WebMD: Includes health information on diseases and conditions, symptoms, drugs and herbs, clinical trials, diet and nutrition, healthy life style and pregnancy.
Go Ask Alice!: This website is a Columbia University Health Question & Answer Internet Service providing reliable health information. You can ask a question or read the archives to nearly 3,000 previously posted Q & A.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: the governmental agency whose mission is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling, disease, injury, and disability.
National Institutes of Health: conducts research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad; helps in the training of research investigators; and fosters communication of medical information.
Mayo Clinic: world-renowned medical practice operated by the Mayo Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Rochester, Minnesota.
Common Health Issues
Acne: A chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Acne is characterized by black heads, pimple outbreaks, cysts, infected abscesses, and (sometimes) scarring.
Allergies: Inflammations caused by unusual sensitivity to foreign substances.
Asthma: A chronic disorder characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness of the chest.
Birth Control / Emergency Contraception: The prevention of conception by the use of birth control devices or agents.
Bronchitis: An inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes, causing a persistent cough that produces considerable quantities of sputum (phlegm).
Chlamydia: Very common sexually transmitted disease or urinary tract infection caused by a bacteria-like organism in the urethra and reproductive system.
Common cold: a mild viral infection involving the nose and respiratory passages.
Diabetes: A disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is necessary to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy.
Eating Disorders: Marked disturbance in eating behavior, including, among others, overeating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and pica.
Gonorrhea: A sexually-transmitted disease that affects the genitals of both sexes, gonorrhea causes burning or difficulty with urination, itching, and a yellow or green discharge. It is easily treated with antibiotics.
Hepatitis A: A highly contagious often food-borne liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A doesn't cause chronic liver disease and can be prevented with vaccinations.
Hepatitis B: A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus — a virus transmitted by exposure to the blood and body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccinations.
Hepatitis C: A serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus — a virus transmitted by exposure to the blood and body fluids of an infected person. No vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis C.
Herpes: A group of viruses, including two common viruses, herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Herpes simplex can produce fluid-filled blisters on the skin and mucous membrane (commonly known as fever blisters). Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, can produce painful eruptions and nerve inflammation as underlying nerve routes are affected by the virus.
High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is the measurement of the force of the blood on the arteries as the heart pushes the blood through the body. High blood pressure is when there is too much pressure, which can lead to heart and kidney problems.
HIV/AIDS & STDs: Infections that are most commonly spread through sexual intercourse or genital contact.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A member of a family of viruses that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, genital warts) and other changes to cells. Infection with certain types of HPV may increase the risk of developing some types of cancer.
Influenza (Flu): Viral infection characterized by headaches, muscle aches, fever, weakness, and cough.
Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain or spinal cord, usually caused by viral or bacterial infection.
Migraines: A form of headache, usually very intense and disabling.
MMR: Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
Scabies: An allergic response to mites that lay eggs under the skin. Scabies are spread through linens, clothes, or close contact with people, and are treated with prescription lotions or soaps.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the membrane lining the facial sinuses, often caused by bacterial or viral infection.
Skin Cancer: Commonly caused by exposure to the sun's UV rays. Types include basal-cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.
Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain or suspense.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccine (TDaP): Vaccine that protects adolescents and adults against Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis.
Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection affecting primarily the lungs, more common in urban areas, treatable with antibiotics.