Health and Fitness

Eating disorders Overview Eating disorders are serious health conditions that affect both your physical and mental health. These conditions include problems in how you think about food, eating, weight and shape, and in your eating behaviors. These symptoms can affect your health, your emotions and your ability to function in important areas of life. If not treated effectively, eating disorders can become long-term problems and, in some cases, can cause death. The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. Most eating disorders involve focusing too much on weight, body shape and food. This can lead to dangerous eating behaviors. These behaviors can seriously affect the ability to get the nutrition your body needs. Eating disorders can harm the heart, digestive system, bones, teeth and mouth. They can lead to other diseases. They're also linked with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. With proper treatment, you can r...

 Eye Cancer Overview Eye cancer includes several rare types of cancers that begin in your eye, including your eyeball and the structures surrounding your eyeball. Eye cancer starts when cells multiply out of control and form a tumor. Tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Unlike benign tumors, malignant tumors can grow and the cancer can spread throughout your body. Diagnosing and treating eye cancers early can often prevent the spread. Types of eye cancer Healthcare providers categorize eye cancers based on where cancer starts, its location in your eye and the types of cells. Intraocular melanomas Intraocular melanoma arises from cells called melanocytes, the same type of cell involved in the most serious form of skin cancer (melanoma). Most eye cancers are melanomas. Most form in the middle part of your eye (uvea). They’re called uveal melanomas. They include: Iris melanoma: Forms in the colored part of your eye, or iris. It often produces a dark, growing ...

  Eye floaters Overview Eye floaters are spots in your vision. They may look to you like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs. They may drift about when you move your eyes. Floaters appear to dart away when you try to look at them directly. Most eye floaters are caused by age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes liquifies and contracts. Scattered clumps of collagen fibers form within the vitreous and can cast tiny shadows on your retina. The shadows you see are called floaters. If you notice a sudden increase in eye floaters, contact an eye specialist immediately — especially if you also see light flashes or lose your vision. These can be symptoms of an emergency that requires prompt attention. Eye floaters are shapes or dots that you may notice when you’re looking at a clear sky, a blank piece of paper or a white wall. The medical name for these shapes or dots is myodesopsias. You might also notice flashes of light at the same tim...

Endometriosis Overview Endometriosis (en-doe-me-tree-O-sis) is an often-painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. Rarely, endometriosis growths may be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located. Endometriosis tissue acts as the lining inside the uterus would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But it grows in places where it doesn't belong, and it doesn't leave the body. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irritated and form scar tissue. Bands of fibrous tissue called adhesions also may form. These can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other. Endometriosis can cause pain, especially during menstrual periods. Fertility problems also may develop. But treatments can help you take charge of the condition and its...

 Edwards Syndrome Overview Edwards syndrome, also known as trisomy 18, is a very severe genetic condition that affects how your child’s body develops and grows. Children diagnosed with trisomy 18 have a low birth weight, multiple birth defects and defining physical characteristics. Who does Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) affect? Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) can affect anyone. The condition occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 18, which is random and unpredictable. The likelihood that a parent will have a child with Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) increases with maternal age at the time of pregnancy. If a parent had a child with Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and becomes pregnant again, it’s unlikely they’ll have another child diagnosed with the same condition (no more than 1%). Symptoms Symptoms of Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) typically include poor growth before and after birth, multiple birth defects and severe developmental delays or learning problems. Symptoms are...

 Ectopic pregnancy Pregnancy begins with a fertilized egg. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy most often occurs in a fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy. Sometimes, an ectopic pregnancy occurs in other areas of the body, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity or the lower part of the uterus (cervix), which connects to the vagina. An ectopic pregnancy can't proceed normally. The fertilized egg can't survive, and the growing tissue may cause life-threatening bleeding, if left untreated. Symptoms You may not notice any symptoms at first. However, some women who have an ectopic pregnancy have the usual early signs or symptoms of pregnancy — a missed period, breast tenderness and nausea. If you take a pregnancy test, the result will be pos...

Earwax blockage Overview Earwax blockage occurs when earwax (cerumen) builds up in your ear or becomes too hard to wash away naturally. Earwax is a helpful and natural part of your body's defenses. It cleans, coats and protects your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. If earwax blockage becomes a problem, your health care provider can take simple steps to remove the wax safely. Who is most likely to develop impacted earwax? Earwax blockage can happen to anyone. About 10% of children and 5% of adults have it. Impacted cerumen is more likely to occur in people who: Use hearing aids, earplugs or earbuds. Have a lot of ear hair. Have certain skin conditions like eczema. Put cotton swabs or other items into their ears. Are over the age of 55. Have developmental disabilities. Have misshapen ear canals that interfere with natural wax removal. Symptoms Impacted earwax symptoms may include: A feeling of fullness in your ear. Pain in your ear (earache). Hearing los...