Women's Health - Common Diseases & Conditions

Susan was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes in her late 40's, but ironically, the diagnosis gave her the ability to enjoy and live life.

Chronic body aches and pain can be torturous and debilitating. For some, there is only so much pain they can handle. However, for Cheryl Trent, pain was part of her life for over a decade. Here is how she was able to get her life back.

Ilise didn't give up her quest to found out which condition was causing her digestive discomforts. Thankfully, she turned her troubles into triumphs and is now a health coach to help others overcome their digestive problems.

Asthma can be a livable condition or it can be deadly for some. Carmen's story is about striving to live with asthma even though it threatened her life.

Kyla Jones had never experienced any heart problems. Then suddenly, she suffered a near-fatal heart attack and had to undergo double-bypass surgery. See how she cheated death and was able to regain control of her health.

Leola, 78, lives in Montgomery, AL. She has suffered from arthritis for decades, but didn t give up on finding ways to cope with and manage this painful condition. Read on to see how she continues to overcome against the pain in her joints.

From schlepping around a heavy shoulder bag to sleeping with your makeup on, here s a look at some habits that can have an adverse affect on your health.

Keep the contact info for these MDs close at hand.

The average adult gets between two and four colds each year, and upper respiratory infections can take 10 days to get over. Here s four tips to ward off illness.

Researchers in Denmark have found that women with asthma seem to experience delays in getting pregnant. Find out why this may occur.

Both breast and ovarian cancers are strongly linked to two specific genes. Learn more about what options are available for women with mutations in these genes.

Learn how this tiny gland affects your metabolism, and whether it's really responsible for those extra pounds during middle age.

If someone near to you has recently gained weight, you may feel it's your duty to say something, but consider this expert insight first.

When it comes to these bugs, what's fact and what's fiction? Let us set the record straight.

If you're among the 7.5 million Americans living with this skin condition, we've got tips to help you look and feel your best.

Take steps to avoid (or relieve the pain from) this common foot problem.

Adults ages 50 and older are at an increased risk for STDs. Here's what you need to know to avoid catching or spreading serious diseases.

New studies explore how coffee may help people lose weight and even reduce their risk of diabetes.

Going Mediterranean may offer protective benefits against skin cancer. That's on top of the other health benefits this easy-to-follow diet serves up.

Did you know your surroundings could increase your chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke? Here's why.

Due to evolutionary factors and hormones, one sex is more prone to a miserable bout of the flu.

Soap and water alone are fine for keeping dust bunnies away, but they won t rid your home of germs. Here's how to tell when your home needs more than just a routine clean.

A nagging cough, low-grade fever, and pain or tightness in the chest may signal bronchitis. Here's how to tell for sure.

Here's why you may have lost your voice...and how to find it again.

If it's sometimes hard to grasp words and facts that you used to have a handle on, it might be time to get a grip, literally.

The most common birth defect in the U.S., spina bifida can be permanently disabling. But it's also highly preventable. Here's what you need to know.

Poor circulation can lead to painful and unsightly skin ulcers, most commonly found on the inside of the ankles. Here's how to detect a problem so treatment can begin.

Here's what you need to know about this pregnancy complication.

Though most cases of breast cancer occur in women over 55, thousands under the age of 40 are diagnosed each year. Find out if you're at increased risk and what you can do to protect yourself.

If you were diagnosed tomorrow, would you be prepared financially? If the answer is "no," you may be tempted to invest in cancer insurance. But read this first.

Environmental factors account for about two-thirds of all cancer cases, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Here's what you need to know.

Understanding how melanoma metastasizes will help scientists develop potential new treatment therapies.

Have you changed your eating habits to shed some pounds but find the numbers on the scale are going up?

Is Alzheimer's a result of genetics or environment? Scientists say both. While you can't change your genes, you can alter your lifestyle to help reduce your risk of this degenerative brain disorder.

Hot flashes are a well-known, frequently-complained-about source of discomfort brought on by menopause. Here's how to get relief from these and other "more-than-just annoyances."

New study suggests snoring may be more than just a nuisance. Read on to learn about its connection to heart attack and stroke.

You love your pet. But what happens if your significant other can't set foot in your home without coughing or sneezing? Don't let allergies end your relationship. Read on for ways to solve the problem.

Feel like you're dealing with yeast infections all the time? Learn more about this common problem.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated condition distinguished by fatigue that isn't relieved by rest. Does this sound familiar?

Have you ever developed an unexplained bump on your hand or foot? If so, it was probably a ganglion cyst.

Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die, or no longer form melanin. This causes white patches to appear on the skin, and sometimes even the hair and eyes.

Sure, there are moves to avoid, but there are also certain ones that can help with strength and posture.

People often report feeling more energetic and more focused when they stop eating gluten. But starting a gluten-free diet without consulting your doctor can compromise your health. Here's why.

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a promising new treatment may help provide relief from your symptoms.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye, which leads to impaired vision. Most cataracts are related to aging, but some are not. Here's the whole story.

Spinal manipulation is a helpful element of ongoing pain treatment for many. Learn what to expect from your visit to the chiropractor.

From the harvesting of stem cells without embryos to a pill that delays aging, we've rounded up a few of medicine's amazing advances coming down the pike.

While the logistics of air travel can be a pain in the neck, for some, flying can literally be a pain in the head.

These simple tips will help you clear away the clouds to let the sunshine in again.

Dwarfism, or short stature, is a misunderstood condition. Read on to get the facts.

For most women, breast tenderness is no big deal. But for others, it can be downright painful. Learn how some dietary modifications may help bring relief.

Therapy can be an effective tool when coping with difficult situations, but many insurances plans don't cover mental health services, or they require expensive co-pays. Here are some ways to find affordable treatment.

Angiogenesis is a controlled process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. When the balance of angiogenesis is off-balance in the body, abnormal blood vessels grow, potentially leading to cancer. Can certain foods inhibit this loss of control?

New science suggests shorter workouts may be just as effective as longer ones.

For many, sinusitis means uncomfortable symptoms that may require the right treatment to overcome.

Osteoporosis is often associated with age, but smoking, alcohol abuse, and poor nutrition can play a role as well.

Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. And there s more to know about how these conditions are distinct.

A diagnosis of breast cancer is not as straightforward as you might imagine (or hope). There are several different types of breast cancer, some more serious than others. Get the facts.

What are the types, causes, risk factors, and treatments of this hard to control, and sometimes embarrassing, condition?

It's not just heartburn. Here are the real telltale signs of this digestive disorder.

It's used to everything from trucks to generators, but it's now clear diesel fumes are tied to cancer. What can you do about it?

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be a challenge. Follow these tips to make it easier.

These simple tests can help detect common health conditions before they escalate.

Caregiving expert Jackie Pinkowitz discusses the difference between age-related memory problems and Alzheimer's disease.

QualityHealth sits down with fitness expert Jackie Warner to discuss her initiative to give people with psoriasis a renewed resolve to get fit and feel great in their skin.

Mammograms save lives. Or do they? Breast cancer deaths have declined over the past two decades. Is this due to routine screenings or better treatment techniques?

You know it does, but do you know how and why smoking is one of the greatest health risks out there? Understanding what's behind the risk might help you or a loved one give them up for good.

You've heard they do. You've heard they don't. So, what are the experts saying about the real risk?

An occasional increase in blood pressure above your average reading is not usually a cause for alarm. But over time, and if those spikes occur frequently enough, they can cause damage to your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys.

Keeping safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days. Here are practical steps you can take to minimize exposure.

Have you ever grappled with the unexpected side effects from a medication? It's important to pinpoint the cause of these surprising reactions. Here's the right way to know if it's a true drug allergy.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. Did you know there are four steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 82 percent?

What and how you eat could be hazardous to your health.

Although advancing age and being a woman are the two most significant risk factors for breast cancer, a family history also raises your risk of developing breast cancer and developing it at a younger age.

Are you an "apple"? Are you a "pear"? And what does that really determine anyway?

Remember having the chicken pox as a kid? That episode can come back to haunt you as an adult. Shingles normally presents with severe pain, tingling, or burning on one side of the body. That's followed by red, scaly blisters that break, dry, and crust over.

