Often these teeth are troublemakers that decide to turn crooked, refuse to grow in completely, or become misshapen.

Coughs, those mini-explosions in your throat, are valuable weapons in your body's self-defense arsenal. Their assignment: keep airways clear by quickly expelling intruders from the lower respiratory system -- principally your throat and upper lungs. If dust, fluid, viruses, bacteria or even tumors block any part of this region, your cough reflex takes explosive action.

Having a limb fall asleep and then feeling pins and needles is more common if you have poor circulation.

Roughly one person in four has some kind of allergy. The most common is "allergic rhinitis," which includes seasonal hay fever and year-round allergies to dust, animal dander, mold and some foods.

The movies and television depict snoring as funny, even hilarious. But snoring is no joke: It's a medical problem that can have serious health and social implications.

Everybody knows smoking is bad for your health. Now here's something you may not know: Smoking is bad for your looks. It's true.

Do you have healthy gums? You may kiss them goodbye if you're a smoker.

Researchers aren't sure why women seem to have more trouble sleeping than men, but they have noticed that women have the most difficulty when hormone levels fluctuate.

Did you know that electrical currents flow throughout your body? Because the strongest of these travels through your heart, doctors are able to monitor your heart by placing electrical sensors on the surface of your skin. They do this by giving you an electrocardiogram -- abbreviated either ECG or EKG (from the original German spelling of the word).

Do not become angry if your child can't stay dry during the night. Never punish or tease your child for bed-wetting. Support and patience are the keys in helping your child.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract.

This information from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) can help you determine if you're suffering from allergies or a cold.

Keep these guidelines in mind when looking for allergy relief.

The two blood pressure numbers indicate how much pressure builds up in the arteries as the heart beats and between beats.

Several kinds of medicine are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Here are some of the main types.

Anxiety and stress are the most common causes of insomnia. But sleeplessness can also be caused by a variety of medical conditions, medications and environmental factors.

Folliculitis, or ingrown hairs, can occur anywhere on the skin or scalp. It resembles pimple-like eruptions or crusty sores.

Motion sickness occurs when your senses offer your brain conflicting reports about what you're doing.

Women who are obese or who have gained more than 44 pounds since they were 18 years old are about two-and-a-half times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke than lean women who have not gained a lot of weight.

Although their symptoms and effects can be similar, strokes and heart attacks are two different medical problems.

Most headaches in kids are caused by tension, not disease. Your pediatrician can determine what kind of headache your child has.

Pregnant women with asthma are just as likely to have healthy, normal babies as women without asthma -- as long as their disease is kept under control.

Rituals such as hand washing, counting, checking or cleaning are often performed in hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these rituals, however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety. Left untreated, obsessions and the need to perform rituals can take over a person's life. OCD is often a chronic, relapsing illness.

The most important thing that friends and family can do for an alcoholic is to stop enabling the addictive behavior.

Muscle cramps -- involuntary muscle contractions -- are common. But even though they can be quite painful, they don't cause damage.

Kidney disease is a stealth illness. It may often be silent for many years -- until it has reached an advanced stage.

Cancer survivors know how important a job can be to their psychological and financial well being. Here are tips to improve the ability to continue working, as well as some ways to handle workplace discrimination during treatment.

Cluster headaches -- called "cluster" because of their pattern of striking in groups or clusters -- hit at the same time of day for a period of weeks or months, then vanish as suddenly and as mysteriously as they appeared.

Most cosmetics have long shelf lives, but since they can be contaminated with bacteria after only one use, it is a good idea to keep track of how long you have been using products such as mascara and eyeliners.

As your eyes age, their lenses become less flexible, and they slowly lose their ability to focus. It's an ongoing, lifelong process called presbyopia, which you begin to notice between ages 40 and 45.

Millions of people diagnosed with heart disease enjoy active, satisfying lives. Instead of looking on their diagnoses as sentences to be invalids, they have used them as catalysts to make positive changes in their lives.

Medication to control high blood pressure only works if you take it.

The best weapon against prostate cancer is catching it early.

Head lice are tiny parasites that live on a person's scalp, neck and behind the ears.

Doctors divide autoimmune diseases in two categories: Those that attack a specific organ and those that target many organs.

For people with diabetes, eyes and feet can be potential trouble spots. You should have an eye exam and a foot exam every year.

Most of the time, however, a cold passes in a week, with or without the use of antibiotics. Taking these drugs does not help you get better faster. In fact, it can create problems.

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.

You can avoid the flu this season by taking one simple step: Get a flu vaccination.

As children, many of us were brought up with the notion that looking good meant lying out in the sun to achieve a tan. Little did we know the dangers of excessive sun exposure.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that involves the regulation of blood sugar and occurs in two different forms, type 1 and type 2.

As you age, you should check with your health care provider about any allergy medications you take and make sure you are up to date on your shots.

With today's world filled with flashing images of MTV, quick news reports, and fast-food restaurants on every corner, are we capable of concentrating as well as we used to?

If you are having problems with back pain, shin splints, knees or hips, look to your feet. Although these ailments might seem totally unrelated to one another, they can sometimes be linked to problems that start with your feet and how they're built, foot experts say.

Picture being able to accomplish only half as much each day as you used to—with nothing obvious to account for your exhaustion. That's life for people suffering from CFS.

Sometimes medicines can cause side effects and actually make a person feel worse. Side effects are more common as people age, so it's important to understand how to identify and prevent side effects.

Children who inherit the family trait of cavities don’t have “soft teeth,” as many people suspect. Instead, a mother’s dental history may be to blame. But with the right habits, you can help prevent cavities in your little one.

Surgery is necessary only when vision reaches a point that, even with prescription lenses, a person is unable to see well enough to do the things he or she wants to do.

All women and men at average risk for colorectal cancer should have a screening test for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50. People who are at higher risk for colorectal cancer may need to begin screening tests at an younger age.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with more than a million new cases diagnosed each year.

