para mantener su nivel de glucosa en la sangre dentro de su rango objetivo. También lleve consigo una fuente de carbohidratos de acción rápida, como tabletas de glucosa o una caja de jugo, en caso de que su glucosa en sangre baje demasiado Mantenerse seguro durante la actividad física: Controle su nivel de glucosa en sangre antes y después. Es posible que necesite comer un refrigerio antes de su actividad física Si toma medicamentos para la diabetes, asegúrese de tomarlos correctamente


El clima frío puede afectar al cuerpo en formas diferentes. Usted puede sufrir congelación , una lesión en el cuerpo causada por el congelamiento. Además, el cuerpo puede perder calor más rápido de lo que usted puede producirlo. El resultado es la hipotermia, o una temperatura corporal anormalmente baja. Puede causarle somnolencia, confusión y torpeza en los movimientos. Dado que ocurre en forma gradual y afecta el pensamiento, es posible que no se dé cuenta que necesita ayuda. Esto lo hace especialmente peligrosa. Una temperatura corporal por debajo de 95 °F (35 ºC) constituye una emergencia médica y puede conducir a la muerte si no se trata en forma rápida. Cualquier persona que pase mucho tiempo al aire libre en climas fríos puede tener hipotermia. También puede ocurrir por tener frío y estar mojado, o permanecer en aguas frías durante mucho tiempo. Los bebés y las personas mayores presentan un riesgo especial. Los bebés pueden tenerla por dormir en una habitación fría. Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades


¿Qué es el hipotiroidismo? El hipotiroidismo, o tiroides hipoactiva, ocurre cuando la glándula tiroides no produce suficientes hormonas tiroideas para satisfacer las necesidades del cuerpo. Su tiroides es una pequeña glándula con forma de mariposa ubicada en la parte delantera de su cuello. Produce hormonas que controlan cómo el cuerpo usa la energía. Estas hormonas afectan a casi todos los órganos de su cuerpo y controlan muchas de las funciones más importantes de su cuerpo. Por ejemplo, afectan su respiración, frecuencia cardíaca, peso, digestión y estados de ánimo. Sin suficientes hormonas tiroideas, muchas de las funciones de su cuerpo se vuelven más lentas. Sin embargo, existen tratamientos que pueden ayudar. ¿Qué causa el hipotiroidismo? El hipotiroidismo tiene varias causas. Incluyendo: Enfermedad de Hashimoto: Trastorno autoinmune en el que el sistema inmunitario ataca la tiroides. Es la causa más común Tiroiditis: Inflamación de la tiroides Hipotiroidismo congénito: Hipotiroidismo presente al nacer Extracción quirúrgica de parte o la totalidad de la tiroides Tratamiento de radiación de la tiroides Ciertos medicamentos En casos raros, una enfermedad de la glándula pituitaria o consumir demasiado o muy poco yodo en la dieta ¿Quién está en riesgo de hipotiroidismo? Usted tiene mayor riesgo de hipotiroidismo si: Es mujer Es mayor de 60 años Ha tenido un problema de tiroides anteriormente, como bocio Ha tenido una cirugía para corregir un problema de tiroides Ha recibido radioterapia en la tiroides, el cuello o el tórax Tiene antecedentes familiares de enfermedad de la tiroides Estuvo embarazada o tuvo un bebé en los últimos 6 meses Tiene el síndrome de Turner , un trastorno genético que afecta a las mujeres Tiene anemia perniciosa, en la cual el cuerpo no puede producir suficientes glóbulos rojos sanos porque no tiene suficiente vitamina B12 Tiene el síndrome de Sjögren , enfermedad que causa


bebé en los últimos 6 meses Tiene el síndrome de Turner , un trastorno genético que afecta a las mujeres Tiene anemia perniciosa, en la cual el cuerpo no puede producir suficientes glóbulos rojos sanos porque no tiene suficiente vitamina B12 Tiene el síndrome de Sjögren , enfermedad que causa sequedad en los ojos y la boca Tiene diabetes tipo 1 Tiene artritis reumatoide , enfermedad autoinmune que afecta las articulaciones Tiene lupus , enfermedad autoinmune crónica ¿Cuáles son los síntomas del hipotiroidismo? Los síntomas del hipotiroidismo pueden variar de persona a persona y pueden incluir: Fatiga Aumento de peso Rostro hinchado Problemas para tolerar el frío Dolor articular y muscular Estreñimiento Piel seca Cabello seco y delgado Disminución de la sudoración Períodos menstruales intensos o irregulares Problemas de fertilidad en mujeres Depresión Baja frecuencia cardíaca Bocio, un agrandamiento de la tiroides que puede hacer que su cuello se vea hinchado. A veces puede causar problemas para respirar o tragar Debido a que el hipotiroidismo se desarrolla lentamente, muchas personas no notan síntomas de la enfermedad durante meses o incluso años. ¿Qué otros problemas puede causar el hipotiroidismo? El hipotiroidismo puede contribuir al colesterol alto . En casos raros, el hipotiroidismo no tratado puede causar coma mixedematoso. Esta es una condición en la que las funciones de su cuerpo se ralentizan hasta el punto de poner en peligro la vida. Durante el embarazo, el hipotiroidismo puede causar complicaciones como parto prematuro , presión arterial alta en el embarazo y pérdida del embarazo . También puede retrasar el crecimiento y desarrollo del bebé . ¿Cómo se diagnostica el hipotiroidismo? Para hacer un diagnóstico, su profesional de la salud puede utilizar: Su historia clínica, incluyendo preguntas sobre sus síntomas Un examen físico Pruebas de tiroides, como: Prueba de TSH , T3 ,


del embarazo . También puede retrasar el crecimiento y desarrollo del bebé . ¿Cómo se diagnostica el hipotiroidismo? Para hacer un diagnóstico, su profesional de la salud puede utilizar: Su historia clínica, incluyendo preguntas sobre sus síntomas Un examen físico Pruebas de tiroides, como: Prueba de TSH , T3 , T4 y análisis de sangre de anticuerpos tiroideos Pruebas de imagen como un examen de tiroides, ecografía o prueba de absorción de yodo radioactivo, la que mide la cantidad de yodo radioactivo que su tiroides absorbe de su sangre después de tragar una pequeña cantidad ¿Cuáles son los tratamientos para el hipotiroidismo? El hipotiroidismo se trata con un medicamento para reemplazar la hormona que su propia tiroides no puede producir. Entre 6 a 8 semanas después de comenzar a tomar el medicamento se le realizará un análisis de sangre para verificar el nivel de su hormona tiroidea. Su profesional de la salud ajustará su dosis si es necesario. Cada vez que se ajuste su dosis, se le realizará otro análisis de sangre. Una vez que encuentre la dosis correcta, es probable que en 6 meses se someta a otro análisis de sangre. Después de eso, necesitará la prueba una vez al año. Si toma su medicamento de acuerdo con las instrucciones, debería poder controlar el hipotiroidismo. Nunca debe dejar de tomar su medicamento sin hablar primero con su profesional de la salud. Si tiene la enfermedad de Hashimoto u otros tipos de trastornos autoinmunes de la tiroides, puede ser sensible a los efectos secundarios nocivos del yodo. Hable con su proveedor de atención médica sobre qué alimentos, suplementos y medicamentos debe evitar. Las mujeres necesitan más yodo cuando están embarazadas porque el bebé obtiene yodo de la dieta de la madre. Si está embarazada, hable con su profesional de la


a los efectos secundarios nocivos del yodo. Hable con su proveedor de atención médica sobre qué alimentos, suplementos y medicamentos debe evitar. Las mujeres necesitan más yodo cuando están embarazadas porque el bebé obtiene yodo de la dieta de la madre. Si está embarazada, hable con su profesional de la salud sobre la cantidad de yodo que necesita. NIH: Instituto Nacional de la Diabetes y las Enfermedades Digestivas y Renales


¿Qué es una histerectomía? Una histerectomía es una cirugía para extraer el útero de una mujer. El útero es donde crece el feto durante el embarazo. Una histerectomía trata problemas como sangrado abundante, dolor o cáncer en el útero. Después de una histerectomía usted no volverá a tener períodos menstruales ni podrá quedar embarazada. En ocasiones la cirugía también remueve los ovarios y las trompas de Falopio. Si ambos ovarios son extraídos, por lo general comenzará a presentar síntomas de menopausia . ¿Qué condiciones son tratadas con una histerectomía? Una histerectomía es una cirugía mayor. Su profesional de la salud podría sugerirle otras opciones de tratamiento primero. Estas pueden incluir medicina, terapia hormonal o procedimientos para remover fibromas o detener el sangrado abundante. Algunas veces estas opciones no serán efectivas o la cirugía será la única opción, dependiendo de la condición que deba ser tratada. Su proveedor de servicios de salud puede recomendarle una histerectomía si tiene: Fibromas , si está cerca de o ya pasó la menopausia, tiene fibromas grandes o sangrados muy abundantes Endometriosis que no responde a tratamiento con medicinas o cirugía Prolapso uterino , que puede suceder tras varios partos vaginales, por menopausia o por obesidad. Se refiere a cuando el útero desciende hacia la vagina. Cáncer de útero , cuello uterino , ovario s o del endometrio, que es el revestimiento que recubre al útero Sangrado vaginal que es abundante o inusual y persiste a pesar del tratamiento Dolor pélvico crónico que comienza en el útero. Una histerectomía es un último recurso, ya que no soluciona algunos tipos de dolor pélvico Adenomiosis , que es el engrosamiento de las paredes del útero. Solo se considera la histerectomía si el dolor es intenso y ningún otro tratamiento ha sido efectivo ¿Cuáles son los diferentes tipos de


útero. Una histerectomía es un último recurso, ya que no soluciona algunos tipos de dolor pélvico Adenomiosis , que es el engrosamiento de las paredes del útero. Solo se considera la histerectomía si el dolor es intenso y ningún otro tratamiento ha sido efectivo ¿Cuáles son los diferentes tipos de histerectomías? Su proveedor conversará con usted sobre el tipo de histerectomía que usted necesita, de acuerdo con su condición. Los distintos tipos de cirugías incluyen: La histerectomía total es la más común y se refiere a la remoción de todo el útero, incluido el cuello uterino. Los ovarios y las trompas de Falopio podrían ser removidas o no. Una histerectomía parcial , también llamada subtotal o supracervical, remueve solo la parte superior del útero. El cuello uterino permanece en su sitio y los ovarios podrían removerse o no. Una histerectomía radical remueve todo el útero, el cuello uterino y el tejido que está a ambos lados del cuello uterino y en la parte superior de la vagina. Esta opción se usa con frecuencia para tratar ciertos tipos de cáncer, como el cáncer de cuello uterino (cervical). En este caso las trompas de Falopio y los ovarios podrían ser removidos o no. ¿Qué métodos se utilizan para una histerectomía? Una histerectomía puede realizarse de distintas formas. Su profesional de la salud determinará cuál es el mejor método para usted basado en su salud en general, la razón para la operación y otros factores. Los métodos para realizar una histerectomía incluyen: Histerectomía abdominal , con un corte que se realiza en la parte baja del abdomen. Su proveedor podría recomendar esta opción si usted tiene un útero grande o para revisar si otros órganos pélvicos tienen señales de enfermedad. La recuperación de esta cirugía es más larga comparada con las otras opciones


abdominal , con un corte que se realiza en la parte baja del abdomen. Su proveedor podría recomendar esta opción si usted tiene un útero grande o para revisar si otros órganos pélvicos tienen señales de enfermedad. La recuperación de esta cirugía es más larga comparada con las otras opciones Histerectomía vaginal , a través de un corte pequeño en la vagina. Este procedimiento quizás no sea una opción si tiene fibromas muy grandes Histerectomía laparoscópica , en la que se usa un tubo delgado que tiene luz y una cámara incorporada. Esto ayuda a que su proveedor pueda ver sus órganos pélvicos y realice cortes pequeños en su abdomen o vagina. Este método no está disponible para todo tipo de fibromas uterinos Cirugía robótica , que se realiza con un brazo robótico que es guiado por su proveedor y realiza incisiones pequeñas en su abdomen Después de una histerectomía la recuperación puede tomar entre cuatro y seis semanas, dependiendo del tipo de cirugía a la que se haya sometido. ¿Cuáles son los riesgos de una histerectomía? Como todas las cirugías, una histerectomía tiene riesgos, aunque generalmente los resultados son buenos. Converse con su proveedor sobre los beneficios y riesgos de someterse a la operación. Los riesgos más serios pueden incluir: Sangrado excesivo durante la cirugía Infección Coágulos de sangre Oficina para la Salud de la Mujer en el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los EE. UU.


What is histoplasmosis? Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by a fungus called Histoplasma . This fungus is common in the central and eastern United States, especially around the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. It can also be found in parts of Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. It lives in the environment, especially in soil that contains large amounts of bat or bird droppings (poop). How do you get histoplasmosis? You get histoplasmosis by breathing in Histoplasma fungal spores from the air. It usually happens after you have been doing an activity that disturbs the soil, such as farming, construction, and landscaping. Histoplasmosis is not contagious. This means that you cannot get the infection from another person or an animal. What are the symptoms of histoplasmosis? Most people who breathe in the spores never have any symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually start between 3 and 17 days after you breathe in the spores. The symptoms may include: Fever Cough Fatigue Chills Headache Chest pain Body aches For most people, the symptoms of histoplasmosis will go away within a few weeks to a month. However, some people can have symptoms that last longer, especially if their infection becomes severe. Certain people are more likely to get a severe infection: People who have weakened immune systems , for example from: Having HIV Having had an organ transplant Taking medicines which weaken your immune system, such as chemotherapy and steroids Infants Adults age 55 and over Severe histoplasmosis can develop into a long-term lung infection. It can also spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). This is known as disseminated histoplasmosis. How is histoplasmosis diagnosed? To find out if you have histoplasmosis, your health


can develop into a long-term lung infection. It can also spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). This is known as disseminated histoplasmosis. How is histoplasmosis diagnosed? To find out if you have histoplasmosis, your health care provider: Will ask about your symptoms and your medical and travel history Will do a physical exam Will likely order a blood, urine, or tissue test to look for signs of the fungus May order a chest x-ray or CT scan of the lungs What are the treatments for histoplasmosis? For some people, the symptoms of histoplasmosis will go away without treatment. But you will need treatment if you have severe histoplasmosis in the lungs, chronic histoplasmosis, or an infection that has spread to other parts of the body. That treatment would be with prescription antifungal medicines. In some cases, you may need to take the medicines for 3 months to 1 year. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


¿Qué es la histoplasmosis? La histoplasmosis es una infección causada por un hongo llamado Histoplasma . Este hongo es común en el centro y este de los Estados Unidos, especialmente alrededor de los valles de los ríos Ohio y Mississippi. También se puede encontrar en partes de América Central y del Sur, África, Asia y Australia. Vive en el medio ambiente, especialmente en suelos que contienen grandes cantidades de excrementos de murciélagos o pájaros. ¿Cómo se contrae la histoplasmosis? Se contrae al respirar las esporas del hongo Histoplasma del aire. Por lo general, ocurre después de haber realizado una actividad que altera el suelo, como la agricultura, la construcción y el paisajismo. La histoplasmosis no es contagiosa, es decir, no se contrae la infección de otra persona o animal. ¿Cuáles son los síntomas de la histoplasmosis? La mayoría de las personas que inhalan las esporas nunca presentan síntomas. Si hay síntomas, generalmente comienzan entre 3 y 17 días después de inhalar las esporas. Los síntomas pueden incluir: Fiebre Tos Fatiga Escalofríos Dolor de cabeza Dolor de pecho Dolor corporal Para la mayoría de las personas, los síntomas de la histoplasmosis desaparecen en unas pocas semanas o un mes. Sin embargo, otras pueden tener síntomas que duran más, especialmente si la infección se vuelve grave. Quienes tienen más probabilidades de contraer una infección grave incluyen: Personas con sistemas inmunitarios debilitados , por ejemplo por: Tener VIH Haber tenido un trasplante de órgano Tomar medicamentos que debilitan el sistema inmunitario, como quimioterapia y corticoides Bebés Adultos de 55 años o mayores La histoplasmosis grave puede convertirse en una infección pulmonar a largo plazo. También puede propagarse desde los pulmones a otras partes del cuerpo, como el sistema nervioso central (el cerebro y la médula espinal). Esto se conoce como histoplasmosis diseminada. ¿Cómo


y corticoides Bebés Adultos de 55 años o mayores La histoplasmosis grave puede convertirse en una infección pulmonar a largo plazo. También puede propagarse desde los pulmones a otras partes del cuerpo, como el sistema nervioso central (el cerebro y la médula espinal). Esto se conoce como histoplasmosis diseminada. ¿Cómo se diagnostica la histoplasmosis? Para saber si tiene histoplasmosis, su profesional de la salud médica: Preguntará sobre sus síntomas y su historia clínica y de viajes Realizará un examen físico Probablemente solicitará un análisis de sangre, orina o tejido para buscar signos del hongo Puede solicitar una radiografía de tórax o una tomografía computarizada de los pulmones ¿Cuáles son los tratamientos para la histoplasmosis? Para algunas personas, los síntomas de la histoplasmosis desaparecen sin tratamiento. Pero necesitará tratamiento si tiene histoplasmosis grave en los pulmones, histoplasmosis crónica o una infección que se ha extendido a otras partes del cuerpo. El tratamiento puede consistir en medicamentos antimicóticos recetados. En algunos casos, es posible que necesite tomarlos durante 3 meses a 1 año. Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades


Probablemente ha visto su historia clínica en el consultorio de su médico. De hecho, es posible que tenga varias historias clínicas en varios consultorios médicos. Si ha estado hospitalizado, también tiene una historia allí. Puede ser en papel o electrónico. Para poder seguirle el rastro a toda esta información, es una buena idea llevar sus propios registros de salud. ¿Qué tipo de información podría poner en una historia clínica personal? Podría comenzar con: Su nombre, fecha de nacimiento, tipo de sangre y contacto de emergencia Fecha de su último examen físico Fechas y resultados de las pruebas y estudios Enfermedades más importantes y cirugías, con fechas Una lista de las medicinas que toma, sus dosis y durante cuánto tiempo las ha tomado Cualquier tipo de alergia Cualquier enfermedad crónica Cualquier antecedente de enfermedades en su familia


