Health Report

Cancer Learning that you have cancer can be stressful and frightening. Knowing what to expect — from diagnosis to recovery — can empower you and help you take control of your health. This is a general overview of what cancer is, symptoms to watch for, how it’s detected, treatments and post-treatment care. Overview Cancer happens when normal cells become cancerous cells that multiply and spread. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S. But fewer people are dying of cancer now than 20 years ago. Early detection and innovative treatments are curing cancer and helping people with cancer live longer. What is cancer? Cancer is a large group of diseases with one thing in common: They all happen when normal cells become cancerous cells that multiply and spread. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the U.S. But fewer people are dying of cancer now than 20 years ago. Early detection and innovative treatments are curing cancer and helping people with cancer live l...

Birth Control Options Birth control is any medicine, device or method people use to prevent pregnancy. Types of birth control can include pills, intrauterine devices (IUD), vasectomy and condoms. Some forms of birth control work better than others. What is birth control? Birth control (also called contraception) is how you prevent  pregnancy . There are many different types of birth control. Birth control only works when you use it correctly. Take the time to understand how each type of birth control works and how you use it. If you're sexually active and don't want a baby, use birth control. A pregnancy can happen any time you have unprotected sex. What birth control is best? By learning more about birth control options, you can decide which method is best for you and your partner. Consider the following factors when making your decision: Ease of use or comfort level using the method. Effectiveness at preventing pregnancy (with correct use). Protection against  sexually trans...

Insulin Insulin is an essential hormone. It helps your body turn food into energy and manages your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, your body can’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly. Your healthcare provider can prescribe manufactured insulin that you take through an injection (shot), injectable pen or pump. Inhalable insulin is also an option. Overview What is insulin? Insulin is a naturally occurring  hormone  your  pancreas  makes that’s essential for allowing your body to use sugar (glucose) for energy. If your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or your body doesn’t use insulin properly, it leads to  high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) . This results in  diabetes . There are also manufactured types of insulin that people with diabetes use to manage the condition. Function What does insulin do? Insulin moves glucose from your blood into cells all over your body. Glucose comes from both the food and drinks you consume and your bo...

Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect your heart and blood vessels. Almost half of all adults in the U.S. have at least one form of heart disease. You may make lifestyle changes to manage cardiovascular disease or your healthcare provider may prescribe medications. The sooner you detect cardiovascular disease, the easier it is to treat. Overview What is cardiovascular disease? Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases affecting your heart and blood vessels. These diseases can affect one or many parts of your heart and/or blood vessels. A person may be symptomatic (physically experiencing the disease) or asymptomatic (not feeling anything at all). Cardiovascular disease includes heart or blood vessel issues, including: Narrowing of the blood vessels in your heart, other organs or throughout your body. Heart and blood vessel problems present at birth. Heart valves that aren’t working right. Irregular heart rhythms. How common is cardiovascular disease? Cardiova...

Interstitial Lung Disease Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation and scarring in your lungs. Symptoms of ILD include shortness of breath and a dry cough. ILD can be caused by medication, radiation therapy, connective tissue diseases or inhaling harmful substances. Lung damage caused by ILD is often irreversible. Overview The most common symptoms of interstitial lung disease are shortness of breath and dry cough, but you may have other symptoms depending on the cause. What is interstitial lung disease? Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a term for a group of over 200 conditions that cause inflammation and scarring in your lungs. ILD damages the tissues between the small air sacs in your lungs (alveoli) and the blood vessels around them. This makes it harder for you to move oxygen out of your lungs and into your body. Interstitial lung disease is also called diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD). What happens when you have interstiti...