In general, only about three percent of the elderly living independently in the community will experience depression. That figure increases to around 20 to 30 percent of persons in nursing homes or with chronic illnesses like emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.

Just about every teen will find at least one blackhead or whitehead on his or her skin by age 17, and some teens will develop more severe acne, which can leave scarring if not treated.

Earaches are common during childhood, but a vaccine can ease the pain for thousands of kids.

Experts aren't sure what causes most scoliosis, but if anyone in your family has it, your child has a 20 percent chance of developing it.

High blood pressure is a sneaky ailment. The condition has no symptoms that you can see or feel. Having your blood pressure checked is the only way to know if it is high.

Strep bacteria pass from one person to another through nose and throat fluids when an infected person coughs or sneezes or touches another person or object with a hand contaminated by these fluids.

Poopy diapers are bad enough, but who wants to deal with baby’s diarrhea? Unfortunately the condition isn’t just a smelly mess, it’s also a health concern, because it can lead to dangerous dehydration.

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.

Skin problems such as pimples, blackheads, rashes, and oily skin are common in both teens and adults. But you don't necessarily need a dermatologist to treat them.

Hives occur when something prompts cells to release histamine, a chemical found in the skin.

Most peptic ulcers are caused by pesky bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. These bacteria live in the stomach and intestines.

Brushing and flossing your teeth isn't hard to do, and doing both properly can help prevent gum disease and tooth loss.

The less unnecessary stress you put on your joints, the less likely they are to wear out prematurely.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people older than 60.

Nearly all American men experience occasional impotence, and an estimated 30 million suffer from chronic impotence. But despite its prevalence, the condition is treatable in most cases.

More women are surviving breast cancer because the disease is being detected earlier.

Although you can get support from others, including doctors, friends, and family, you play the biggest role in your own recovery.

If you are a man, you are at risk for prostate cancer. The risk for prostate cancer increases with age. Your risk is also higher if you are African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that men over age 50 get tested for prostate cancer once a year.

Important answers about prostate cancer and the fears that accompany it.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not a disease; it is a disorder that interferes with the normal function of the large intestine (colon) and is characterized by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

About half of people with nail problems have fungal infections. For some of these people, antifungal medications may help.

Concussions affect many athletes, but these sports injuries are the least understood.

When you feel chest pain from blocked arteries, you might see an interventional cardiologist for treatment.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It can find changes in the breast when a lump is too small for you or your doctor to feel.

Your body usually tells you when you are in danger -- your heart races, you breathe hard, your palms sweat. But when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), you may not have any warning signs.

If you have CHF, it's important to stick with your treatment, even when you're feeling better. You also need to maintain healthy habits.

As a new mom, your body is going through lots of changes—not just physically, but emotionally, too. If you can’t seem to shake the “baby blues,” there may be a bigger issue at hand than lack of sleep. Discover the warning signs that signal help is needed.

Investigators report headway against breast cancer, the disease that worries women more than any other.

If you have high blood pressure, you need to know, so you can control it. If you don't, you increase your risk for serious illness.

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States, but many people don't know about it.

Prostate cancer and other diseases of the prostate are common.

Strokes occur when something interferes with the normal flow of blood to the central nervous system. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer.

Many stones are as small as a grain of sand. Other stones may be pea- or marble-sized and more difficult to pass.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, a clear, soft structure behind the pupil that works much like a camera lens. The top cause of cataracts is aging. In fact, more people over 70 have cataracts than not.

Taking arthritis medication is important, but what you do for yourself, including exercising, doing relaxation exercises and managing your emotions and attitudes, is just as crucial to your ability to lead an active, productive life.

A ministroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a brief episode of stroke symptoms caused by temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Most people suffer TIAs without realizing it.

While it doesn't take long -- about 20 to 30 minutes -- for an ear, nose and throat specialist to remove a child's tonsils, a tonsillectomy should be recommended only after careful consideration.

Middle ear infections are the most common cause of earaches in children. Most youngsters have had at least one such infection by the time they are 3 years old.

Homosexuals and heterosexuals alike are at risk. Infected people can pass HIV on to anyone with whom they have intimate contact. Men can infect female or male partners, as can women.

Many people worry about having their large bowel examined with a colonoscope. While anxiety is normal, the colonoscope is an amazing instrument that gives gastroenterologists like me a very close view of the large bowel, also called the colon.

Children still need immunization because measles remains a significant threat abroad. Worldwide, more than 800,000 children die each year from measles.

Fibroid tumors may sound like a serious condition, but for many women who have them, they're just a fact of life.

Antibiotics have been misused so much in recent years that doctors now face an alarming problem. Bacteria that once were easily controlled have become resistant to many antibiotics.

You run two miles every other day and lift weights twice a week. You've been trying to eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat. You don't smoke. When it comes to your health, you figure you've got everything covered. But when was the last time you saw your doctor for a health screening?

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.

If your child suddenly develops a fever and grows weak, tired and nauseated, the youngster probably has the flu or some other virus. But the symptoms could also be warning signs of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.

Although many people assume that a sore throat means strep throat, most sore throats are not strep.

Although there's no cure for arthritis, the symptoms can be treated effectively in many cases. Here's a look at some proven treatments.

Like cancer or heart disease, alcoholism is a primary chronic disease with its own symptoms and causes. The disease is progressive and often fatal if not treated.

How do you know the difference between ordinary cramps and a real medical problem? Take this quiz and learn some distinctions.

Want to save your skin? The first step is to stop new damage.

Millions of us struggle with pain and loss of motion because of joint damage caused by arthritis. If other treatments fail to offer relief, you may wonder about turning in your worn-out joints for new ones.

ADD can have a significant social impact on a person's life, affecting relationships in the family and on the job.

If your health care provider has told you that you have prostate cancer, you may soon face a difficult choice of treatment options.

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.

If your doctor recommends a hearing aid, these suggestions can help you determine which kind will suit you best.

Bursitis can make simple movements of your shoulder, elbow, hip or knee seem monumental.

