Heat-Related Illnesses

Briefly discusses heat-related illnesses. Looks at heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash, and dehydration. Covers emergency first aid treatment. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature, and body temperature continues to rise. Symptoms of heatstroke include: Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds. Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety. Convulsion (seizure). Symptoms of moderate to severe difficulty breathing. Fast heart...

Heatstroke Prevention: Acclimating to the Heat

Acclimation helps you remain active in a hot environment with less risk of a heat-related illness. You can acclimate yourself to a hot environment by gradually increasing the amount of time you exercise in the heat each day. Do this over 8 to 14 days. Adults usually need daily exercise periods that last 1 to 2 hours to...

Heatstroke Prevention: What to Wear

Make good clothing choices in hot environments to help prevent heat-related illnesses. Clothing made of synthetic fabrics should be lightweight and draw sweat from the skin. The evaporation of sweat will decrease the body's temperature. The upper body sweats more than the lower half, so wearing clothing that is...

Heatstroke Symptoms

Symptoms of heatstroke may include: Feeling or acting very confused, restless, or anxious. Trouble breathing. Sweating heavily, or not sweating at all (sweating may have stopped). Skin that is red, hot, and dry, even in the armpits. Passing out. Seizure. Nausea and vomiting. Heatstroke occurs when the body can't control...

Heatstroke: Emergency Symptoms

Signs of rapidly progressing heatstroke include: Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds. Convulsion ( seizure). Signs of moderate to severe difficulty breathing. A rectal temperature over 104 °F (40 °C) after exposure to a hot environment. Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety. Fast heart rate. Sweating that...

Heavy Menstrual Periods

What are heavy menstrual periods? With heavy menstrual periods (also called menorrhagia), your bleeding may be heavier or last longer than normal. You may: Pass large blood clots and soak through your pads or tampons often. Bleed for more than 7 days. Have menstrual cramps. Heavy periods may disrupt your life. But in...

Heavy Mineral Oil Oral Solution (MINERAL OIL - ORAL)

Drink the medicine. Measure the dose of liquid medicine carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine. If you do not have one, please ask your pharmacist for help. Take the medicine on an empty stomach. Sit or stand upright for 10 minutes after taking the medicine. Do not lie down. Do not take other...

Heavy Sweating

Why do people sweat? Sweating is your body's way of cooling down and getting rid of some chemicals. Sometimes heavy sweating is normal. You may sweat a lot when you exercise, when you are too hot, or when you are frightened. It's normal for teenagers to sweat more than they did when they were younger. A teen's sweat...

Heavy use of alcohol

Heavy use of alcohol is defined as more than 2 drinks a day for men and more than 1 drink a day for women. One drink is 12 fl oz (355 mL) of beer, 5 fl oz (148 mL) of wine, or 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) of hard liquor. Heavy use of alcohol increases the risk for many health problems.

Heberden's and Bouchard's Nodes

Bony bumps on the finger joint closest to the fingernail are called Heberden's nodes. Bony bumps on the middle joint of the finger are known as Bouchard's nodes. Bony bumps are also common at the base of the thumb. These bumps do not have a nickname, but the joint is called the CMC or carpometacarpal joint. The name...

Heel Bursitis or Tendon Injury: Preventing Pain

An injury to the Achilles tendon ( Achilles tendinopathy) can cause pain and stiffness on and above the back of the heel. Bursitis can also cause pain and swelling at the back or bottom of the heel. To prevent and ease pain during work, play, or daily activities: Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. Talk to your...

Heel Dig Bridging

The heel dig bridging exercise works your hamstrings and the muscles around your lower body and hips. Do 8 to 12 repetitions. Do not continue with this exercise if it causes pain. Lie on your back with both knees bent and your ankles bent so that only your heels are digging into the floor. At this point, your knees...

