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Advance Care Planning (Advance Medical Directives and Living Wills)
|
|
Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end-of-life care ahead of time.
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|
Aging (Seniors' Health)
|
|
People in the United States are living longer than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there's no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change.
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|
Allergies
|
|
An allergy is a reaction of your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing.
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|
Alzheimer's Disease
|
|
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older people. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.
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|
Arthritis
|
|
If you feel pain and stiffness in your body or have trouble moving around, you might have arthritis. Most kinds of arthritis cause pain and swelling in your joints.
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|
Asthma
|
|
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. It can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing, especially early in the morning or at night.
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|
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
|
|
Is it hard for your child to sit still? Does your child act without thinking first? Does your child start but not finish things? If so, your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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Best Health Sites
|
|
Looking for additional health information on the Internet? This collection of web links, organized by site type, will help you find the health information you're looking for.
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|
Bipolar Disorder
|
|
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. People who have it experience dramatic mood swings. They may go from overly energetic, "high" and/or irritable, to sad and hopeless, and then back again.
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| |
|
Blood Pressure
|
|
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure.
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|
Breast Cancer
|
|
Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives. Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer.
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|
Breastfeeding Resources
|
|
Learn how breastfeeding benefits infants, mothers, families and the community.
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| |
|
Bunions
|
|
A bunion is when your big toe points toward the second toe. This causes a bump on the inside edge of your toe.
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Cancer
|
|
Cancer begins in your cells. Normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should.
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Car Seats
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|
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.
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|
Celiac Disease (Gluten Intolerance)
|
|
If you have celiac disease and eat foods with gluten, your immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and barley. It is found mainly in foods but may also be in other products.
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Certified Nurse-Midwife
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|
Nurse-midwives are educated and trained to provide a broad range of healthcare services for women and newborns.
(Sponsored by
The Women's Clinic of Northern Colorado
)
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| |
|
Cholesterol
|
|
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can stick to the walls of your arteries.
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| |
|
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
|
|
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes it hard for you to breathe. Coughing up mucus is often the first sign of COPD. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are common COPDs.
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|
Clinical Trials
|
|
Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. Each study answers scientific questions and tries to find better ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose or treat a disease.
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|
Co-occurring Disorders
|
|
A co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis, occurs when someone has both a mental disorder and an alcohol or drug problem. These conditions occur together frequently.
|
| |
|
Colorectal Cancer
|
|
Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. Caught early, it is often curable.
(Sponsored by
Centers for Gastroenterology
)
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|
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
|
|
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care.
|
| |
|
Dental Care for Kids
|
|
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.
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| |
|
Depression
|
|
Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. It's more than just a feeling of being "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days.
|
| |
|
Diabetes
|
|
Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or sugar, levels are too high. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems.
(Sponsored by
Associates in Family Medicine
)
|
| |
|
Dietary and Herbal Supplements
|
|
Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs and other substances meant to improve your diet. They can come as pills, capsules, powders and liquids.
|
| |
|
Eating Disorders
|
|
Eating disorders are serious behavior problems. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating.
|
| |
|
Evaluating Health Information on the Web
|
|
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.
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| |
|
Exercise and Physical Activity
|
|
Regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. People who are active live longer and feel better. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can delay or prevent diabetes, some cancers and heart problems.
|
| |
|
Eye Diseases and Disorders
|
|
Some eye problems are minor and fleeting. But some lead to a permanent loss of vision.
(Sponsored by
Eye Center of Northern Colorado
)
|
| |
|
Flu Season
|
|
Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs).
|
| |
|
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
|
|
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a pattern of frequent, constant worry and anxiety over many different activities and events.
|
| |
|
Grief
|
|
Grief is a reaction to a major loss. It is most often an unhappy and painful emotion.
|
| |
|
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
|
|
These listings include links to information sites hosted by the top national, state and local health authorities.
|
| |
|
Health Insurance
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
Health Insurance — What If I Don't Have It?
|
|
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.
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| |
|
Health Publications Online — Fort Collins
|
|
This collection of links will direct consumers to Fort Collins area health publications.
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| |
|
Health Publications Online — National
|
|
This collection of links will take users to national sources of online health news.
|
| |
|
Health Statistics
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
Healthcare Reform
|
|
On March 23, 2010, new federal healthcare legislation, known as The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, was signed into law. This legislation will roll out over several years' time, and this topic will help keep consumers up to date.
|
| |
|
Heart Disease
|
|
If you're like most people, you think that heart disease is a problem for other folks. But heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States. It is also a major cause of disability.
|
| |
|
Heel Pain
|
|
Heel problems are common and can be painful. Often, they result from too much stress on your heel bone and the tissues that surround it.
|
| |
|
Hospice (End-of-Life Care)
|
|
Hospice care is end-of-life care provided by health professionals and volunteers. They give medical, psychological and spiritual support.
(Sponsored by
Pathways Hospice
)
|
| |
|
Immunizations for Adults
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
Immunizations for Children
|
|
This collection of links provides parents with immunization/vaccine schedules for children and information about vaccine safety and efficacy.
|
| |
|
Long-term Care
|
|
Long-term care is a variety of services that includes medical and non-medical care to people who have a chronic illness or disability. Long-term care helps meet health or personal needs.
|
| |
|
Lung Cancer
|
|
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is a leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers.
|
| |
|
Medical Home
|
|
Healthcare delivered through a medical home is accessible, patient-centered, personalized, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate and culturally responsive.
(Sponsored by
Healthier Communities Coalition of Larimer County
)
|
| |
|
Medical Tests
|
|
Doctors order blood tests, x-rays, and other tests to help diagnose medical problems. You want your tests to be done the right way, and you want accurate results.
|
| |
|
Men's Health
|
|
While the life-expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, it's no secret that men still need to pay more attention to their bodies.
|
| |
|
Mental Health Counseling — Frequently Asked Questions
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
Mental Health — Choosing a Therapist
|
|
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
|
|
Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that put you at risk for heart disease and diabetes.
|
| |
|
Multiple Sclerosis
|
|
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a nervous-system disease that affects your brain and spinal cord.
|
| |
|
Nutrition
|
|
Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
|
| |
|
Oral Cancer
|
|
Oral cancer can form in any part of the mouth or throat. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth.
|
| |
|
Panic Disorder
|
|
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder. It causes panic attacks, which are sudden feelings of terror for no reason.
|
| |
|
Patient Rights
|
|
As a patient, you have certain rights. Some are guaranteed by federal law, such as the right to get a copy of your medical records and the right to keep them private. Many states have additional laws protecting patients.
|
| |
|
Periodontal (Gum) Diseases
|
|
If you have gum disease, you're not alone. Many U.S. adults currently have some form of the disease. It ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth.
|
| |
|
Postpartum Depression
|
|
Many new moms feel happy one minute and sad the next. If you feel better after a week or so, you probably just had the "baby blues." If it takes you longer to feel better, you may have postpartum depression.
|
| |
|
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
|
|
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a real illness. You can get PTSD after living through or seeing a traumatic event, such as war, a hurricane, rape, physical abuse or a bad accident.
|
| |
|
Pregnancy
|
|
So you're going to have a baby! Whether you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, you will want to give your baby a healthy start.
|
| |
|
Prescription Drugs — Guides and References
|
|
This topic will help users with questions about specific prescription medications.
|
| |
|
Prescription Drugs — Safety and Basic Information
|
|
This topic on prescriptions includes links to information on safety, herbal remedies and insurance coverage for prescriptions.
|
| |
|
Prescription Drugs — Saving Money
|
|
This topic was prepared to help consumers save money on prescription drugs.
|
| |
|
Prostate Cancer
|
|
The prostate is the gland below a man's bladder that produces fluid for semen. Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. It is rare in men younger than 40.
|
| |
|
Quitting Smoking
|
|
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 (SAD)
|
|
Some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. Though symptoms can be severe, they usually clear up. This condition is seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
|
| |
|
Stroke
|
|
A stroke is a medical emergency. Strokes happen when blood flow to your brain stops. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.
|
| |
|
Substance Abuse (Drugs and Alcohol)
|
|
Substance abuse is a serious public health problem that affects almost every community and family in some way. Each year, substance abuse results in millions of serious illnesses or injuries in the United States.
|
| |
|
Suicide
|
|
If you or someone you care about is in crisis, you may call one of the national suicide hotlines: (800) SUICIDE (800-784-2433) or (800) 273-TALK (800-273-8255). If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
|
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|
Tobacco
|
|
Tobacco is a plant grown for its leaves, which are smoked, chewed or sniffed for a variety of effects. It is considered addictive because it contains the chemical nicotine. Tobacco also contains more than 19 known cancer-causing chemicals.
|
| |
|
Vein Disorders (Varicose and Spider Veins)
|
|
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They can be dark purple or blue, and look twisted and bulging. They develop when valves in the veins that allow blood to flow toward the heart stop working.
|
| |
|
Veterans’ Services
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
Weight Management
|
|
Weight management means keeping your body weight at a healthy level. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial when it comes to controlling your weight.
|
| |
|
West Nile Virus
|
|
This topic provides West Nile virus news, suggestions for how to prevent infection and information about Fort Collins, Loveland and Larimer County anti-mosquito efforts.
|
| |
|
Women's Health
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
Acupuncturist
|
|
An acupuncturist is a healthcare professional who practices acupuncture, the practice of inserting thin needles into specific body points to improve health and well-being.
|
| |
|
Allergist/Immunologist
|
|
Allergist/immunologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma and other diseases of the immune system.
|
| |
|
Anesthetist/Anesthesiologist
|
|
When preparing for surgery, many patients think of the anesthesiologist as the "physician behind the mask" who sends them into sleep before the procedure and wakes them when it's over.
|
| |
|
Aromatherapist
|
|
An aromatherapist is a healthcare professional who is trained to administer a therapy in which the scent of essential oils from flowers, herbs, and trees is inhaled to promote health and well-being.
|
| |
|
Audiologist
|
|
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders in newborns, children and adults.