Pelvic pain, disabling cramps, extreme fatigue, painful sex, or infertility—all can warn of endometriosis.

Sore throats abound in cold, flu, and allergy season. Do you know when you should put up with a sore throat, take a pain reliever, or see a doctor?

Scientists believe bone spurs occur because of osteoarthritis or when the body tries to heal itself after a trauma by replacing bone.

We've all heard warnings, yet many of us keep gaining weight. More than half of American adults are overweight or obese, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It's alarming to see them, twisted and bulging, on your legs or feet, but varicose veins usually aren't dangerous.

In adults, a screening blood sugar test is generally used to determine if your blood sugar is too high. For adults, having an elevated blood sugar usually will not give you symptoms and may indicate a pending or current problem with type 2 diabetes.

If you, your parents or your parents' siblings had a heart attack before age 55, you should have your child's cholesterol tested.

When your life seems to be spinning out of control, it's OK to seek professional mental health help.

Gallstones are rocklike substances that form inside the gallbladder, a sac-shaped organ that is on your right side, just under the liver.

Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target.

The first symptoms of AAT deficiency usually are shortness of breath, wheezing following activity, and a decreased ability to exercise.

The official term for blood sugar is glucose, and having either too little or too much of it occupies the minds of people with diabetes daily -- even hourly. But keeping blood sugar at safe levels can be achieved by most patients through monitoring, diet, exercise and drug therapy.

It is normal for men to experience changes in erectile function, such as taking longer to achieve an erection. When the problem becomes persistent, it can be a sign of a physical or emotional problem.

Scientists have learned that other substances may give you and your doctor new clues about your heart disease risk. And that's good news. Coronary heart disease, in which fatty deposits build up in your arteries, is the nation's top killer.

Doctors who specialize in children's eye care say children usually become near- or farsighted between ages 6 and 12. But even infants can wear glasses if they need help to see well.

When there's just a bit of a bite in the air, it's time to get outdoors and have some fun. Here are some ideas for fall activities that will get your family moving.

Boys and men have eating disorders, too. Males make up 5 to 15 percent of patients with anorexia or bulimia and 35 percent of those with binge-eating disorder.

By teaching your kids to follow a healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce their risk for heart disease later in life. Although children and teens usually don't show the symptoms of heart disease, the silent buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) can start in childhood and can have a serious impact on their adult life.

In the past, a woman who miscarried several times might never know why it happened. Today, more and more women are finding out the causes of their recurrent miscarriages.

At first glance, visiting the pain-reliever section of your drugstore might just give you a headache -- if you don't already have one. After all, there are more than 150 products on the market to choose from.

Bladder and bowel control are complex processes that involve the brain, spinal cord and muscles of the bladder, bowel and pelvis. Loss of bladder or bowel control can be caused by problems with any of these components.

It's not the dust mite itself that causes trouble for people, but its shed skin and fecal matter. These substances bring misery to millions of allergy sufferers.

It’s hard to think positive when you’re feeling sick and nauseous. But those common pregnancy symptoms can benefit your baby. Find out how, and what it takes to ease your symptoms.

The most severe form of premenstrual syndrome, called PMDD, is marked by a depressed mood, increased anxiety and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.

Most medical professionals agree a fever by itself is not an illness; it is a symptom of an underlying problem. Fevers actually can be a positive sign the body is fighting an infection. However, a fever can cause discomfort for a child.

A food allergy is not the same as food intolerance, although some of the symptoms are the same.

Knowing whether your infection is caused by a virus or a bacterium makes a difference in how it is treated.

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy usually occurs after a person has had diabetes for at least 20 years or has had poor control of blood sugar.

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in the kidney out of substances normally dissolved in the urine.

Over the long term, your quality of life is tied to how severe your heart attack was and how it was treated. Beyond that, any change will depend largely on you.

Cramps do not mean there is a problem with the muscle itself; rather, experts believe they happen when the fluid and electrolyte imbalance catches up to you or when a nerve overstimulates a muscle.

Don't panic if your child has head lice. They are common and are more of a nuisance than a health risk.

Don't assume you're safe just because you're inside. The air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.

A "tummy ache" is a common complaint in children. Usually, it's nothing serious.

Technology has given us the automated external defibrillator (AED), which is turning up far from hospitals. Some schools and public buildings already have AEDs.

The medical community once thought depression affected only adults. The risk for the condition begins in the early teens, however, and increases steadily through the mid-20s.

Even if your blood pressure is normal or high-normal, you're still at increased risk for hypertension (high blood pressure), the condition in which your heart works too hard and the resulting forceful blood flow harms arteries.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments save lives. They also can bring a variety of temporary but unpleasant side effects.

Many people see canes and walkers as a badge of advancing years and frailty, and go to great lengths to resist using them.

If the pain occurs because of an accident or injury, or fever is present, you should see your health care provider immediately. Pain not accompanied by fever or not associated with an accident or injury may not need immediate treatment.

If you have low-vision symptoms, talk to your eye-care professional, who can help you find resources and visual devices to make the most of your remaining vision.

Eye allergies usually affect both eyes. The main symptoms of an eye allergy include itchy eyes, increased tearing, red or pink eyes, and mild swelling of the eyelids.

You take an average of 16 breaths every minute. It's a reflex—you don't pay attention unless there's a problem. But a rising number of us literally can't catch our breath.

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that can have a variety of causes. There are acute and chronic forms of eczema. Two common types of eczema are atopic and contact dermatitis.

A scaly, red, itchy, dry rash can show up in the first weeks of life. It signals a vexing but treatable skin problem called atopic dermatitis (AD), often known as eczema. Most children outgrow AD, but in some cases, it may recur in the teenage years or in adulthood.

Daily inhaled corticosteroids are a key part of the treatment for children with mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma. "The possible side effects of medication are far less important than the known effects of untreated asthma," says William E. Berger, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Although anyone can suffer from depression, it is particularly common among older adults. Depression affects 15 out of every 100 adults older than 65.

