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Health Topics

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In light of increased attention to decision making at the end of life, more and more people are exploring advance directives.
 
Quality of life for people older than 60 can be influenced by living a healthy lifestyle well before becoming a senior citizen. The chances of "aging successfully" improve when you follow these recommendations.
 
More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergy diseases, with chronic sinusitis as the most commonly reported chronic disease. Common allergens include pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, food and medication.
 
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, which affects a person's memory, mood and behavior.
 
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint usually characterized by swelling, pain and restriction of motion.
 
Asthma is a chronic (continual) inflammatory disease of the airways that causes shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. It is often triggered by allergic reactions.
 
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition appearing in some children in the preschool and early school years. It is hard for these children to control their behavior and/or pay attention. ADHD often continues into adulthood.
 
Ready to explore the World Wide Web of health information? This collection of web links, organized by site type, will help you find the health information you're looking for.
 
Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. It is an illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy, behavior and ability to function.
 
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is a risk factor for heart disease and increases your chance of having a stroke.
 
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, occurring in one out of eight women in the United States.
 
Learn how breastfeeding benefits infants, mothers, families and the community.
 
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe that forms when the bone or tissue at the big toe joint moves out of place. This forces the toe to bend toward the others, causing an often painful lump of bone on the foot.
 
Seat belts and car seats can greatly reduce injuries and death in motor vehicle accidents when used properly. This collection of links will help you learn more about Colorado law and how to properly secure children riding in motor vehicles.
 
An estimated 1 percent of all Americans suffer from celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, though many have never been diagnosed and are not receiving treatment.
 
Cholesterol is a fatlike substance that is a basic building block of cells in the body. Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to coronary heart disease.
 
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease in which the lungs are damaged, making it hard to breathe.
 
Clinical trials, sometimes called protocols or medical studies, are research studies involving people to test the safety, effects and effectiveness of health interventions such as new medicines or drugs.
 
A co-occurring disorder is the presence of both a severe mental illness, such as depression, and drug or alcohol abuse or addiction in an individual.
 
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers. (Sponsored by Centers for Gastroenterology )
 
Complementary and alternative medicine is a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices and products that are not considered to be part of conventional medicine.
 
A child's first teeth, called primary teeth or "baby teeth," usually begin to appear when babies are between 6 months and 1 year of age. Caring for these teeth is as important as caring for permanent adult teeth.
 
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things.
 
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
 
Dietary and herbal supplements, also called nutritional supplements or just supplements, are products that contain substances such as vitamins, minerals, foods, botanicals and amino acids.
 
Eating disorders are illnesses in which the victims suffer disturbances in their eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. Those with eating disorders typically become obsessed with food and their body weight.
 
Although this website strives to provide consumers with links to high-quality health information on the web, don't take our word for it! This collection of links will show you how to evaluate the quality of a website on your own.
 
Physical inactivity and unhealthy eating contribute to obesity and a number of chronic diseases.
 
Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs).
 
Someone with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may find it difficult to stop or control their anxiety and worrying. The anxiety and worry about a feared event is usually out of proportion to the imagined impact or likelihood of the event.
 
Grief is a reaction to loss, any loss. The grief associated with death is familiar to most of us, but we grieve a wide variety of losses throughout our lives: traumatic experiences, divorce, relocation, loss of health and mobility.
 
H1N1 (swine) flu is being monitored by public health officials and agencies. This topic provides links to relevant information resources.
 
Whether you are buying health insurance for the first time, considering a change to your current coverage or having problems with your current plan, this collection of links can help you understand your choices and your legal rights.
 
Uninsured? These resources will help you understand your options for obtaining health insurance and healthcare when you or family members are uninsured, regardless of your income.
 
This collection of links will direct consumers to Fort Collins area health publications.
 
This collection of links will take users to national sources of online health news.
 
Looking for health and healthcare statistics at the local, state and national level? This collection of web links will help you find the health data you're looking for. Great for researchers, grant writers, students and the curious.
 
Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death in the United States. Major risk factors for heart disease are smoking, physical inactivity, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.
 
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the long, flat ligament on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) stretches irregularly and develops small tears that cause the ligament to become inflamed.
 
Immunizations are essential for the health of adults as well as children. This topic will help you find reliable information as you make a decision on what immunizations you need in adulthood and when and how to get them.
 
This collection of links provides parents with immunization/vaccine schedules for children and information about vaccine safety and efficacy.
 
Nearly half of all Americans will need long-term care at some point in their lives. By planning ahead, you can find the quality of care and quality of life that you desire in a long-term care facility for yourself, loved one or other person.
 
Your doctor may order medical tests for a variety of reasons, including screening, diagnosing a disease, evaluating the severity of a disease so that treatment can be planned, and monitoring the response to treatment.
 
This topic includes links about recommended screenings for men and topics unique to men's health.
 
If you've never talked to a counselor before, you may have a lot of questions. Don't let these questions keep you from getting help.
 
Choosing a mental health therapist who is right for you is an important first step in getting counseling. In order to do this, you need some basic information on mental health services, and ways of choosing a good therapist for you.
 
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
 
Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is a chronic and often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
 
Unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are leading contributors to death and disease in the United States.
 
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the pharynx, part of the throat. Oral cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 35,000 Americans this year and will cause approximately 7,500 deaths.
 
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or abdominal distress.
 
Knowing your rights is important, but being informed and involved are also part of your responsibility as a patient. This topic will help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
 
Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.
 
Contrary to popular myth, pregnancy is not always a happy, glowing experience. Depression and anxiety are two common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting up to 800,000 women annually in the United States.
 
When we encounter a traumatic or threatening event, we may also experience intense feelings of fear, horror and/or profound helplessness. The combination of the circumstances and our perceptions of a traumatic experience may lead to PTSD.
 
Early and adequate prenatal care (medical care for mother and her unborn child) allows doctors to identify mothers at risk of delivering preterm babies or infants, defined as those born before 37 weeks gestation.
 
This topic will help users with questions about specific prescription medications.
 
This topic on prescriptions includes links to information on safety, herbal remedies and insurance coverage for prescriptions.
 
This topic was prepared to help consumers save money on prescription drugs.
 
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health. But if you've ever tried to quit smoking, you know how tough it can be. This collection of links can help you get started. (Sponsored by Health Promotion Services, Health District )
 
Seasonal affective disorder, also called winter blues or winter depression, is a type of clinical depression that regularly occurs in the winter.
 
A stroke occurs when the blood and oxygen supply to the brain is blocked or cut off.
 
About 18 million people in the United States have an alcohol problem, and between 5 million and 6 million are addicted to drugs. When the use and overuse of alcohol or drugs gets in the way of everyday living or your health, it becomes a problem.
 
If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
 
The need for health and mental-health services for veterans has increased greatly in recent years due to the number of service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
 
Unhealthy diets and physical inactivity put individuals at risk for developing many diseases, particularly heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is regular physical activity and healthy eating.
 
This topic provides West Nile virus breaking news, suggestions for how to prevent infection and information about Fort Collins, Loveland and Larimer County anti-mosquito efforts.
 
Women have unique health needs and are often the gatekeeper for their family's healthcare. This topic offers information on preventive screening for women and points women to health sites they will find useful.
 

Definitions

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An acupuncturist is a licensed medical professional who is trained the insertion of very fine needles (sometimes in conjunction with electrical stimulus) on the body's surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body.
 
An allergist/immunologist is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in allergies and immune systems, including asthma, hay fever, and allergies to foods, drugs and insects.
 
An anesthetist, also known as anesthesiologist, is a licensed medical doctor who administers drugs that reduce pain and/or induce sleep. This specialist treats patients before and during surgery.
 
An aromatherapist is an alternative medicine provider who is trained in the art and science of using essential oils from plant sources for health and well-being.
 
An audiologist is a licensed medical professional who specializes in prevention, identification and assessment of hearing disorders.
 
