Home
Discover BRAC
BRAC Network
Services
CampaignsForever FundContact
Start FundraisingSign UpLogin
Free Health Library

Everyday Health Guide

Explore health conditions, symptoms, first aid, medical tests and family wellness.

1,600 health information entriesAdvanced Search ↓No login required
Browse Categories

Explore the Health Library

Browse alphabetically or find an entry using Search.

Clear Filters / Back
Advanced Search — Refine Results
Reset All

112 entries found.

Poison Ivy Exposure (Skin)First Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach

Wash & Soothe

Preparation & Use

Wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and cool water as soon as possible to remove the plant oil. Wash all clothing and tools that touched the plant. Apply calamine lotion to relieve itching.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE home care. CAUTION: The rash itself is not contagious, but the plant oil on clothes can spread it.

When to Seek Medical Help

If the rash is on the face or genitals, covers a large area, or shows signs of infection.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Poison Ivy RashFirst Aid & Emergency · First Aid
First Aid Approach

Wash & Soothe

Preparation & Use

Wash the affected skin thoroughly with soap and cool water as soon as possible to remove the plant oil (urushiol). Wash all clothing and tools that touched the plant. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE home care. CAUTION: The rash itself is not contagious, but the plant oil on clothes can spread it.

When to Seek Medical Help

If the rash is on the face or genitals, covers a large area, or shows signs of infection (pus, increasing redness).

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

PolioA–Z Health · Infectious Disease / Neurological
Recommended Care

Vaccination & Physiotherapy

Preparation & Use

Ensure OPV/IPV vaccination. For affected limbs, regular physiotherapy and supportive braces are needed.

Safety & Precautions

PREVENTABLE: Vaccination is the only cure.

When to See Doctor

Sudden weakness in legs/arms, especially in unvaccinated children.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Polyps (Colon/Nasal)A–Z Health · ENT / Digestive
Recommended Care

Medical Removal/Spray

Preparation & Use

Use steroid nasal spray for nasal polyps. Colon polyps need removal during colonoscopy.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Some polyps can become cancerous.

When to See Doctor

Loss of smell, nasal blockage, or blood in stool.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Polysomnography (Sleep Study)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Procedure
Test Purpose & Procedure

An overnight test that records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and eye/leg movements during sleep. Sensors are painlessly attached to the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of the test.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE, non-invasive test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Discuss the results with a sleep specialist to diagnose and treat conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, or narcolepsy.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

PolyuriaA–Z Health · Urinary Health
Recommended Care

Check Sugar & Hydration

Preparation & Use

Check for diabetes. Limit fluid intake before bed. Avoid caffeine/alcohol.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE monitoring. CAUTION: Could be diabetes or kidney issue.

When to See Doctor

Excessive thirst, weight loss, or waking up multiple times at night.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Poor BalanceCommon Symptoms · Neurological
Recommended Care

Supportive Walking & Eye Check

Preparation & Use

Use a cane or hold onto walls while walking. Get your eyes and ears checked. Practice standing on one leg (with support).

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: High risk of falling.

When to See Doctor

If balance problems are sudden, or accompanied by slurred speech.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

PorphyriaA–Z Health · Blood / Genetic
Recommended Care

Avoid Triggers & Sun

Preparation & Use

Avoid sunlight. Avoid certain drugs/alcohol. Follow hematologist’s plan.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Rare genetic condition.

When to See Doctor

Severe abdominal pain, skin blisters in sun, or urine color change.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia) CareWellness, Mother & Child · WMCUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Care Approach

Use Heavy-Duty Pads and Monitor Flow

Guidance & Use

Lochia (the normal vaginal discharge of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue after childbirth) can last 4–6 weeks. Use heavy-duty sanitary pads (not tampons, to prevent infection). Rest, stay hydrated, and note that the flow will gradually change from bright red to pink, then brown, and finally yellowish-white.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. CAUTION: Avoid tampons

When to Seek Medical Advice

douching, or sexual intercourse until cleared by a doctor (usually 6 weeks).,IMMEDIATELY: If you soak through a heavy pad in an hour, pass clots larger than a golf ball, or the bleeding suddenly becomes bright red again after fading.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum Body ImageWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Practice Self-Compassion and Patience

