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Hypothermia
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What is hypothermia? Hypothermia is a medical condition. It occurs when you are exposed to bitter cold for a long time. Normal body temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). You have hypothermia if your…
Hypothyroidism
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 hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid activity, means your thyroid gland is not making enough hormones. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck, just below your…
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
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 ITP? ITP stands for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. “Idiopathic” means that the cause of the condition is unknown. “Thrombocytopenic” means the blood doesn’t have enough platelets (platelets are also called…
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator? An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (often called an ICD) is a device that continuously monitors, detects and stops dangerous, abnormal arrhythmias (heartbeats), by delivering an internal electrical shock. It…
Indigestion (Dyspepsia)
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 indigestion (dyspepsia)? Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia is a common condition. It can happen when your body has trouble digesting food. It occurs in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The…
Infant Jaundice
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 jaundice? Infant jaundice (say: “john-diss”) is when a baby’s skin, eyes, and mouth turn a yellow color. Jaundice is common in the first few days of a baby’s life….
Infective Endocarditis
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 infective endocarditis? Infective endocarditis (also known as bacterial endocarditis) is an infection of the valves and inner lining of the heart (called the endocardium). It happens when bacteria or…
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
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 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the name of a group of disorders that cause the intestines to become inflamed (red and swollen). The inflammation lasts…
Ingrown Toenails
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 an ingrown toenail? When a toenail is ingrown, the sides or corners of the nail curl down and dig into the skin of the toe, causing swelling, pain and…
Inhalant Abuse
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 inhalant abuse? Inhalant abuse is purposely breathing in or sniffing common household products to “get high.” Almost any aerosol or liquid solvent can be used as an inhalant. Examples…
Insomnia
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 insomnia? Insomnia (say: “in-sohm-nee-uh”) is a sleep disorder. People who have insomnia may not be able to fall asleep. They may wake up during the night and not be…
Intellectual Disabilities – Learn How to Get More Information to Help Your Child
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. If you have just learned that your child has a developmental disability, you probably have a lot of questions. You are probably worried and a little afraid. Learning about your child’s disability…
International Travel: Tips for Staying Healthy
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy when you travel to other countries: Before you go Plan ahead. If you need any immunizations or vaccinations, contact your healthcare professional at…
Interstitial Cystitis
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 interstitial cystitis? Interstitial cystitis is chronic inflammation of the bladder. People who have interstitial cystitis have a bladder wall that is inflamed and irritated (red and sore). This inflammation…
Interstitial Nephritis
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 interstitial nephritis? Interstitial nephritis (say: in-ter-stih-shul nef-rye-tus) is a kidney disorder. The kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the body. Interstitial nephritis reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter…