Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI gives different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. MRI...

Covers the causes and symptoms of low back pain. Looks at treatment with rest, over-the-counter pain medicine, and heating pads. Includes steps to prevent low back pain from returning, such as practicing good posture and getting regular exercise.

Discusses chronic pain caused by problems other than cancer. Covers symptoms and how chronic pain is diagnosed. Covers conditions that can be treated, like neck pain, low back pain, and arthritis. Info on treatment with medicine and lifestyle changes.

A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. During the test, you lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine. The CT scanner sends X-ray pulses through the body. Each pulse lasts less than a second and takes a...

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a doctor's prescription. This doesn't mean that OTC medicines are harmless. Like prescription medicines, OTCs can be very dangerous for children if not taken the right way. Be sure to read the package instructions on OTC medicines carefully. Talk to your...

Severe dehydration means: Your mouth and eyes may be extremely dry. You may pass little or no urine for 12 or more hours. You may not feel alert or be able to think clearly. You may be too weak or dizzy to stand. You may pass out. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment. Call or other...

Anesthesia is a way to control pain using anesthetic medicine. General anesthesia, which can be injected into a vein or inhaled, affects the entire body and makes the person unconscious. A person under general anesthesia is completely unaware of what is going on and does not feel pain during the surgery or procedure...

Information on type 2 diabetes. Describes how insulin is made and used by the body. Describes symptoms and how type 2 is treated. Provides info on blood sugar (glucose) levels. Discusses obesity's role in type 2 diabetes. Discusses exercise and diet.

Includes tips to comfort a child before a medical test. Offers tips based on age, from newborns through the teen years.

What kinds of development occur in your baby's first month? Amazing changes are happening in your newborn's development. Babies' brains develop quickly, as they begin to think, learn, and remember. Newborns listen to and learn the sounds of language. They can communicate with sounds and facial expressions. Newborns also...

Cold and heat therapies are treatments that use cold or heat to help with pain, soreness, muscle spasms, swelling, and inflammation. There are different ways you can do cold and heat therapies. For example, you might use an ice pack for cold therapy or an electric heating pad for heat therapy. Most people like to use...

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to relieve pain and fever and to reduce swelling and inflammation caused by injury or diseases such as arthritis. Aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen are commonly used NSAIDs. NSAIDs may cause side effects. The most common are stomach upset, heartburn, and...

Depression is an illness that makes you feel sad, lose interest in things you used to enjoy, withdraw from others, and have little energy. It's more than normal sadness, grief, or low energy. Most people get better with medicine, counseling, or a combination of the two. After you have had an episode of depression, you...

Discusses causes and symptoms of asthma in children. Looks at treatment with medicine such as inhaled corticosteroid and albuterol. Discusses avoiding triggers and treating attacks. Covers using nebulizers, metered-dose with spacer and dry powder inhalers.

Covers causes and symptoms of asthma in teens and adults. Includes info on avoiding triggers and treating attacks. Looks at treatment with controller medicine. Covers delivery systems that include metered-dose and dry powder inhalers and nebulizers.

Covers causes and symptoms of high blood pressure. Explains systolic and diastolic pressure numbers. Looks at treatment and prevention steps. Includes risks of untreated high blood pressure such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Ultrasound is a test that uses reflected sound waves to produce an image of organs and other structures in the body. It does not use X-rays or other types of possibly harmful radiation. For ultrasound testing, gel or oil is applied to the skin to help transmit the sound waves. A small, handheld instrument called a...

When you're dealing with everyday problems, stress, or health issues, it's important to have people in your life who can give you support. You may need a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to. It's also important to have social support when you're dealing with major life events or managing a serious health condition...

Explains what breastfeeding is, benefits, how to plan for it, and how often to breastfeed. Includes step-by-step instructions. Covers common problems and when to call for help.

Diabetes is a condition in which sugar (glucose) remains in the blood rather than entering the body's cells to be used for energy. This results in high blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar can damage many body systems. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and frequent urination (especially at night)...

Looks at depression in children and teens. Covers symptoms like anxiety, headaches, sleep problems, and lack of energy. Discusses treatment with therapy and medicines. Covers warning signs of suicide.

What is alcohol use disorder? Alcohol use disorder means that a person drinks alcohol even though it causes harm to themselves or others. It can range from mild to severe. People with this disorder may find it hard to control their alcohol use. Over time, drinking too much alcohol may cause health problems, like liver...

Habits are hard to break. That's why the sooner in life we build good, healthy habits, the easier it is to keep them and stay as healthy as possible. And when good habits are in place, it's easier to resist bad ones. The most important thing to remember is that you are your child's role model. Your habits affect your...

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.

Osteoporosis is a disease that makes your bones thin, brittle, and easy to break. It's related to the loss of bone mass that happens as a natural part of aging. It's most common in women who have gone through menopause, but it can also occur in men. As osteoporosis gets worse, it can lead to broken bones in the hip...