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Common Colds

Sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold, followed by coughing and sneezing. Most people recover in about 7-10 days. You can help reduce your risk of getting a cold: wash your hands often, avoid close contact with sick people, and don’t touch your face with unwashed hands. Common colds […]

Flu & People with Asthma

Asthma is a lung disease that is caused by chronic inflammation (swelling) of the airways. It is one of the most common long-term diseases among children, but adults can have asthma, too. Asthma attacks occur when the lung airways become swollen and tighten due to airway inflammation. Asthma attacks can be caused by “triggers” such as […]

Chest Cold (Acute Bronchitis)

Cough keeping you up at night? Soreness in your chest and feeling tired? You could have a chest cold. Antibiotics will not help you get better if you have a chest cold (acute bronchitis). If you’re healthy without heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system, this information is for you. What is a […]

Know Your Risk for High Blood Pressure

Risk factors that can increase your risk of high blood pressure include health conditions, your lifestyle, and your family history. Some of the risk factors for high blood pressure cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control. Some medical […]

How to Prevent Flu

Take time to get a flu vaccine. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Flu vaccines help to reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths on the health care system each year. (Read more about flu vaccine benefits.) This season, all flu vaccines […]

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have […]

Dementia Risk Reduction

A recent study revealed that nearly half of adults aged 40 years and older think they will likely develop dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The truth is dementia is not a normal or inevitable part of typical brain aging. It is also important to remember that as we get older, it is common to experience […]

Assessing Your Weight

Physically Inactive People are More Likely to Get Very Sick Obesity and Excess Weight Increase Risk of Severe Illness; Racial and Ethnic Disparities Persist Food Assistance and Food Systems Resources A high amount of body fat can lead to weight-related diseases and other health issues. Being underweight is also a health risk. Body Mass Index […]

Flu Treatment

If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms.  People at higher risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant people, and people with […]

Raw pet foods can make pets and people sick

A healthy diet is important for everyone, even your pets! When picking out the right food for your pet, there are important things to consider. CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets to pets. Germs like Salmonella and Listeria bacteria have been found in raw pet foods, even packaged ones sold in stores. These germs […]