|
| |
|
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+ Health Insurance)
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
Chiropractor
|
|
The chiropractor's main method of treatment is through adjustments (spinal manipulations). Chiropractors also use the standard set of neurologic and orthopedic tests common to all healing professions.
|
| |
|
Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP)
|
|
The Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) provides discounted healthcare services to low-income individuals at participating providers. CICP is not a health insurance program.
|
| |
|
Dentist
|
|
General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. They can treat you and your entire family and care for your overall oral health. This is crucial to your total health.
|
| |
|
Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
|
|
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.
|
| |
|
Dermatologist
|
|
A dermatologist is a medical doctor with extensive training, experience and dedication for keeping skin, hair and nails healthy, and healthy looking, throughout your lifetime.
|
| |
|
Endocrinologist
|
|
An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor. Endocrinologists diagnose diseases that affect your glands. They know how to treat conditions that are often complex and involve many systems within your body.
|
| |
|
Family Doctor
|
|
A family doctor is a doctor who takes care of the whole family. Family doctors create caring relationships with patients and their families. They really get know their patients. They listen to them and help them make the right healthcare decisions.
|
| |
|
Gastroenterologist
|
|
A gastroenterologist is a physician with dedicated training and unique experience in the management of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
|
| |
|
Gynecologist
|
|
A gynecologist is a licensed medical doctor who specializes in women's healthcare.
|
| |
|
Internist
|
|
Doctors of internal medicine focus on adult medicine and have had special study and training focusing on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases.
|
| |
|
Larimer County Works Program and TANF
|
|
Larimer County Works and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, formerly AFDC) is designed to assist low-income families in moving from monthly cash assistance into the workplace.
|
| |
|
Massage Therapist
|
|
A massage therapist applies manual techniques (by use of hand or body), and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.
|
| |
|
Medicaid
|
|
Medicaid is public health insurance for low-income families, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities. Eligibility is based on income and family size.
|
| |
|
Medical Dictionaries
|
|
Having trouble making sense of medical terminology? This collection of links to online medical dictionaries will help.
|
| |
|
Medicare
|
|
Medicare is the U.S. government's health insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people under age 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those with disabilities, permanent kidney failure or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
|
| |
|
Nephrologist
|
|
Nephrologists, also known as "kidney doctors," are doctors who have advanced training in treating kidney disease.
|
| |
|
Neurological Surgeon
|
|
A neurological surgeon, or neurosurgeon, is a doctor concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with injury to, or diseases of, the brain, spine, peripheral nerves, or arteries of the neck.
|
| |
|
Occupational Therapist
|
|
Occupational therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who help patients improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments.
|
| |
|
Oncologist
|
|
An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer.
|
| |
|
Ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.)
|
|
An Eye M.D. is an ophthalmologist, a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care.
|
| |
|
Optometrist
|
|
Optometrists, also known as doctors of optometry, or O.D.s, examine people's eyes to diagnose vision problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness.
|
| |
|
Orthodontist
|
|
An orthodontist is to teeth what a cardiologist is to the heart. Orthodontists diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. They are the uniquely trained experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws.
|
| |
|
Orthopedic Surgeon
|
|
Orthopaedic surgeons manage special problems of the musculoskeletal system.
|
| |
|
Osteopath (D.O.)
|
|
A doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) is a physician licensed to practice medicine, perform surgery and prescribe medication.
|
| |
|
Otolaryngologist (ENT)
|
|
Otolaryngologists diagnose and manage diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face, as well as many ENT primary care problems in both children and adults.
|
| |
|
Pediatrician
|
|
Pediatrics is a branch of medicine dealing with the development, care and diseases of children. Pediatricians graduate from medical school and then take special courses solely in pediatrics.
|
| |
|
Physical Therapist
|
|
Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility -- in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescr
|
| |
|
Plastic Surgeon
|
|
A plastic surgeon deals with the repair, reconstruction or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk.
|
| |
|
Podiatrist
|
|
Podiatrists, also known as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), diagnose and treat disorders, diseases and injuries of the foot and lower leg.
|
| |
|
Psychiatrist
|
|
A psychiatrist is a medical physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses, including substance abuse and addiction.
|
| |
|
Registered Dietitian (RD)
|
|
A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential "RD."
|
| |
|
Reiki
|
|
Reiki is a healing practice that originated in Japan. Reiki practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above the person receiving treatment, with the goal of facilitating the person's own healing response.
|
| |
|
Rheumatologist
|
|
A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.
|
| |
|
Speech-Language Pathologist
|
|
Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat and help to prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing and fluency.
|
| |
|
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program
|
|
SNAP helps put food on the table for some 31 million people per month. It provides low-income households with electronic benefits they can use like cash at most grocery stores.
|
| |
|
Urologist
|
|
A urologist is a physician who
is trained to evaluate the
genitourinary tract, which includes the
kidneys, urinary bladder and genital
structures in men and women, and the
prostate and testicles in men.
|
| |
|
Vascular Surgeon
|
|
A vascular surgeon is a surgical specialist who cares for patients with diseases that affect the arteries, veins and lymphatic systems exclusive of the heart and intracranial (within the brain) circulations.
|
| |
