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Antibiotic Resistance - Fact Sheet. Antibiotic drugs can save lives. But the more often you use an antibiotic, the more likely it is that germs will grow so strong that they can resist the drugs. Learn what you can do to minimize this resistance. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 534R. Free. A pdf version is available

Cell Phones. Addresses health concerns about cellular phones and radio frequency energy (RF) levels. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 588R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Clinical Trials -- Fact Sheet. A clinical trial is a study carried out in human volunteers to help doctors learn more about the human body and the many diseases that attack it. 2 pp. (2005. FDA) 641R. Free. A pdf version is available

Cosmetics. Basic fact sheet about using cosmetics safely. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 541R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Cracking Down on Health Fraud. Read about the specific cases of fraudulent health products on the market, and learn how to spot fake claims. 4 pp. (2006. FDA) 522R. Free.

Hair Dye and Hair Relaxers - Fact Sheet. Both products can hurt your skin, hair, and eyes. Learn how to use them safely, including when and where they should not be used. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 546R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

How to Find Medical Information. How to use your local library, the federal government, and the Internet to get information on an illness or disorder. 24 pp. (2005. NIAMS) 528R. Free.

Mammograms -- Fact Sheet. A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. It is still the best tool we have to save lives by detecting breast cancer early. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 622R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

PAP Test -- Fact Sheet. Protect yourself from cervical cancer with a pap test. Learn when to get them, how to prepare for one, and more. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 626R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Primer on Summer Safety. Helpful information on how to avoid or treat typical summer injuries and illnesses such as sunburn, mosquito and tick bites, bee stings, heat illness, burns, foodborne illness, poison ivy, and poisoning in children. 8 pp. (2004. FDA) 650M. Free.

Sleep Disorders -- Fact Sheet. Overview of four common sleep problems and treatment options. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 549R. Free. A pdf version is available

Sunscreens and Tanning - Fact Sheet. Spending time in the sun is fun but can also cause sunburn, wrinkling, and skin aging. Find out how to enjoy the sun and protect yourself. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 507R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Tattoos and Permanent Make-Up. Describes the types of tattoos, risks involved in getting one, and ways to remove them. 2 pp. (2004. FDA) 642R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

You Can Control Your Weight While You Quit Smoking. Often one of the downsides of quitting smoking is gaining weight. Here's some help on how to avoid weight gain and adopt a healthier lifestyle after smoking. 10 pp. (1998. NIH) 388K. $0.50.

Drugs & Health Aids
Botox. Why it is used, how it works, what its side effects are, and what to consider if you want to try it. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 540R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Buying Contact Lenses Online or by Mail. Tips to follow when ordering contact lenses online or through the mail, including prescription information required and what to watch out for. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 543R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Buying Drugs Online. A new advantage of the Internet is being able to buy prescription drugs online. Exlpains how online sales work, how to check for professional certification, and warning signs that a web site may be fraudulent. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 631L. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Cholesterol - Medicines to Help You. Lists the brand and generic names of drugs that control cholesterol. Learn their side effects, who should not take them, and warning signs to notice. 14 pp. (2007. FDA) 563R. Free. A pdf version is available

Contact Lens Care -- Fact Sheet. Tips for keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable while you wear contact lenses. 1 pp. (2007. FDA) 545R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Depression - Medicines to Help You. Lists the brand and generic names of various antidepressants. Learn the side effects, who should not take them, and warning signs regarding harmful drug and food interactions. 15 pp. (2007. FDA) 551R. Free. A pdf version is available

Dietary Supplements. Questions to ask before taking dietary supplements, including risks and where to find more information. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 614R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Drug Interactions: What You Should Know. Protect yourself and your family from potentially dangerous interactions of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, food, and medical conditions. 8 pp. (2003. FDA) 635R. Free. A pdf version is available

Generic Drugs. Covers effectiveness, appearance, safety, and how they save you money. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 555R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

High Blood Pressure - Medicines to Help You. Medication, along with healthy eating and exercise, can help lower your high blood pressure. Learn about the various drugs available, their potential side effects, and warning signs. 18 pp. (2007. FDA) 559R. Free. A pdf version is available

HIV and AIDS - Medicines to Help You. Learn about the different medicines available to treat HIV. Includes questions to ask about setting up a drug regimen and a sample schedule to follow. 10 pp. (2007. FDA) 623R. Free. A pdf version is available