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is a low-cost health insurance program for uninsured Colorado children ages 18 and under whose families earn or own too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
 
Often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians, doctors of chiropractic practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to healthcare that focuses on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment.
 
The Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) is a state program that provides partial reimbursement to providers for offering medical care to eligible underinsured and uninsured residents.
 
A dentist is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity and maxillofacial area.
 
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, or DORA, works to preserve the integrity of the marketplace and to promote a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is DORA's primary mission.
 
A dermatologist is a licensed medical doctor who treats skin disorders and conditions such as skin cancer, rashes, warts, dermatitis and moles.
 
An endocrinologist is a licensed medical doctor who diagnoses diseases that affect the glands. They know how to treat these conditions, which are often complex and involve many systems and structures within your body.
 
A family practice phyisican is a licensed medical doctor who provides primary care and prevention of illness.
 
The federal Food Stamp Program helps low-income people buy food. It's not necessary to be receiving other assistance in order to be eligible, but people don't receive food stamps automatically -- they must apply.
 
A gastroenterologist is a licensed medical doctor with extensive training in diseases of the digestive tract who is equipped to answer your questions, to perform tests in making a diagnosis and to prescribe the best course of treatment to help you.
 
A gynecologist is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in women's healthcare.
 
Applied kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis using muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person's body is functioning.
 
Larimer County Works and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, formerly ADC) is designed to assist low-income families in moving from monthly cash assistance into the workplace.
 
A massage therapist is a licensed professional who provides manual soft-tissue manipulation, including holding, causing movement and/or applying pressure to the body.
 
Medicaid is a federal-state health insurance program for certain low-income and needy people. It covers approximately 36 million individuals.
 
Having trouble making sense of medical terminology? This collection of links to online medical dictionaries will help.
 
Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 years of age and older, some disabled people under 65 years of age and people with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant).
 
A nephrologist is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the kidney.
 
A neurological surgeon is a licensed medical doctor concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with injury to, or diseases of, the brain, spine or peripheral nerves.
 
An occupational therapist is a licensed medical professional who helps people whose lives have been affected by an illness or injury.
 
An oncologist is a licensed medical doctor whose primary medical interest is cancer.
 
An ophthalmologist is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Eye MDs are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.
 
An optometrist is a licensed medical professional who is an independent, primary healthcare provider who examines, diagnoses, treats and manages diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures.
 
An orthodontist is a licensed doctor of dental surgery that is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
 
An orthopaedic surgeon is a licensed medical doctor devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of your body's musculoskeletal system.
 
An osteopath is a licensed medical doctor who is trained for primary care and has received extra training in the musculoskeletal system. These physicians are fully qualified physicians licensed to perform surgery and prescribe medication.
 
An otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat) is a licensed medical doctor trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck.
 
A pediatrician is a licensed medical doctor who treats the health, safety and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
 
A physical therapist is a licensed professional with expertise in the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems affecting peoples' abilities to move the way they want and function as well as they want.
 
A plastic surgeon is a licensed medical doctor dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns and disease.
 
A podiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who treats the foot and its related or governing structures by medical, surgical or other means.
 
A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses and substance-use disorders.
 
A registered dietitian (RD) is a food and nutrition expert who has met the specific criteria to earn the RD credential.
 
Reiki is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice. Reiki is a type of energy healing involving the direct application of "chi" for the purpose of strengthening the client's energy system.
 
A rheumatologist is a licensed medical doctor who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.
 
A speech-language pathologist is a licensed professional who is educated to assess speech and language development and to treat language and speech disorders. Speech-language pathologists can also help people with swallowing disorders.
 
A urologist is a licensed medical doctor who treats kidney, urinary and male-reproductive-system disorders such as chronic kidney infections, kidney stones, prostrate problems, infertility and incontinence.
 
A vascular surgeon is a licensed medical doctor who provides surgical treatment of problems with blood vessels such as restricted arteries and severed vessels.
 
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