Respiratory conditions Hiccups are simple to explain. The diaphragm (the major muscle which sits like a cap over the stomach) goes into spasms. The vocal cords close rapidly. This causes the “hiccup” sound. Causes * Eating too fast. Swallowing air with the food. * Drinking carbonated beverages. Drinking too much alcohol. * Doing things to […]
Pregnancy & Prenatal Care A blood pressure reading concerns the blood in the arteries. The top number in the reading is the systolic pressure. That’s the pressure when the heart muscle contracts. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure. That’s the pressure when the heart muscle relaxes. An example of a blood pressure reading is
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Sexual Health HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS is acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is caused by HIV. The virus destroys the body’s immune system. This leaves a person unable to fight off diseases. The virus also attacks the central nervous system causing mental problems. One million people in the U.S. have HIV, but
Women’s Health HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS is acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is caused by HIV. The virus destroys the body’s immune system. This leaves a person unable to fight off diseases. The virus also attacks the central nervous system causing mental problems. Signs & Symptoms When first infected with HIV, many
Skin Conditions Hives can be (but aren’t always) an allergic response to something you touched, inhaled, or swallowed. Signs & Symptoms * Red or pink, raised areas on the skin (welts). Each welt can range in size from less than 1/8″ to 8″ or larger in diameter. * Itching * Hives often appear, sometimes in
Mature Health: Over Age 50 Hospice care is for people with a terminal illness. To enter a hospice program (and to receive Medicare benefits), a doctor’s diagnosis is required stating that life expectancy is no more than about 6 months. No efforts are made to prolong life or to hasten death. The patient is kept
Mature Health: Over Age 50 Some people find the upkeep for a house too demanding. Health concerns may not allow some people to meet these demands. Consider other housing options: * Condominium. This is a townhouse or apartment that is privately owned. A fee is charged to cover maintenance of items like the lawn, swimming
Abdominal & Urinary Conditions As you age, your digestive muscles move slower. Your body makes less acid. Other things can hamper the digestive system, too. These include: * Increased use of medicines * Getting less exercise * Changes in eating habits * Dental problems * Loss of muscle tone and elasticity. This could be a
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First Aid Do Prepare for an E.R. Visit If you do need to use a hospital emergency department, follow these steps. Call the E.R. Ahead of Time If there is time, call the E.R. and report: * Who the victim is * What the problem is * What caused the problem * When you think
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Sexual Health Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are ones that pass from one person to another through sexual contact. This can be from vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and from genital-to-genital contact. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Signs & Symptoms In Females and Males Often, there are no visible signs or symptoms. Genital
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