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… Getting your period is a fact of life for most women. But every woman’s period is different. So how do you know if yours is causing … to talk about pelvic pain or bleeding,” says Dr. Lisa Halvorson, a women’s health expert at NIH. “But the menstrual cycle is a critical part of your health.” You can’t know about your … or outside of the wall of the uterus, or womb. Studies estimate that more than 70% of women in the U.S. have at least one fibroid during their lives. But most women who have them don’t have …

… The eyes are more than windows to the soul. With advances in eye health technology, they can also give a unique look into your health. “The eye is a real window into what’s happening in your body,” says NIH eye health expert Dr. Houmam Araj. It’s a convenient way for a doctor to get a clear view of your blood vessels, nerves, and connecting tissue without …

… emotional, and even physical well-being. “We can’t underestimate the power of a relationship in helping to promote well-being,” says NIH psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Valerie Maholmes. Studies have found that having a … you feel. You listen to each other. You feel valued, and you trust each other. “It’s important for people to recognize and be aware of any time where there is a situation in their relationship …

… signals all at once. This surge of brain activity is called a seizure. Any seizure is a cause for concern. Epilepsy is a condition in which you have repeated seizures. But not all seizures mean you have epilepsy. A seizure can … still not sure what causes epilepsy in about one-half of people diagnosed with the disorder. NIH researchers are working to find better ways to diagnose and treat it. … Unraveling Symptoms … …

… 4 out of every 5 people experience acne outbreaks between the ages of 11 and 30. Acne starts in the skin’s oil glands. The hair on our bodies comes out through canals from these glands … skin cells come together to plug a follicle. The plugged pore provides the right conditions for bacteria that normally live on the skin to thrive. When the body’s [qtip:immune system|The … There are things you can do to prevent acne, explains Dr. Edward Cowen, a skin specialist at NIH. He recommends that people with acne avoid skin products that contain petrolatum, a type of …

… Is your doctor sending you for an MRI, a CT scan, or other medical scan? Do you know what to expect? Or how the test results can help with making a diagnosis or planning treatment? There’s a free app from NIH to answer your questions. It’s called “Understanding Medical Scans.” You can use it anywhere to help you prepare for a medical scan. The app describes MRI, CT, ultrasound, PET, and X-ray. Colorful images and …

… and eating healthy food. But did you know that where you live can affect your health, too? NIH-funded researchers are looking at how the environment around us, from how many trees we can … Spaces … Studies show that green spaces, such as parks or woods, seem to affect your health for the better. Dr. Francine Laden, an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public … be less stressed. Stress increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. In one NIH-funded study, researchers cleaned up vacant city lots and planted grass and trees. …

… to zinc. You can also find products like probiotics, herbs, and fish oil. But are they needed for good health? And what about their risks? “For most people, eating a nutritious variety of … all the nutrients they need,” says Carol Haggans, a registered dietitian and consultant with NIH. But some may need more than they get from their meals. Your needs can vary depending on your … works before selling it. Companies are required to follow good manufacturing practices in making their products. But bottles still may not always contain what the label claims. A few …

… At some point in your life, someone probably told you: “Enjoy every moment. Life is short.” Maybe you’ve smiled … But the fact is, there’s something to it. Trying to enjoy each moment may actually be good for your health. The idea is called mindfulness. This ancient practice is about being completely … an increased ability to relax, a greater enthusiasm for life and improved self-esteem. One NIH-supported study found a link between mindfulness meditation and measurable changes in the …

… the brain, or meninges, becomes inflamed, it’s called meningitis. The symptoms can be similar for both. At first, you might get a fever, feel tired, and sometimes have a rash. “Those things … can last a day or two, or a little bit longer,” explains Dr. Avindra Nath, a neurologist at NIH. “Then, you may have a headache, along with fever, neck stiffness, and you can get … “Worldwide, the most common cause of meningitis is bacterial meningitis,” Nath explains. “Now in the United States, we don’t see a lot of bacterial meningitis because we have certain …