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When you lose the use of a limb, even the simplest of daily tasks can turn into a challenge. High-tech devices can help restore independence. New technologies are even making it possible to connect the mind to an artificial limb. These artificial limbs are called bionic [qtip:prosthetic devices|Devices that replace a body part.]. “To get back some of that lost function, you need some sort of…, Prosthetic Control, Traditional prosthetic devices use a body-powered harness to control a hand device. These are easy to use. With a shrug of your shoulder, the prosthetic hand or hook opens. With the release of your shoulder, the prosthesis closes. Through the feel of the cable tension across your shoulders, you know whether the prosthesis is open or closed without looking at it. Newer, motorized hands are not as…, Two-Way Communication, To regain a sense of wholeness, a person with a bionic limb needs to do more than control the device. They also need to “feel” what it’s doing. New bionic devices can send sensation from the device back to the brain. This allows a person with a bionic device to feel like they are using their own limb. “The most important thing about the research that we’re doing is this sense of wholeness,” says…, Wearable Robots, Research teams are also trying to help people who have lost the use of their legs. By wearing a robotic device called an exoskeleton, some people with leg paralysis have been able to regain the ability to walk. A group led by Dr. Thomas Bulea, a biomedical engineer at the NIH Clinical Center, created a wearable exoskeleton for children with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a brain disorder that…, Finding the Right Device, “What I try to emphasize to people is that there are a lot of potential tools and technologies at our disposal to try and make people better, and they should explore them and consider embracing them,” Langhals says. Many types of prosthetic devices are now in development. If you’d like to find a clinical study to help test one, you can search for one in clinicaltrials.gov, a database of both NIH-…

Human beings are social creatures. Feeling like we’re part of a community helps us thrive. But we sometimes have a hard time making and keeping the relationships that sustain us. Many Americans report feeling lonely for long periods of time. Connections with others are important for your health. Social isolation and loneliness can both cause problems. “Isolation is about whether other people are…

A study found that many people treated for a concussion may not receive follow-up care that could improve their health. A concussion is a mild brain injury. It results from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Most people recover quickly from a concussion, but some have symptoms for weeks or months.  A concussion may give you a headache and make you feel confused, tired, or dizzy. You may have…

Did you ever have chickenpox? If so, you’re at risk for getting a disease called shingles. About 1 out of every 3 people will get shingles at some point in their lives. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus becomes inactive and hides in your body. Shingles is caused by the virus becoming active again, but its symptoms can be much more severe. Burning, itchy rashes and blisters may appear on one…

Children who are seriously ill need a lot of support. And so do their parents and siblings. Palliative care treats the discomfort, symptoms, and stress of serious illness. Find videos and other resources on how palliative care can help you and your family on the new “Palliative Care: Conversations Matter” site.

Even though you can’t see it, the air you breathe can affect your health. Polluted air can cause difficulty breathing, flare-ups of allergy or [qtip:asthma|A chronic lung disease that causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing.], and other lung problems. Long-term exposure to air pollution can raise the risk of other diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Some people…, What’s Outside, Several different types of pollutants can affect your health. When the weather is warm, an invisible gas called ozone can make it harder for some people to breathe. This gas is created when sunlight triggers a chemical reaction between oxygen and certain pollutants from cars, factories, and other sources. Ozone can irritate the lining of your airways and lungs. People with asthma and other lung…, Improving Air Indoors, Indoor air pollution can be harmful, too. It can come from many sources. Secondhand tobacco smoke contains tiny particles that can hurt your lungs. Gas stoves and appliances can create harmful gases. Pets and pests (such as mice and cockroaches) can shed substances, called allergens, that cause allergies. Mold and dust mites also produce allergens. Even furniture and cleaning products can release…, Inside Out, One good thing about indoor air pollution is that many causes can be removed or changed. “It’s difficult to change the outdoor environment,” Phipatanakul says, “but indoors is more contained.” A simple tool for many homes is making sure inside air has a chance to escape. “Ventilating your house, such as opening windows, can actually lower the air pollution levels inside, and it really doesn’t…

Did anyone ever tell you that you smell bad? Funky breath or stinky underarms can happen to anyone, at any age. Whether or not you’ve noticed them, some body odors can signal a health problem. But most breath and body odors are normal. “Bad breath is most often caused by bacteria on the teeth and tongue,” explains Dr. Madeleine S. Deming, an internal medicine expert at the NIH Clinical Center. It…

Recent research shows that people who are overweight can reduce their symptoms of knee arthritis by losing at least 20% of their weight. Millions of older adults have stiff, painful knees caused by arthritis. Arthritis causes a breakdown of the cushion of tissue inside the knee joint. Without this cushion, bone can rub against bone. That may cause pain and swelling. Being overweight could make…

Teens who misuse prescription drugs most often get them from friends and family. Keep your medicine out of teens’ hands.  This interactive website shows you how to get rid of expired, unwanted, or unused prescription drugs.

Lead is toxic. No amount is safe. The more you have in your body, the worse its effects. Lead is a metal found in nature. It can get into your body in many ways. You might breathe, drink, or eat things that have lead. In the US, lead used to be added to gasoline and paint. Homes built before 1978 may still have lead paint. When the paint peels and cracks, it makes lead dust you may breathe in or…