Flu and pneumonia are respiratory illnesses that should not be taken lightly. In the United States, pneumonia and the flu combined are the sixth leading cause of death. Older adults are at greater risk than younger adults for contracting pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common bacterial form of the disease.

Rosacea causes redness, tiny bumps or pimples and small blood vessels to appear on the cheeks and nose.

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.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a serious or chronic condition, you likely have a lot of questions regarding treatment and long-term health. Here are some suggestions on how to find accurate information.

Between regular appointments, what should you do if symptoms flare up, or new ones appear?

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.

Exercise has important health benefits for everyone -- regardless of age and physical condition. But for people with arthritis, working out regularly, and within their limits, is critical.

Physical therapists teach people recovering from surgery or with injuries, sprains or arthritis how to perform exercises that will help them gain strength and mobility and prevent recurring injury. Here are suggestions to help you get the most from physical therapy.

Celiac disease, or celiac sprue, is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.

Whether you have a turtle or a parrot or a tabby cat, the best prevention against disease is cleanliness.

As medical progress prolongs our lives, the end can linger. So, more and more people are turning to hospice care.

It's important not to underestimate the dangers associated with depression, especially if you've had multiple episodes or lingering symptoms. For example, people who don't get treated for their depression have a higher risk for suicide.

Most Americans survive a first heart attack. By taking action, however, they can significantly reduce their chances for a second heart attack.

One of the major triggers for asthma attacks is cigarette smoke. Cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke is especially harmful to people with asthma because it damages the cells in the lungs that make the protective coating lining the bronchial tubes.

Do you know the difference between normal changes in vision that occur with age and abnormal changes caused by age-related eye disease? Here are some answers.

What distinguishes mental illness from problems of daily living is its severity or persistence over time. Mental illness includes mental disorders of thought, mood or behavior. People with a mental illness may have great difficulty with daily routines and tasks, responsibilities of family, work or school, or personal relationships.

If you have arthritis, taking your medication and following your doctor's orders are essential. But self-care can be just as important in your daily and long-term management of the disease.

A hernia doesn't occur overnight. The most common kind is actually set in motion right before you're born.

A lot of us don't realize that chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause no symptoms, meaning you could have an STD and not know it.

People with a strong genetic predisposition to high cholesterol need medication to control cholesterol. But a lot of us don't.

Although the cause of rosacea is unknown, people with fair skin who blush easily may be at the greatest risk for it.

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.

COPD develops slowly, and people are often not diagnosed with it until their 50s, when the disease has greatly affected their lung function.

Children who weigh too much face a broad array of health problems, with type 2 diabetes leading the list.

If your doctor suggests a treatment program to help your child lose weight, look for one that involves both you and your child.

The symptoms of OCD vary widely from person to person. Without treatment, OCD can last for a lifetime.

Type 2 diabetes can be especially deadly for women. Of the nearly 16 million Americans with diabetes, more than half are female.

Insulin pumps deliver a steady, measured dose of insulin through a flexible plastic tube called a catheter.

The treatment goals include reducing joint swelling, relieving stiffness, preventing joint damage and maintaining joint function.

More than half of American adults seek medical treatment for back pain at some point in their lives.

Millions of Americans are affected by sinusitis every year. Even so, it's often misdiagnosed and misunderstood by people with the condition.

Although some complementary and alternative methods have been scientifically proven to promote healing or reduce symptoms, many have not.

Having a child with diabetes can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a team of experts can guide you now and in the years to come.

If you have diabetes, you can take steps to reduce your risk for vision loss or blindness.

Some treatment programs teach problem drinkers to reduce their drinking, an approach that appeals to people who otherwise might not seek treatment.

Many people are unaware they have osteoporosis until they have advanced symptoms, which may include a broken hip or wrist, low back pain or a hunched back.

No one can say for sure that a medication is safe to use while you're pregnant. But, avoiding medicines may not be a good idea, either. It may be wiser to treat an illness than ignore it.

Athlete's foot usually develops between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet.

People with this disease can't tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye.

Shifting hormone levels make women prone to breakouts. This is especially true if you have ovarian cysts, are pregnant or are starting or stopping birth control pills.

Here are some common obstacles that you may have encountered and tips for getting beyond them.

This technique can ease migraines and tension-type headaches, as well as low back pain and fibromyalgia.

Back pain is a common complaint: Nearly everyone will have low back pain that interferes with work or daily activities at some point in his or her life.

Here are suggestions that can help you to enjoy the summer months while protecting your feet.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, isn't limited to those 18 and older.

Women are more likely than men to have asthma. Women also have more asthma attacks.

For some people, taking medication every day can help prevent migraines and make them less painful when they occur.

You need to understand your options and take time to consider what will help you reach the end of your life with dignity, comfort and a sense of control.

Occupational asthma is a lung disease in which the airways overreact to dust, vapors, gases, smoke or fumes that exist in the workplace.

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia have risen steadily to affect nearly 10 million women (and 1 million men).

An entire team of health care experts is on hand to help people with asthma manage their symptoms and continue to live normal, active lives.

Although exercise is an important for everyone, it's especially beneficial for those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy.

PMS symptoms occur one to two weeks before your period and may be severe enough to interfere with your normal daily activities.

No matter what form of arthritis you have, your role as part of your health care team can make the difference in how well you function with pain, stiffness or inflammation.

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.

Teen depression is a serious illness. The benefits of getting help, including taking medications if needed, far outweigh the potential risks.

High blood pressure has joined type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol on a list of ailments that once struck only adults but now afflict children.

The experts say most of us can have whiter teeth. What's more, many of us can do it ourselves with an over-the-counter (OTC) tooth-whitening product.

Between the late 30s and late 40s, it's not uncommon for both men and women to gain 10 pounds.

Gestational diabetes does not cause birth defects. Most women with gestational diabetes have healthy, full-term babies.

You and your loved ones will benefit if they understand your condition and how best to help.

Most people who get cold sores were infected with HSV1 before age 20, usually by kissing someone with the virus.

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.

During the dark days of winter, many people develop signs of depression that are tied to the changing amount of daylight.

For some people, frightening memories of a terrible event can resurface months or even years after the ordeal. In reliving the event, people become fearful and unable to cope with daily life.

The way you respond to a heart attack can make a profound difference in what happens to you in the future.

You should always call a doctor if you have any doubts or questions about how to take care of your sick child at home.

Even if you already have atherosclerosis or have had a heart attack, there’s a lot you can do to prevent future heart problems.

Talk therapy helps people gain insight into and resolve their problems through verbal exchanges with the therapist.

Common asthma triggers are dust mites, pets and pet dander, cockroaches, mold, tobacco smoke and pollen.

In recent years, researchers have discovered new and better ways to detect and treat breast cancer—and to keep it from coming back.

Male menopause is a condition caused when testosterone levels decrease in aging men.

Parents and pediatricians should know how to detect hearing problems at various stages during a child's first three years of life.

Some children grow more slowly than others. Height in the low normal range is still normal, doctors say.

Diabetes affects the body in many complex ways, and having a team to help you stay as healthy and vital as possible, for as long as possible, is key.

Rotavirus is a viral infection that causes severe diarrhea in children. A vaccine is now available to help protect youngsters against this illness.

Extreme obesity plagues more than a million teens and young adults, experts estimate. What's a parent to do?

Putting babies to sleep on their backs has dramatically reduced the incidence of SIDS. One unexpected side effect: Many infants now have a flattened head.

Carbohydrates are one of the three main parts of food; fats and proteins are the other two. All three components can affect your blood sugar level, but carbohydrates do so more quickly.

According to the American Heart Association, there are five main types of cholesterol-lowering medications.

If you have asthma, does your dentist know? This is important for good oral health, especially if you use a corticosteroid inhaler.

Here are answers to questions you may have about bird flu.

Learning about your condition and doing your best to manage it can help you live a less fearful and more expansive life.

Your kidneys are your body's filters. They remove waste and excess fluid from your blood.

If you’re pregnant with twins, you’ll want to carefully consider this advice. It can help increase your chances for a full-term pregnancy.

Although some behavior problems can be attributed to normal child development, some require professional help.

In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people experience as they grow older.

A stroke can cause problems with speech, vision, memory, balance or coordination. It can leave part of the body weakened or paralyzed, among other physical problems.

Diuretics help your blood pressure go down by helping your body to get rid of extra water and salt by producing more urine.

Sciatica is often painful but rarely causes serious or permanent damage.

Life as a cancer survivor can be as rich and rewarding as you decide to make it. In fact, increased awareness of mortality is all some people need to feel more alive than ever.

Doctors and physical therapists say people with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise without damaging their joints.

Do you spend your days using a computer, sorting mail or assembling small parts? If your workplace duties put stress on your wrists, you may be at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Learning about HPV can help you avoid infection and seek treatment, if necessary.

Infectious diseases have always caused illness and death, but in the last decade, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has noticed a disturbing trend: The number of new infectious agents has been on the rise. These include the West Nile virus, monkey pox and hantavirus.

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.

Although concussions range from mild to severe, they're all serious injuries that can harm the way the brain works.

Without enough shut-eye, children are more likely to struggle with their school studies, do poorly on the playing field, and suffer depression.

A medicated nasal decongestant spray may offer fast relief when your nose is congested and running. It can reduce swelling and clear mucus from your nasal passages quickly.

If your child often has a sore throat, you may wonder whether he or she has tonsillitis, or inflamed tonsils.

Most people know air pollution can hurt your lungs and make it tough to breathe. But a growing body of research shows air pollution can be as bad or worse for your heart.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that greatly raises your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association have guidelines that can help you make up your mind.

Viruses are familiar from the common diseases they cause: colds and flu, for instance. But what are they, and how do they cause sickness?

The liver is a multitasking organ, with many functions. Nearly all the blood that leaves the stomach and intestines passes through the liver for processing.

Although nausea and vomiting can make you feel miserable, it's important to remember that these are not diseases, but rather symptoms of many illnesses.

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that typically develops in men ages 20 to 35. It can be treated and is usually curable.

Often called "mono" for short, mononucleosis is an infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the herpes viruses.

When addicted, the drug user will do just about anything to obtain the drug.

Doctors often consider chronically low blood pressure too low only if it drops suddenly or causes noticeable symptoms.

Under certain circumstances, people who take insulin can have symptoms that require immediate action and, in some cases, treatment in a hospital emergency room.

Most of us worry or get nervous every now and then. But, for people with anxiety disorders, these feelings occur all too often, and they may be overwhelming.

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. Most of your body's fat is stored as triglycerides.

Scalp ringworm isn’t caused by a worm. The infection is the result of a fungus, the same one that leads to athlete’s foot.

With knowledge, practice and a supportive health care team, you can take care of your child without diabetes taking over your lives.

When you’re sick, knowing whether you should treat yourself at home or see your doctor can save you time and hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars a year.

Here are ways to help you fine-tune your lifestyle to promote optimum health.

The most effective way to lower your dental bills is to take care of your teeth, and to make sure your children do the same.

It's a condition in which too much iron is absorbed from food and retained in the body.

Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

If allergies bother you in the fall, you’re most likely sensitive to one or more molds, weeds, trees or grasses.

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, most often affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. It also can affect the hands and spine.

You don't want to spend this winter battling a runny nose, a nagging cough or a fever. Here's what to do.

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.

To find out what your family risks are, ask people on both sides of your family. Start with your parents, siblings and children.

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.

If managing diabetes seems like a full-time job, keep in mind it’s a task that can’t be taken lightly. Diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death by disease in the United States.

Knowing the definitions of terms your doctor may use when talking with you about your blood pressure is important.