The new technique of 3-D mammograms, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), overlays 3-D optical mammogram images with x-ray images.

Researchers have found that women are 11 times more likely to develop this serious condition if they are missing teeth or have gum disease. What's the connection?

Twenty-five percent of people with diabetes don't even know they have it and that means they're not getting the treatment they need or taking the important steps necessary to keep the disease in check.

There are many reasons to take on this challenge, and mental acuity is probably at the bottom of the list. But that doesn't diminish the brain benefits it can confer.

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey.

The standard of care for ovarian cancer treatment has changed over time. What's the latest in the battle against this hard-to-diagnose disease?

If you're a middle-aged woman, it's especially important to keep your blood pressure under control. There are small changes you can make that will add up big when it comes to your health.

Why are self-breast exams less in favor, and what options do you have now for detecting breast cancer?

If you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update from the National Cancer Institute.

Germs thrive in saliva, mucous, stomach acids, and other body fluids. Regardless of how good you are about personal hygiene when you're sick, chances are you're going to spew a few germs.

Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. But heart disease is actually a category of diseases and it pays to know the different types.

Could half the country be diabetic in 10 years? Here are changes you can make now to keep this scary prediction from becoming reality.

You may not realize that something as mundane as a car accident could put you at major risk for this disorder.

While there may be some things about aging that are less than lovable, it turns out that hitting those milestone birthdays often means there are plenty of positives to celebrate. Here are a few.

Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but there are many things you can do now to avoid it.

Joint pain may seem to naturally result from purely physical ailments such as arthritis, but there's significant evidence that joint pain can be caused or exacerbated by mental distress.

A new study finds that heart disease patients' risk of suffering a major cardiovascular event can be measured by their resting heart rate.

This intense therapeutic experience manipulates your fascia, the connective tissue around muscles, to restructure your physique.

Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a very scary condition that can be fatal. What do you need to know about DVT to ensure it doesn't happen to you?

Which veggies promise to reduce age-related memory deficits?

Shift work disrupts our internal clock, which tells us when to eat, sleep, and be active.

Teenagers may be irresponsible about a lot of things, but when it comes to condom use, they're actually more careful than grownups.

Increases in accidental overdoses of over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs are one of the fastest-rising causes of accidental death in the U.S.

Poor circulation can cause numbness, cold hands and feet, and other unpleasant symptoms. But a sluggish blood flow isn't something you have to live with. You can boost your circulation and get that blood moving through your body.

Your knees have a heavy load to bear. They support a good percentage of your body weight and have been doing so since you learned to walk. So it's no surprise that as you get older, your knees may experience a little (or a lot) more trouble than they used to.

Chronic stress is a villain that causes a host of problems ranging from sleep and digestive disorders to depression. Stress can affect your concentration, lead to weight gain (or loss), weaken the immune system and even contribute to heart disease.

What is the normal weight obesity condition and what can you do about it?

There are some simple steps you can take to make sure you don't become a walking biohazard, regardless of the state of the public bathroom you find yourself in.

Is it possible that certain widely-used pain relievers may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment?

New research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S.

Find out what makes this form of cancer so fatal.

Read on to find out how to soothe your cold sore symptoms, or reduce your outbreaks altogether.

Study sheds new light on the diabetes and breast cancer link.

Although back pain is common, it doesn't have to be inevitable. Follow these easy tips to reduce your risk.

Although the recently developed cervical cancer vaccine has been heavily marketed to young women and teen girls, it hasn t gained a foothold among the population of older women. But, that may soon be changing.

Find out if your heart palpitations and hot flashes are sign of something serious.

Find out why women are at such a high risk for heart disease.

When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack.

You might not hear these tips at the doctor's office, but they could help you live a longer, healthier life.

From head to toe, we explore symptoms and solutions for some of the most awkward health conditions.

About one in every four people has a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and many don't even know it. Find out how to protect yourself.

Follow these easy steps to minimize your risk of breakouts.

Psoriasis affects an estimated 7.5 million people in the United States, but all too often, the condition is misunderstood. Here, we separate fact from fiction.

There is currently no cure for schizophrenia, but new research is improving the outlook for patients.