Information about health-related issues that affect women.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain refers to pain in the stomach region or in the abdominal area.Adding Flavor Without Adding Salt
Food must taste good to be enjoyed. There are many interesting flavors to enjoy besides "salty" - including savory, sweet, spicy, peppery, and tangy.
A Healthier Way to Order Dinner
Many patients have found themselves very capable of eating properly at home but quickly fall into old habits when it's time to eat out.
Alcohol, Violence, and Aggression
Scientists and nonscientists alike have long recognized a two-way association between alcohol consumption and violent or aggressive behavior.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Women
Many drug-using women do not seek treatment because they are afraid. Read this article to learn about the effects of alcohol and drugs on fetal development.
Alcohol Exposure Makes Perceiving Emotions Harder
People who abuse alcohol, as well as who are exposed to it in the womb, may have difficulty detecting emotions in others' voices.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism, also known as "alcohol dependence," is a chronic illness that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems - and at a level that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities.
Allergic Rhinitis
Rhinitis is a term describing the symptoms produced by nasal irritation or inflammation.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in older people.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain that causes a steady decline in memory and results in dementia (loss of intellectual function).
Anal Fissure
Anal fissures are painful tears or ulcers on the lining of the anus. Anal fissures occur most often in infants and the incidence decreases rapidly with age.
Anemia
Anemia is a process, not a disease, and is the most common disorder of the blood.
Anemia of Folate Deficiency
Anemia of Folate Deficiency is a form of megaloblastic anemia caused by a lack of folic acid in the diet. This deficiency causes a decrease of red blood cells, which are crucial to the transportation of oxygen through the blood stream.
Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a ballooning out of the wall of an artery, vein, or the heart that is caused by a weakening in the wall tissue, usually due to disease.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (Ace) Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors belong to the class of medicines called high blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives). They are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Answers About Depression
Everyone gets the blues now and then. It's part of life. But when there is little joy or pleasure after visiting with friends or after seeing a good movie, there may be a more serious problem.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, a small portion of the large intestine that hangs down from the lower right side. Although the appendix does not seem to serve any purpose, it can still become diseased. If untreated, an inflamed appendix can burst, causing infection and even death. About 1 in 500 people has appendicitis each year.
Artificial Sweeteners
Do artificial sweeteners cause cancer? Find the answers in this article.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Women's Health Issues
Asian American and Pacific Islander women have health issues that are specific to their heritage, as well as health issues common to all women.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition marked by labored breathing, wheezing, and/or coughing.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria is the presence of bacteria in the urine, but with no associated symptoms such as burning with urination, urgency, or frequency.
Backache (Acute)
Our back is a complex structure consisting of 33 bony vertebrae that protect the spinal cord.
Basic First Aid
It is very important for you to get immediate treatment for every injury, regardless of how small you may think it is.
Be Prepared: Tips for a Well-Stocked Medicine Cabinet
Are you prepared for life's little traumas? When it comes to your health and the health of your family, it is critical to always be prepared for the unexpected. Quick responses to medical emergencies can save lives. The following tips can help you be better prepared in an emergency and can help get you on the road to recovery.
Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression
There are two serious types of clinical depression - major depression and bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. Bipolar Disorder involves episodes of serious mania and depression.
Bleeding
Bleeding occurs when you lose blood from the blood vessels. This can occur internally, externally through a natural opening (such as the vagina), or externally through a break in the skin.
Calcium Intake
Calcium is a critical element in maintaining good health.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when tendons in the wrist become inflamed after being aggravated.
Check-Ups and Tests
What check-ups and tests do I need, and how often should I get them?
Choose a Diet Moderate in Sugars
Sugars are carbohydrates. Dietary carbohydrates also include the complex carbohydrates starch and fiber
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is characterized by persistent and debilitating fatigue and additional nonspecific symptoms such as sore throat, headache, tender muscles, joint pain, difficulty thinking, and loss of short-term memory.
Codependency
Codependence is a dysfunctional emotional and behavioral defense system. This system causes an inability to maintain functional relationships.
Cold Sores
A cold sore is an infection which has an affinity for the skin and nervous system - and usually produces small, transient, irritating, and sometimes painful fluid-filled blisters on the skin and mucous membrane.
Constipation
Constipation is the passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements - usually fewer than three times per week.
Controlling High Blood Pressure
You may not know it--but you may have what it takes to control high blood pressure.
Controlling Hypertension with Diet
You can substantially lower your blood pressure by limiting salt below the national recommendation of 2.3 grams per day, or by eating a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables. If you want the best results, however, do both.
Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors
Extensive clinical and statistical studies have identified several factors that increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease causes inflammation in the small intestine. Crohn's disease usually occurs in the lower part of the small intestine, (called the ileum), but it can affect any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. The inflammation extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The inflammation can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.
Daily Activity
Evidence suggests that even low- to moderate-intensity activities can have both short- and long-term benefits. If done daily, they help lower your risk of heart disease.
Decrease Risk of Heart Attack
Various studies have shown that physical inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease. Overall, the results show heart disease is almost twice as likely to develop in inactive people than in those who are more active.
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a disorder involving a blood clot (thrombosis) in one of the deep veins of the body, especially those in the hip, thigh, and lower leg. DVT is potentially life-threatening.
Dehydration
Dehydration means the body does not have enough fluids to function at an optimal level.
Dementia
Dementia is a clinical diagnosis made by a physician. A patient who has an acquired problem of memory, cognitive ability, and problems with functional abilities may have a dementia syndrome.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea refers to frequent loose, watery stools. Usually, diarrhea is not serious and goes away on its own.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea--loose, watery stools occurring more than three times in one day--is a common problem that usually lasts a day or two and goes away on its own without any special treatment. However, prolonged diarrhea can be a sign of other problems.
Diet and Gallstones
As most people know, there are significant health benefits to be gained from losing excess pounds. Overweight people are at greater risk of developing gallstones than people of average weight.
Dietary Guidelines for All Americans
These guidelines, published by the U.S. departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, reflect recommendations of nutrition authorities who agree that enough is known about the effect of diet on health to encourage certain dietary practices.
Domestic Violence Facts
Violence against women is a critical public health problem that has devastating physical and emotional consequences for women, children, and families.
Drug Abuse
Drug addiction involves compulsively seeking to use a substance, regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological, and physical consequences.
Drug Interactions
Make sure your doctor knows about every drug you are taking, including drugs you obtain without a prescription order. If you have any problems related to medication, call your physician or pharmacist immediately. One drug may interact with another, in some cases creating serious medical problems. This information does not cover the interaction of one medicine with another. Additionally, interactions will vary according to the dosage, your age, sex, and overall health.
Eating Disorders
Each year, millions of people in the United States are affected by serious and sometimes life-threatening eating disorders.
Eating Disorders
Millions of people each year are affected by serious and some-times life threatening eating disorders.
Exercise
What are the keys to success in exercise?
Exercise Beats Drugs For Some With Depression
