Browse Categories
Explore the Health Library
Browse alphabetically or find an entry using Search.
Advanced Search — Refine Results
PleurisyA–Z Health · Respiratory Health
Recommended Care
Rest & Pain Relief
Preparation & Use
Rest. Take prescribed anti-inflammatories. Lie on painful side to reduce movement.
Safety & Precautions
CAUTION: Needs diagnosis for underlying cause (TB/Pneumonia).
When to See Doctor
Sharp chest pain when breathing, fever, or cough.
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.
PneumoniaA–Z Health · Respiratory Health / Infectious
Recommended Care
Medical Treatment & Rest
Preparation & Use
Take prescribed antibiotics. Rest completely. Drink warm fluids. Use steam inhalation for comfort.
Safety & Precautions
CRITICAL: Can be life-threatening. Needs doctor’s care.
When to See Doctor
High fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, 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.
Poisoning (Swallowed)First Aid & Emergency · FA/EUrgent information
First Aid Approach
Identify & Call Help
Preparation & Use
Find out what they swallowed and how much. Call emergency services or poison control immediately. Do NOT induce (cause) vomiting or give them milk/water unless a medical professional tells you to, as some chemicals burn more on the way back up.
Safety & Precautions
EMERGENCY: Wrong first aid can cause severe internal burns.
When to Seek Medical Help
IMMEDIATELY: Call for medical help and keep the container of the poison handy.
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 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
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
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.