Health Quick Answers

Cancer	Colds and Flu	Managed Care
Medicare and Medicaid	Medication	Pregnancy and Infants
Prevention	Smoking	Stroke

Cancer

A friend recently told me about Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It sounded terrible, is it something I should be concerned about?

I heard that cancer is now the number one killer of Americans; is that true?

What causes breast cancer?

Can breast cancer be prevented?

Are there national organizations that help women who have breast cancer?

Who should have mammograms and how often?

Is there a pill that prevents breast cancer?

How often should I have a mammogram?

How much does a mammogram cost?

I've heard that free breast and cervical cancer screenings are available for some women. Where can I find out if I'm eligible?

What is the latest on how often to have screening mammograms?

I stopped taking hormone replacement therapy after I read it could increase my risk of breast cancer. Will my risk return to normal now?

I saw a warning on the Internet that underarm antiperspirants and deodorants may cause breast cancer. The warning said that these products contain harmful substances, which can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through nicks caused by shaving. Is this true?

What causes ovarian cancer?

Do black Americans get cancer more than other groups? What can be done?

My husband says that a person's chance of developing cancer is simply a matter of fate. What does the National Cancer Institute say?

Where can I find cancer information in Spanish?

Colds and Flu

I keep hearing about the risk of a pandemic from "bird flu," where can I get reliable information?

I heard that there were new prescription drugs available for treating colds?

I've always heard that taking Vitamin C will help prevent colds and flu. Is that true?

What is the difference between spitting up and vomiting?

Managed Care

What is an HMO?

What is managed care?

Medicare and Medicaid

What is Medigap insurance?

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

For additional health insurance information, see the Personal Finance section.

Medication

Should I stop taking my medication, I heard on the news that it could cause a heart attack?

I have heard people talk about "brown bagging" their medications, what does that mean?

I'm taking three different medications every day, am I at risk of a drug-drug interaction?

I've heard that some foods can make medications less effective, is that true?

Are over-the-counter (OTCs) drugs safe?

Can I take vitamin B-12 to help prevent mosquito bites? What about garlic? I've heard that some foods help repel bugs.

Pregnancy and Infants

What are the signs of pre-term labor?

Can infant massage help my baby learn?

What's the difference between a chronic illness and an acute illness?

Prevention

Have you ever heard of a person not sweating enough? My face turns red and stays that way thirty minutes after I get out of the sun. I've had this problem all my life, and people always ask me if I'm alright. I drink only water and lots of it, but is there something else that can be done?

What are some ways to increase my chances of a longer life?

What can parents and those with child care responsibilities do to prevent children from drowning?

My child has frequent ear infections? What can I do to prevent them?

I have a new baby, how can I prevent SIDS?

How can I get my children to wear helmets when riding their bike or skateboarding?

What is this new immunization my doctor wants to give my baby? My last child didn't get it, should he?

As an adult, what immunizations do I need?

What is the leading cause of death for women?

How can I avoid being a victim of medical fraud?

How can I make the best use of my doctor's appointment?

Can I reduce my risk of developing osteoporosis?

What are stressors?

I want to become more physically active; do I need to see my doctor first?

I heard that you shouldn't use glass thermometers anymore. Is that correct? Why?

Smoking

I quit smoking recently. My urge for a cigarette is still strong. What can I do?

I have recently heard that Missouri ranks #3 in the number of smokers. This doesn't seem right. Can you tell me the truth about smoking in Missouri?

Stroke

What is a brain attack?

What is a TIA?

Stroke runs in my family. I have heard that there is a simple test that I can use to determine if someone is having a stroke. Is that true?

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Last update: Thursday, August 28, 2008

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