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What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox. Monkeypox was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a […]

Diarrhea and Swimming

You can get sick with diarrhea if you swallow contaminated recreational water—water in pools, hot tubs, water playgrounds, or oceans, lakes, and rivers. In fact, diarrhea is the most common illness reported for outbreaks linked to recreational water. Which germs in recreational water cause diarrhea? You can get diarrhea from germs such as Crypto (short […]

Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions

Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions. Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States and putting them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions. A report from the National […]

Manage Blood Sugar

It’s important to keep your blood sugar levels in your target range as much as possible to help prevent or delay long-term, serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. Staying in your target range can also help improve your energy and mood. Find answers below to common questions about blood […]

Planning for Pregnancy

If you are trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, it is not too early to start getting ready for pregnancy. Preconception health and health care focus on things you can do before and between pregnancies to increase the chances of having a healthy baby. For some women, getting their body […]

Smokeless Tobacco: Health Effects

On This Page Addiction to Smokeless Tobacco Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer Smokeless Tobacco and Oral Disease Reproductive and Developmental Risks Other Risks References Smokeless tobacco is associated with many health problems. Using smokeless tobacco: Can lead to nicotine addiction1,2 Causes cancer of the mouth, esophagus (the passage that connects the throat to the stomach), and […]

Preventing Childhood Obesity: 5 Things You Can Do at Home

Eat the RAINBOW! Move More Slow Down on Sugar Reduce Screen Time Sleep Well About 1 in 5 American children has obesity. Compared to children with healthy weight, children with overweight or obesity are at a higher risk for asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Children with obesity […]

All about borderline diabetes (prediabetes)

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. A person with borderline diabetes, or prediabetes, has blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Borderline diabetes is […]

How to Advocate for Yourself and Your Baby During Delivery

Babies are unpredictable. Knowing your rights can help you better prepare for the unpredictable. After 9 months of nausea, weight gain, back pain, and general discomfort, the day is finally here: delivery day. And, if you’re anything like me, you are more than ready. I was trying to evict my daughter as soon as she […]

2 servings of avocado per week may cut heart disease risk by 16%

Researchers examined the relationship between avocado consumption and cardiovascular events.  They found that eating 2 or more servings of avocado per week is linked to 16% fewer cardiovascular events over a 30-year period. One serving is half an avocado, or 80 grams (g). The researchers conclude that replacing certain fat-containing foods with avocado could lower […]