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Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) What is toxic shock syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an illness that produces symptoms in many systems of the body. Certain bacterial infections release toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can spread to many body organs. This can cause

Chronic Liver Disease/Cirrhosis What is cirrhosis? Cirrhosis is when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This stops the liver from working normally. Cirrhosis is a long-term (chronic) liver disease. The damage to your liver builds up over time. The liver is your body’s

Overview of the Male Anatomy This is an overview of the male reproductive anatomy: Scrotum. The bag of skin that holds and helps to protect the testicles. The testicles make sperm. To do this, the temperature of the testicles needs to be cooler than the inside of the body. This

Substance Abuse or Chemical Dependence What is substance abuse or dependence? Substance abuse (alcohol or other drugs) Substance abuse is a recognized health disorder. It refers to the abuse of illegal or legal substances. Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse. Substance

Head Injury What is a head injury? A head injury is a broad term that describes many injuries that occur to the scalp, skull, brain, and underlying tissue and blood vessels in the head. Head injuries are also commonly referred to as brain injury, or traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Household Safety Checklist To protect you and your family, do a thorough safety check of every room in your home on a regular basis. You can prevent unintentional accidents, injuries, and nontraumatic emergencies. Your family will be healthier and safer when you practice a little

Fever What is a fever? A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It often means there is an abnormal process occurring in the body. Exercise, hot weather, inflammation, infection, vaccines, and many other things can make body temperature rise. What causes a fever

Firearms Safety The importance of firearms safety About one-third of homes in the U.S. have some type of firearm. Access to firearms in the home raise the risk of unintentional firearm-related death and injury among children. Unintentional shootings cause a major portion of all

First-Aid Kit Everyone should have a well-stocked first-aid kit at home, in the car, and in the workplace. You may also want to stock a portable kit (a box or small bag) that can be taken to the site of an emergency. It is important to check your kit regularly to restock items

When to Call for Help Anytime you're not comfortable with a medical situation, call 911 or your local emergency number, go to an emergency room, or call your doctor. When to get help right away The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) says that these conditions need