Lifestyle

Overview A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. The blockage is most often a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries). The plaque eventually breaks away and forms a clot. The interrupted blood flow can damage...

Many people don’t know it, but common childhood infections can cause kidney damage and kidney failure.  This is especially true for children.  Two childhood infections to be aware of are 1) strep infections caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, which leads to strep throat and impetigo (a skin infection), and 2) urinary tract infections. These conditions...

The goal of obesity treatment is to reach and stay at a healthy weight. You may need to work with a team of health professionals — including a dietitian, behavior counselor or an obesity specialist — to help you understand and make changes in your eating and activity habits. The initial treatment goal is usually...

Although unsanitary, chronic nail biting (onychophagia) isn't likely to cause long-term nail damage. Nails are formed within the nail bed, just beneath where the U-shaped cuticles begin. As long as the nail bed remains intact, nail biting isn't likely to interfere with fingernail growth. In fact, some research suggests that nail biting might even promote...

Yes, ultraviolet (UV) eye protection matters. UV radiation from the sun can damage not only the skin of your eyelid but also the cornea, lens and other parts of the eye. UV exposure also contributes to the development of certain types of cataracts, growths on the eye and possibly macular degeneration. To protect your eyes,...