrual period (LMP). An infant born before 37 completed weeks' gestation is considered premature. A premature...

Health Article description.Insulin can become damaged and ineffective if it is not stored properly. Unopened insulin that is packaged in small glass bottles (vials) should be stored in the refrigerator. Liquid insulin that is packaged in small cartridges (containing several doses) is more stable. These cartridges are used in pen-shaped devices...

Health Article description.Public health threats are events or disasters that can affect you and your community. Some examples of public health threats are: Natural disasters. Disease outbreaks. Accidents involving hazardous substances. Terrorist attacks. Racial attacks.

Health Article description.Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) tests are used to detect a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). H. pylori can cause peptic ulcers. But most people with H. pylori in their digestive...

Health Article description.Home pregnancy tests can find the presence of a pregnancy hormone (called human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG) in a sample of urine. High levels of hCG are made during pregnancy. The home tests have similar results to the pregnancy tests done on urine in most doctors' offices if they are used exactly as instructed...

Health Article description.There are several ways to measure your body's responses to exercise and other lifestyle changes. You may want to keep track of the following measurements during your exercise sessions at cardiac rehab and at home. Target heart rate Your target heart rate can guide you to how hard you need to exercise so you can get the...

Health Article description.Guides through decision to use medicine to quit smoking. Lists benefits and risks. Discusses varenicline, bupropion SR, and nicotine replacement products. Includes interactive tool to help you decide.