What is community immunity?
In 2000, measles had all but stopped spreading in the U.S. That’s because vaccination rates were high enough to keep people from getting the disease. When enough of the communityRead More
Author Archives : Medline
Irregular sleep schedules can lead to bigger health issues
There’s bad news for those of us who have inconsistent sleep schedules, such as sleeping too little during the week and then trying to make up for it on theRead More
Measles: What you need to know
Measles is a highly contagious disease, meaning it spreads easily. The trademark symptom is a blotchy, red rash. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up toRead More
Researching melanoma at NIH: What’s new?
More than 1 million people in the U.S. live with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. While there is no cure for melanoma, there are ways to treat it ifRead More
Young woman fights melanoma and gives back
In May 2012, 22-year-old new college graduate Heather Quintal was excited to begin a career at an accounting firm in Boston. But two weeks after graduation, before starting her job,Read More
Spotting skin cancer: Tips from the National Cancer Institute
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. It’s also largely preventable. Here is information from the National Cancer Institute about common risk factors and typesRead More
Red meat and the risk of heart disease
Lean red meat in moderation is a great source of protein, iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. But too much red meat can negatively affect our health. If you do indulge,Read More
Finding skin cancer: Why routine checkups can make all the difference
In 2006, architect Eric Ward had a mole examined on his face by a dermatologist, or doctor who treats the skin. At the time, he was told the mole wasRead More
Lifestyle changes key to delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes
In the U.S., about 10 percent of the population has type 2 diabetes. Even more surprising? Nearly one in four people living with diabetes don’t even know they have it.Read More
One step at a time: D.C. resident walks for health and community
[Introduction] For Washington, D.C., resident Deborah Nix, walking connects her to the community and gives her confidence. “A friend of mine saw me out walking recently, and said, ‘Girl, you’reRead More
Putting health first
Emmy award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell has spent decades reporting on major events on national TV networks. The “CBS This Morning” anchor and soon-to-be “CBS Evening News” anchor also wears anotherRead More
Oral health and older adults
Brushing your teeth may not be the most fun part of your daily routine, but it pays off, especially as you age. Combined with regular visits to the dentist, brushingRead More
NIH study tracks exercise with mobile apps to improve heart health
[Introduction] Tiffany Powell-Wiley, M.D., M.P.H., is dedicated to making Americans healthier. She focuses on research related to heart health and the conditions that go with it. Those include obesity, highRead More
Get moving: Key takeaways from the new physical activity guidelines
[Introduction] Spring is here, which means it’s time to get outdoors and get active. Read on to find out how much exercise you and your family need in a day.Read More
Dry eye: An overview
What is dry eye? Dry eye disease, or dry eye, occurs when the quantity or quality of tears fails to keep the surface of the eye wet. Tears are aRead More
NIH collaborates on national limb loss registry
[Introduction] Limb loss is an important medical issue, especially for U.S. military service members. Now the first national database on limb loss is planning to open in 2020—with help fromRead More
A wearable blood pressure monitor may be in our future
More and more consumers are using health monitors they can wear. These wearables make it easier for patients to track their own health on a daily basis and stay motivated.Read More
Restoring beneficial gut bacteria in cancer patients
Could our own bacteria be helpful in cancer treatment? Maybe, say researchers sponsored in part by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Antibiotics are essential to preventRead More
High blood sugar during pregnancy increases chances of mother’s type 2 diabetes, child’s obesity
A mother’s health during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on both her health and that of her child. A new NIH study found that pregnant women with higher thanRead More
Help your child through winter ear infections
The onset of winter often means the worst part of cold and flu season, and with that, the dreaded ear infection. An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infectionRead More
Fighting the opioid crisis: NIH HEAL initiative takes on addiction and pain management
More than 115 Americans die from opioid overdose every day. That’s four times higher than the number of opioid overdose deaths that occurred 20 years ago. It is now aRead More
Renewal and recovery after opioid dependence
For the past six years, James M. was in and out of jail, courtrooms, detox, and halfway houses. “I started using marijuana when I was 11 years old,” James says.Read More
Healing and haiku: One parent’s experience with addiction and loss
Haiku is a form of poetry that can express complex emotions and ideas in a short and simple form. In his book, “Haiku Snapshots: Reflections on Drug Addiction,” Wally BergerRead More
A safe home for young men struggling with addiction
Barbara Gillmeister knows what it’s like to worry about a child with an opioid addiction. “When you have someone who is actively using [drugs], you’re always waiting for that phoneRead More
The opioid crisis: An overview
Who is affected? Roughly 2 million people live with an opioid addiction in the U.S. “It’s important to note that people typically think about individuals who are addicted to opioidsRead More