Guidance & Use

Acknowledge that the body has undergone a major physical event. Focus on what your body can do (nourish and care for a baby) rather than how it looks. Wear comfortable, well-fitting clothes and avoid comparing yourself to unrealistic postpartum images.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. Healing takes time

When to Seek Medical Advice

often 9 to 12 months or longer.,If negative feelings about your body lead to severe depression, disordered eating, or an inability to bond with your baby.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum ConstipationWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Increase Fiber, Fluids, and Gentle Movement

Guidance & Use

Drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods (like prunes, oats, and vegetables). Take short, gentle walks to stimulate bowel movements. If needed, ask your doctor about a safe, mild stool softener.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE home care. CAUTION: Avoid straining

When to Seek Medical Advice

especially if you have perineal stitches or hemorrhoids.,If constipation lasts more than a few days, is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, or if you notice bleeding.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum DepressionA–Z Health · Women's Health / Mental Wellness
Recommended Care

Support & Counseling

Preparation & Use

Talk to family/friends. Share baby care duties. Seek professional therapy if feelings persist >2 weeks.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE support. CAUTION: Needs medical help if severe.

When to See Doctor

Inability to care for baby, thoughts of harm, or severe anxiety.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum Depression ScreeningWellness, Mother & Child · WMCUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Care Approach

Open Communication & Professional Help

Guidance & Use

Monitor for persistent sadness, anxiety, or lack of interest in the baby lasting more than 2 weeks. Use validated screening tools (like the EPDS) during postpartum checkups. Seek support from family and healthcare providers.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. PPD is a treatable medical condition

When to Seek Medical Advice

not a personal failure.,IMMEDIATELY: If you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, or if you feel completely overwhelmed.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum Hair CareWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Use Gentle Tools and Avoid Tight Styles

Guidance & Use

Postpartum hair shedding is normal due to dropping hormone levels. Use a wide-toothed comb, avoid tight ponytails or braids that pull on the roots, and continue taking prenatal vitamins to support new hair growth.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. Hair typically regrows on its own within 6 to 12 months.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If hair loss is severe, patchy, or continues beyond one year postpartum, consult a doctor to rule out thyroid issues.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum Hair LossWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Gentle Hair Care and Patience

Guidance & Use

Postpartum hair loss is a normal result of dropping pregnancy hormone levels. Use a gentle, wide-toothed comb, avoid tight hairstyles, and maintain a nutrient-rich diet with adequate protein and iron. Hair typically regrows on its own within 6–12 months.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If hair loss is severe, patchy, or continues beyond one year postpartum, consult a doctor to rule out thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum Hemorrhoid CareWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Warm Sitz Baths and Fiber-Rich Diet

Guidance & Use

Soak the area in a warm sitz bath (a shallow bath that covers only the hips and buttocks) for 15 minutes several times a day. Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation. Apply over-the-counter witch hazel pads or hemorrhoid cream as approved by a doctor.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE home care.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If hemorrhoids are extremely painful, bleed heavily, or do not improve after a few weeks of home care.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum NutritionWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Nutrient-Dense Hydrating Diet

Guidance & Use

Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, calcium, and fiber to aid postpartum (the period after childbirth) recovery and support milk production. Drink plenty of water and continue taking prenatal vitamins as advised by your doctor.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. Essential for maternal healing and infant nutrition.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience extreme fatigue, hair loss, or difficulty healing, which may indicate a nutritional deficiency.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Postpartum Physical TherapyWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Consult a Specialist for Targeted Exercises

Guidance & Use

A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess and treat postpartum issues like diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles), pelvic pain, or incontinence. They provide personalized, safe exercises to restore core strength.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. Highly recommended for a full physical recovery.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience persistent back pain, pelvic heaviness, or urinary leakage beyond the initial postpartum weeks.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

If this page helped you, consider supporting BRAC with a small donation as little as ₹10 INR or $1 USD.

DONATE NOW

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis or a replacement for care from a qualified professional. This is not legal or medical advice. Consult a professional for specific needs. BRAC® is not liable for errors or consequences arising from the use of this content. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in.