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.

Advanced Search — Refine Results
Reset All

1,600 entries found.

Cardiac Arrest SignsA–Z Health · Emergency / CardiovascularUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Recommended Care

CPR & Call 108

Preparation & Use

Check for breathing. If none, start chest compressions (CPR). Call 108 immediately. Use AED if available.

Safety & Precautions

EMERGENCY: Every second counts. Do not wait.

When to See Doctor

IMMEDIATELY: This is a life-threatening emergency.

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.

Cardiac Chest Pain (Angina)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
First Aid Approach

Rest & Nitroglycerin

Preparation & Use

Stop all physical activity and sit down immediately. If prescribed, place a nitroglycerin tablet (a medication that widens blood vessels to improve blood flow to the heart) under the tongue.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: If pain does not go away in 5 minutes, treat it as a heart attack.

When to Seek Medical Help

IMMEDIATELY: If the pain lasts more than 15 minutes or is accompanied by sweating and shortness of breath.

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.

Cardiac Troponin TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood TestUrgent information
This entry includes urgent or emergency precautions. Read the original Safety and Medical Help information below. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures troponin (a protein released into the blood only when the heart muscle is damaged). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed, often repeated over a few hours in the emergency room.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

**IMMEDIATELY**: If troponin levels are elevated, it indicates a heart attack or severe heart strain, requiring immediate emergency 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.

Carotid UltrasoundDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Imaging
Test Purpose & Procedure

Uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the carotid arteries (the main blood vessels in the neck that supply the brain) to check for plaque buildup or blockages. No special preparation is needed. A gel is applied, and a transducer (a device that sends and receives sound waves) is moved over the neck.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE imaging test. It does not use ionizing radiation.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Discuss results with your doctor to assess stroke risk and manage cholesterol or blood pressure.

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.

Carpal Tunnel SyndromeA–Z Health · Musculoskeletal Health
Recommended Care

Wrist Splint & Rest

Preparation & Use

Wear wrist splint at night. Take breaks from typing. Shake hands gently to relieve numbness.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE conservative care. CAUTION: Avoid repetitive strain.

When to See Doctor

Persistent numbness, weakness in grip, or pain waking you 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.

Car Seat Cleaning (Safe Methods)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Spot Clean Without Submerging the Harness

Guidance & Use

Wipe the fabric with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not submerge the harness straps in water or use harsh chemicals, as this can weaken the fibers and compromise the seat's safety in a crash. Air dry completely before use.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Maintaining the integrity of the harness is critical for crash protection.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the harness straps show signs of fraying, discoloration, or stiffness.

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.

Car Seat Expiration CheckWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Check the Manufacturing Label

Guidance & Use

Car seats typically expire 6 to 10 years after the manufacture date due to plastic degradation (the weakening of plastic materials over time) and evolving safety standards. Locate the expiration date sticker on the back or bottom of the seat and replace it before that date.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Using an expired car seat compromises crash protection.

When to Seek Medical Advice

N/A (Focus on replacing the seat through certified child passenger safety technicians).

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.

Car Seat Installation CheckWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Professional Verification and Harness Check

Guidance & Use

Ensure the car seat base does not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path. The harness should be snug enough that you cannot pinch any slack at the child's collarbone, and the chest clip must be positioned at armpit level.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Improper installation is the leading cause of car seat failure in a crash.

When to Seek Medical Advice

N/A (Consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician for a free, professional installation check).

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.

Car Seat Safety (Infant)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Proper Rear-Facing Installation

Guidance & Use

Install the infant car seat in the back seat of the vehicle, strictly in the rear-facing position. Ensure the harness straps are snug (you should not be able to pinch any extra webbing at the baby's shoulders) and the chest clip is at armpit level.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Mandatory for preventing severe injury in the event of a crash.

When to Seek Medical Advice

N/A (Consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician for installation checks).

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.

Car Seat Winter SafetyWellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Remove Bulky Coats Before Buckling

Guidance & Use

Always remove the baby's puffy winter coat before placing them in the car seat. Bulky clothing compresses in a crash, creating dangerous slack in the harness. Instead, buckle the baby in snugly and place the coat or a blanket over them afterward.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Essential for ensuring the harness provides proper protection in a collision.

When to Seek Medical Advice

N/A (Consult a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician for proper harness fitting).

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.

Cataract (Eye Clouding)A–Z Health · Eye Health
Recommended Care

UV Protection Sunglasses (Dhoop Se Bachav)

Preparation & Use

Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors. Eat leafy greens like spinach. Prevents worsening.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive measure. CAUTION: Not a cure. Regular eye checkups needed.

When to See Doctor

Sudden vision change, double vision, or difficulty driving 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.

Cat Scratch FeverA–Z Health · Infectious Disease
Recommended Care

Clean Wound & Monitor

Preparation & Use

Wash scratch with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment. Watch for swollen lymph nodes.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Can cause fever and swelling.

When to See Doctor

Swollen glands near scratch, fever, or fatigue after a cat scratch.

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.

Celiac DiseaseA–Z Health · Digestive Health / Autoimmune
Recommended Care

Gluten-Free Diet (Gehua Mukta Aahar)

Preparation & Use

Strictly avoid wheat, barley, and rye. Eat rice, millet, and corn instead. Read food labels carefully.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Even small amounts of gluten can cause damage.

When to See Doctor

Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, or bloating after eating wheat.

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.

Celiac Disease Antibody TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Detects celiac antibodies (proteins the immune system mistakenly makes in response to gluten). You must be eating a gluten-containing diet for the test to be accurate. No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test. CAUTION: Do not start a gluten-free diet before testing, as it can cause a false negative.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If positive, consult a gastroenterologist for confirmation (often via endoscopy) and dietary guidance.

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.

CelluliteA–Z Health · Skin Health
Recommended Care

Dry Brushing & Exercise

Preparation & Use

Brush skin gently before bath. Do regular cardio exercise. Stay hydrated.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE cosmetic care. CAUTION: It is normal and not a disease.

When to See Doctor

Only if skin becomes red, hot, or painful (could be 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.

Cervical BiopsyDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Gynecological
Test Purpose & Procedure

Removes a small piece of tissue from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) for microscopic examination to check for precancerous or cancerous cells. Local anesthesia may be used. Mild cramping may occur.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE procedure. CAUTION: Light bleeding or spotting is normal for a few days afterward.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Discuss the pathology results with your gynecologist to determine if any further treatment is needed.

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.

Cervical Spondylitis (Neck Pain)A–Z Health · Musculoskeletal Health
Recommended Care

Neck Exercises & Warm Compress

Preparation & Use

Gently tilt head side to side. Apply warm towel to neck for 10 mins. Avoid looking down at phone for long.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE for mild pain. CAUTION: Stop if dizziness occurs.

When to See Doctor

Numbness in arms, severe headache, or loss of balance.

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.

Chapped LipsA–Z Health · Skin Health
Recommended Care

Ghee or Honey Application

Preparation & Use

Apply a thin layer of ghee or honey on lips before bed. Do not lick lips. Drink plenty of water.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE natural care. CAUTION: Avoid flavored lip balms if allergic.

When to See Doctor

Cracks that bleed, do not heal in 2 weeks, or spread to corners of mouth.

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.