Walking Problems We walk thousands of steps each day. We walk to do our daily activities, get around, and exercise. Having a problem with walking can make daily life more difficult. The pattern of how you walk is called your gait. A variety of problems can cause an abnormal gait and lead to problems with walking. These […]
Warts Warts are growths on your skin caused by an infection with humanpapilloma virus, or HPV. Types of warts include Common warts, which often appear on your fingers Plantar warts, which show up on the soles of your feet Genital warts, which are a sexually transmitted disease Flat warts, which appear in places you shave frequently […]
Water Pollution We all need clean water. People need it to grow crops and to operate factories, and for drinking and recreation. Fish and wildlife depend on it to survive. Many different pollutants can harm our rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. The three most common are soil, nutrients, and bacteria. Rain washes soil into streams and rivers. […]
Water Safety (Recreational) Playing in the water – whether swimming, boating or diving – can be fun. It can also be dangerous, especially for children. Being safe can help prevent injuries and drowning. To stay safe in the water Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating Wear a life jacket whenever you’re in a boat Don’t swim alone, or […]
Weight Control Keeping a healthy weight is crucial. If you are underweight, overweight, or obese, you may have a higher risk of certain health problems. About two thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Achieving a healthy weight can help you control your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. It might also help you […]
Weight Loss Surgery Weight loss surgery helps people with extreme obesity to lose weight. It may be an option if you cannot lose weight through diet and exercise or have serious health problems caused by obesity. There are different types of weight loss surgery. They often limit the amount of food you can take in. Some types of […]
West Nile Virus West Nile virus (WNV) is an infectious disease that first appeared in the United States in 1999. Infected mosquitoes spread the virus that causes it. People who get WNV usually have no symptoms or mild symptoms. The symptoms include a fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. They can last a few […]
Whooping Cough Whooping cough is an infectious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable coughing. The name comes from the noise you make when you take a breath after you cough. You may have choking spells or may cough so hard that you vomit. Anyone can get whooping cough, but it is more common in infants and children. It’s […]
Wilms Tumor Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer. It causes a tumor on one or both kidneys. It usually affects children, but can happen in adults. Having certain genetic conditions or birth defects can increase the risk of getting it. Children that are at risk should be screened for Wilms tumor every three months […]
Wilson Disease Wilson disease is a rare inherited disorder that prevents your body from getting rid of extra copper. You need a small amount of copper from food to stay healthy. Too much copper is poisonous. Normally, your liver releases extra copper into bile, a digestive fluid. With Wilson disease, the copper builds up in your liver, […]
Winter Weather Emergencies Severe winter weather can lead to health and safety challenges. You may have to cope with Cold related health problems, including frostbite and hypothermia Household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning from space heaters and fireplaces Unsafe driving conditions from icy roads Power failures Floods after snow and ice melt Although there are no guarantees of […]
Women’s Health Women have unique health issues. And some of the health issues that affect both men and women can affect women differently. Unique issues include pregnancy, menopause, and conditions of the female organs. Women can have a healthy pregnancy by getting early and regular prenatal care. They should also get recommended breast cancer, cervical cancer, and […]
Women’s Health Checkup Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment are better. As a woman, you need some special exams and screenings. During your checkup, your health care provider will usually do: A pelvic exam – an exam to check if […]
Wounds and Injuries An injury is damage to your body. It is a general term that refers to harm caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and more. In the U.S., millions of people injure themselves every year. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Injuries can happen at work or play, indoors or outdoors, driving a car, or […]
Wrist Injuries and Disorders Your wrist is made up of eight small bones known as carpals. They support a tube that runs through your wrist. That tube, called the carpal tunnel, has tendons and a nerve inside. It is covered by a ligament, which holds it in place. Wrist pain is common. Repetitive motion can damage your wrist. Everyday […]