Su historia familiar incluye la información acerca de su salud y la de sus parientes cercanos. La historia familiar es un factor de riesgo importante para problemas como la insuficiencia cardiaca, derrame cerebral, diabetes y cáncer. Un factor de riesgo es cualquier cosa que aumente sus posibilidades de adquirir una enfermedad. El motivo por el cual la historia familiar puede ayudar a predecir el riesgo es que las familias comparten sus genes, así como otros factores que afectan la salud, como el ambiente, el estilo de vida y los hábitos. Tener un familiar con una enfermedad aumenta su riesgo, pero no significa que la tendrá. Conocer que usted corre este riesgo le da la oportunidad de disminuirlo siguiendo un estilo de vida más sano y sometiéndose a los exámenes necesarios. Puede empezar hablando con sus familiares sobre su salud. Haga un árbol genealógico y agréguele la información de salud. También es útil tener copias de los registros médicos y las actas de defunción. Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades


What is HIV? HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV harms your immune system by destroying a type of white blood cell that helps your body fight infection. This puts you at risk for other infections and diseases. What is AIDS? AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the final stage of infection with HIV. It happens when the body's immune system is badly damaged because of the virus. Not everyone with HIV develops AIDS. How does HIV spread? HIV is spread through certain body fluids from a person who has HIV. This can happen: By having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with a person who has HIV. "Unprotected" means not using condoms or medicine to treat or prevent HIV. This is the most common way that it spreads. By sharing drug needles. Through contact with the blood of a person with HIV. From mother to fetus during pregnancy . From mother to baby during, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Who is at risk for HIV infection? Anyone can get HIV, but certain groups have a higher risk of getting it: People who have another sexually transmitted infection (STI). Having an STI can increase your risk of getting or spreading HIV. People who inject drugs with shared needles. Gay and bisexual men. Black/African Americans and Hispanic/Latino Americans. They make up a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses and people with HIV, compared to other races and ethnicities. People who engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as not using condoms or medicine to prevent or treat HIV. Factors such as stigma, discrimination, income, education, and geographic region can also affect people's risk for HIV. What are the symptoms of HIV? The first signs of HIV infection may be flu-like symptoms: Fever Chills Rash Night sweats (heavy sweating during sleep) Muscle aches Sore


to prevent or treat HIV. Factors such as stigma, discrimination, income, education, and geographic region can also affect people's risk for HIV. What are the symptoms of HIV? The first signs of HIV infection may be flu-like symptoms: Fever Chills Rash Night sweats (heavy sweating during sleep) Muscle aches Sore throat Fatigue Swollen lymph nodes Mouth ulcers These symptoms may come and go within two to four weeks. This stage is called acute HIV infection. If the infection is not treated, it becomes chronic HIV infection. Often, there are no symptoms during this stage. If it is not treated, eventually the virus will weaken your body's immune system. Then the infection will progress to AIDS. This is the late stage of HIV infection. Because your immune system is badly damaged, your body cannot fight off other infections, called opportunistic infections (OIs). OIs are infections that happen more frequently or are more severe in people who have weakened immune systems. Some people may not feel sick during the earlier stages of HIV infection. So the only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested. How do I know if I have HIV? A blood test can tell if you have HIV infection. Your health care provider can do the test, or you can use a home testing kit. You can also use the CDC Testing Locator to find free testing sites. What are the treatments for HIV? There is no cure for HIV infection, but it can be treated with medicines. This is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART can make HIV infection a manageable chronic condition. It also reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others. Most people with HIV live long and healthy lives if they get ART as soon as possible and stay


can be treated with medicines. This is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART can make HIV infection a manageable chronic condition. It also reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others. Most people with HIV live long and healthy lives if they get ART as soon as possible and stay on it. It's also important to take care of yourself. Making sure that you have the support you need, living a healthy lifestyle, and getting regular medical care can help you enjoy a better quality of life . Can HIV infection be prevented? You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading HIV by: Getting tested for HIV. Choosing less risky sexual behaviors. This includes limiting the number of sexual partners you have and using latex condoms every time you have sex. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. Getting tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Not injecting drugs. Talking to your provider about medicines to prevent HIV : PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is for people who don't already have HIV but are at very high risk of getting it. PrEP is daily medicine that can reduce this risk. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is for people who have possibly been exposed to HIV. It is only for emergency situations. PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. NIH: National Institutes of Health


Having HIV/AIDS weakens your body's immune system. It destroys the white blood cells that fight infection. This puts you at risk for opportunistic infections (OIs). OIs are serious infections that take advantage of your weak immune system. These infections are less common and less severe in healthy people. There are many types of OIs: Bacterial infections, including tuberculosis and a serious related disease, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) Viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and hepatitis C Fungal infections, like yeast infections , cryptococcal meningitis, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and histoplasmosis Parasitic infections, such as crypto ( cryptosporidiosis ) and toxo ( toxoplasmosis ) Having HIV/AIDS can make infections harder to treat. People with HIV/AIDS are also more likely to have complications from common illnesses such as the flu. You can help prevent infections by taking your HIV/AIDS medicines . Other things that can help include practicing safe sex, washing your hands well and often, and cooking your food thoroughly.


If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, it's important to get tested for HIV as soon as possible. If you find out that do have HIV , you can start treatment right away to protect your health and the health of your baby. If I have HIV, can I pass it on to my baby during pregnancy? If you are pregnant and have HIV, there is a risk of passing HIV to your baby. It can happen in three ways: During pregnancy During childbirth, especially if it is vaginal childbirth During breastfeeding But having HIV doesn't mean that you can't have children. Treatment with a combination of HIV medicines can help prevent passing HIV to your baby and protect your own health. If I have HIV, how can I prevent giving it to my baby? There are several different steps you can take to help prevent passing HIV to your baby: Taking HIV medicines . HIV medicines reduce the amount of HIV in the body (viral load) to a very low level. The goal is to get your viral load so low that a standard lab test can't detect it. This is called having an "undetectable viral load." Having an undetectable viral load is the best thing you can do to stay healthy and prevent your baby from getting HIV. These medicines will also help protect your health. Most HIV medicines are safe to use during pregnancy. They don't usually raise the risk of birth defects . But it is important to talk with your health care provider about the risks and benefits of the different medicines. Together you can decide which medicines are right for you. Then you need to make sure you take your medicines regularly. If needed, having a cesarean delivery . If your viral


it is important to talk with your health care provider about the risks and benefits of the different medicines. Together you can decide which medicines are right for you. Then you need to make sure you take your medicines regularly. If needed, having a cesarean delivery . If your viral load is not reduced enough by the medicines, having a cesarean delivery (C-Section) can help prevent passing HIV to your baby. Giving HIV medicines to the baby. Your baby will get HIV medicines as soon as possible after birth. The medicines protect your baby from infection from any HIV that passed from you during childbirth. Which medicine your baby gets depends on several factors, including what your viral load was just before you gave birth. Your baby will need to take medicines for 4 to 6 weeks. He or she will get several HIV tests over the first few months. Not breastfeeding. Breast milk can have HIV in it. In the United States, infant formula is safe and readily available. So the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that if you have HIV, you should feed your baby formula instead of breastfeeding. What if I want to get pregnant and my partner has HIV? If you are trying to get pregnant, it's important for your partner to also get tested for HIV. If your partner does have HIV and you do not, talk to your provider about taking PrEP . PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. This means taking medicines to prevent HIV. The PrEP helps to protect both you and your baby from HIV.


What is HIV? HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It harms your immune system by destroying a type of white blood cell that helps your body fight infection. This puts you at risk for other infections and diseases. How does HIV spread? HIV can spread in different ways: By having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with a person who has HIV. "Unprotected" means not using condoms or medicine to treat or prevent HIV. This is the most common way it spreads. Anal sex is the riskiest type of sex for getting or spreading HIV. The rectum's lining is thin and may allow HIV to enter the body during anal sex. During vaginal sex, HIV can enter the body through the delicate tissue that lines the vagina and cervix. Rarely, through oral sex with a person who has HIV. By sharing drug needles. Through contact with the blood of a person who has HIV. From mother to fetus during pregnancy . From mother to baby during childbirth, or breastfeeding. How does HIV affect women differently from men? About one in four people in the United States who have HIV are women. Women who have HIV have some different problems than men: Complications such as Repeated vaginal yeast infections Bacterial vaginosis Severe pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) A higher risk of cervical cancer Menstrual cycle problems A higher risk of osteoporosis A higher risk of heart disease , especially heart attacks Entering menopause younger or having more severe hot flashes Different, sometimes more severe, side effects from the medicines that treat HIV Drug interactions between some HIV medicines and hormonal birth control The risk of giving HIV to their fetus while pregnant The risk of giving HIV to their baby during childbirth or breastfeeding Are there treatments for HIV? There is no cure,


severe, side effects from the medicines that treat HIV Drug interactions between some HIV medicines and hormonal birth control The risk of giving HIV to their fetus while pregnant The risk of giving HIV to their baby during childbirth or breastfeeding Are there treatments for HIV? There is no cure, but there are many medicines to treat both HIV infection and the infections and cancers that come with it. People who get early treatment can live longer and healthier lives .


