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.

Child Heatstroke Prevention (Summer Safety)Wellness, 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

Never Leave a Child in a Parked Car

Guidance & Use

A car's interior temperature can rise to deadly levels in minutes, even with windows cracked. Always check the back seat before locking the car. Keep the child hydrated and dressed in lightweight, light-colored clothing during hot weather.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the child shows signs of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness) or heatstroke (hot, dry skin, confusion, rapid pulse).

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.

Child Poisoning Prevention (Home Safety)Wellness, 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

Lock Up Medications and Chemicals

Guidance & Use

Store all medications, cleaning supplies, and vitamins in high, locked cabinets. Keep products in their original containers with child-resistant caps. Save the national Poison Control number in your phone for immediate access.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Prevents accidental ingestion of toxic substances.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the child ingests any non-food substance, call Poison Control or go to the emergency room immediately.

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.

Childproofing BathroomWellness, 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

Secure Hazards and Regulate Water Temperature

Guidance & Use

Install toilet lid locks to prevent drowning risks. Store all medications, cleaning supplies, and sharp objects in high, locked cabinets. Set the water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scalding (burns from hot water).

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms for unsupervised toddlers.

When to Seek Medical Advice

IMMEDIATELY: If the child ingests any medication or cleaning product, call poison control or go to the emergency room.

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.

Childproofing the HomeWellness, 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

Identify and Secure Hazards

Guidance & Use

Get down to the baby's eye level to identify risks. Install safety gates on stairs, cover electrical outlets, secure heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tipping, and lock away cleaning supplies and medications.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Essential once the baby begins to crawl or walk.

When to Seek Medical Advice

IMMEDIATELY: If the child ingests a toxic substance or sustains a head injury from a fall.

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.

Child Sleepwalking (Safety Measures)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Secure the Environment and Guide Gently

Guidance & Use

Lock doors and windows, remove tripping hazards, and install gates at the top of stairs. If the child sleepwalks, gently guide them back to bed without waking them, as waking them can cause confusion and distress.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE developmental practice. Most children outgrow sleepwalking by adolescence.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If sleepwalking is frequent, dangerous, or accompanied by other sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

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.

Child Sunburn Prevention (SPF Guidelines)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Apply Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Guidance & Use

Apply a broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE preventive care. Prevents sunburn and reduces the long-term risk of skin cancer.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the child develops a severe sunburn with blisters, fever, or chills.

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.

Child Travel Sickness (Motion Sickness Remedies)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach

Provide Fresh Air and Distraction

Guidance & Use

Have the child look out the front windshield to help their brain align visual input with motion. Offer light, bland snacks before the trip, ensure the vehicle is well-ventilated, and play music or tell stories to distract them.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE wellness practice. CAUTION: Do not give over-the-counter motion sickness medication to children under 2 without a doctor's approval.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the child experiences severe, persistent vomiting leading to signs of dehydration.

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.

Chloride TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures chloride (an electrolyte that helps maintain the body's fluid balance and acidity levels). It is usually part of a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP). Fasting may be required depending on the full panel ordered. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If levels are abnormal, consult your doctor to check for dehydration, kidney disease, or adrenal gland 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.

Choking (Adult or Child)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

Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Pushes)

Preparation & Use

Stand behind the person. Make a fist (a hand with fingers tightly curled inside) and place it just above their belly button. Grab your fist with the other hand and give quick, upward thrusts (sudden, strong pushes) until the object is expelled (forced out).

Safety & Precautions

EMERGENCY: Act quickly. If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR.

When to Seek Medical Help

IMMEDIATELY: After the object is out, to ensure no internal injury occurred.

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.

Choking (Infant under 1 year)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

Back Blows & Chest Pushes

Preparation & Use

Lay the baby face down on your forearm. Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades (the two flat bones on the upper back). Turn the baby over and give 5 gentle chest pushes with two fingers. Repeat until the object is expelled (forced out).

Safety & Precautions

EMERGENCY: Never do abdominal pushes (Heimlich) on an infant.

When to Seek Medical Help

IMMEDIATELY: After the object is out, or call an ambulance if the baby turns blue or becomes unresponsive.

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.

Choking (Unconscious Adult)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

Lower to Floor & Start CPR

Preparation & Use

Gently lower the person to the floor. Call emergency services. Begin CPR (chest compressions and breaths). Before giving breaths, open the mouth and look for the object. If seen, remove it with a finger sweep. Do not do blind finger sweeps.

Safety & Precautions

EMERGENCY: Brain damage begins within 4 minutes without oxygen.

When to Seek Medical Help

IMMEDIATELY: Continue CPR until paramedics arrive or the person starts breathing.

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.

Choking First AidA–Z Health · First Aid / EmergencyUrgent 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

Heimlich Maneuver (Pet Par Dabav)

Preparation & Use

Stand behind person. Wrap arms around waist. Make fist above navel. Pull inward and upward sharply.

Safety & Precautions

EMERGENCY: Act quickly. Call 108 if person becomes unconscious.

When to See Doctor

IMMEDIATELY: If breathing does not return or person loses consciousness.

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.

Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Infection)A–Z Health · Digestive Health
Recommended Care

Low-Fat Diet & Medical Care

Preparation & Use

Avoid oily/fried foods. Eat small meals. See doctor for antibiotics or surgery if needed.

Safety & Precautions

CAUTION: Can lead to serious infection.

When to See Doctor

Severe upper right abdominal pain, fever, or yellow skin/eyes.

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.

CholeraA–Z Health · Infectious DiseaseUrgent 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

ORS & Immediate Hospital Care

Preparation & Use

Start ORS solution immediately. Go to hospital for IV fluids and antibiotics. Do not delay.

Safety & Precautions

EMERGENCY: Can be fatal within hours due to dehydration.

When to See Doctor

IMMEDIATELY: For any case of severe watery diarrhea and vomiting.

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.

Cholesterol (High)A–Z Health · Cardiovascular
Recommended Care

Oats & Exercise

Preparation & Use

Eat bowl of oats daily. Walk briskly for 30 mins. Avoid fried foods and red meat.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE lifestyle change. CAUTION: Monitor levels regularly.

When to See Doctor

If levels remain high despite diet changes, or family history of heart disease.

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.

Cholesterol (Low)A–Z Health · General Wellness
Recommended Care

Balanced Diet (Santulit Aahar)

Preparation & Use

Include healthy fats like nuts, avocado, and olive oil. Eat eggs and fish if non-vegetarian.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE dietary adjustment.

When to See Doctor

If caused by underlying liver disease or malnutrition.

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.

Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) in the blood to assess heart disease risk. Fasting for 9–12 hours is strictly required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If LDL (bad cholesterol) is high or HDL (good cholesterol) is low, consult your doctor for diet or medication advice.

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.

Chronic CoughA–Z Health · Respiratory Health
Recommended Care

Honey & Black Pepper (Shahad aur Kali Mirch)

Preparation & Use

Mix half tsp black pepper powder with 1 tsp honey. Take twice daily. Stop smoking if applicable.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE supportive care. CAUTION: Needs diagnosis for underlying cause.

When to See Doctor

Cough lasting >8 weeks, weight loss, or coughing up blood.

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.