Most stomachaches are nothing more than indigestion or gas. But stomach pain also could be appendicitis, gallstones, or a tubal pregnancy.

Sprained ankles and wrists, arthritic knees and hips and torn rotator cuffs all have one thing in common: They result in joint pain.

Prehypertension is a new term that alerts people to the risk of developing chronic high blood pressure if they don’t take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits.

Did you know that fingernails grow faster than toenails? Or, that nails grow faster in the summer than in the winter?

Whether you’re facing major surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, a second opinion can help ensure you’re getting the most targeted, effective treatment for your condition.

Every year, one in four Americans suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder that interferes with their ability to function at work or school or in their daily lives.

Illnesses such as the flu and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. They’re usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

A short glossary of asthma terms.

Don’t let your asthma triggers dampen spring fever. You can still enjoy the season by managing your exposure.

You and your health care provider can use information from a peak-flow meter to help stop a flare-up in its tracks.

It's important to understand common terms used in asthma management.

Here are some common reasons people don’t exercise. Are any of these true for you?

Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren’t easy to talk about with your health care provider.

If you have COPD and asthma, you know that they cause similar symptoms.

The stress of illness or injury can cause blood sugar to rise and make insulin less effective. This can lead to serious problems, including diabetic coma. That’s why it’s important to know what to do when illness strikes.

Too often, diabetes leads to kidney disease. But it doesn’t have to. When kidney problems are caught early, you can take steps to prevent more serious kidney disease.

Whether you pack a suitcase every week or once a year, you probably know that traveling takes a little extra preparation when you have asthma.

The best way to prepare the school staff to meet your child’s needs is to develop an asthma action plan.

Nocturnal asthma, also called sleep-related asthma, can happen at any hour during sleep, but symptoms worsen at night.

Having asthma isn’t easy, and for most kids, neither is being a teen. Here are some common teen issues and suggestions for easing your child’s concerns.

If you have COPD, it may be difficult to tell whether you also have heart failure (HF). This is because the two diseases have similar symptoms and common risk factors.

Two nutrients that are critical to keep in check when you have COPD are sodium and potassium. Here are tips on how to watch your intake of them.

When you have COPD, even getting dressed can sometimes seem like a challenge.

Many people with diabetes need to change their treatment plan at some point. There are advantages to this. For example, taking insulin can make it easier to manage your blood sugar.

About one-third of people with diabetes get a skin problem sooner or later. Fortunately, most problems can be prevented or easily treated.

To help manage your condition, fill in the dates on which you had or will have the following tests or checkups.

Atherosclerosis can start as early as childhood and can lead to many health conditions, including heart disease and stroke.

A key way to reduce the effects of metabolic syndrome is to lower high blood pressure. Reducing the amount of sodium and salt in your diet is a great start.

Cardiac asthma can the same symptoms as true asthma, but the symptoms are caused by heart failure, which leads to buildup of fluid in the lungs.

If you think that you can’t begin a strength-training program because you have heart disease, think again.

Heart failure makes it hard for oxygen to get into the blood, causing shortness of breath.

Colds and the flu can be serious for people with heart disease.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a ministroke or warning stroke, causes symptoms similar to those of a stroke.

As a patient, understanding the basics of the guidelines can help you take a more active role in your treatment.

A short glossary of medical terms associated with heart disease.

If you are like most people with heart disease, you have several providers who each treat you for a different health issue.

Researchers found that those who received the acupuncture treatments had 22 fewer days of headache per year than those who did not receive acupuncture.

Women who have endometriosis may also be more likely to have migraines, according to a recent Italian study.

Research shows that informed, supportive teachers and staff can play a big role in helping students manage their asthma.

Auras may include visual disturbances (jagged lines with bright spots or flashes); temporary, partial vision loss; numbness; and tingling sensations.

If you have congestive heart failure, you may wonder if physical activity is good for you.

College can pose challenges for the student with asthma. New and unfamiliar living quarters, school and social stresses, and other factors can trigger a flare-up.

Having a chronic condition such as COPD can lead to depression. You can get help. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

Asthma can be unpredictable, but it is important to recognize the difference between a minor flare-up and an attack that could be life-threatening.

If you have congestive heart failure, knowing your body can help you manage your condition.

Spinal stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves, resulting in back and leg pain.

Smoking damages your arteries, and it’s thought that the damaged arteries in the discs and joints in your back may lead to pain and injury.

For optimum health, you need to understand your health problem and your treatment plan, including how to take prescription medications.

People who become addicted to drugs or alcohol typically go through predictable stages of abuse. Understanding these stages can help you recognize a problem and seek help before substance use becomes an addiction.

Most neck pain is caused by sleeping on a bed that’s too soft, poor posture, stress, neck strains or degenerative joint disease that occurs when the joints of the neck become inflamed or a disc pushes outward from its normal position.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tracks five major air pollutants that cause significant health effects: ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide and microscopic particles called particulate matter.

The condition called dry eyes may feel a sand-like grittiness that can range from mild to severe.

Breathing even a little smoke can be harmful, because there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke. The only way to protect yourself and the people you love is to provide a 100 percent smoke-free setting.

What causes thyroid disorders, and why do they strike women five to eight times more often than men? The answers aren't clear.

Parents of kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face a tough choice: whether to medicate their children or not.

A vaccine can protect babies from rotavirus, the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants.

Alcohol-dependent employees incur twice the health care costs of the average employee, are more likely to steal from their employers, are more likely to be involved in workplace accidents and are five times more likely to file worker’s compensation claims.

If you’re heading out of town, and you or your child has allergies or asthma, proper planning can help you keep sneezes, sniffles, wheezing and attacks under control.

Knowing the definitions of terms relating to mental health can help you recognize a disorder and seek help for yourself or someone you love.

Years of wear and tear can be hard on your feet, as can shoes that don’t fit properly. Injuries and disorders of the feet can affect your mobility.

Many people think of asthma as a childhood disease, but it often occurs as a new condition in older adults.