What is HIV? HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It harms your immune system by destroying CD4 cells. These are a type of white blood cells that fight infection. The loss of these cells makes it hard for your body to fight off infections and certain HIV-related cancers. Without treatment, HIV can gradually destroy the immune system and advance to AIDS. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the final stage of infection with HIV. Not everyone with HIV develops AIDS. What is antiretroviral therapy (ART)? The treatment of HIV with medicines is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). It involves taking a combination of medicines every day. ART is recommended for everyone who has HIV. The medicines do not cure HIV infection, but help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. They also reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. How do HIV medicines work? HIV medicines reduce the amount of HIV (viral load) in your body, which helps by: Giving your immune system a chance to recover. Even though there is still some HIV in your body, your immune system should be strong enough to fight off infections and certain HIV-related cancers. Reducing the risk that you will spread HIV to others. What are the types of HIV medicines? There are many different types (called classes) of HIV medicines. Some work by blocking or changing enzymes that HIV needs to make copies of itself. This prevents HIV from copying itself, which reduces the amount of HIV in the body. Several types of medicines do this: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) block an enzyme called reverse transcriptase Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) bind to and later change reverse transcriptase Integrase inhibitors , also called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), block an enzyme called integrase Protease inhibitors (PIs) block


the body. Several types of medicines do this: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) block an enzyme called reverse transcriptase Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) bind to and later change reverse transcriptase Integrase inhibitors , also called integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), block an enzyme called integrase Protease inhibitors (PIs) block an enzyme called protease Some types of HIV medicines interfere with HIV's ability to infect CD4 immune system cells: Fusion inhibitors block HIV from entering the cells CCR5 antagonists and post-attachment inhibitors block different molecules on the CD4 cells. To infect a cell, HIV has to bind to two types of molecules on the cell's surface. Blocking either of these molecules prevents HIV from entering the cells. Attachment inhibitors bind to a specific protein on the outer surface of HIV. This prevents HIV from entering the cell. Pharmacokinetic enhancers are another type of medicine. They are sometimes taken along with certain other HIV medicines. Pharmacokinetic enhancers increase the effectiveness of the other medicine. They work by slowing the breakdown of the other medicine. This allows that medicine to stay in the body longer at a higher concentration. There are also multidrug combinations , which include a combination of two or more different types of HIV medicines. When do I need to start taking HIV medicines? It's important to start taking HIV medicines as soon as possible after your diagnosis, especially if you: Are pregnant Have AIDS Have certain HIV-related illnesses and infections Have an early HIV infection (the first 6 months after infection with HIV) What else do I need to know about taking HIV medicines? You and your health care provider will work together to come up with a personal treatment plan. This plan will be based on many factors, including: The possible side effects of HIV medicines Potential


months after infection with HIV) What else do I need to know about taking HIV medicines? You and your health care provider will work together to come up with a personal treatment plan. This plan will be based on many factors, including: The possible side effects of HIV medicines Potential drug interactions with any other medicines you take How many medicines you will need to take every day Any other health problems you may have It's important to take your medicines every day, according to the instructions from your provider. If you miss doses or don't follow a regular schedule, your treatment may not work, and the HIV virus may become resistant to the medicines. HIV medicines can cause side effects. Most of these side effects are manageable, but a few can be serious. Tell your provider about any side effects that you are having. Don't stop taking your medicine without first talking to your provider. There may be steps you can take to help manage the side effects. In some cases, your provider may decide to change your medicines. What are HIV PrEP and PEP medicines? HIV medicines are not just used for treatment. Some people take them to prevent HIV . PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is for people who don't already have HIV but are at very high risk of getting it. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is for people who have possibly been exposed to HIV. NIH: Office of AIDS Research


What are PrEP and PEP? PrEP and PEP are medicines to prevent HIV . Each type is used in a different situation: PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is for people who don't already have HIV but are at risk of getting it. PrEP is medicine that can reduce this risk. You can take it as a pill every day or as an injection every two or six months. With PrEP, if you do get exposed to HIV, the medicine can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is for people who have possibly been exposed to HIV. It is only for emergency situations. PEP must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) Who should consider taking PrEP? PrEP can help protect you if you don't have HIV and any of these applies to you: You have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and: Have a sexual partner with HIV, Have not consistently used a condom, OR Have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months You inject drugs and: Share needles or other equipment to inject drugs OR Have an injection partner with HIV You have been prescribed PEP and: Continue engaging in high-risk behaviors OR Have used multiple courses of PEP If you have a partner who is HIV-positive and are considering getting pregnant, talk to your health care provider about PrEP. Taking it may help protect you and your fetus or baby from getting an HIV infection while you try to get pregnant, during pregnancy , or while breastfeeding. How well does PrEP work? PrEP is very effective when you take it consistently. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex


it may help protect you and your fetus or baby from getting an HIV infection while you try to get pregnant, during pregnancy , or while breastfeeding. How well does PrEP work? PrEP is very effective when you take it consistently. It reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%. In people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk of HIV by at least 74%. PrEP is much less effective if you do not take it consistently. PrEP does not protect against other STIs, so you should still use latex condoms every time you have sex. If your or your partner is allergic to latex , you can use polyurethane condoms. You must have an HIV test every 3 months while taking PrEP, so you'll have regular follow-up visits with your provider. If you are having trouble taking PrEP every day or if you want to stop taking PrEP, talk to your provider. Does PrEP cause side effects? Some people taking PrEP may have side effects, like nausea. The side effects are usually not serious and often get better over time. If you are taking PrEP, tell your provider if you have a side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) Who should consider taking PEP? If you are HIV-negative and you think you may have been recently exposed to HIV, contact your health care provider immediately or go to an emergency room right away. You may be prescribed PEP if you are HIV negative or don't know your HIV status, and in the last 72 hours you may have been exposed to HIV: During sex, for example if a condom broke during sex with someone who could have HIV, Through the sharing of needles or drug preparation equipment Through sexual


you are HIV negative or don't know your HIV status, and in the last 72 hours you may have been exposed to HIV: During sex, for example if a condom broke during sex with someone who could have HIV, Through the sharing of needles or drug preparation equipment Through sexual assault Your provider or emergency room doctor will help to decide whether PEP is right for you. PEP may also be given to a health care worker after a possible exposure to HIV at work, for example, from a needlestick injury. When should I start PEP and how long do I need to take it? PEP must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV. The sooner you start it, the better; every hour counts. You need to take the PEP medicines every day for 28 days. You will have to see your provider at certain times during and after taking the PEP, so you can have an HIV screening test and other testing. Does PEP cause side effects? Some people taking PEP may have side effects, like nausea. The side effects are usually not serious and often get better over time. If you are taking PEP, tell your provider if you have a side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. PEP medicines may also interact with other medicines that a person is taking (called a drug interaction ). So it's important to tell your provider about any other medicines that you take. Can I take PEP every time I have unprotected sex? PEP is only for emergency situations. It is not the right choice for people who may be exposed to HIV frequently - for example, if you often have sex without a condom with a partner who is HIV-positive.


you take. Can I take PEP every time I have unprotected sex? PEP is only for emergency situations. It is not the right choice for people who may be exposed to HIV frequently - for example, if you often have sex without a condom with a partner who is HIV-positive. In that case, you should talk to your health care provider about whether PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) would be right for you.


Hives are red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin. An allergic reaction to a drug or food usually causes them. Allergic reactions cause your body to release chemicals that can make your skin swell up in hives. People who have other allergies are more likely to get hives than other people. Other causes include infections and stress. Hives are very common. They usually go away on their own, but if you have a serious case, you might need medicine or a shot. In rare cases, hives can cause a dangerous swelling in your airways, making it hard to breathe - which is a medical emergency.


What is Hodgkin lymphoma? Hodgkin lymphoma, also called Hodgkin disease, is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system. Your lymph system is part of your immune system . It helps protect your body from infection and disease. The lymph system is made up of tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells. It includes your: Bone marrow Lymph nodes Lymphatic vessels Spleen Thymus Tonsils Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the main types of lymphoma . The other is non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Each type starts in different types of white blood cells. What causes Hodgkin lymphoma? The cause of Hodgkin lymphoma is unknown. But there are certain people who are at higher risk of developing it. Who is more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma? Certain factors can make you more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma: Age. Hodgkin lymphoma is most common in early adulthood (age 20-39 years) and in late adulthood (age 65 years and older). Being male. The risk of adult Hodgkin lymphoma is slightly higher in males than in females. Past Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Having an infection with EBV as a young child or teenager increases your risk of Hodgkin lymphoma. A family history of Hodgkin lymphoma. Having a parent or sibling with Hodgkin lymphoma increases your risk of developing it. What are the symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma? The signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma may include: Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin Fever for no known reason Drenching night sweats (very heavy sweating during sleep) Weight loss for no known reason in the past 6 months Itchy skin, especially after bathing or drinking alcohol Fatigue How is Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed? To find out if you have Hodgkin lymphoma, your provider: Will ask about your symptoms and medical history.


night sweats (very heavy sweating during sleep) Weight loss for no known reason in the past 6 months Itchy skin, especially after bathing or drinking alcohol Fatigue How is Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed? To find out if you have Hodgkin lymphoma, your provider: Will ask about your symptoms and medical history. This will include checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. May order some lab tests, such as: Complete blood count Blood chemistry studies Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test Blood tests to rule out other medical conditions May do imaging tests such as a CT and PET (positron emission tomography) scans May do a lymph node biopsy What are the treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma? Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma include: Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells Cancer immunotherapy Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured if it is found and treated early. NIH: National Cancer Institute