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery. What to know before having laser eye surgery, including cost, health risks, lifestyle considerations, and more. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 542R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Liposuction - Fact Sheet. Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. Get basic facts and what to consider before undergoing this surgery. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 606R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Medicine and Pregnancy - Fact Sheet. You still can use many medicines when you are pregnant or nursing. Use this guide and talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about keeping yourself well and your baby safe. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 600R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Menopause & Hormones: Fact Sheet. Explains the benefits and risks of treating symptoms of menopause with hormone therapy. 2 pp. (2005. FDA) 611R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Menopause & Hormones: Purse Guide. Questions to ask your doctor concerning hormone therapy for symptoms of menopause. 2 pp. (2005. FDA) 610R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Menopause - Medicines to Help You. Provides basic information about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Learn about the three types available and their common and more serious side effects. 10 pp. (2007. FDA) 605R. Free. A pdf version is available

My Medicines. Take care of yourself with this easy-to-follow guide that features questions to ask your doctor and a simple chart to keep track of your medications. 6 pp. (2005. FDA) 556R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Over-the-Counter Drugs -- Fact Sheet. You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) drugs without a prescription. Reading the label is the only way to know when and how to use them to avoid side effects and drug and food interactions. 1 pp. (2007. FDA) 532R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Smoking - Medicines to Help You. Find out about products and medicines to help you quit smoking and get tips on creating a plan to stop smoking. 7 pp. (2007. FDA) 550R. Free. A pdf version is available

Use Medicines Wisely -- Fact Sheet. Simple tips to follow when taking medications, including questions to ask and the importance of reading labels and keeping track of all the medicines you take. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 523R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Using Your Medicare Drug Plan: What to Do if Your Medicine Isn't Covered. Your Medicare prescription drug plan may not routinely cover every medicine prescribed to you. Learn step-by-step how to request coverage from your plan and how to write an appeal if necessary. 10 pp. (2007. FCIC) 520R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Whole Body CT Screening. Discusses the risks, limitations, and benefits of whole-body CT screening. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 552R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Your Pharmacy Benefit: Make It Work for You!. How to get the best pharmacy benefit when choosing health insurance, including Medicare. How to appeal if your plan denies coverage for a specific drug. Includes a sample appeal letter. 16 pp. (2005. AOA/FCIC) 524R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Exercise & Diet
Handout on Health: Sports Injuries. Most of us aren't pro athletes, so we need to have the facts about sports injuries. Learn what kinds of activities are most likely to cause injuries, how to prevent them, and treatments available. 16 pp. (2004. NIAMS) 502R. Free. A pdf version is available

Medical Problems
Allergies. Discusses the symptoms, tests, and treatments. Also provides a comparison chart to help you distinguish between allergy and cold symptoms. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 566R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Asthma -- Fact Sheet. Explains the symptoms of asthma, its triggers, diagnosis, and treatment options. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 607R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Cholesterol -- Fact Sheet. Cholesterol is a fat-like material in your blood that can increase your risk of heart disease. Learn how to find out if you have high cholesterol and what you can do to reduce it. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 612R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Depression. Outlines the three main types of depression, causes, symptoms, and how to learn more. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 613R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Diabetes - Fact Sheet. Many people who have diabetes are unaware they have it. Learn the warning signs, risk factors, and the importance of early detection and treatment. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 564R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Fibroids. Explains the symptoms and treatments, and answers common questions about fibroids. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 510R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Flu. The flu is different from a cold and usually appears without warning signs. Learn the symptoms, types of vaccines available, who is at risk, and more. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 561R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Gallstones. Explains what gallstones are, who's at risk, symptoms, and how they're diagnosed and treated. 6 pp. (1993. NIH) 383K. $0.50.

Handout on Health: Back Pain. Describes causes, diagnosis, treatments, and research efforts to learn more about back pain. 29 pp. (2005. NIAMS) 608R. Free. A pdf version is available

Handout on Health: Osteoporosis. Comprehensive guide details the causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of osteoporosis. 55 pp. (2007. NIAMS) 538R. Free. A pdf version is available

Handout on Health: Scleroderma. This group of diseases involves the abnormal growth of connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs. Describes the different forms of scleroderma, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. 40 pp. (2006. NIAMS) 509R. Free. A pdf version is available

