Browse Categories
Explore the Health Library
Browse alphabetically or find an entry using Search.
Advanced Search — Refine Results
Perineal Care (Postpartum)Wellness, Mother & Child · WMC
Care Approach
Warm Water Rinse and Air Dry
Guidance & Use
After using the toilet, rinse the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) with warm water using a peri-bottle. Pat the area dry gently with a clean towel or let it air dry. Use cold packs for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: Do not rub the area
When to Seek Medical Advice
as it may be sore or have stitches.,If you notice increased pain, foul-smelling discharge, or the stitches appear to be opening.
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.
PeriodontitisA–Z Health · Oral Health
Recommended Care
Professional Cleaning & Hygiene
Preparation & Use
Get scaling done by dentist. Brush twice daily. Floss regularly. Use antimicrobial mouthwash.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Can lead to tooth loss if ignored.
When to See Doctor
Bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth.
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.
Pernicious AnemiaA–Z Health · Blood & Immunity
Recommended Care
B12 Injections & Diet
Preparation & Use
Take B12 injections as prescribed. Eat eggs, dairy, and fortified cereals.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Body cannot absorb B12 naturally. Needs lifelong treatment.
When to See Doctor
Extreme fatigue, numbness in hands/feet, or pale skin.
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.
Persistent CoughCommon Symptoms · Respiratory
Recommended Care
Steam & Medical Checkup
Preparation & Use
Inhale steam twice daily. Drink warm fluids. If cough lasts more than 2 weeks, get a Chest X-ray to rule out TB or other issues.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Long cough needs diagnosis.
When to See Doctor
If cough lasts more than 2-3 weeks, especially with weight loss or night sweats.
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.
Personality DisorderA–Z Health · Mental Wellness
Recommended Care
Psychotherapy (DBT/CBT)
Preparation & Use
Seek long-term therapy. Learn coping skills for emotions. Join support groups.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Needs professional psychiatric care.
When to See Doctor
Patterns causing distress in work/relationships.
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.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)A–Z Health · Infectious Disease
Recommended Care
Antibiotics & Isolation
Preparation & Use
Take prescribed antibiotics. Isolate from others. Keep air moist. Small frequent feeds for babies.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Highly contagious. Dangerous for infants.
When to See Doctor
'Whoop' sound after coughing, vomiting after cough, or blue lips.
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.
PharyngitisA–Z Health · ENT Health
Recommended Care
Salt Water Gargle & Warm Fluids
Preparation & Use
Gargle with warm salt water 3 times daily. Drink warm honey-lemon water. Rest voice.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE home care. CAUTION: If bacterial, needs antibiotics.
When to See Doctor
High fever, white patches on tonsils, or difficulty 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.
Phenylalanine TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood TestUrgent information
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures phenylalanine (an amino acid found in protein) in the blood. High levels indicate phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder where the body cannot break down this amino acid. It is routinely done as a newborn screening via a heel prick.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE routine test.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If levels are elevated in a newborn, consult a pediatric metabolic specialist immediately to start a special diet and prevent brain damage.
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.
PhimosisA–Z Health · Men's Health
Recommended Care
Gentle Stretching & Steroid Cream
Preparation & Use
Apply prescribed steroid cream. Gently stretch foreskin during bath. Do not force it.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Forcing can cause tearing. Surgery may be needed.
When to See Doctor
Pain, swelling, or inability to urinate properly.
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.
Phosphorus Test (Serum)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures serum phosphorus (a mineral that works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth, and helps produce energy). Fasting may be required. 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 kidney disease, bone disorders, or vitamin D 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.
PhotophobiaA–Z Health · Eye Health / Neurological
Recommended Care
Sunglasses & Dark Room
Preparation & Use
Wear UV-protection sunglasses outdoors. Rest in dim room. Treat underlying cause (migraine/infection).
Safety & Precautions
SAFE symptom management.
When to See Doctor
Sudden onset, with headache, or eye 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.
PicaA–Z Health · Nutritional / Mental
Recommended Care
Iron/Zinc Supplement & Counseling
Preparation & Use
Check for anemia. Take supplements if deficient. Behavioral therapy to stop habit.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Can cause intestinal blockage/poisoning.
When to See Doctor
Persistent craving for non-food items.
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.
Piles (Hemorrhoids)A–Z Health · Digestive Health
Recommended Care
Warm Sitz Bath & Fiber
Preparation & Use
Sit in warm water for 15 mins. Eat high-fiber foods (fruits/veggies). Drink plenty of water to keep stool soft.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE conservative care. CAUTION: Avoid straining during motion.
When to See Doctor
Heavy bleeding, severe pain, or lump outside anus.
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.
Pimples (Acne)A–Z Health · Skin Health
Recommended Care
Aloe Vera Gel
Preparation & Use
Apply fresh aloe gel on clean face before bed. Wash off in morning. Do not squeeze pimples.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE external use. CAUTION: Test on small area first.
When to See Doctor
Deep painful lumps, widespread redness, or scarring.
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.
Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures PlGF (a protein produced by the placenta during pregnancy). Low levels can indicate poor placental development and an increased risk of preeclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy condition involving high blood pressure). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE routine test.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Discuss the results with your obstetrician to monitor pregnancy health and manage blood pressure if risks are identified.
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.
Plantar FasciitisA–Z Health · Musculoskeletal Health
Recommended Care
Stretching & Supportive Shoes
Preparation & Use
Stretch calf and foot before getting out of bed. Wear shoes with good arch support.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE conservative care.
When to See Doctor
Severe pain preventing walking or no improvement after rest.
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.
Platelet CountDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures the number of platelets (tiny cell fragments in the blood that help it clot) in a microliter of blood. It is part of a standard Complete Blood Count (CBC). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE routine test.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If the count is too low (thrombocytopenia) or too high (thrombocytosis), consult your doctor to investigate the cause and prevent bleeding or clotting risks.
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.
Platelet Function TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure
Measures how well platelets (the blood cells responsible for clotting) clump together to stop bleeding. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications (like aspirin) for a week before the test. A standard blood draw is performed.
Safety & Precautions
SAFE routine test.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If results are abnormal, consult a hematologist to investigate unexplained bruising, bleeding disorders, or to monitor antiplatelet medication therapy.
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.