¿Qué es un hombro dislocado? La articulación del hombro está formada por tres huesos: la clavícula, el omóplato y el húmero (el hueso superior del brazo). La parte superior del húmero tiene forma de bola. Esta bola va adentro del hueco que forma el omóplato. Una dislocación del hombro es una lesión que ocurre cuando la bola se sale de su sitio. Una dislocación puede ser parcial, cuando la bola sale en parte fuera de la cavidad; o puede ser una dislocación total, cuando la bola sale completamente de su sitio. ¿Qué causa un hombro dislocado? Su hombro es la articulación con el mayor rango de movimiento de su cuerpo. También es la articulación que sufre más dislocaciones. Las causas más comunes de dislocaciones del hombro son: Lesiones deportivas Accidentes, incluidos los accidentes de tráfico Caerse sobre su hombro o brazo extendido Convulsiones y descargas eléctricas, que pueden causar contracciones musculares que sacan el brazo de su lugar ¿Quién está en riesgo de tener un hombro dislocado? Cualquiera puede sufrir una dislocación del hombro, pero son más comunes en hombres jóvenes, en quienes hacen más deportes o realizan otras actividades físicas. Las personas mayores, especialmente las mujeres, también corren un mayor riesgo porque es más probable que sufran caídas. ¿Cuáles son los síntomas de un hombro dislocado? Los síntomas de la dislocación del hombro incluyen: Dolor severo de hombro Hinchazón y moretones en el hombro o la parte superior del brazo Entumecimiento y/o debilidad en su brazo, cuello, mano o dedos Problemas para mover su brazo Su brazo parece estar fuera de lugar Espasmos musculares en su hombro Si tiene estos síntomas, busque tratamiento médico de inmediato. ¿Cómo se diagnostica un hombro dislocado? Para hacer un diagnóstico, su proveedor de atención médica le preguntará su historia médica y examinará su


dedos Problemas para mover su brazo Su brazo parece estar fuera de lugar Espasmos musculares en su hombro Si tiene estos síntomas, busque tratamiento médico de inmediato. ¿Cómo se diagnostica un hombro dislocado? Para hacer un diagnóstico, su proveedor de atención médica le preguntará su historia médica y examinará su hombro. Su proveedor también puede pedirle que se haga una radiografía para confirmar el diagnóstico. ¿Cuál es el tratamiento para un hombro dislocado? En general, el tratamiento para la dislocación del hombro incluye tres pasos: El primer paso es una reducción cerrada , en donde su proveedor de atención médica vuelve a colocar la bola de su brazo superior en la cavidad del hombro. Antes de este procedimiento, le pueden dar medicamentos para aliviar el dolor y relajar los músculos del hombro. Una vez que la articulación está nuevamente en su lugar, el dolor fuerte debe terminar El segundo paso es usar un cabestrillo u otro dispositivo para mantener el hombro en su lugar. Lo usará durante algunos días o varias semanas El tercer paso es la rehabilitación , una vez que el dolor y la inflamación terminen. Le darán ejercicios para mejorar su rango de movimiento y fortalecer los músculos Puede necesitar cirugía si lesiona los tejidos o los nervios alrededor del hombro o si tiene luxaciones repetidas. Una dislocación puede hacer que su hombro sea inestable. Cuando es así, pude dislocarse más fácilmente. Esto significa que hay un mayor riesgo de que vuelva a ocurrir. Su proveedor de atención médica puede pedirle que continúe haciendo algunos ejercicios para evitar otra dislocación.


Home care is care that allows a person with special needs to stay in their home. It might be for people who are getting older (aging in place). It could also be for people who are chronically ill, recovering from surgery, or  have a disability . Home care services include: Personal care, such as help with bathing, washing your hair, or getting dressed Household chores, such as cleaning, yard work, and laundry Cooking for you in your home or delivering meals to you Money management, such as help filling out forms and making sure that your bills are paid on time Health care, such as having a home health aide come to your home or getting care from your provider through telehealth You can get almost any type of help you want in your home. You have to pay for many of them. But some types of care and community services are free or donated. Sometimes government programs or your health insurance will help cover the cost of certain home care services. NIH: National Institute on Aging


What are the causes of homelessness? Each night, hundreds of thousands of people experience homelessness in the United States. Some of these people experience chronic homelessness, while others have temporarily lost their shelter. The reasons why they are homelessness are complex. They can include a combination of factors such as: Poverty Unemployment Lack of affordable housing Mental and substance use disorders Trauma and violence Intimate partner violence Justice-system involvement Sudden serious illness Divorce Death of a partner or parent Disabilities What is the link between homelessness and health? Poor health can contribute to homelessness. And being homeless can contribute to poor health. Many of the problems that people experiencing homelessness face can make their health worse, including: Limited access to health care Problems getting enough food Trouble staying safe Violence Stress Unsanitary living conditions Exposure to severe weather What are some of the common health problems that people experiencing homelessness have? Some of the common health problems that people experiencing homelessness may have include: HIV Lung diseases , including bronchitis , tuberculosis , and pneumonia Malnutrition Mental health problems Substance use problems Wounds and skin infections Many people experiencing homelessness are dealing with trauma. They may have been abused or assaulted. This includes children, who are at risk for emotional and behavioral problems . Contact your local homelessness assistance agency to get the help you need, such as access to shelters, health centers, and free meals.


Las hormonas son los mensajeros químicos del cuerpo. Viajan a través del torrente sanguíneo hacia los tejidos y órganos. Surten su efecto lentamente y, con el tiempo, afectan muchos procesos distintos, incluyendo: Crecimiento y desarrollo Metabolismo: cómo el cuerpo obtiene la energía de los alimentos que usted consume Función sexual Reproducción Estado de ánimo Las glándulas endocrinas, que son grupos especiales de células, producen las hormonas. Las principales glándulas endocrinas son la pituitaria, la glándula pineal, el timo, la tiroides, las glándulas suprarrenales y el páncreas. Además de lo anterior, los hombres producen hormonas en los testículos y las mujeres en los ovarios. Las hormonas son potentes. Se necesita solamente una cantidad mínima para provocar grandes cambios en las células o inclusive en todo el cuerpo. Es por ello que el exceso o la falta de una hormona específica puede ser serio. Las pruebas de laboratorio pueden medir los niveles hormonales con análisis de la sangre, la orina o la saliva. Su médico puede indicar estos exámenes si tiene síntomas de un trastorno hormonal . Las pruebas caseras de embarazo son similares - evalúan las hormonas del embarazo en la orina.


Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her period stops. It is a normal part of aging. In the years before and during menopause, the levels of female hormones can go up and down. This can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, pain during sex, and vaginal dryness. For some women, the symptoms are mild, and they go away on their own. Other women take hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called menopausal hormone therapy, to relieve these symptoms. HRT may also protect against osteoporosis . HRT is not for everyone. You should not use HRT if you: Think that you are pregnant Have problems with vaginal bleeding Have had certain kinds of cancers Have had a stroke or heart attack Have had blood clots Have liver disease There are different types of HRT. Some have only one hormone, while others have two. Most are pills that you take every day, but there are also skin patches, vaginal creams, gels, and rings. Taking HRT has some risks. For some women, hormone therapy may increase their chances of getting blood clots , heart attacks , strokes , breast cancer , and gallbladder disease . Certain types of HRT have a higher risk, and each woman's own risks can vary, depending upon her medical history and lifestyle. You and your health care provider need to discuss the risks and benefits for you. If you do decide to take HRT, it should be the lowest dose that helps and for the shortest time needed. You should check if you still need to take HRT every 3-6 months. Food and Drug Administration


Hormones are your body's chemical messengers. They travel in your bloodstream to tissues or organs. They work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including: Growth and development Metabolism - how your body gets energy from the foods you eat Sexual function Reproduction Mood Endocrine glands, which are special groups of cells, make hormones. The major endocrine glands are the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas. In addition, men produce hormones in their testes and women produce them in their ovaries. Hormones are powerful. It takes only a tiny amount to cause big changes in cells or even your whole body. That is why too much or too little of a certain hormone can be serious. Laboratory tests can measure the hormone levels in your blood, urine, or saliva. Your health care provider may perform these tests if you have symptoms of a hormone disorder . Home pregnancy tests are similar - they test for pregnancy hormones in your urine.