Heel raise

Stand with your feet a few inches apart, with your hands lightly resting on a counter or chair in front of you. Slowly raise your heels 1 to 2 inches off the floor while keeping your knees straight. Hold for about 6 seconds, then slowly lower your heels to the floor. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Heel raise on a step

Stand on the bottom step of a staircase, facing up toward the stairs. Put the balls of your feet on the step. If you are not steady on your feet, hold on to the handrail or wall. Keeping both knees straight, slowly lift your heels above the step so that you are standing on your toes. Then slowly lower your heels below...

Heel Raises

Heel raises strengthen the calf muscles. Do 8 to 12 repetitions several times during the day. Stand with your feet a few inches apart, with your hands lightly resting on a counter or chair in front of you. Slowly raise your heels off the floor while keeping your knees straight. Hold for about 6 seconds, then slowly...

Heel slide

Lie on your back with your affected leg straight. Bend your other leg. Slowly bend your affected leg by raising your knee up while sliding your foot toward you. Bend your knee as much as you can. Hold for about 6 seconds. Then slowly slide your foot away, lowering your leg back down. Repeat 8 to 12 times. It's a good...

Heel spurs

Heel spurs are small, bony growths on the heel. A spur may develop when the ligament that connects the heel bone to the bones in the toes (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. A person with a heel spur may not be aware of any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they may include: Pain or tenderness over the weight-bearing...

Heimlich Maneuver for Adults and Children Older Than 1 Year

A person who is choking cannot talk, cough, or breathe, and may turn gray or blue. The Heimlich maneuver can help get the food or object out. WARNING: Do not try the Heimlich maneuver unless you are sure the person is choking. If the person can cough or make sounds, let the person cough to try to get the object out. If...

Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that is a major cause of stomach (gastric) and upper small intestine (duodenal) ulcers. Infection with H. pylori may also increase the risk of stomach cancer. What problems can Helicobacter pylori cause? Helicobacter pylori can cause ulcers by growing in the lining of the...

Helicobacter pylori bacteria

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that is a major cause of stomach (gastric) and upper small intestine (duodenal) ulcers. Infection with H. pylori may also increase the risk of stomach cancer. H. pylori bacteria can cause ulcers by growing in the lining of the stomach, producing inflammation and causing the...

Helicobacter Pylori Tests

Helicobacter pylori tests are used to detect a Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine ( duodenum). H. pylori can cause peptic ulcers. But most people with H. pylori in their digestive systems do not develop ulcers. Four tests are used to detect H. pylori: Blood...

HELLP Syndrome

What is HELLP syndrome? HELLP syndrome is a serious liver disorder that can develop during pregnancy. HELLP stands for H emolysis (destruction of red blood cells), E levated L iver enzymes, and L ow P latelet count. HELLP is usually related to preeclampsia. In most cases it happens in the third trimester, but it can...

HELLP syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a serious liver disorder that can develop during pregnancy. HELLP stands for: H emolysis (destruction of red blood cells). E levated L iver enzymes. L ow P latelet count. HELLP syndrome is usually related to preeclampsia. But it can also develop without preeclampsia. In most cases, it happens in the...

Help for Anger Problems

If you are angry or hostile or you have violent behavior, it is important to find help. Actions done in moments of anger can be harmful. You can learn ways to manage your feelings and actions. If you are having trouble managing angry feelings, the following resources can help. Behavioral Health Treatment Services...

Help Your School-Age Child Develop Social Skills

Most school-age children enjoy new friendships. Making friends and being accepted are important. School is a place where children are put in difficult social situations. At times, parents cringe at the degree to which children try to fit in and are often saddened by their children's many ups and downs. Parents often see...

Help Your Working Teen Balance Responsibilities and Set Priorities

Teens may start working during the high school years, often starting with a summer job. Work experience can offer many valuable lessons for teens and gives them a sense of independence and accomplishment. They also develop skills they will need to become successful in the adult workforce, such as how to balance time...

Helping a Family Member Who Has PTSD

Covers how you can help a family member who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Includes dealing with anger or violent behavior. Looks at how to communicate better.

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