CDC: About Tuberculosis
KEY POINTS Overview Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium (or germ) called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the United States, the majority of TB disease cases in people are caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Other mycobacteria (such as Mycobacterium bovis) can also cause TB disease in people. TB usually affects the lungs. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such […]
CDC: Reducing Risk for Skin Cancer
KEY POINTS Overview Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays come from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells. To lower your risk of getting skin cancer, you can protect your skin from UV rays from the sun, and avoid artificial sources of UV […]
FDA: Ingesting or Inhaling Nitrite “Poppers” Can Cause Severe Injury or Death
Health care providers are reporting increases in deaths and hospitalizations related to intentional ingestion or inhalation of nitrite products for recreational use, including sexual experience enhancement. Commonly referred to as “poppers,” these products contain chemical substances similar to the prescription medication, amyl nitrite, which is prescribed for the relief of chest pain. However, poppers have […]
CDC: Healthy Eating Tips
It’s easy to feel bombarded by the latest healthy eating trend or buzzworthy ingredient. But good nutrition is really about consistently choosing healthy foods and beverages. With healthy eating patterns, it’s possible to enjoy food and beverages that reflect your preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations. Healthy eating emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein. […]
FDA: Making Sure Kids Are Prepared if They Need Epinephrine Treatments in School
Kids are back to school, which, for many parents, means making sure epinephrine prescription products are available and ready to use when needed—including during the school day. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants to make sure patients, parents, health care providers, school nurses, and pharmacists have the most updated information about the availability of these […]
CDC: Mental Health of People with Disabilities
Adults with disabilities report experiencing frequent mental distress almost 5 times as often as adults without disabilities. Call your doctor if your mental health gets in the way of your daily activities for at least 14 days in a month. December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In the United States, up to 1 in […]
FDA: Bodybuilding Products Can Be Risky
Your buddy at the gym can’t say enough about the bodybuilding products he’s been taking to help build muscle mass and strength. You wonder, are they all safe to use? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found some bodybuilding products may illegally contain steroids or steroid-like substances associated with potentially serious health risks, including liver injury, […]
CDC: Malaria Disease Basics
What you need to know An adult female Anopheles quadrimaculatus, seen here taking a blood meal, is capable of spreading the malaria parasite to humans. About The risk of malaria in the United States is very low. People do not spread malaria to other people, like the common cold or the flu. Also, malaria is not […]
FDA: How to Properly Store E-Liquids and Prevent Accidental Exposure of E-Liquids to Children
Accidental exposure to nicotine-containing e-liquids (the liquid used in “vape” products) can cause injury and even death in children. It’s important to keep these products away from kids and to be prepared in case of accidental ingestion or other emergencies due to unintended exposure. E-liquids, especially those containing even small amounts of nicotine, can be dangerous […]
CDC: Stay Safe After a Tornado
After a tornado, there are many hazards you could face, including injuries from walking among debris or entering damaged buildings. Protecting yourself and your loved ones requires promptly treating any injuries suffered during the storm and using extreme care to avoid further hazards. Learn how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe after a […]