Hospice care is end-of-life care. A team of health care professionals and volunteers provides it. They give medical, psychological, and spiritual support. The goal of the care is to help people who are dying have peace, comfort, and dignity. The caregivers try to control pain and other symptoms so a person can remain as alert and comfortable as possible. Hospice programs also provide services to support a patient's family. Usually, a hospice patient is expected to live 6 months or less. Hospice care can take place: At home At a hospice center In a hospital In a skilled nursing facility NIH: National Cancer Institute


The products you use for cleaning, carpentry, auto repair, gardening, and many other household uses can contain ingredients that can harm you, your family, and the environment. These include : Oven and drain cleaners Cleaning and disinfecting products , including bleach and antibacterial cleaners Laundry powder Floor polish Paint thinners, strippers, and removers Pesticides Grease and rust removers Motor oil and fuel additives Arts and crafts supplies Toxic substances in these products can cause harm if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. People respond to toxic substances in different ways. At high doses, a toxic substance might cause birth defects or other serious problems, including brain damage or death. To avoid problems, keep products in the containers they come in and use them exactly as the label says. Follow label directions or get medical help if you swallow or inhale them or get them on your skin. Environmental Protection Agency


Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. It has many benefits . It can improve your overall health and fitness and reduce your risk for many chronic diseases. To get the most benefit, here's how much physical activity you should get: For adults Get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week. Or you could do a combination of the two: Try to spread your physical activity out over several days of the week. That's better than trying to do it all in one or two days. Some days you may not have long blocks of time to do physical activity. You can start slowly and break your exercise time into chunks. Even small amounts of exercise can be helpful. Aerobic activities include walking fast, jogging, swimming, and biking. Moderate intensity means that while you are doing that activity you should be able to say a few words in a row but not sing. Vigorous intensity means that while you are doing that activity, you won't be able to say more than a few words without stopping for a breath. Also, do strengthening activities two or more days per week: Strengthening activities include lifting weights, working with exercise bands, and doing sit-ups and pushups. Choose activities that work all parts of your body your legs, hips, back, chest, stomach, shoulders, and arms. For each exercise, try repeating the movement 8 to 12 times. As you get stronger, work up to doing 2 or 3 rounds of each exercise for the best results. If you are an older adult , you may also benefit from a combination of activities that include aerobic exercises, strength or resistance training, and balance training. Balance training


12 times. As you get stronger, work up to doing 2 or 3 rounds of each exercise for the best results. If you are an older adult , you may also benefit from a combination of activities that include aerobic exercises, strength or resistance training, and balance training. Balance training such as walking heel-to-toe or standing on one leg may help improve stability and prevent falls. Before you start exercising, check with your health care provider to determine the best type or amount of activity for you based on your fitness level and health. For preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) Preschool children should be physically active throughout the day, to help with their growth and development: They should get both structured and unstructured active play. Structured play has a goal and is directed by an adult. Examples include playing a sport or a game. Unstructured play is creative free play, such as playing on a playground. Encourage active play with a variety of activities. For children and teens Get 60 minutes or more of physical activity every day. Most of it should be moderate-intensity aerobic activity: Activities should vary and be a good fit for the child's age and physical development Moderate-intensity aerobic activities include walking, running, skipping, playing on the playground, playing basketball, and biking As part of the 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity, try to do each of these at least 3 days a week: vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening activity, and bone-strengthening activity: Vigorous-intensity aerobic activities include running, jumping jacks, and fast swimming Muscle-strengthening activities include playing on playground equipment, playing tug-of-war, and doing pushups and pull-ups Bone-strengthening activities include hopping, skipping, jumping jacks, playing volleyball, and working with resistance bands Older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health problems Older adults, pregnant women ,


include running, jumping jacks, and fast swimming Muscle-strengthening activities include playing on playground equipment, playing tug-of-war, and doing pushups and pull-ups Bone-strengthening activities include hopping, skipping, jumping jacks, playing volleyball, and working with resistance bands Older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health problems Older adults, pregnant women , and people who have disabilities or special health needs should check with their provider on how much physical activity they should get and what types of activities they should do. Exercise tips People who are trying to lose weight may need to get more physical activity. They also need to adjust their diet, so they are burning more calories than they eat and drink. If you have been inactive , you may need to start exercising slowly. You can keep adding more gradually. The more you can do, the better. But try not to feel overwhelmed and do what you can. Getting some physical activity is always better than getting none. Even small increases in exercise can benefit your health. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute


What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress , relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and the teen years through adulthood and older age . Why is mental health important? Good mental health can help you: Cope with stress Be physically healthy Have good relationships Make meaningful contributions to your community Work productively Realize your full potential How can I improve my mental health? There are many ways to take care of your mental health, including: Staying positive , which is the habit of seeing the good in situations and expecting things to work out well. Some ways to build a positive outlook include: Finding balance between positive and negative emotions. Staying positive doesn't mean that you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. These emotions can help you deal with problems. But you don't want those emotions to take over. For example, it's not helpful to dwell on bad memories or worry too much about the future. Trying to hold on to good feelings when you have them. Limiting exposure to negative information. For example, take breaks from the news or social media if they make you feel upset. Use social media to connect, not to get into arguments, or negatively compare your life to others. Practicing gratitude , which means being thankful for the good things in your life. It's helpful to do this every day, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it down in a journal. These can be big things, such as the support you have from loved ones, or little things,


means being thankful for the good things in your life. It's helpful to do this every day, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it down in a journal. These can be big things, such as the support you have from loved ones, or little things, such as enjoying a nice meal. Practicing gratitude can help you notice moments when you have positive emotions, even during stressful times. Taking care of your physical health , since your physical and mental health are connected. Some ways to take care of your physical health include: Being physically active . Exercise reduces feelings of stress and depression and improves your mood. Getting enough sleep . Sleep affects your mood. If you don't sleep well, you may become more easily annoyed and angry. Over the long term, a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. So, it's important to make sure that you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night. Healthy eating . Good nutrition may help you feel better physically, improve your mood and decrease anxiety and stress. Also, not having enough of certain nutrients may contribute to some mental illnesses. For example, there may be a link between low levels of vitamin B12 and depression. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you get enough of the nutrients you need. Connecting with others , since strong, healthy relationships may help protect you against stress. It is also good to have different types of connections. Besides connecting with family and friends, you could find ways to get involved with your community or neighborhood. For example, you could volunteer for a local organization or join a group that is focused on a hobby you enjoy. Developing a sense of meaning and


have different types of connections. Besides connecting with family and friends, you could find ways to get involved with your community or neighborhood. For example, you could volunteer for a local organization or join a group that is focused on a hobby you enjoy. Developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life , which could be through your job, volunteering, learning new skills, or exploring your spirituality. Having a sense of purpose supports long-term emotional health. Developing coping skills , which are methods you use to deal with stressful situations. They may help you be flexible, face a difficult problem, and not easily give up until you solve it. Meditation , which is a mind and body practice where you learn to focus your attention and awareness. There are many types, including mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation. Meditation usually involves: A quiet location with as few distractions as possible. A comfortable position. This could be sitting, lying down, walking, or another position. A focus of attention, such as a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or your breath. An open attitude, where you try to let your thoughts come and go without judging them. Relaxation techniques are practices you do to produce your body's natural relaxation response. This response slows down your breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces muscle tension and stress. Types of relaxation techniques include: Progressive relaxation , where you tighten and relax different muscle groups, sometimes while using mental imagery or breathing exercises. Guided imagery , where you focus on positive images in your mind to help you feel more relaxed and focused. Biofeedback , where you use electronic devices to learn to control certain body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension. Self-hypnosis , where the practice of using


exercises. Guided imagery , where you focus on positive images in your mind to help you feel more relaxed and focused. Biofeedback , where you use electronic devices to learn to control certain body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension. Self-hypnosis , where the practice of using a specific word, image, or cue can help you enter a relaxed, focused state that shapes your thoughts and behaviors in positive ways. Deep breathing exercises , which involve focusing on taking slow, deep, even breaths to calm your body and mind. It's also important to recognize when you need to get help. Talk therapy and/or medicines can treat many mental disorders . Start by talking with your health care provider for advice on where to get care.


What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much of it in your blood, it can stick to the walls of your arteries and narrow or even block them. This puts you at risk for coronary artery disease and other heart diseases . Cholesterol is made by your liver. It travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. One type of lipoprotein, LDL , is sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol. A high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. Another type, HDL , is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Then your liver removes the cholesterol from your body. There are steps that you can take to lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise your HDL (good) cholesterol. By keeping your cholesterol levels in range , you can lower your risk of heart diseases . What are the main treatments for high cholesterol? The main treatments for high cholesterol are lifestyle changes and medicines. Lifestyle changes to lower cholesterol Heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can help you lower or control your cholesterol include: Heart-healthy eating. A heart-healthy eating plan limits the amount of saturated and trans fats that you eat. It recommends that you eat and drink only enough calories to stay at a healthy weight and avoid weight gain. It also encourages you to choose a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Examples of eating plans that can lower your cholesterol include the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet and the DASH eating plan . Aiming for a healthy weight . If you are overweight or have


encourages you to choose a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Examples of eating plans that can lower your cholesterol include the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet and the DASH eating plan . Aiming for a healthy weight . If you are overweight or have obesity , losing weight can help lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol. This is especially important for people with metabolic syndrome . Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that together raise your risk of heart diseases and other health problems. Getting regular physical activity . Studies have shown that physical activity can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and raise your HDL cholesterol. Before you start an exercise program, ask your health care provider what level of physical activity is right for you. Managing stress . Research has shown that chronic stress can sometimes raise your LDL cholesterol and lower your HDL cholesterol. Quitting smoking . Quitting smoking can raise your HDL cholesterol. Since HDL helps to remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries, having more HDL can help to lower your LDL cholesterol. Getting enough good-quality sleep . Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night lowers your risk of high LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Medicines to lower cholesterol For some people, making lifestyle changes alone does not their lower cholesterol enough. They may also need to take cholesterol medicines . There are several types. They work in different ways and can have different side effects . If your provider recommends that you take cholesterol medicines, ask them which medicine would be right for you. Even if you take medicines to lower your cholesterol, you still need to continue with lifestyle changes. What are some other possible treatments for high cholesterol? Some other possible


side effects . If your provider recommends that you take cholesterol medicines, ask them which medicine would be right for you. Even if you take medicines to lower your cholesterol, you still need to continue with lifestyle changes. What are some other possible treatments for high cholesterol? Some other possible treatments for high cholesterol may include: Lipoprotein apheresis to lower cholesterol Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition that causes very high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Some people who have FH may get a treatment called lipoprotein apheresis. This treatment uses a filtering machine to remove LDL cholesterol from your blood. Then the machine returns the rest of your blood back to your body. Supplements to lower cholesterol Many companies sell supplements that they say can lower cholesterol. For many of these supplements, there isn't enough evidence to show that they can lower cholesterol levels. But for some supplements, research has found that they have cholesterol-lowering effects. For example: Plant stanols and sterols supplements, when taken with meals, can reduce cholesterol levels. Some soy products have a small cholesterol-lowering effect. But research has found that eating soy foods gives you more of a benefit than taking supplements. Whole flaxseed and flaxseed lignans may help to lower cholesterol levels. However, flaxseed oil does not. Garlic supplements may lower cholesterol levels, but the effect is small when compared to the effects of cholesterol medicines. Supplements may cause side effects and interactions with medicines. Always check with your provider before you take any supplements.


