Understanding Your Physical Health | The Basics

A red neuron layers over multiple green brain x-rays with a piece of graph paper beside it.

James Conners, M.D., explains what it means to treat conditions affecting your nervous system.

Study: Fertility issues, miscarriage, stillbirth are associated with a greater chance of stroke.

Gloved hands draw lines and incision points on an invisible body against a blue background.

Anna Pavlov, M.D., explains what it means to repair, reconstruct and replace physical tissue.

Two kidneys and a bladder are against a red and yellow background.

Seth Cohen, M.D., explains what it means to diagnose and treat men's ED and sexual disorders.

A clear dropper is adding blood to a clear plastic test tube.

Mohammad Maher Abdul Hay, M.D., explains abnormal blood counts and treatment for blood diseases.

Thanks in part to the Kardashians, the BBL had a meteoric rise. But the cliff is approaching.

A green and purple heart sits against a purple background with a ribbon of white dots swirling around it.

Caitlin Giesler, M.D., explains what it means to diagnose and treat diseases of the heart.

COVID-19 shutdowns have limited cancer patients' access to lifesaving screenings.

We all use store-bought medications, but the side effects could be affecting your sexual health.

DVT can lead to strokes, pulmonary embolisms and death—and it messes with your sex life, too.

Stressing about medical conditions you've not been diagnosed with could make you feel worse.

New research supports earlier colonoscopies to reduce colorectal cancer risk.

A black woman with her eyes closed grabs her head over a background of grey blood cells.

SCD can cause debilitating pain and complications that get worse from childhood to adulthood.

Whether for safety or convenience, distance care has provided positive change for clinicians.

Average life expectancy has increased throughout history. What can you expect in your lifetime?

Men are far less likely than women to see a doctor but can benefit just as much, starting young.

Lifestyle changes and healthy habits in midlife can decrease your risk of developing dementia.

An unusual sight in a bodily fluid isn't a fun discovery, but the culprits are easily treated.

If Mom, Dad or Great-Aunt Betsy had it, does that mean I'm going to get it?

Yes, it's that time when the environment starts putting a damper on your sex life again.

Creating healthcare sensitivity protocols improves the patient experience.

A diagnosis may sound demoralizing, but this condition doesn't have to lead to diabetes.

It's a hormone you already have in your body, so is it a risk to add more?

Just a little drink to help the medicine go down. What could go wrong?

Experts recommend preventive eye checkups—for more than just your vision.

Understanding your genetic and behavioral risk factors can prevent a major cardiac event.

Learn about the chemical reactions that provide the energy we need to live.

Auditory loss is common in older adults, but knowing the signs and treatment options can help.

Mononucleosis is a tale of infection heard 3 million times in the U.S. every year.

Consumers can now get better educated about over-the-counter products they might be considering.

Does co-sleeping with your baby ruin your sex life?

News flash: If you've had chickenpox, you need to know how to avoid herpes zoster in later life.

The beverage has many purported health benefits, but can it keep disease at bay?

For patients at risk, home health visits could be a game-changer.

Your senses may create memories for a lifetime or for a fraction of a second.

Older adults don't bounce back like they used to, meaning a minor fall could be a major problem.

This mindfulness practice may help alleviate insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety and depression.

Arterial buildup can be managed and disease can be avoided, but severe levels can't be reversed.

Overturning troubling patterns requires the development of positive, consistent ones.

With impressive accuracy, trained canines can sniff out all kinds of illnesses in humans.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and the U.K. Know your own risk factors.

Less invasive than the traditional method, the screening procedure still has pros and cons.

An acclaimed burlesque performer finally finds her own truth: I am not my hair.

Home visits and technology could help more people manage sexual wellness and mental health.

You don't need all the 'must-have' potions you see on social media.

Kidney stones that travel down the ureter can cause excruciating pain. What's the solution?

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Don't put off this easier-than-you-think procedure that could save your life.

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Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and—listen up—trending younger. Get informed.

Our scalps and locks take a beating every day, but there are ways to keep them healthy.

These tips about warning signs and healthy behaviors can help you handle the challenges.

More stiff joints don't have to equate to less sex. Confidence and some assistance can help.

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Find out why you should get screened and how to help spread the word about a deadly disease.

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No matter how averse you are to asking for assistance, healing requires help.

An extra set of eyes can help alleviate anxiety during a sensitive examination or procedure.

If your partner has sleep apnea, prioritize their health over inconveniences in the bedroom.

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More than 151,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year. Find out what happens afterward.

Screening guidelines have changed, and timing can make all the difference in detecting cancer.

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March is the Awareness Month for one of the most common types of cancer in the United States.

Constipation may seem unrelated to sex…until pleasure turns to pain.

During your lifetime, emotional pain is inevitable—but it can become a physiological ailment.

You can tell a lot by looking at someone's fingernails—the good, the bad and the ugly.

These two autoimmune conditions originate in the digestive system and can lead to cancers.

The position started as a response to health inequities and continues to be important today.

Your family history can sometimes put you at a higher risk of developing the disease.

The BMI has been a key measure of public health for decades, but many say it's ineffective.

Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, but only three percent of us donate annually.

Your genes govern appearance and blood type, but they're also responsible for a whole lot more.

Getting tested five years earlier could make a difference in detection, treatment and survival.

More than just relaxing, a professional massage can help with medical ailments, too.

Inflammation of the rectal lining—proctitis—sometimes occurs in prostate cancer patients.

