Diseases and Conditions Encyclopedia
Tap into this interactive encyclopedia for instant access to information on more than 835 diseases and conditions.
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Half of Americans experience some degree of hair loss. Hair loss affects both men and women, but with different results.
Some hair on your head falls out every day, no matter what your age. And that's perfectly normal.
Although hand tools do not pose the same lethal threat as some power tools, they are still a factor in a high number of accidents each year.
Many common household products contain chemicals that can cause injury or death if they are handled, stored or used improperly.
Halloween safety begins at home, with the child's costume. Every part of the costume -- masks, beards, wigs and clothing -- should be made of flame-resistant material.
Unlike other muscles, your heart muscle does not tire from use. Your heart is like other muscles, however, in that it needs exercise to work efficiently. What kind of exercise would that be? All it takes is a brisk 30-minute walk most days of the week.
Your loss of appetite may be because of anxiety or depression, aging, medications or a health concern.
Depending where you work and the substances you handle, you may be at risk of accidental poisonings, chemical burns or suffocation. Knowing and following the right precautions can help keep you safe.
Don't panic if your child has head lice. They are common and are more of a nuisance than a health risk.
People who feel they're unable to regain control of their lives because of their responses to the trauma may have post-traumatic stress disorder.
There are a number health myths where knowing the facts can make a world of difference to your health.
Patient advocates fulfill many roles, even, in some cases, staying with hospitalized patients around the clock to help guard against medical errors.
It's important to understand how alcohol and drugs can affect your health and well being.
Time takes its toll on a body, but you don't have to sit back and let the effects of aging take place without a fight.
There are strategies you can use to reduce the calories and fat in restaurant food without sacrificing the flavor and fun of a meal out.
You can't stop the aging clock, but research shows you can at least slow it down.
Experts say the long-term success at weight loss requires a balance between diet and physical activity.
It doesn't take a thunderous rock concert to cause hearing loss. Any repeated high-volume experiences or one-shot booms can damage the delicate nerve cells of your inner ear.
For many women, a heart attack may feel like a strange discomfort in the back or some other easily ignored sign, instead of crushing chest pain.
Most people don’t think of heart problems as an issue among teenagers, and for most of them, it’s not. But in rare instances, a teen can have a heart abnormality that can lead to health problems and even death.
Recent studies have found that people who take proton pump inhibitors are significantly more likely to break their hipbone or any other bone.
In many cases, the progression to high blood pressure occurs within four years of being diagnosed with prehypertension.
You want to help a child with cold symptoms feel better, but choosing among countless over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can be daunting. Here are some guidelines that can help.
When hair loss becomes excessive, resulting in thinning hair or bald patches on the scalp, factors other than the natural cycle of hair growth and loss are responsible.
Heel pain has many possible causes. Learning about the symptoms can help you take care of your heels and prevent problems.
A hernia doesn't occur overnight. The most common kind is actually set in motion right before you're born.
Almost everyone has a tension headache from time to time. These headaches aren’t caused by disease. They are so common they are considered to be “normal” headaches.
The unrealistic expectations of the season, time and financial pressures, missing loved ones and reflecting on past events as the year comes to an end all contribute to the blues.
The teen years often bring a sharp drop in physical activity, especially for girls.
When you're looking for a babysitter, give yourself enough time to be selective.
Your back is important to almost every move you make, but you probably won't realize that until you hurt it.
Win or lose, experts say, it's far more important for young people to take away from sports some lessons about self-esteem, motivation, discipline and getting along with others.
Air pollution hurts infants and children more than adults, studies show. Kids' lungs are still developing, they breathe faster and they spend more time outdoors.
Kids must cope with all the issues, such as violence or global warming, that stress out adults. But they must also handle stresses added by their parents and the media.
Every day, about 3,000 U.S. teenagers start smoking. If you're a parent of a young smoker, you can take steps to help the child quit. But first, it helps to understand why teens light up.
You can lose a significant amount of weight by making small changes in your eating habits that don't require record keeping or a food scale.
When a friend shows signs of abusing alcohol or other drugs, it's hard to know what to do or say.
You don't have to wait for someone to hit rock bottom to act. Here are steps to help an alcoholic get treatment.
Studies indicate that almost all children report having fears. Some of the most common fears are of bugs or ghosts, and studies have shown that kids are afraid of pretty much the same things no matter where they live in the world.