What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much of it in your blood, it can stick to the walls of your arteries and narrow or even block them. This puts you at risk for coronary artery disease and other heart diseases . Cholesterol is made by your liver. It travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. One type of lipoprotein, LDL , is sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol. A high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. Another type, HDL , is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Then your liver removes the cholesterol from your body. What are the treatments for high cholesterol? The main treatments for high cholesterol are heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medicines . The lifestyle changes include healthy eating, weight management, and regular physical activity. How can I lower cholesterol with diet? Heart-healthy lifestyle changes include a diet to lower your cholesterol. The DASH eating plan is one example. Another is the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, which recommends that you: Choose healthier fats. You should limit both total fat and saturated fat. No more than 25 to 35% of your daily calories should come from dietary fats , and less than 7% of your daily calories should come from saturated fat. Depending upon how many calories you eat per day, here are the maximum amounts of saturated fats that you should eat: Calories per Day Saturated Fat 1,200 8 grams 1,500 10 grams 2,000 13 grams 2,500 17 grams Saturated fat is a bad fat because it raises your LDL (bad cholesterol) level more


many calories you eat per day, here are the maximum amounts of saturated fats that you should eat: Calories per Day Saturated Fat 1,200 8 grams 1,500 10 grams 2,000 13 grams 2,500 17 grams Saturated fat is a bad fat because it raises your LDL (bad cholesterol) level more than anything else in your diet. It is found in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, and deep-fried and processed foods. Instead of saturated fats, switch to foods with healthier fats, such as lean meat, nuts, and unsaturated oils like canola, olive, and safflower oils. Limit foods with cholesterol. If you are trying to lower your cholesterol, you should have less than 200 mg a day of cholesterol. Cholesterol is in foods from animals, such as liver and other organ meats, egg yolks, shrimp, and whole milk dairy products. Eat plenty of soluble fiber . Soluble fiber helps prevent your digestive tract from absorbing cholesterol. You should try to get 10 to 25 grams of it per day. Foods that are high in soluble fiber include: Whole-grain cereals such as oatmeal and oat bran Fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, pears, and prunes Legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and lima beans Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They are important sources of vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients. Increase plant stanols and sterols in your diet. These are substances that also help prevent your digestive tract from absorbing cholesterol. You should try to get 2 grams of them per day. They can be found in whole grains, nuts, legumes, and oils, such as olive oil and avocado oil. They are also added to some foods, such as certain types of orange juice, margarine, and bread. Eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These special


of them per day. They can be found in whole grains, nuts, legumes, and oils, such as olive oil and avocado oil. They are also added to some foods, such as certain types of orange juice, margarine, and bread. Eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These special fats can lower LDL and triglyceride levels. They can also help control blood pressure and may lower your risk of heart rhythm problems . If you have heart disease, they may lower your risk of heart attack . Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in: Fish such as salmon, tuna (canned or fresh), and mackerel. Most people should try to eat these fish two times a week. But if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid fish that could be high in mercury , such as mackerel. Plant sources such as walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, and canola and soybean oils. But they have smaller amounts of omega-3 acids than the fish sources. Fortified foods, such as certain brands of eggs, yogurt, juices, milk, soy beverages, and infant formulas. Limit salt. You should try to limit the amount of sodium (salt) that you eat to no more than 2,300 milligrams (about 1 teaspoon of salt) a day. That includes all the sodium you eat, whether it's added in cooking, used at the table, or already present in food products. Limiting salt won't lower your cholesterol, but it can lower your risk of heart diseases by helping to lower your blood pressure . You can reduce your sodium by instead choosing low-salt and "no added salt" foods and seasonings at the table or while cooking. Limit alcohol . Alcohol adds extra calories, which can lead to weight gain. Being overweight can raise your LDL level and lower your HDL level. Too


pressure . You can reduce your sodium by instead choosing low-salt and "no added salt" foods and seasonings at the table or while cooking. Limit alcohol . Alcohol adds extra calories, which can lead to weight gain. Being overweight can raise your LDL level and lower your HDL level. Too much alcohol can also increase your risk of heart diseases because it can raise your blood pressure and triglyceride level. It's best not to drink, but if you do: Have no more than 2 drinks per day if you are a man Have no more than 1 drink per day if you are a woman Nutrition labels can help you figure out how much fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, fiber, and sodium is in the foods that you buy. This can help you eat healthier and lower your cholesterol. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute


What is diabetes? Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is a disease that causes your blood glucose , or blood sugar, levels to be too high. There are three types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes , gestational diabetes , and type 2 diabetes . Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and may be prevented, delayed, or managed by making lifestyle changes. What is type 2 diabetes? If you have type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it well. This is called insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells. Glucose is your cells' main source of energy and comes from the foods you eat. If your body is resistant to insulin, then insulin can't get enough glucose into your cells. This then leads to glucose staying in your blood, leading to high blood glucose levels. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems . If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, you might be able to prevent or delay developing it. Who is at risk for type 2 diabetes? Many people are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Your chances of getting it depend on a combination of risk factors such as your genes and lifestyle. The risk factors include: Having prediabetes , which means you have blood glucose levels that are high for you, but not high enough to be called diabetes Being overweight or having obesity Being age 35 or older A family history of diabetes Being African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander Having high blood pressure Having a low level of HDL (good) cholesterol or a high level of triglycerides A history of diabetes in pregnancy Having given birth to a


older A family history of diabetes Being African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander Having high blood pressure Having a low level of HDL (good) cholesterol or a high level of triglycerides A history of diabetes in pregnancy Having given birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more An inactive lifestyle A history of heart disease or stroke Having depression Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Having acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition in which your skin becomes dark and thick, especially around your neck or armpits Smoking How can I prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes? Most of the things that you need to do to prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes involve having a healthier lifestyle. Lifestyle changes include: Lose weight. Weight control is an important part of diabetes prevention. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7% of your current weight. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, your goal would be to lose between 10 to 14 pounds. And once you lose the weight, it is important that you don't gain it back. Follow a healthy eating plan. It is important to reduce the amount of calories you eat and drink each day, so you can lose weight and keep it off. To do that, your diet should include smaller portions and less fat and sugar. You should also eat a variety of foods from each food group, including plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It's also a good idea to limit red meat and avoid processed meats. Get regular exercise. Being physically active has many health benefits , including helping you to lose weight and lower your blood glucose levels. These both lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Try


grains, fruits, and vegetables. It's also a good idea to limit red meat and avoid processed meats. Get regular exercise. Being physically active has many health benefits , including helping you to lose weight and lower your blood glucose levels. These both lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. The amount of exercise you need depends on your age and health. Even small amounts of exercise can be helpful. If you have not been active, talk with your health care provider to figure out which types of exercise are best for you. You can start slowly and work up to your goal. Don't smoke. Smoking can contribute to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. If you already smoke, try to quit . Talk to your provider to see whether there is anything else you can do to delay or to prevent type 2 diabetes. If you are at high risk, your provider may suggest that you take one of a few types of diabetes medicines . If you make these changes, you will get other health benefits as well. You may lower your risk of other diseases, and you will probably feel better and have more energy. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases


Heart disease is the leading cause of the death in the United States. It is also a major cause of disability. But you can take steps to improve your health and help prevent heart disease. The first step is understanding your risk of heart disease. Your risk depends on many factors, some of which are changeable and others that are not. Learning about them and working on the things that you can change can lower your risk of heart disease. What are the heart disease risk factors that I cannot change? There are some risk factors for heart disease that you cannot change: Your age. Your risk of heart disease increases as you get older. The risk is higher in: Men age 45 and older Women age 55 and older Your sex. Some risk factors may affect heart disease risk differently in women than in men. For example: The hormone estrogen provides women some protection against heart disease Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease more in women than in men. Your race or ethnicity. Certain groups have higher risks than others. For example: African Americans are more likely than Whites to die of heart disease, while Hispanic Americans are less likely to die of it Asian Americans as a group have lower rates of heart disease than other groups, but South Asian Americans have higher rates Your family history. You have a greater risk if you have a close family member who had heart disease at an early age, for example if: Your father or brother was diagnosed before age 55 Your mother or sister was diagnosed before age 65 What are the heart disease risk factors I can change and what can I do to lower my risk? There are many heart disease risk factors that you can


for example if: Your father or brother was diagnosed before age 55 Your mother or sister was diagnosed before age 65 What are the heart disease risk factors I can change and what can I do to lower my risk? There are many heart disease risk factors that you can change. If you make these changes, you don't just help protect your heart. You can also improve your overall health and well-being. You may have a lot of changes to make. If you need to, you can make the changes gradually, one at a time. What's most important is that you make them. Depending on your lifestyle, these changes could include: Controlling your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. It is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly - at least once a year for most adults, and more often if you have high blood pressure. You can also take steps, including lifestyle changes, to prevent or control high blood pressure. Keeping your cholesterol and triglyceride levels under control: High levels of cholesterol can clog your arteries and raise your risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack . Lifestyle changes and medicines (if needed) can lower your cholesterol. Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. High levels of triglyceride may also raise the risk of coronary artery disease, especially in women. Staying at a healthy weight. Being overweight or having obesity can increase your risk of heart disease. This is mostly because they are linked to other heart disease risk factors, including high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Controlling your weight can lower these risks. Eating a healthy diet. Try to limit saturated fats , foods high in sodium (salt), and added sugars .


is mostly because they are linked to other heart disease risk factors, including high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Controlling your weight can lower these risks. Eating a healthy diet. Try to limit saturated fats , foods high in sodium (salt), and added sugars . Instead, eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. The DASH diet is an example of an eating plan that can help you to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, two things that can lower your risk of heart disease. Getting regular physical activity. Regular physical activity has many benefits, including strengthening your heart and improving your circulation. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. All of these can lower your risk of heart disease. Limiting alcohol . Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. It also adds extra calories, which may cause weight gain. Both of those raise your risk of heart disease. It's best not to drink, but if you do: Have no more than 2 drinks per day if you are a man. Have no more than 1 drink per day if you are a woman. Not smoking . Cigarette smoking raises your blood pressure and puts you at higher risk of heart attack and stroke . If you do not smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk of heart disease. You can talk with your health care provider for help in finding the best way for you to quit. Managing stress. Stress is linked to heart disease in many ways. It can raise your blood pressure. Extreme stress can be a "trigger" for a heart attack. Also, some common ways of coping with stress, such as overeating, heavy drinking, and


in finding the best way for you to quit. Managing stress. Stress is linked to heart disease in many ways. It can raise your blood pressure. Extreme stress can be a "trigger" for a heart attack. Also, some common ways of coping with stress, such as overeating, heavy drinking, and smoking, are bad for your heart. Some ways to help manage your stress include exercise, listening to music, focusing on something calm or peaceful, and meditating. Managing diabetes. Having diabetes doubles your risk of diabetic heart disease . That is because over time, high blood glucose (blood sugar) from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. So, it is important to get tested for diabetes , and if you have it, to keep it under control. Getting enough sleep. If you don't get enough sleep, you raise your risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Those three things can raise your risk of heart disease. To improve your sleep: If you are an adult, try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Make sure that you have good sleep habits , such as keeping a regular sleep schedule and creating a good sleeping environment in your bedroom. If you have frequent sleep problems , contact your health care provider. One problem, sleep apnea , causes people to briefly stop breathing many times during sleep. This interferes with your ability to get a good rest and can raise your risk of heart disease. If you think you might have sleep apnea, ask your provider about having a sleep study . And if you do have sleep apnea, make sure that you get treatment for it.


Around half of American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension). Many of those people don't know they have it because there are usually no warning signs. This can be dangerous, because high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attack or stroke . The good news is that you can often prevent or treat high blood pressure. Early diagnosis and heart-healthy lifestyle changes can keep high blood pressure from seriously damaging your health. What is blood pressure? Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries (the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the tissues and organs in your body). Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: Systolic pressure (the first and higher number) measures pressure inside your arteries when your heart beats Diastolic pressure (the second and lower number) measures the pressure inside your arteries when your heart rests between beats As an example, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 means a systolic of 120 and a diastolic of 80. How is high blood pressure diagnosed? High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. So the only way to find out if you have it is to get regular blood pressure checks from your health care provider. Your provider will use a gauge, a stethoscope or electronic sensor, and a blood pressure cuff. They will take two or more readings at separate appointments before making a diagnosis: Blood Pressure Category Systolic Blood Pressure Diastolic Blood Pressure Normal Less than 120 and Less than 80 Elevated 120 - 129 and Less than 80 High Blood Pressure Stage 1 130 - 139 or 80 - 89 High Blood Pressure Stage 2 140 or higher or 90 or higher Hypertensive Crisis


Pressure Category Systolic Blood Pressure Diastolic Blood Pressure Normal Less than 120 and Less than 80 Elevated 120 - 129 and Less than 80 High Blood Pressure Stage 1 130 - 139 or 80 - 89 High Blood Pressure Stage 2 140 or higher or 90 or higher Hypertensive Crisis (dangerously high blood pressure - seek medical care right away) Higher than 180 and Higher than 120 For children and teens, the provider compares the blood pressure reading to what is normal for other kids who are the same age, height, and sex. Who is more likely to develop high blood pressure? Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk: Age. Blood pressure tends to rise with age. Race/Ethnicity . High blood pressure is more common in Black adults. They also tend to have higher average blood pressure numbers and get high blood pressure earlier in life. Sex. Men are more likely than women to develop high blood pressure throughout middle age. But in older adults, women are more likely than men to develop high blood pressure. Lifestyle. Certain lifestyle habits can raise your risk for high blood pressure, such as eating too much sodium (salt) or not enough potassium , lack of exercise , drinking too much alcohol , and smoking . Family history and genetics . High blood pressure often runs in families. Many genes are linked to small increases in high blood pressure risk. Social and economic factors: Research shows that factors such as income, education level, where you live, and the type of job you have may raise your risk of high blood pressure. For example, working early or late shifts can raise your risk. Experiencing discrimination and poverty has been linked to high blood pressure. Also, some


shows that factors such as income, education level, where you live, and the type of job you have may raise your risk of high blood pressure. For example, working early or late shifts can raise your risk. Experiencing discrimination and poverty has been linked to high blood pressure. Also, some research has shown that trauma in childhood may raise the risk of high blood pressure. Certain medicines. Some medicines can raise your blood pressure, including: Certain antidepressants Decongestants (medicines to relieve a stuffy nose) Hormonal birth control pills Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are a type of pain reliever Having certain other medical conditions, such as: Some tumors Chronic kidney disease Diabetes Metabolic syndrome Overweight and obesity Sleep apnea Thyroid problems How can I prevent high blood pressure? You can help prevent high blood pressure by having a healthy lifestyle. This means: Eating a healthy diet. To help manage your blood pressure, you should limit the amount of sodium (salt) that you eat and increase the amount of potassium in your diet. It is also important to eat foods that are lower in fat, as well as plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The DASH eating plan is an example of an eating plan that can help you to lower your blood pressure. Getting regular physical activity . Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure. Being at a healthy weight . Being overweight or having obesity increases your risk for high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight can help you control high blood pressure and reduce your risk for other health problems. Limiting alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. It also adds extra calories, which may cause weight gain. Not smoking. Cigarette smoking raises your blood pressure


blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight can help you control high blood pressure and reduce your risk for other health problems. Limiting alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. It also adds extra calories, which may cause weight gain. Not smoking. Cigarette smoking raises your blood pressure and puts you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke. If you do not smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, talk to yourprovider for help in finding the best way for you to quit . Managing stress . Learning how to relax and manage stress can improve your emotional and physical health and lower high blood pressure. Stress management techniques include exercising, listening to music, focusing on something calm or peaceful, and meditating. Getting enough high-quality sleep . If you already have high blood pressure, it is important to prevent it from getting worse or causing complications. You need to get regular medical care and follow your treatment plan. Your plan will include healthy lifestyle habit recommendations and possibly medicines . NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute


What is HPV? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses. Some of them are spread through sexual contact. Most people have been exposed to HPV. Usually, your immune system controls HPV infections, and they go away on their own and don't cause any health problems, but some need treatment. There are two categories of sexually transmitted HPV. They are called low-risk HPV and high-risk HPV. Sometimes high-risk HPV infections can stay at the cervix (the lower part of a woman's uterus) for many years. This can lead to cell changes. If these changes are not screened for and treated, they may get worse over time and become cancer. Low-risk HPVM can cause warts on or around your genitals , anus, mouth, or throat. High-risk HPV can cause various cancers: Cervical cancer Anal cancer Oropharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer, also called throat cancer Vulvar cancer Vaginal cancer Penile cancer Who is at risk for HPV infections? HPV infections are very common. Nearly all sexually active people are infected with HPV soon after they become sexually active. What are the symptoms of HPV infections? Some people get warts from certain low-risk HPV infections, but the other types (including the high-risk types) have no symptoms. If a high-risk HPV infection lasts for many years and causes cell changes, you may have symptoms. You may also have symptoms if those cell changes develop into cancer. Which symptoms you have depends on which part of your body is affected. How are HPV infections diagnosed? Health care providers can usually find out if you have warts by looking at them. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by a long-lasting infection with a high-risk type of HPV. Screening can prevent cancer by finding out if you need treatment