We can all be forgetful, but some simple habits, and a new perspective, can ease the burden.

For most men, turning 50 brings body changes and challenges.

Dizziness comes and goes but could be a sign of a vestibular disorder.

Congratulations, you've made it to 65. Brace yourself, here's what's coming next.

Low-dose blood thinners may have once been useful, but doctors increasingly advise against them.

Shivering may not sound like the best way to start your day, but many swear by it.

If you keep getting up through the night, it may be time to check your pelvic floor.

When it comes to your body, turning 50 can be very different from turning 40.

Can you suffer from the damage of past generations? In a word, yes.

Don't let stomach acid ruin your night. Take steps so you don't feel the burn.

From the risk factors to the 4 primary forms, here's what you should know about blood cancer.

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but you can help slow some negative changes.

NHL starts in white blood cells and is the seventh most common cancer among American adults.

Donating your body to science is a noble cause—that not everyone can pursue.

Though rare, ILD represents a serious group of disorders you need to know about.

Here are the physical and mental changes women can expect once they're in their 40s.

With so much data flying around, it's time we got a year-end status update on the pandemic.

Differentiating between typical and atypical dermatology can save your life.

The correct way to store medicine, how long to keep it and when to hand it over to a pharmacist.

It's a life-threatening condition you may not even know you have.

Sleep can be an ongoing challenge, but there are medications and lifestyle changes that work.

Alterations on certain genes can predispose people of all sexes to a host of cancers.

What may seem like a small, single tick bite can affect your health in the future.

Can a dentist tell if you've given oral? One TikTok goes viral with the answer.

We had a relatively good year, but are we about to have a major comeback?

Introduce nature into your home and office to improve your mental health and well-being.

It can be intimidating to start from scratch, so we asked some family doctors to help out...

What to do the morning after when you've had one too many the night before.

Flatulence and more—everything you never really wanted to know about gas.

A lot of American adults have hypertension, but few of us do anything about it.

Approved in 1946, this vaccine has saved lives for 75 years. Make sure to get one.

Experts say good dental hygiene can have positive effects on both the mind and the body.

Everybody has bowel movements, but no one talks about it. Maybe we should.

Working with your doctor can help prevent future complications.

Be on your guard. Are these high-risk conditions just around the corner?

Who knew? It turns out the fountain of youth may be found in our blood.

Got questions about this itchy and uncomfortable skin disease?

Want to stunt with shades on? Turns out this is more than a style choice.

It’s not just for kids—here’s what you need to know.

The ultimate guide to healing so you can get on with your life.

Whether you work from home or at an office, here's how to keep in good shape at your desk.

We are what we eat—but maybe we are what we pee, as well.

Almost 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with a form of skin cancer each day—don't let one be you.

You can't turn back time, but these lifestyle changes may help you look and feel younger.

It's fallen off the virus radar, but protecting yourself is key to enjoying your summer outside.

From cramps to childbirth, women face plenty of pain, but they're not superheroes because of it.

A bladder sling requires highly specialized surgery that benefits more people than you'd think.

Whether you're into astrology or not, the numbers don't lie.

If you're feeling lightheaded and sleepy today, that could mean serious trouble down the line.

These little worms can be a big annoyance, but they don't have to be a big deal.

I was so trapped in my body, I never thought I’d escape. When I did, I gained a whole new self.

Like all weight loss medical procedures, this innovation has significant benefits and risks.

Pelvic pain can be debilitating, but finding a cause allows for an active and healthy lifestyle.

Heart disease is just as common among women as men and every bit as dangerous.

Issues with this critical gland often mimic other diseases, making it difficult to diagnose.

When body chemicals get out of whack, it can affect every aspect of your life.

Being aware of and prepared for FCR can help you overcome and even avoid this condition.

Scabies is an easily treated parasitic infection that carries a damaging social stigma.

When medical care is inaccessible—or not trustworthy—self-diagnosis can be empowering.

Alcohol has long been used for oral hygiene, but some dentists recommend safer alternatives.

Learn how to set up a successful quit-smoking plan that includes the appropriate use of NRT.

Your oral health can tell you more about your overall health than you think.

Aging takes a toll on the body, but a healthy lifestyle can keep you robust through the years.

Here's what happens to your body after inhaling a puff from your vaporizer.

Summertime brings more sun exposure, but smart strategizing can save your skin.

With a bit of creativity and courage, you can find new paths to reaching your full potential.

Looking and being healthy aren't always the same. What else should you know about your health?

Find out why balanced nutrition, exercise and stress management should be top priorities.

This isn't just your grandfather's disease—prevention can begin no matter how young you are.

If you have urination difficulties, identify the root cause so you can receive appropriate care.

Ten million new cases of dementia are reported worldwide each year. Recognize the symptoms.

Proper nutrition and exercise are top priorities, but three additional methods can help, too.

An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. get this lifesaving procedure each year.

Keep certain considerations in mind before you opt for a glimpse at your genetic code.

Millions of people are affected by digestive disorders. Get the facts about gut health issues.

Let's separate the facts from the fiction on this important health issue.

We bust some heart disease myths so you can make better choices about your heart health.

Between surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, you may see different results.

Early loss of bone mass to osteoporosis can be difficult to detect, but it is possible.

When it comes to colorectal cancer, separating fact from fiction could save your life.

Doctors recommend that everyone increase levels of activity to prevent bone density loss.

Watch for the warning signs of heart disease, and learn how you can prevent this deadly disease.