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Not Medical Advice: Articles in this library are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical questions. In case of emergency, call 911.
Chronic Conditions

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body metabolizes sugar (glucose). In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or resists the effects of insulin. This article covers risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic tests such as hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose, lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise, medication options, and the importance of regular monitoring to prevent complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease.

Chronic Conditions Reviewed: Jan 2024
Preventive Care

Your Guide to Recommended Screenings

Preventive screenings can detect diseases early when they are most treatable. This guide covers recommended screenings by age group, including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer for high-risk individuals, osteoporosis, and depression. Learn about the recommended frequencies, what each test involves, and how to talk to your provider about which screenings are right for you based on your personal and family history.

Preventive Care Reviewed: Feb 2024
Mental Health

Recognizing and Managing Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of adults. This article explains the difference between normal worry and clinical anxiety, describes various anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, specific phobias), and outlines evidence-based treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, medication, mindfulness techniques, and lifestyle changes that support anxiety management.

Mental Health Reviewed: Mar 2024
Nutrition

Heart-Healthy Eating: A Practical Guide

A heart-healthy diet can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol, and help manage blood pressure. This guide covers the principles of heart-healthy eating, including increasing fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains over refined grains, selecting lean proteins and healthy fats, limiting sodium, added sugars, and processed foods. Learn about the DASH diet and Mediterranean diet patterns, read sample meal plans, and find practical tips for making lasting dietary changes.

Nutrition Reviewed: Jan 2024
Family Health

Childhood Immunizations: What Parents Need to Know

Immunizations are one of the most effective tools for protecting children from serious diseases. This article explains the recommended childhood immunization schedule, how vaccines work, common side effects versus serious adverse reactions, the concept of herd immunity, and how to access immunization records. It also addresses common questions and concerns that parents may have about vaccine safety and provides resources for finding low-cost or free vaccination clinics.

Family Health Reviewed: Feb 2024
Chronic Conditions

Living Well with High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms but significantly increases risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. This article covers how blood pressure is measured and what the numbers mean, risk factors you can and cannot control, lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management, limiting alcohol, quitting tobacco), medication categories and how they work, and the importance of regular monitoring and follow-up with your provider.

Chronic Conditions Reviewed: Mar 2024
Wellness

The Science of Sleep: Why Rest Matters

Sleep is essential for physical health, mental clarity, emotional regulation, and immune function. Most adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. This article explores the stages of sleep, the health consequences of chronic sleep deprivation (including increased risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and depression), common sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, and evidence-based strategies for improving sleep hygiene including consistent schedules, environment optimization, and when to seek professional evaluation.

Wellness Reviewed: Apr 2024
Mental Health

Understanding Depression: Signs, Types, and Treatment

Depression is more than feeling sad. It is a medical condition that affects mood, thinking, physical health, and the ability to function in daily life. This article covers the different types of depression (major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression), warning signs, how depression is diagnosed, and the range of treatment options including psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and when to seek emergency help. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Mental Health Reviewed: Feb 2024
Preventive Care / Wellness

Getting Active: An Exercise Guide for Beginners

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days. This beginner-friendly guide covers how to start an exercise routine safely, the difference between aerobic and strength training, how to set realistic goals, warning signs to stop exercising and seek medical attention, and tips for staying motivated over the long term.

Wellness Reviewed: May 2024

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Health Glossary

Quick definitions of common medical and health terms.

Term Definition
AcuteA condition that comes on quickly and may be severe but is typically short in duration (e.g., acute bronchitis).
BenignNot cancerous; a benign tumor does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
BiopsyA procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the body for examination under a microscope to help diagnose a condition.
ChronicA condition that persists over a long period of time, often months or years (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
DiagnosisThe identification of a disease or condition based on symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
EdemaSwelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, commonly in the legs, ankles, and feet.
InflammationThe body's immune response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
MalignantCancerous; a malignant growth can invade and destroy nearby tissue and may spread to other parts of the body.
PrognosisThe likely course and expected outcome of a disease, including chances of recovery.
RemissionA decrease or disappearance of signs and symptoms of a disease. Remission may be partial or complete.