Heart Disease in Women. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. Learn the signs of heart disease, including the "silent" symptoms, and get tips on how to lower your risk. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 553R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a serious illness that affects nearly 65 million adults in the United States. Learn why it's vital that you get tested and, if necessary, get treated. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 557R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

HPV - Fact Sheet. At least 50% of sexually active people will get genital HPV (human papillomavirus). Some kinds of HPV cause serious health problems, including cervical cancer. Find out about treatments and a new vaccine for young women. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 624R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Infertility -- Fact Sheet. Overview of the possible causes and factors affecting infertility in both men and women, and when to see a doctor. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 601R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Joint Replacement Surgery and You. Explains this increasingly common procedure, as well as tips for a successful recovery and possible complications after surgery. 16 pp. (2005. NIAMS) 609R. Free. A pdf version is available

Loss of Bladder Control -- Fact Sheet. Explains different kinds of bladder control problems and treatment options. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 558R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Lung Cancer. Describes how it is diagnosed, the types and stages of lung cancer, warning signs, and more. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 560R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Many Shades of Lupus. Lupus affects people of different races, ethnicities, and ages, both men and women, in many ways. Find out more about lupus, its symptoms, causes, and treatments. 30 pp. (2003. NIAMS) 536R. Free. A pdf version is available

Osteoporosis - Fact Sheet. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes very weak bones that break easily. Women are five times more likely to get osteoporosis than men. There is no cure, but there are lifestyle changes you can make to slow it down and medications you can take to build bones. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 531R. Free. A pdf version is available

Preventing Stroke. Learn more about the most common cause of adult disability and estimate your risk with the informative stroke-risk chart. 8 pp. (1999. NIH) 329R. $1.00.

Questions & Answers About Acne. Explains how acne develops, what treatments will and won’t work, and how to care for your skin. 12 pp. (2001. NIAMS) 507N. Free.

Questions & Answers About Alopecia Areata. This autoimmune disease leads to hair loss on the scalp, face, and body. Find out what alopecia is, its causes, and treatment options available. 21 pp. (2003. NIAMS) 531P. Free. A pdf version is available

Questions & Answers About Bursitis and Tendinitis. If you’ve ever suffered from tennis elbow or painful inflammation around other joints, you’ll find this booklet useful. It explains the causes of bursitis and tendinitis, how the conditions are diagnosed and treated, and what you can do to prevent a recurrence. 19 pp. (2007. NIAMS) 627R. Free. A pdf version is available

Questions & Answers About Hip Replacement. Who is a likely candidate, alternatives available, possible complications, recovery, and what to expect during rehabilitation. 15 pp. (2001. NIAMS) 533R. Free. A pdf version is available

Questions & Answers About Knee Problems. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of specific knee conditions. 45 pp. (2006. NIAMS) 530R. Free. A pdf version is available

Questions & Answers About Psoriasis. This chronic skin disorder causes scaling and inflammation. Learn about its causes, symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatments. 17 pp. (2003. NIAMS) 508R. Free. A pdf version is available

Questions & Answers About Vitiligo. Vitiligo causes white patches to appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Learn who is affected, other symptoms, including emotional and psychological aspects, treatment options, and more. 19 pp. (2006. NIAMS) 529R. Free. A pdf version is available

Rheumatoid Arthritis. Discusses diagnosis and treatments, with a medication chart for drug benefits and side effects. 44 pp. (2004. NIAMS) 539N. Free. A pdf version is available

Sound Advice About Age-Related Hearing Loss. Learn about causes and symptoms, treatments, types of hearing devices, and how to reduce the severity of hearing loss. 7 pp. (2005. FDA) 547R. Free.

Strokes. Basic information on the three types of strokes, warning signs to watch out for, and how to lower your risk. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 554R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Urinary Tract Infections in Adults. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatments available. 8 pp. (1999. NIH) 330R. $1.00.

West Nile Virus. Facts on how this virus is spread through mosquito bites, its symptoms, who is most at risk, and ways to protect yourself. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 562R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Women and HIV - Fact Sheet. Get the basic facts about this virus that causes AIDS, how you can get it, what the signs are, and what to do if you are HIV-positive. 2 pp. (2007. FDA) 625R. Free. A pdf version is available   A Spanish version is available

Mental Health
Alzheimer's: Searching for a Cure. Learn how Alzheimer's is diagnosed, its symptoms, current drug treatments, and lifestyle advice to help prolong mental health. 6 pp. (2004. FDA) 551P. Free.

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