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If you have cancer questions, NIH specialists can help. Get free information on clinical trials, finding treatment, the latest cancer research, and more. You can call 1-800-4-CANCER, send an email, or chat online. Services are available in English or Spanish.

Mental health is as important as physical health. Learn how to start the conversation about your mental well-being with your health care provider. Be honest and ask questions. You can find more tips for geting the most out of your visit on the website.

If you or a loved one needs treatment for a drug use problem, it can be challenging to know where to start. NIH has step-by-step guides to finding treatment for teens and adults, as well as guides for friends and family. Find more information on treatment options and available resources.

Physical activity has many benefits. Walking, running, biking, swimming, lifting weights, playing sports, and moving more can add years to your life. Physical activity can improve your health, mood, and energy levels. But sometimes, the inspiration to get moving may be lacking. That’s when friends, family, and other social connections can help. Research has shown that connecting with others,…, The More the Merrier, Social support can make physical activity more fun and inviting. And being active is an important goal for just about everyone. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of serious health conditions. These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Activity can boost brain health, improve sleep, and more. Yet most American adults do not get the recommended amounts of physical…, Plan Together, Making a plan with someone and sticking to it can be especially helpful. Agree to meet at certain times to get active together. Or agree to check in with each other regularly at specific times. You can share successes and struggles. “If you make a plan to be active with a friend or family member, you’re more likely to keep that commitment. You’ll meet with them as promised,” Donze says. “It helps…, Overcoming Obstacles, “Certain groups of people have specific barriers that can keep them from getting active,” Rice explains. “For instance, older adults who’ve had a major health event like a heart attack may have anxiety or concerns about being physically active. Yet activity is so important for their health and recovery.” Some researchers have been studying how mindful practices, like tai chi, can help people with…

Bacteria and viruses are well-known causes of illness. But did you know that certain types of fungi can also make you sick? Most fungi are harmless to people. We even eat some, like mushrooms. But some fungi can cause skin problems, lung infections, and other diseases. Fungi typically live in soil and on plants. But they can also thrive indoors. They can float through the air just like other…, [qtip: immune system|The body’s defenses against invading viruses, bacteria, and other microscopic threats.], are at much higher risk for infections that could become serious (see the Wise Choices box). Diagnosing a fungal infection inside the body can be tricky. “Many symptoms aren’t specific to a fungus or a virus or bacteria,” Andes explains. “So it can be very hard to tell them apart.” Symptoms of a serious fungal infection can include a fever, cough, trouble breathing, chills, headache, chest pain,…

Pregnant women who have anxiety before childbirth are at increased risk for mental health concerns after the baby is born. Anxiety during pregnancy is more common in areas where mental health resources are scarce. A recent study showed that counseling given by non-specialists could help. The study enrolled more than 750 pregnant women in Pakistan. All the women had symptoms of anxiety but not…

Most people have a distinctive voice. We can usually recognize people by their voice even if we can’t see them. But many people don’t think much about their own voice until something goes wrong. Signs of voice problems can include having a hoarse or raspy voice or an achy throat. It may feel hard to talk. Or your voice may suddenly sound deeper. Another sign of trouble is repeated clearing of…

Oral health is important for people of all ages. But the simple routine you learned as a kid—brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly—can become more of a challenge as you get older. Among adults ages 75 and up, about 1 in 4 has lost all natural teeth, largely because of gum disease and tooth decay. You can take steps to keep your mouth healthy throughout your lifetime. And if you’re a…

Do you tend to look on the sunny side, or do you see a future filled with dark, stormy skies? A growing body of research suggests that having a positive outlook can benefit your physical health. NIH-funded scientists are working to better understand the links between your attitude and your body. They’re finding some evidence that emotional wellness can be improved by developing certain skills.…

Can you imagine a world where antibiotics didn’t work anymore? You shouldn’t have to. But over the past few decades, they’ve been losing their punch. Bacterial strains that are resistant to many types of antibiotics are called superbugs. Sadly, our excessive use of antibiotics is partly to blame. A new video from NIH,, Fighting Superbugs, , can help you learn more about what you can do to help win this battle. Superbugs infect over 2 million people across the U.S. each year and kill more than 23,000. Common forms of superbugs include types of tuberculosis, staph infections like MRSA, and gonorrhea. You can help in the fight against superbugs. First, there’s prevention. Try not to spread infectious bacteria. Wash your hands often.…