Search Results

Uterine Fibroids What are uterine fibroids? Fibroids are firm, dense tumors made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They develop in the uterus. About 1 in 5 to 1 in 2 women of reproductive age have fibroids, but not all are diagnosed. Fibroids are very common

Depression and Suicide Most people who die by suicide have a mental health issue. It may be a depressive or substance abuse disorder. They may feel lonely, depressed, or isolated. They may have had a traumatic life experience. Many of the warning signs of suicidal feelings are

Hereditary Hemochromatosis What is hereditary hemochromatosis? Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic blood disorder that causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat. Iron is a mineral found in many foods. But too much iron is toxic to your body. The excess

Signs of Respiratory Distress Learning the signs of respiratory distress People who have trouble breathing often show signs that they are having to work harder to breathe or are not getting enough oxygen. This means that they are in respiratory distress. Below is a list of some

Acute Spinal Cord Injury What is an acute spinal cord injury (SCI)? The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to a traumatic injury. The injury may cause a bruise (contusion)

Prenatal Medical Care The importance of early prenatal medical care As soon as you find out you are pregnant, you should work with your healthcare provider to set up a schedule of prenatal care. For normal pregnancies without major complications, prenatal exams are often

Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an illness caused by bacteria. There are two types: Respiratory diphtheria. This type affects the throat, nose, and tonsils. Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria. This type affects the skin. It was a common childhood disease in the past. A

Varicose Veins What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins. They can happen anywhere in the body. But they are more common in the legs. Varicose veins are not considered a serious health problem. But they can be uncomfortable and can lead to more serious

Coronary Heart Disease What is coronary heart disease? Coronary heart disease happens when the innermost layer of the coronary arteries becomes inflamed and narrowed. This is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. These deposits may start in childhood and continue

Maintaining Weight Loss Benefits of maintaining weight loss Losing weight is hard for many people. But it's even more challenging to keep the weight off. Many people who lose a large amount of weight have problems keeping it off over time. One theory is that people who eat fewer