Medicine

Obesity is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, but many people cannot lose enough weight through diet, exercise and medication. On average, how much weight can be lost through gastric bypass surgery?

By Melissa Jeffries

In a July 2007 study, scientists detailed their use of gold nanoparticles to detect breast cancer. Nanoparticles may also form the basis of future cancer treatments.

By Jacob Silverman

Cholesterol tests have become fairly routine and painless, and they're an important step in maintaining your health. There are a number of tests your doctor might use. Learn what these tests are and what the results mean.

By Neil Stone

Radiation therapy for cancer is based on the idea of selective cell destruction, and it destroys cells using energy. As it turns out, protons release energy in a different way than X-rays do.

By Julia Layton

Insulin therapy is a lifesaver for those with type 1 diabetes. Learn the history of insulin, how it was first extracted, where it comes from, and which type is used today.

By Timothy Gower

A company called Second Sight has received FDA approval to begin U.S. trials of a retinal implant system that gives blind people a limited degree of vision. Find out how the "bionic eye" will work.

By Julia Layton

High blood pressure is the leading cause of death among Americans. Fortunately, there are a number of blood pressure medications that can vastly reduce a patient's risk. Learn more about blood pressure medications.

By Alex Nechas

Following more than 200 reports of strange behavior in minors taking Tamiflu, including 15 deaths, the FDA has made an addition to the drug's warning label.

By Julia Layton

A recently FDA-approved rapid HIV test (one that doesn't have to be sent to a laboratory for processing) can use blood, serum or oral fluids with equal accuracy.

By Julia Layton

Prescription drug costs are out of control. But you, as a consumer, don't have to just sit back and pay them or, worse, forgo proper medical treatment. Learn how to pay less for prescription drugs.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Scientists have developed a new ultrasound transducer to stimulate the growth of teeth and fix asymmetric jaw bones. See how it works.

By Cameron Lawrence

Dentists treat diseases, disorders, and malformations of the teeth, mouth, and jaws. In addition to providing routine dental care, dentists may specialize in such areas as orthodontia and periodontia. Learn more about what dentists do.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Surgeons use surgical operations to treat disease, injury, or deformity by going into the human body by way of incisions through the skin and muscles. Learn about what surgeons do.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

OTC painkillers come with warnings that should be taken seriously. Learn about OTC painkillers warnings in this article.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

Medications for the ears and the eyes range from antibiotics and steroids for ear infections to beta blockers and carbonic anhydrate inhibitors for glaucoma. Read more information about how ear and eye prescription drugs work.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Hormones are substances that are produced and secreted to stimulate and regulate body functions. Hormone medications mimic the effects of naturally produced hormones. Learn about hormone medications, including oral contraceptives and anti-inflammatory drugs.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Some antiviral prescription drugs can lessen the severity and cut the duration of the flu as well as prevent infection if you've been exposed. Tamiflu is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. Learn how Tamiflu works, how you take it and whether

By Stephanie Watson

In addition to your family doctor, a medical specialist will make crucial decisions affecting your health. But sometimes it's difficult to determine the type of specialist you need. Learn important guidelines for choosing a specialist.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Medicare is a major effort on the part of the U. S. government to provide affordable health insurance for seniors over 65 and people with certain disabilities. But the program had a lot of twists and turns, as well as an alphabet soup of parts.

By Ed Grabianowski & Melanie Radzicki McManus

Most people never think about choosing a doctor until they need one in a hurry. If you're injured or suddenly become ill, finding a good doctor is a necessity. Learn how to make this decision.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Atrial fibrillation is a serious, but treatable heart disease characterized by arrhythmia. Learn about the many treatment options that relieve symptoms and prevent serious complications.

For centuries, honey, bee pollen, and bee venom have been used to treat a number of ailments. Learn more about the benefits and options if using bee sting therapy in this article.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Pancreatic cancer strikes nearly 30,000 Americans each year, with most people living approximately six months after diagnosis. Learn more about this type of cancer and how it is treated in this article.

What are the pros and cons of placebos? Check out what we have gathered for you in this article about placebos and their positive and negative effects on you.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation and how does it help depression? Find out the answer to this question and more in this article.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers