Children
From infancy to their teens, children’s bodies and minds change at a breathtaking pace. Along the way, their parents must make smart medical and social choices to help them grow into healthy adults.
Health Information
Different people have different health challenges. Men are more likely to die from preventable conditions and accidents than women, for example. Women, on the other hand, face greater odds of suffering from depression and stress. Lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals face a variety of risks that are exacerbated by the stress they experience from the sting of discrimination. In addition to the biological consequences of growing older, seniors must grapple with harm compounded by ageism and elder abuse. And children can suffer the effects of bullying. College students, striking out on their own, may abuse illicit drugs and alcohol, while also learning how to take responsibility for their own sexual health. Pregnant women face 40 weeks of biological changes and decisions about how to do what’s best for them and their unborn children.
Individual Health Guides
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LGBTQ+
Things are different than they used to be for lesbian, gay, transgender and questioning individuals who face growing acceptance and the ability to live more open lives. But they still must contend with the stress that comes from experiencing prejudice, which affects many of their distinct health issues.
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Students
Suddenly, children are young adults attending college and experiencing more freedom to control their daily lives than ever before. Naturally, as they feel their way in the world, they may overdo it and face the consequences: sleep deprivation, substance abuse and stress.
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Seniors
As the population gets ever older, seniors face a looming crisis in the shortage of caregivers that’s only expected to grow worse. While many seniors live active lives, and medical science has helped alleviate the biological effects of aging, seniors are more likely to need joint-replacement surgery and are at…
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Men
Although men tend to avoid doctors, their health is influenced by social and hormonal factors that warrant medical attention throughout their lives. That’s because they are more likely to die from preventable or treatable conditions. They are also more likely to engage in risky behavior and die in accidents.
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Women
In addition to fertility and child bearing, women’s reproductive systems affect their bodies throughout their lives. Estrogen influences many of their developmental changes, even before they’re born, and hormones have an impact on their mental health as well.
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Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings with it a number of physical and hormonal changes. It’s a time when women need to educate themselves to inform their decisions and actions, and help them face the potential side effects and other challenges ahead.
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Veterans Health Guide
Military veterans experience a range of service-related health conditions, including hearing damage, traumatic brain injury, PTSD and toxic exposure to asbestos and burn pits.
Interactive Health Guide
The foundation of a long, happy life is knowing how to take care of your health. You only get one body. You can take care of it by learning how your body grows, what diseases or conditions to look out for and how to avoid risky products. Men's bodies are different from women's. All of our bodies change from childhood, through adulthood and into old age. Learn about each stage of life, and become a well-informed health consumer to improve your quality of life.
View Interactive Health Guide
Health Guides By Topic
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Diabetes
More than 29 million Americans are living with diabetes. The most common form is Type…
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Drug Interactions
Mixing prescription drugs with over-the-counter drugs, supplements and certain foods can lead to dangerous interactions…
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Medical Device and Drug Disposal
Pills, patches and needles can pose unintended and potentially fatal threats if they aren't disposed…
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Off-Label Drug Use
Although the FDA approves all prescription drugs sold in the United States, the agency can’t…
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Mental Health
Mental health is a measurement of a person’s psychological, social and emotional well-being. It affects…
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Birth Control
Most Americans use birth control to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. There are many…
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Oral Health
Taking care of your teeth is about more than just maintaining a pretty smile. Oral…
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Vaccine Schedule
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a vaccination schedule for infants, children,…
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Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that causes significant memory loss and impairs a…
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Safe Prescription Drug Use
In this era of modern medicine, there’s a pharmacological fix for many ailments, but sometimes,…
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How to Read a Drug Label
Drug labels for over-the-counter and prescription medicines provide important information on safe and proper medication…
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Digestive Health
Good digestive health allows the body to properly break down food and absorb nutrients to…
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Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular health applies to the health of your heart and all your blood vessels. While…
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Cancer
Cancer is a group of related diseases, including lung, breast and colorectal cancer. Every type…
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Maculopathy
Maculopathy is a progressive disease that can lead to vision loss, usually in both eyes.…
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Arthritis
Arthritis is degeneration or inflammation in the joints, and it can affect one or more…
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COVID-19: A Consumer’s Guide to the Coronavirus
Learn how to protect you and your loved ones from the coronavirus, and find important…
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A Patient’s Guide to Telemedicine
Telemedicine allows patients to have a remote, non-emergency office visit with their health care provider…
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What to Do If Your Drug Is Recalled
Drug recalls are more common than people think, but most are minor and don’t pose…
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Rash and Skin Disorders
A rash is an area of swollen, irritated skin that manifests in different patterns and…
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The Sun and Your Medications
Several common over-the-counter and prescription medications can trigger toxic and allergic reactions to natural or…