Anger, fear, separation anxiety, a sense of abandonment, self-blame, sadness and embarrassment are common reactions to divorce for most children.
Every day, nearly 6,000 teens and pre-teens try cigarettes for the first time, according to the American Lung Association. A third of these first-timers will end up becoming smokers.
You and your loved ones will benefit if they understand your condition and how best to help.
Although a lot of young children are finicky about food, they need help when they won’t eat the amount or variety required to keep up their nutritional status.
Caring for someone you love who is sick or disabled is never easy. When the illness affects your loved one’s state of mind, the demands placed on you can be especially difficult.
In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people experience as they grow older.
A rehabilitation program often can help heart patients live better with their disease and recover from medical procedures like surgery and angioplasty. But experts say that only 25 percent of those who could benefit from cardiac rehab are getting it.
Most Americans survive a first heart attack. By taking action, however, they can significantly reduce their chances for a second heart attack.
Children deal with death in many different ways, and not necessarily in the same manner as adults.
Getting our daily dose of fiber is something we as adults think about as we get older. But fiber is as important for children, too. Often, children don't get enough.
A willingness to help your partner overcome job stress is the single most important factor in dealing with the fallout from work.
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Over time, HCV can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. Most people who have hepatitis C don’t have any symptoms for years. Many don’t know that they are infected until their liver is already damaged.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is the second leading cause of kidney disease in the United States, after diabetes.
Knowing the definitions of terms your doctor may use when talking with you about your blood pressure is important.
Many frauds focus on older people on the theory that they're generally more trusting and polite to strangers.
Can cranberry juice help prevent a urinary tract infection? How about cucumbers for puffy eyes? Read on to find out more about home remedies.
People who lose their central vision to macular degeneration can usually be helped by low-vision specialists.
In recent years, researchers have discovered new and better ways to detect and treat breast cancer—and to keep it from coming back.
As medical progress prolongs our lives, the end can linger. So, more and more people are turning to hospice care.
A training log helps you organize and save information about your exercise routine so you can work toward your important goals.
Every breath can be a chore when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
If you’ve tried everything, yet weight loss continues to elude you, don’t give up. There are ways to up the odds and increase your chance of success.
Energy bars, fitness drinks, protein powders, sports supplements -- are these the best ways to power your workout?
That hobby you've been toying with could be your prescription for a healthier, more satisfying life.
Can you keep on talking while working out? Then you're exercising at a moderate intensity.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that in one year, more than 10,000 children ages 5 to 14 see doctors with backpack-related complaints.
If you've ever squinted to see that next line on the eye chart clearly, join the crowd. It's probably time for an eye exam.
A private advisory group's call for 60 minutes of physical activity each day are in line with the 2005 USDA Guidelines for exercise of 30 to 60 minutes. The new advice was meant to get people moving, but some experts are worried about recommending 60 minutes.
Influenza, with its fever, aches, fatigue and threat of complications, seems a uniquely human illness. But the flu, caused by a virus, can infect animals and birds, as well.
Age lowers your ability to endure long periods of cold. You're also at risk if your response to cold is impaired by certain illnesses or medications.
Overall, cosmetics and personal care items are considered safe. But that doesn't mean that there aren't risks associated with their use, particularly if you don't use them correctly.
No research has shown that your blood level of PFOA will go up from using Teflon-coated cookware, but here are some things you should know before you decide to use it.
During the school year, 23.5 million elementary and secondary school children ride a bus to and from school each day. Add in extracurricular activities, and school bus system becomes the single largest public transit system in our country.
Cutting back on sugar is a smart move for many people. Luckily, there are other ways to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The nose on your face is just the tip of an iceberg. The important functions—breathing and smelling—actually happen mostly inside your head, in your nasal cavity.
Here are ways to help you fine-tune your lifestyle to promote optimum health.
If your computer, chair and other parts of your workstation aren't positioned properly, you can end up with sore wrists or a backache or other physical problems.
Rather than helping, common first aid mistakes can make matters worse. Here are a few common first aid falsehoods and what you should do instead.
Knowing about common injuries and how to prevent them can keep you on track toward achieving your fitness goals.
Sports injury rates could be reduced by 25 percent if all athletes — professionals and amateurs — followed essential safety, conditioning, and preventive strategies.
As a new parent, you may find "tub time" a bit scary. Here are some suggestions on how to make it less stressful.
