Health A-Z Medical Reference

Fruit flies are frustrating, but traps for them are easy to make. View a step-by-step guide for making your own fruit fly trap and learn how to keep them away.

The Z-track injection method is a more effective way of performing intramuscular injections. Learn the benefits and how to perform one yourself.

Find out what you need to know about whiteflies, and discover strategies to identify and control these pesky insects.

Learn about pill bugs. Discover how to eliminate them when they’re pests and care for them when they’re wanted.

Learn about termite fumigation techniques. Discover whether or not termite tenting is right for your building.

Learn about sweat bees. Discover the size, characteristics, and behaviors of this group of bees.

Can you recognize an oriental cockroach? Learn how to identify these insects and prevent them from entering your home.

Disease-adjusted life years or DALYs is a universal metric that experts use to measure how certain diseases and disabilities affect a year of healthy life.

Crane flies may look like large mosquitoes, but they don't bite. Learn more about these abundant insects, including their usual habitats and the impact they have on the environment.

Find out what you need to know about Jerusalem crickets, and discover if they are dangerous and how they can affect your health.

Cow killer ants aren't ants, and they aren't cow killers, but these wasps do have a painful sting. Learn more about these wasps and what to watch out for.

TK

Biomarkers are things that doctors measure in your blood, body fluids, and tissues. Doctors use them to understand your overall health.

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that kill certain bacteria. If antibiotics don’t work on your infection, phage therapy may be able to do the job instead.

La Crosse encephalitis is a rare disease contracted from a mosquito bite. Learn more about the diagnostic process, symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Find out what you need to know about Capnocytophaga, and discover how it’s transmitted, treated, and prevented, and how it may affect health.

Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis is a global tick-borne disease that presents mild to severe symptoms in patients. Learn more about the causes, origin, and treatment options of HGA.

With beta thalassemia, your body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin, an important protein used by red blood cells. Learn more about it.

Dobsonflies are a large insect species that live near rivers and streams. Learn what they look like, what their life cycle is like, and the benefits they have for their ecosystem.

Learn more about how to identify funnel web spiders, where they live, and what to do in case of a funnel web spider bite.

Find out what you need to know about deer flies, their life cycle, bites, and more.

Find out what you need to know about camel crickets. Discover their size, lifespan, where to find them, and how to get rid of them.

Find out all about wasps here, including the different types of wasps and how they help our environment.

Take a deep dive into IgA nephropathy: its symptoms, causes, treatments, and outlook.

The cellar spider is a common creature to find around the home. Here’s what you need to know about it.

The boll weevil is a beetle that causes big problems. Their invasion of the U.S. cost the cotton industry billions of dollars. Learn how they were defeated, what they look like, and what to do if you find one in your home.

Learn about the different types of canes. Discover which type of cane is best for you and the right way to use it.

Find out what you need to know about vegan leather, and discover what is made of, how to care for it, and where to buy it.

BIPOC is a term that's gained popularity recently. Learn what it means and when to use it, as well as mental health conditions that affect this community.

The disability rights movement advocates for equal rights and access for Americans with disabilities. Learn the history of the movement, laws that made a difference, and where things are now.

A medical professional uses a permacath to access your bloodstream. Learn more about permacaths — the risks, benefits, and what to do after you receive one.

BK viral nephritis is an infection that may occur after a kidney transplant. Learn more about what causes it, what to expect, and more.

Ross River virus is a mosquito-borne illness. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition today.

Pelvic tilt is a postural deficiency affecting your pelvis. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition.

What is the femur? The femur is the thigh bone and the longest, strongest bone of the body.

Find out what you need to know about the meniscus, including risks, benefits, and how it may affect your health.

Find out what you need to know about peritubular capillaries and discover common health conditions that affect them.

Chronic pain is common for people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), but there are treatment options to help you feel your best.

Humans have used hemp fabric for over 6000 years, and there’s renewed interest in this sustainable fabric. Learn how hemp fabric is made and its uses.

Learn about companion planting. Discover its benefits, how it works, and possible plant combinations.

Find out about tinnitus and what kind of hearing aids work best to treat ringing in your ears.

What is physician-assisted death, and when is it appropriate? Find out everything you need to know.

Find out what you need to know about facial asymmetry, and discover how it may affect health.

Ambulances are not always necessary in urgent medical situations. Learn about additional options for getting to the hospital safely.

Find out what you need to know about dragonflies, and discover their life cycle and whether they sting or bite.

Some plants can keep bugs at bay. Find out which plants work to repel which types of bugs and insects.

C3G is a rare type of kidney disease. It’s related to your complement system. This is the system that helps fight infections in your body.

Find out what you need to know about the CPK enzyme test and discover what its results mean and how it may affect your health.

Find out what you need to know about hospitals. Learn about how to visit hospitalized family and friends and how to stay in a hospital yourself.