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Sarcoidosis
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis (say “sar-coy-doe-sis”) is a disease that can affect any organ or system in the body. People with sarcoidosis develop granulomas (small abnormal clumps of tissue) in certain…
Rickets
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is rickets? Rickets is a disorder that affects the bones, causing them to soften and break easily. It is most common in children. SYMPTOMS What are the symptoms of rickets?…
Prescription Weight-Loss Medicines
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Do prescription weight-loss medicines really work? When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity, prescription weight-loss medicines can help obese people lose weight. People who use these drugs may not…
Pregnancy – Should I Use a Seat Belt?
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Should I wear a seat belt while I’m pregnant? Yes, you should always wear a seat belt. Wearing your seat belt protects you and your baby from injury or death in the…
Polycythemia Vera
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is polycythemia vera? Polycythemia (say: “polly-sigh-thee-me-ah”) vera (PV) is a rare disease in which your body makes too many red blood cells. Your blood may become too thick. This causes…
Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is pigmented villonodular synovitis? Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a joint problem that usually affects the hip or knee. It can also occur in the shoulder, ankle, elbow, hand or…
Pets and Parasites
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Can my pets make me sick? Household pets such as dogs, cats, birds and reptiles can carry diseases or parasites that make people sick. The good news is this doesn’t happen very…
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is patellofemoral pain? Patellofemoral pain is a common knee problem. If you have this condition, you feel pain under and around your kneecap. The pain can get worse when you’re…
Parenting Tips
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. I love my children, but being a parent can be so hard! Being a parent can be a joy, but it’s also a hard job. No parent is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes….
Paraphimosis
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. OVERVIEW What is paraphimosis? Paraphimosis (say: “para-fim-oh-sus”) is a serious condition that can happen only in men and boys who haven’t been circumcised. Paraphimosis means the foreskin is stuck behind the head…