Whether you're a first-time hiker out for an easy walk in the woods or an expert camping in the wilderness, think about safety before you head outdoors.
The benefits of being an active medical consumer include better health, more effective health care, and lower health costs.
Here are common problems you may run into as a health care consumer, with tips for wise responses.
People who are actively involved in their medical care stay healthier, recover quicker when they're ill and live longer, healthier lives.
When you're faced with a highly stressful event in your life, the strategies outlined here will help you cope.
Bending properly can help you avoid back strain and injury. Here are some tips for proper bending.
Although most crackers live up to their pretty packages and healthy claims, some crackers contain unexpected "extras" in the form of saturated fats and sky-high sodium and calories.
Hospitalizations account for more than half of all health care costs, so avoiding surgery is one of the best ways to reduce your medical expenses.
At least some anger is necessary for survival. Frequent or intense episodes of anger, however, aren’t good for you or the people around you. If you find yourself boiling mad more often than not, try some of these tips to keep your temper in check.
Cooking a healthier, low-fat meal doesn't take any longer than cooking one that's high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
It helps to understand why and when you drink if you are going to successfully reduce the amount of alcohol you consume.
By adopting a dozen or so of these eating habits, most people can continue to enjoy the foods they like and still lose pounds. Don't forget to include daily exercise in the plan.
Although you may not be able to avoid a hospital stay, there are ways to trim the expenses.
What's the difference between a can-do and a won't-try person? It's usually a matter of bravery.
To make sure you’re getting high-quality care, ask yourself if your health care provider is meeting your needs in five areas.
No one can avoid all stress -- and a certain amount actually is good for you. But it's always best to keep unhealthy levels in check when possible.
Your relationship with your health care provider is one of the most important in your life.
A lot of firsts in your child's life will make you smile: first laugh, first step, first word. One first that isn't as appealing is the first day you have to leave your child with someone else.
To get your kids moving, find physical activities they can enjoy at their own pace -- and become active with them.
Here are strategies from the Food and Drug Administration to help you cut your prescription costs by 50 percent or more.
To get the best medical care you can, you should be an informed patient who works closely with your health care provider.
Experts recommend children get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days to maintain good health and fitness and for healthy weight during growth.
One minute you and your child are laughing at the dinner table. The next minute the child is choking. Here's what you should do.
To help someone who is starting out in your company, remember how you felt on your first day. Was it a pleasant experience? If so, what made it that way?
Ask a parent to name the greatest health threat to children and you'll hear about drinking or drugs. Rarely will anyone cite obesity -- even though it can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.
Growing up is a tough challenge for most adolescents, but when their parents are abusing alcohol or drugs, the obstacles can seem overwhelming.
Until recently, type 2 diabetes was also known as adult-onset diabetes. Now, the adult-onset prefix has been dropped because so many children are developing the condition.
No matter how energetic you may be, stretching yourself to the limit every day puts your health and happiness at risk.
Whether you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight or improve your health, junk food can sabotage a worthy effort.
Although most insects are just nuisances, some can threaten our health.
Here are tips on the basics of child safety.
Brushing and flossing your teeth isn't hard to do, and doing both properly can help prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
Whether your credit card balances are soaring, or you and your partner are arguing constantly over nickels and dimes, there are things you can do to relieve financial stress.
Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease and other heart conditions.
Keeping your primary relationship healthy, positive, supportive and together isn’t easy. But it can be done.
Adding more fruit to our diet is easy for most of us. It's the vegetables that hang up many people.
Moving your child from the crib to a first bed is a milestone event. But more than the bittersweet emotional concerns, your priorities will be safety and a healthy sleep routine.
You may need to see an allergist if you can't pinpoint the cause of your problems. Once you know what's causing your symptoms, the strategies described here can help you avoid the most common indoor allergies.
Prehypertension is a new term that alerts people to the very real risk of developing chronic high blood pressure if they don't take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits.
By thinking ahead and planning for your vacation before you go, the only surprises you'll encounter are the nice ones.
Most older people are independent. But later in life, you or someone you love may need help with everyday activities, such as shopping, cooking and bathing.
Major surgery can be intimidating, but you’ll feel more confident if you get all the information you need about your surgery beforehand. This will help you prepare for the procedure and for your recovery in the hospital or at home.
People who prepare mentally and physically before their operations are likely to have fewer complications, less pain and a quicker recovery than those who don't prepare.