Children who have ADHD are often given medication as part of their treatment plan. The type of medication most often chosen is a psychostimulant.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that most often targets the skin, joints, brain, and heart, although any part of the body can be affected.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, often misunderstood illness. Its symptoms are chronic pain, sleep problems, and fatigue. There’s no known cure for the condition, but symptoms can be eased through lifestyle changes and possibly medication.

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.

It's not high blood sugar, heart disease, or stroke that most often puts people with diabetes in the hospital. It's their feet.

Many people believe that Alzheimer’s disease can't be treated. The truth is that medications are available that may help slow the progression of symptoms.

When you smoke, toxins are carried by your blood to every organ in your body. At the same time, the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke keeps red blood cells from carrying as much oxygen as normal.

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.

A pregnancy ended by miscarriage can be a traumatic loss. Unfortunately, it’s one that many women experience. Knowing how to deal with your feelings and find support can help you cope during this difficult time.

New drug treatments can delay the effects of AIDS and are helping patients live longer. But the reality is that no medicine can cure AIDS or the virus that causes it, HIV. Once inside the body, HIV destroys immune system cells, making it difficult to fight off illness.

A generation ago, hot flashes, irregular periods, and mood swings would have been labeled menopause or “the change of life.” Today, your doctor is more likely to call this perimenopause, a new term for the transitional years leading up to the end of menstruation.

It's called plastic surgery, but there's no plastic involved. In this case, "plastic" refers to the ability of the surgeon to reshape the skin, the face, or other body parts. With advances in technique and an aging population, plastic surgery is more popular than ever.

Youngsters' most common head pain is a tension headache—a dull ache that feels like pressure around the head.

The basics of implant surgery haven't changed much in decades, but the materials dentists use have improved markedly.

Learning how to take care of your physical and mental health after a cancer diagnosis is the key to living your life to the fullest.

Three kinds of prescription drugs are potentially addictive: opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants.

The person in recovery may seem to have a different personality—more serious, more careful, more private—and the family may feel uncertain about how to relate.

Some pregnancy changes are caused by hormones. Others are caused by the pressure and weigh of your growing baby.

Having prediabetes means that you are likely to develop full-blown diabetes within 10 years. But lifestyle changes can prevent that from happening.

What can you do to avoid scratching and flaking your way through the winter months? Here are some tips to try.

Now that your treatment is over, you may be tempted to stop going to the doctor for a while. But, it’s more important than ever to have regular checkups.

You'll face new hassles as you sneeze and sniffle. You'll have to ask your pharmacist or a store worker for medications that include pseudoephedrine.

One in eight U.S. babies is preterm, says the Institute of Medicine. That's a rise of 30 percent in recent decades.

Half of Americans experience some degree of hair loss. Hair loss affects both men and women, but with different results.

In a mutual support group, people just like you face similar ordeals and challenges.

It's best to catch vision problems while a child is very young. Later, problems are harder to correct.

Stroke may cause physical and mental difficulties. But the good news is that you can recoup some or all of your previous abilities.

Bacteria resistant to antibiotics are causing a growing number of infections, both in hospitals and in schools and other community settings.

One of the most important things you can do to ensure great oral health care is to develop a good relationship with your dentist.

Veneers can fix a variety of problems—teeth too short, too far apart, misshapen, or damaged. But the most common reason for veneers is discoloration.

Periodontal disease refers to more than one disease. It's a large collection of diseases involving your gums and the bones inside your mouth.

Instead of asking for help, men who are depressed are likely to drink alcohol to excess, take drugs, or become frustrated, discouraged, and irritable.

Many childhood illnesses are mild enough to be treated at home. But what about when the symptoms are more severe?

If they’re not treated, flares can eventually lead to lack of mobility and debilitating pain.

In many cases of suicide or attempted suicide, undiagnosed and untreated mental illness—especially depression—is to blame.

Although it's rarely a sign of a major medical problem, bad breath can cause embarrassment, low self-esteem and even social isolation.

When people consider the cost of smoking, they usually focus on the cost of the cigarettes alone. But that's only the first step.

It's important to understand how alcohol and drugs can affect your health and well being.

A woman’s unique biological, social, and cultural factors may increase her risk for depression.

When seeking treatment for headaches, start with your primary care provider.

Every breath can be a chore when you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Caring for anyone is difficult, even in the best of circumstances. Here are tips to help make the task easier.

Life can be full of stress sometimes, especially when you’re managing a health condition like COPD.

If you use oxygen to help manage the symptoms of COPD, be sure to handle it with care.

Here's what to do to help prevent another flare-up—and stay out of the hospital.

What kind of care would you want if you were no longer able to speak for yourself?

The first step is to choose a quit date and mark it on your calendar.

It’s possible to take medications that control stomach acid to help relieve the symptoms of GERD.

People with gum disease are more likely to have heart disease than people with healthy gums.

Not everyone who has had a heart attack needs open-heart surgery, such as a bypass operation.

Participating in a disease management program gives you the chance to ask questions about exercise, medication, diet, and other treatment options.

When the weather turns cold, it's a good idea to move your workout indoors.

Try to breathe evenly while chewing. If you begin feeling short of breath, take a break between bites.

If you think you may have allergies, talk with your health care provider about getting tested.

It's good to learn as much as you can about your asthma medications.

Did you know that smoking cigarettes can make your asthma worse?

Metabolic syndrome is marked by higher levels of glucose in the blood. That's also a sign of pre-diabetes.

Your new inhaler is better for the environment and just as good for your asthma as your old inhaler.

You may be wondering what questions the provider will ask or what tests and exams your child will need.

By recognizing the early warning signs and talking with your health care provider, you can help keep little flare-ups from turning into big ones.

Do you want to gain better control over your asthma? Put it in writing!

Be aware of the early warning signs of change, such as more frequent symptoms or the onset of a new symptom.

Maintenance medicines work for an extended time after you take them.

Check with your health care provider about the level of strength training that makes sense for you, and keep some ground rules in mind.

Eat several small meals throughout the day rather than three big meals. Big meals fill up your stomach, which can press on your lungs and make breathing harder.

Control your blood pressure, keep your cholesterol in check, and take your medicine as prescribed.

Regular soft drinks contain sugar—empty calories in your diet. Sugary drinks also raise insulin levels, which causes you to put on more deep fat.

People with more visceral fat or an apple-shaped body—two factors associated with the metabolic syndrome—are more likely to have depression.

Part of the treatment for chronic conditions involves adopting the same healthy lifestyle habits that are important for everyone.

These medications are life-giving and powerful. It's important to take them just as your doctor has prescribed.

Effective pain treatments are available. You can also take steps yourself to ease ongoing discomfort.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to proceed. You just have to do the best you can.

Heel pain has many possible causes. Learning about the symptoms can help you take care of your heels and prevent problems.

People with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold.

A balance disorder is a disturbance of the inner ear that can make you feel unsteady or like you’re moving or spinning.

Many young people take prescription drugs because they believe they are safer than street drugs, but they can be just as dangerous if taken improperly.

When a woman has a substance-abuse problem, her whole family is affected because she’s often the key to family stability.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is the second leading cause of kidney disease in the United States, after diabetes.

The varicella-zoster virus can get you twice. Its painful, long-delayed second strike is known as shingles.

Autism spectrum disorders, which include autistic disorder, affect children in different ways. Some children have mild symptoms, others have severe limitations.

In many cases, the progression to high blood pressure occurs within four years of being diagnosed with prehypertension.

The demands of work and family don’t always allow us to control when or where we have to travel. And with the increasing number of U.S. cases of the 2009 H1N1 flu, busy travelers have another reason to feel stressed.

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.

What’s different about this year’s flu season is that you need two different vaccinations—one to protect against the three seasonal flu strains that are circulating and a second vaccination to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza.

Although inheriting certain genes might boost your chances of contracting a disease, it's rarely a sure thing. Often, your lifestyle and environment can join with disease-prone genes to make a potential disease a reality.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a frustrating condition to deal with because it doesn’t have an easily identifiable cause. It’s an autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system literally attacks your body—in this case, your joints.

Hair loss, known medically as alopecia, is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, the drugs used to attack the cancer cells in your body. Hair loss can be difficult emotionally because of the way it alters your appearance.

How you choose to live out and prepare for the end of your life, are choices that you are able to make, to make this time as meaningful as possible.

Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) used to be called exercise-induced asthma. The term bronchospasm means tightening and narrowing of the tubes that bring air in and out of your lungs.

With the right asthma action plan, most children with asthma can live full and active lives.

After you have been successfully treated for breast cancer, you face another potential problem—lymphyphedema, a swelling that occurs in the arm, breast, or chest area after breast cancer treatment.

Drug addiction and alcohol addiction are chronic diseases that can be treated as successfully as many other chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes.

Everyone feels fatigued now and then, but when lifestyle changes don't ease your tiredness, it's time to talk with your health care provider.

Dry mouth is a common complaint during some types of cancer treatments.

the likelihood of chemotherapy or radiation treatment causing a second cancer is rare. Nevertheless, cancer can occur in some instances, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved before undergoing these cancer treatments.

You may think of heart disease as a problem for adults, not your young children. But diet and exercise habits started in childhood can begin a lifetime of heart health, or a lifetime of heart damage.

Being a caregiver for a spouse who has cancer may be the toughest job you’ll ever have. It may also be the most vital and the most rewarding. As the spouse, you become part of the cancer treatment team.

Older adults are less likely to be screened for cancer in the first place. And if they are diagnosed with cancer, it's less likely that their doctors will recommend treatment to cure the cancer.

Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within your abdomen. Although the most common cause of ascites is cirrhosis of the liver, for about 10 percent of people with ascites, the cause is cancer.

Vaccinations not only protect your child from deadly diseases such as polio, tetanus, and diphtheria, but they also keep other children safe by eliminating or greatly decreasing dangerous diseases that used to spread from child to child.

Cold and flu season is hard on everyone, but for older adults who may have chronic health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it’s especially challenging.

If you feel depressed during fall and winter months, you may have a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Cancer of the endometrium is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the lining of the uterus. It is highly curable when found early.

Heart disease is a killer, but you can do plenty to reduce your risk and prolong your life. Research shows that making lifestyle changes can decrease your risk of cardiovascular heart disease and help you control it if you already have it.

Because a person with diabetes has poor blood circulation, wounds of all kinds heal slowly and are easily infected. In addition, high blood glucose leads to high levels of sugar in body tissues, causing bacteria to grow and infections to develop more quickly.

Most people with color blindness -- also called color vision deficiency -- can see certain colors. Usually, the difficulty involves distinguishing between shades of red and green.

Studies show that long-term stress can damage brain cells, leading to depression. Depression is one of the most dangerous effects of stress in older people.

At least 8 million people in the U.S. are living with an eating disorder. The overwhelming majority – about 90 percent – are female.

Research is shedding light on ways to cut risk, and treatments can make life easier and more comfortable after a diagnosis.

Recent studies have found that people who take proton pump inhibitors are significantly more likely to break their hipbone or any other bone.

It’s important to be aware of a number of signs that can alert you to a serious health problem. Check out these symptoms that shouldn't be ignored.

You have a number of tools at your disposal for better managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and living a healthy, enjoyable life.

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.

people who are gay, lesbian, or transgender may be at greater risk for health problems because they don’t always see a doctor when they need to. This may be because they feel embarrassed, have had a bad experience, fear judgment, or have a health care provider who is uninformed.

Certain risk factors increase the chance that a person will develop cancer. Many of these factors, such as smoking or eating an unhealthy diet, can be avoided. Others, such as family history and aging, can't, but everyone can benefit by avoiding known cancer risks.

When you're faced with a highly stressful event in your life, the strategies outlined here will help you cope.