Drink the medicine. Measure the dose of liquid medicine carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. If you do not have one, please ask your pharmacist for help. Take the medicine on an empty stomach. Sit or stand upright for 10 minutes after taking the medicine. Do not lie down. Do not take other...
Why do people sweat? Sweating is your body's way of cooling down and getting rid of some chemicals. Sometimes heavy sweating is normal. You may sweat a lot when you exercise, when you are too hot, or when you are frightened. It's normal for teenagers to sweat more than they did when they were younger. A teen's sweat...
Heavy use of alcohol is defined as more than 2 drinks a day for men and more than 1 drink a day for women. One drink is 12 fl oz (355 mL) of beer, 5 fl oz (148 mL) of wine, or 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of hard liquor. Heavy use of alcohol increases the risk for many health problems.
Bony bumps on the finger joint closest to the fingernail are called Heberden's nodes. Bony bumps on the middle joint of the finger are known as Bouchard's nodes. Bony bumps are also common at the base of the thumb. These bumps do not have a nickname, but the joint is called the CMC or carpometacarpal joint. The name...
An injury to the Achilles tendon ( Achilles tendinopathy) can cause pain and stiffness on and above the back of the heel. Bursitis can also cause pain and swelling at the back or bottom of the heel. To prevent and ease pain during work, play, or daily activities: Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your...
The heel dig bridging exercise works your hamstrings and the muscles around your lower body and hips. Do 8 to 12 repetitions. Do not continue with this exercise if it causes pain. Lie on your back with both knees bent and your ankles bent so that only your heels are digging into the floor. At this point, your knees...
Stand with your feet a few inches apart, with your hands lightly resting on a counter or chair in front of you. Slowly raise your heels 1 to 2 inches off the floor while keeping your knees straight. Hold for about 6 seconds, then slowly lower your heels to the floor. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Stand on the bottom step of a staircase, facing up toward the stairs. Put the balls of your feet on the step. If you are not steady on your feet, hold on to the handrail or wall. Keeping both knees straight, slowly lift your heels above the step so that you are standing on your toes. Then slowly lower your heels below...
Heel raises strengthen the calf muscles. Do 8 to 12 repetitions several times during the day. Stand with your feet a few inches apart, with your hands lightly resting on a counter or chair in front of you. Slowly raise your heels off the floor while keeping your knees straight. Hold for about 6 seconds, then slowly...
Lie on your back with your affected leg straight. Bend your other leg. Slowly bend your affected leg by raising your knee up while sliding your foot toward you. Bend your knee as much as you can. Hold for about 6 seconds. Then slowly slide your foot away, lowering your leg back down. Repeat 8 to 12 times. It's a good...
Heel spurs are small, bony growths on the heel. A spur may develop when the ligament that connects the heel bone to the bones in the toes (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. A person with a heel spur may not be aware of any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include: Pain or tenderness over the weight-bearing...
A person who is choking cannot talk, cough, or breathe, and may turn gray or blue. The Heimlich maneuver can help get the food or object out. WARNING: Do not try the Heimlich maneuver unless you are sure the person is choking. If the person can cough or make sounds, let the person cough to try to get the object out. If...
Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that is a major cause of stomach (gastric) and upper small intestine (duodenal) ulcers. Infection with H. pylori may also increase the risk of stomach cancer. What problems can Helicobacter pylori cause? Helicobacter pylori can cause ulcers by growing in the lining of the...
Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that is a major cause of stomach (gastric) and upper small intestine (duodenal) ulcers. Infection with H. pylori may also increase the risk of stomach cancer. H. pylori bacteria can cause ulcers by growing in the lining of the stomach, producing inflammation and causing the...
Helicobacter pylori tests are used to detect a Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine ( duodenum). H. pylori can cause peptic ulcers. But most people with H. pylori in their digestive systems do not develop ulcers. Four tests are used to detect H. pylori: Blood...
What is HELLP syndrome? HELLP syndrome is a serious liver disorder that can develop during pregnancy. HELLP stands for H emolysis (destruction of red blood cells), E levated L iver enzymes, and L ow P latelet count. HELLP is usually related to preeclampsia. In most cases it happens in the third trimester, but it can...
HELLP syndrome is a serious liver disorder that can develop during pregnancy. HELLP stands for: H emolysis (destruction of red blood cells). E levated L iver enzymes. L ow P latelet count. HELLP syndrome is usually related to preeclampsia. But it can also develop without preeclampsia. In most cases, it happens in the...
If you are angry or hostile or you have violent behavior, it is important to find help. Actions done in moments of anger can be harmful. You can learn ways to manage your feelings and actions. If you are having trouble managing angry feelings, the following resources can help. Behavioral Health Treatment Services...
Most school-age children enjoy new friendships. Making friends and being accepted are important. School is a place where children are put in difficult social situations. At times, parents cringe at the degree to which children try to fit in and are often saddened by their children's many ups and downs. Parents often see...
Teens may start working during the high school years, often starting with a summer job. Work experience can offer many valuable lessons for teens and gives them a sense of independence and accomplishment. They also develop skills they will need to become successful in the adult workforce, such as how to balance time...
Learn about adverse childhood experiences and how to help a child overcome them.
Covers how you can help a family member who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Includes dealing with anger or violent behavior. Looks at how to communicate better.
People in recovery from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may need assistance from family members and friends in a variety of ways. You may help your loved one for several weeks during recovery with a number of tasks, including shopping, cleaning, and driving. You can also help support your loved one in making...
Briefly describes seizures. Lists ways to help someone during and after a seizure. Covers things to watch for during a seizure as well as when to seek medical attention.
Adolescent thinking tends to be focused on the present. But adolescents and teens are rapidly learning new skills related to complex reasoning, inductive and deductive reasoning, sensitivity toward others, flexibility, and problem solving. Remind yourself that it is normal for adolescents to have a sense of being...
Helping your infant feel better Your infant (newborn to 12 months) is less likely to be uncomfortable or upset after getting a shot if he or she is not hungry or tired. You can also help your baby during and after the shot by providing gentle comfort and reassurance. The following strategies may help you. See that your...
Covers why physical activity is important for children with disabilities. Outlines benefits and the barriers that get in the way. Offers tips for motivating children.
The urge to conform to their peers (kids the same age) is a normal stage for kids ranging in age from about 12 to 21. At this stage, children start looking to their peers—not their parents—to help them figure out everything from what clothes to wear to how serious to be about school. The one thing that seems to make all...
If someone you know has a panic attack, they may become very anxious and not think clearly. But there are things you can do to help: Stay with the person and keep calm. Move the person to a quiet place. Ask what the person needs. Speak to the person in short, simple sentences. Be predictable, and avoid surprises. Help...
Positive self-esteem, a supportive family, and positive role models help teens gain confidence to make good choices. Even young children have opinions about substance use. So start early to help your child learn the skills needed to avoid substance use. Be a good role model. As a parent, your attitude toward tobacco...
