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Common Liver Tests What are some common liver tests? A series of blood tests can often find out if the liver is inflamed, injured, or working normally. The pattern of abnormalities can point to hepatitis (infection or inflammation of the liver) versus cholestasis (problems with

Arthritis Diagnosis Diagnosing arthritis may be difficult. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Many symptoms are similar among the different conditions affecting the joints. Arthritis may be generally categorized into the following groups: degenerative arthritis

Facts About Diabetes What is diabetes? When you have diabetes, your body has a problem with insulin. It doesn't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin it makes (insulin resistance). Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas. It helps sugar (glucose) enter your cells to

Smoking and Heart Disease The American Heart Association (AHA) says diseases caused by smoking kill more than 440,000 people in the U.S. each year. Most new smokers are children and teens. Smokers have a higher risk for lung disease and other respiratory problems, such as

Hormones During Pregnancy Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy. Several hormones play major roles during pregnancy. These are: Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). This hormone is made only during pregnancy. It is made almost entirely in the

Sex During Pregnancy In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your healthcare provider's OK, you can have sex until delivery. But changing hormone levels and some pregnancy symptoms, like nausea and tiredness, can reduce your sex drive. So can visible changes in

Domestic Violence What is domestic violence? Domestic violence means cruelty and abuse by family members or intimate partners. It may be from a spouse or ex-spouse. It may be from a boyfriend or girlfriend, or an ex. This kind of abuse can also happen on a date. And it may be

Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy As your pregnancy progresses and your uterus gets bigger, you may find it harder to get comfortable in bed. Early on in pregnancy, you can sleep on your stomach. Over time, that position can become uncomfortable. But it's OK to sleep on your

Mold What is mold? Mold is a member of the fungus family. It's rarely killed by heat or cold exposure. Mold stays inactive (dormant) until a certain season, such as spring or fall, or when favorable environmental conditions appear. Then it grows and thrives. Where does mold grow

Knee Pain and Problems Brief anatomy of the knee The knee is a vulnerable joint. It bears a great deal of stress from everyday activities, such as lifting and kneeling, and from high-impact activities, such as jogging and aerobics. The knee is formed by these parts: Tibia. This