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.
OTC Cough and Cold Medicines and My Child
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy for your child without a prescription from your health care provider. OTC cough and cold medicines can help relieve common cold symptoms such as…
OTC Medicines and Pregnancy
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What should women who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding know about OTC medicines? Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines that you can buy without a prescription from your…
OTC Medicines: Know Your Risk and Reduce Them
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What risks are involved in taking an OTC medicine? Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a prescription from your health care provider. OTC medicines can help you feel better…
Ovarian Cyst
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 ovarian cyst? An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac in or on the ovary. There are several types of ovarian cysts. Many ovarian cysts are noncancerous cysts that…
Overactive Bladder
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 overactive bladder? Overactive bladder is a condition that causes you to lose control of your bladder without warning. You may have to urinate more often or urgently. Sometimes you…
Overeating in Children and Teens
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. My child seems to eat all the time. Is that normal? It depends. Children and teens may go through cycles. For example, they may eat more and gain some extra weight right…
Pacifiers – Benefits and Risks
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Why do some babies want to suck on a pacifier? Sucking is a natural instinct in babies. Some babies will suck their thumb or fingers, while other babies like to suck on…
Pain Control After Surgery – Pain Medicines
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 taking pain medicine after surgery? People used to think they just had to suffer through severe pain after surgery. Today, your nurses and healthcare providers can do…
Pain Relievers: Understanding Your OTC Options
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. What types of OTC pain relievers are available? Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are medicines that you can buy without a prescription from your health care provider. Two main types of OTC pain…
Painful Urination (Dysuria)
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. Painful urination (dysuria) is when you feel pain, discomfort, or burning when you urinate. The discomfort may be felt where urine passes out of the body. It may also be felt inside…
Pancreatic Cancer
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 pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer. It affects your pancreas. Your pancreas is an organ. It is located behind your stomach and in front of your spine….
Pancreatitis
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 pancreatitis? Pancreatitis (say: “pan-kree-ah-tie-tiss”) is inflammation (swelling) of your pancreas. The pancreas is a gland near your stomach and liver that helps you absorb and digest food. Pancreatitis can…
Panic Disorder
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 panic disorder? Panic disorder is a condition in which a person has…
Pap Smear (Cervical Smear)
If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day. A Pap smear is a medical exam used to determine if a woman has cervical cancer. A Pap smear is also called a Pap test. It’s performed by a healthcare provider, usually…
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…