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Arthritis is an [qtip:inflammation|Swelling and irritation caused by the body’s protective response to injury.] of the joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis. While their symptoms can be similar, their underlying causes vary. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It’s far more common than rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on your joints. In…

Forgetfulness, confusion, or having trouble remembering a name or word can be a normal part of life. But when thinking problems or unusual behavior starts to interfere with everyday activities—such as working, preparing meals, or handling finances—it’s time to see a doctor. These could be signs of a condition known as dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that most often affects the elderly. It’…

If you’re feeling constantly exhausted and sluggish, you might have a condition called anemia. Anemia is a common blood disorder that many people develop at some point in their lives. Many types of anemia are mild and short term. But the condition can become serious if left untreated for a long time. The good news is that anemia often can be prevented and easily corrected by getting enough iron.…

You’re one of a kind. It’s not just your eyes, smile, and personality. Your health, risk for disease, and the ways you respond to medicines are also unique. Medicines that work well for some people may not help you at all. They might even cause problems. Wouldn’t it be nice if treatments and preventive care could be designed just for you? The careful matching of your biology to your medical care…, TPMT, gene test to help doctors choose the right dosage of medicine to prevent toxic side effects. Some HIV-infected patients are severely allergic to treatment drugs, and genetic tests can help identify who can safely take the medicines. “By screening to know who shouldn’t get certain drugs, we can prevent life-threatening side effects,” Long says. Pharmacogenomics is also being used for cancer…

More than half of all sexually active people get a genital infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives, but most never know it. As a result, they might be spreading the virus to others without realizing it. Fortunately, vaccines are available to protect against the most harmful forms of HPV. These vaccines work best if given well before a person becomes sexually…

Think about all the movements you do every day: walking, climbing stairs, typing, turning doorknobs and lifting. Your bones, muscles and joints all work together to make your body an amazingly movable machine. Like any machine, your body can suffer some wear and tear. It needs regular care and maintenance to keep moving with ease. Scientists are studying the mechanical movements of our bodies to…, Shrek, or, Avatar, . “Using the tools of biomechanics, we can tell what’s normal and what’s abnormal in movement, and we can measure the forces on the body,” Hewett says. “We use biomechanics as a screening tool to figure out which athletes are at greater risk for injury and why.” Hewett and his colleagues have identified certain movements that make some people more likely to get ACL injuries. For instance,…

We have so many demands on our time—jobs, family, errands—not to mention finding some time to relax. To fit everything in, we often sacrifice sleep. But sleep affects both mental and physical health. It’s vital to your well-being. Of course, sleep helps you feel rested each day. But while you’re sleeping, your brain and body don’t just shut down. Internal organs and processes are hard at work…

We’ve all had sore throats around this time of year. Your throat feels scratchy and may hurt when you swallow. What can you do to soothe a sore throat? And when is it a sign of a more serious infection? Most sore throats are caused by viral infections such as the common cold or the flu. These throat problems are generally minor and go away on their own. To soothe your irritated throat, keep it…

Many things can influence a child, including friends, teachers and the things they see when they sit in front of the TV or computer. If you’re a parent, know that your everyday behavior plays a big part in shaping your child’s behavior, too. With your help, kids can learn to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits that last throughout their lives. Healthy eating and physical activity…

Drug abuse can be a painful experience—for the person who has the problem, and for family and friends who may feel helpless in the face of the disease. But there are things you can do if you know or suspect that someone close to you has a drug problem. Certain drugs can change the structure and inner workings of the brain. With repeated use, they affect a person’s self-control and interfere with…