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… their joints as they get older, often when they’re 45 to 50. It’s called arthritis, and it’s one of the most common diseases nationwide. You may think it’s a disease of old age, but … of arthritis. They’ve also made significant strides in developing effective new treatments for many forms of the disease. What exactly is arthritis? “Arthr” means joint, and “itis” means … for certain immune system activity can confirm whether you have rheumatoid arthritis. The good news is that now there are medications not only to control pain and inflammation, but to actually …

… of new opportunities to improve your health: plenty of fresh, local produce and more choices for outside activities. Here’s how to make the most of the summer months. “When the weather is nice, there are more opportunities for getting outdoors and having fun with your family and incorporating exercise into day-to-day … “Since both UVA and UVB cause damage to the skin, you should use a broad spectrum sunscreen, one that contains ingredients to protect against both UVA and UVB,” Hartman says. The U.S. Food …

… E. Fats also make foods more flavorful and help us feel full. Fats are especially important for infants and toddlers, because dietary fat contributes to proper growth and development. “Fats … You shouldn’t think of the holidays as a time to deprive yourself,” says McDowell. One way to cut fat at holiday gatherings is to simply reduce your portion sizes. “Choose more …

… Driving a car can give you freedom. But it’s also one of riskiest things you do every day. More than 36,000 people died in car accidents in the … have to overcome that powerful impulse, he explains. Texting can take your eyes off the road for seconds at a time. In just five seconds, you travel the entire length of a football field at … driver or have been driving for decades, it’s important to think about safe driving. The good news is that advances in car design and safety technology are helping protect you behind the …

… to keep tissues from drying out. It’s also a line of defense. “Mucus is very important for filtering out materials that you breathe in through your nose, such as dust and allergens and … the stomach and eventually pass out of the body. Your body makes a lot of mucus, although no one’s quite sure how much. Mucus is mostly water. But it also contains special proteins, sugars, …

… 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 … you think your vision is fine. Eye exams allow an eye care professional to monitor your eyes for common vision problems and signs of disease. “There aren’t early warning signs for the most … that could potentially be used in eye drops to reverse cataracts. “Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness worldwide,” Araj says. “If you live long enough, you will get them. New …

… cells affect how sensations are felt throughout the body, and what happens if they’re damaged. For example, researchers recently discovered a protein that triggers the sensation of gentle … haywire. In a condition called tactile allodynia, the sensation of gentle touch turns painful. One example is when your skin gets damaged, like with a sunburn. The pain usually goes away after …

… in person or online. There are even social media communities that provide social support for exercise. Social support can help people of all ages and abilities get more physical … classes or nice places to walk or hike,” Donze says. And it can help if you make it fun. One NIH-supported study found that a game-based approach helped people get active after hospital …

… from the tissues of the body into the blood. This makes the blood a really good place to look for hints of disease,” says Dr. Lori Minasian, who helps oversee cancer prevention research at … health care provider diagnose diseases. They can also help them choose the best treatments for many health conditions. Commonly used blood tests look for compounds that signal an increased … tumors may need more aggressive treatment to prevent them from returning. Blood tests might one day be used for cancer screening, too. Screening tests aim to catch cancer early—before …

… fertility. Even though it’s a natural process, the transition to menopause can be difficult for some women. Researchers have been working to better understand menopause. Today, women have … flashes. If a woman hasn’t had a period in 12 months, she can say she’s entered menopause. But for many women this transition is less clear. “Around one in eight women enter menopause because of a medical intervention, like having their ovaries …