Health Information

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.

You and Your Health

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.

Whatever population we may belong to, many of us also share similar health challenges that affect the various systems of the human body, including the circulatory system, the digestive system and the musculoskeletal system. Pharmaceuticals and medical devices can help address some of these challenges. But some can make matters worse.

Knowing what to expect and becoming educated about potential hazards can help navigate these challenges successfully.

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Individual Health Guides

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.

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.

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 risk of complications from using multiple prescription drugs.

Pregnant Women

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.

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.

College 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.

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.

Drugwatch Podcast & Blog

Listen to health experts and real people talk about their experiences with drugs and medical devices, and read about current health and legal issues.

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About 2 million Americans suffer serious side effects from medications each year.

Read real stories of people injured by prescription drugs and medical devices.

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Health Guides By Topic

Diabetes

More than 29 million Americans are living with diabetes. The most common form is Type 2 diabetes. Physicians can prescribe medications for Type 2 patients when dietary restrictions and exercise are not enough to control blood-glucose levels. A variety of drugs are available for treatment.