Cancer patients often have comorbid medical problems in addition to their underlying malignant disorders. In fact, patients older than 65 years bear a disproportionate burden of cancer as well as increased prevalence of medical problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes, and...
Cardiopulmonary syndromes are conditions of the heart and lung that may be caused by cancer or by other health problems. Five cardiopulmonary syndromes that may be caused by cancer are covered in this summary: Dyspnea (shortness of breath). Chronic cough. Malignant pleural effusion (extra fluid around the lungs caused...
A heart-to-heart on cardiovascular disease: Make simple changes to help you beat the odds against heart disease, a leading cause of death. Get smoke-free Quit smoking and stay clear of cigarette smoke to lower your risk of several types of cardiovascular disease. Watch what you eat Eat lots of fruits, vegetables...
Cardiovascular surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in surgery of the heart and blood vessels. They typically perform heart surgeries and treat people who have a blockage in the blood vessels leading to the heart (coronary artery disease) or problems with heart valves. They may also do certain thoracic (chest and...
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels. The blood vessels include arteries and veins. The heart pumps blood from the lungs out to the rest of the body. The blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and carry waste products to the organs responsible for elimination. The arteries...
This medicine is used for the following purposes: angina, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat.
This medicine is used for the following purposes: angina, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat.
This medicine is used for the following purposes: angina, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat.
This medicine is used for the following purposes: angina, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat.
This medicine is used for the following purposes: angina, high blood pressure, irregular heart beat.
Discusses decisions related to care near the end of life. Discusses choosing where to get care and what kind you want. Covers who will make decisions if you can't. Info on advance directives and need for durable power of attorney.
Skin wounds, including animal or human bites, need thorough cleaning to reduce the risk of infection and scarring and to promote healing. You may be able to do this yourself for minor wounds. You'll have to stop any bleeding, clean the wound, and perhaps bandage the wound. Stopping the bleeding Put on medical gloves, if...
Learn how to care for your cut or scrape so it will heal and won't get infected.
A urinary catheter is a flexible plastic tube that's used to drain urine from the bladder when a person can't urinate. The catheter is placed into the bladder by inserting it through the urethra. The urethra is the opening that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When the catheter is in the...
Learn how to treat minor burns and prevent infection, and when to see a doctor.
Learn what can be done to prevent bleeding while in the hospital when you're on blood thinners.
Learn about central vascular access device (CVAD) use and care in the hospital, including information on infection prevention.
Here's how to do CHG bathing while you're in the hospital.
Learn why a urinary catheter may be used while staying in the hospital and what can be done to prevent infection.
Learn what you can do and what your care team will be doing to help prevent pressure injuries during a hospital stay.
Insect stings often cause minor swelling, redness, pain, and itching. Most bites and stings will heal on their own without a visit to a doctor. There are several things you can do to relieve pain and itching and prevent infection from a bite or sting. After a sting After you are stung, try to move away from the stinging...
Caring for a dying loved one can be a rewarding but difficult experience. Let the person you're caring for do as much as they can. Also try to take care of yourself and ask for help when you need it. It's important to talk openly with your loved one and their doctor. Also try to talk openly as a family. If your family...
Offers tips for people caring for someone chronically ill or disabled. Tips for caregivers include: take care of yourself, let the person do as much as he or she can, and ask for help.
Adult protective underwear may be helpful for a person who has incontinence. A person who has incontinence has trouble controlling urine or stool. This underwear helps absorb urine and catch stool. There are different types of adult underwear. A washable type may be useful when a person has trouble using the disposable...
Nail care is important for health and safety. A person can accidentally scratch themself (or you) if their fingernails are too long. Nails that are dirty or too long—especially for someone who usually cared for their own nails—also can be a sign that the person needs more help with personal care. You can do basic nail...
Checking a person's feet and keeping them clean and soft can help prevent cracks and infection in the skin. This is especially important for people who have diabetes. Keeping toenails trimmed—and polished if that's what the person likes—also helps the person. If the person you care for has diabetes or has foot problems...
Learn how to safely help a person get in and out of a car.
A person who is getting care at home may need help with eating. When helping them eat, be patient and give the person plenty of time. Let the person do as much on their own as possible. This can help them feel more independent when having meals. You can help by encouraging the person to eat whenever they are hungry. If...
Bathing a person regularly is an important way to help keep their skin healthy. It can help prevent infections, and it's a good time to check for sores or rashes. The amount of help a person needs when bathing depends on how well they can move. You may be caring for someone who is unable to care for themself because...
A shower can increase a person's sense of comfort and well-being. And it's also a good time to check their skin for sores or rashes. How often a person bathes can depend on their condition and their wishes. If you can, try to let the person choose when they bathe. To take a shower, the person may need help to step over...
