Search Health Information Topics Online

Reliable health information available on this website will help you understand health issues that matter to you, your family and your community. Type the topic or title that you'd like to lookup and then click Search.

health_topic

Sugar Substitutes – What You Need to Know

If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What are sugar substitutes? Sugar substitutes are chemical or plant-based substances used to sweeten or enhance the flavor of foods and drinks. You may also have heard them called “artificial sweeteners” or…

View Topic

Sty

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 a sty? A sty is a painful, red bump that forms on the edge of your eyelid. It may look like an acne pimple. The medical term for a…

View Topic

Stroke

If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Get emergency care if you or a loved one has serious thoughts of suicide or harming others. OVERVIEW What is a stroke? Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart…

View Topic

Strep Throat

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 strep throat? Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria. It is called “strep” because the bacteria that causes the infection is called streptococcus. Can other people catch my…

View Topic

Stool Soiling and Constipation in Children (Encopresis)

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 are the causes of stool soiling? Stool soiling, also called encopresis, happens when children who are already toilet trained accidentally leak feces into their underwear. Constipation is often the cause…

View Topic

Shingles

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 shingles? Shingles is a painful rash.  It is also called zoster or herpes zoster. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus.  This is the same that causes chickenpox.  …

View Topic

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Common Sexually Transmitted Infections

If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Pubic lice (crabs) Symptoms: Women and men may have redness and itching around the genitals. Treatment: Medicine, such as over-the-counter lotions or shampoos (some brand names: Nix, Rid) can kill the lice….

View Topic

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

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 are sexually transmitted infections? Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections you can get by having sex with someone who has an infection. These infections are usually passed from person to…

View Topic

Sexuality in Older Adults

If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What are the benefits of a healthy sex life for older adults? Sex is an important part of emotional and physical health. In a relationship, sexual activity allows you to establish intimacy…

View Topic

Sexual Dysfunction (Women)

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 sexual dysfunction? When you have problems with sex, healthcare providers call it “sexual dysfunction.” Both men and women can have it. There are 4 kinds of sexual problems in…

View Topic