Just as simple things can upset your digestive system, simple changes can help. The following tips can help prevent or relieve digestive ills.
Folliculitis, or ingrown hairs, can occur anywhere on the skin or scalp. It resembles pimple-like eruptions or crusty sores.
People who work in certain occupations, such as nursing, are likely to have back pain. But so can folks who work in an office every day if they don’t take proactive steps to protect their backs.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one in five children in the United States is overweight or obese. That's twice as many overweight children as 20 years ago.
Luckily, having your identity stolen is far from inevitable. It just takes a little vigilance on your part to keep your identity safe on your computer and out of the hands of would-be thieves.
The less unnecessary stress you put on your joints, the less likely they are to wear out prematurely.
Although people know toys can be dangerous, injuries can still occur.
Many people with chronic illnesses depend on elaborate medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers or blood-glucose monitors for their health and well-being. Countless others help their loved ones, young or old, deal with an oxygen machine, asthma medication inhaler or other device. No matter how sophisticated or simple the piece of medical equipment is, it's crucial to use and maintain it properly.
Fewer than a quarter of those who attempt to quit are able to make it beyond three months before resuming smoking. Women usually find it harder to quit than do men, even though women have a higher risk of smoking-related diseases. The following suggestions can help you kick the habit, again, for good.
Here are suggestions to help you help your children attain and maintain a healthy weight.
Back pain is something you don't want to repeat. Recovering properly from a back injury and taking preventive measures can help you reduce your risk of going through it again.
No need to search for a secret formula to erase the effects of getting older. You already have the power to keep yourself feeling young for years.
The number of cases for sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is starting to decline. A lot has to do with proactive steps parents are taking to lower their babies’ risk. Here are nine every parent should know and follow.
Taking a standard first-aid and CPR class can help prepare you for most medical emergencies. The National Safety Council, the Red Cross and many hospitals offer classes. The following suggestions can help you respond appropriately.
If you suffer a serious eye injury, what you don't do immediately afterward may help more than what you do.
Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and pain relievers, laxatives, and headache remedies may treat different conditions, but they all have one thing in common: They’re serious medicines that need to be taken with care.
As children grow older, risks get more complex and restrictions harder to enforce.
Want to save your skin? The first step is to stop new damage.
Although most adolescents who use drugs don't become drug abusers or drug addicts in adulthood, drug use in adolescence can put their mental, emotional and physical health at risk.
Because the 2009 H1N1 flu virus spreads from person to person, it is possible to catch the virus at work. Here are measures you can take to protect yourself at the office.
ER doctors and technology save lives. But some people use the ER simply because it’s convenient, or they don’t want to make a doctor’s appointment.
Many Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease, and most rely on regular tests and treatments to be healthier, more comfortable and more productive. But many people with chronic illnesses find it daunting to keep up with prescribed treatments.
Some babies cry for long stretches at 3 and 12 weeks of age during steps in development when their sleep is less settled.
Well-informed people who play a significant role in deciding how they’re going to treat their health conditions are likely to feel better about the decision process.
The key is communication. Talking to your children is only half the answer. Listening is the other half.
Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 9 and 14 because kids in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing.
It seems everyone has an opinion about pacifiers. That’s because there are both advantages and disadvantages to using them. Get the full facts so you can make the right choice for your baby.
Riders whose bicycle helmets don't fit right are at twice the risk for serious head injuries, compared with those whose helmets fit properly.
Whether you’ve already gained a few extra pounds or have yet to reach perimenopause, here are strategies to help you maintain a healthy weight in midlife and beyond.
Most peptic ulcers are caused by pesky bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria live in the stomach and intestines.
With the right asthma action plan, most children with asthma can live full and active lives.
Your lungs are remarkable organs with multiple roles. Each day, up to 2,300 gallons of air pass through your lungs.
Lymph is a colorless, watery fluid that originates as blood plasma. It seeps from the small blood vessels, or capillaries, to bring nutrients to cells and transport waste from the cells.
High blood pressure is more common among African-Americans than other ethnic groups. Nearly 40 percent of non-Hispanic blacks have hypertension.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, isn't limited to those 18 and older.
The idea that a patient can't resist a hypnotic suggestion is just plain false. Simply put, hypnosis is a normal state of relaxed, focused attention.
Chances are you know the difference between occasional sadness and depression. But here's a fact you may not know: Hypothyroidism, a common thyroid disorder, can cause depression.
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