Health Information Library

Here we have compiled more than a thousand health information articles so you can have information that is efficient, professionally reviewed, authoritatively sourced, and constantly updated. Search for any topic that interests you, then customize print outs or PDFs.


Testicular Disorders

Testicles, or testes, make male hormones and sperm. They are two egg-shaped organs inside the scrotum, the loose sac of skin behind the penis. It's easy to injure your testicles because they are not protected by bones or muscles. Men and boys should wear athletic supporters when they play sports.

You should examine your testicles monthly and seek medical attention for lumps, redness, pain or other changes. Testicles can get inflamed or infected. They can also develop cancer. Testicular cancer is rare and highly treatable. It usually happens between the ages of 15 and 40.

Thyroid Cancer

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the thyroid. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It makes hormones that control the way the body uses energy. These hormones affect nearly every organ in your body and control many of your body's most important functions. For example, they affect your breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and moods.

What are the different types of thyroid cancer?

There are different types of thyroid cancer; the main ones include:

  • Differentiated thyroid cancer, which includes papillary cancer and follicular cancer
  • Medullary thyroid cancer
  • Anaplastic thyroid cancer
Who is more likely to develop thyroid cancer?

Certain people are more likely to develop thyroid cancer. Your risk is higher if you:

  • Are between ages 25 and 65
  • Are a woman
  • Are Asian
  • Were exposed to certain types of radiation, including from radiation treatments to your head or neck as a child or from a radiation emergency
  • Have had a goiter (enlarged thyroid)
  • Having certain genetic conditions, including certain types of multiple endocrine neoplasia
  • Have a family history of thyroid cancer or thyroid disease
What are the symptoms of thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer may not cause symptoms at first. It is sometimes found during a routine physical exam. You may get signs or symptoms as the cancer gets bigger. The symptoms may include:

  • A lump (nodule) in the neck
  • Trouble breathing
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Hoarseness or other changes to your voice that do not get better
How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?

To find out if you have thyroid cancer, your health care provider may use:

  • A physical exam, including checking your neck for swelling, lumps, or anything that seems unusual
  • A medical history
  • Thyroid tests
  • Other blood or imaging tests
  • A biopsy
What are the treatments for thyroid cancer?

Treatment for thyroid cancer depends on the type of cancer you have and whether the cancer has spread. Often, more than one type of treatment may be needed. The treatment options include:

  • Surgery.
  • Radiation therapy, including radioactive iodine therapy.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Thyroid hormone therapy.
  • Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells.
  • Watchful waiting, which means that you don't get treatment right away. Your regularly checks to see if your signs or symptoms appear or change.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

Uncommon Infant and Newborn Problems

It can be scary when your baby is sick, especially when it is not an everyday problem like a cold or a fever. You may not know whether the problem is serious or how to treat it. If you have concerns about your baby's health, call your health care provider right away.

Learning information about your baby's condition can help ease your worry. Do not be afraid to ask questions about your baby's care. By working together with your health care provider, you make sure that your baby gets the best care possible.

Wilms Tumor

Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer. It causes a tumor on one or both kidneys. It usually affects children, but can happen in adults. Having certain genetic conditions or birth defects can increase the risk of getting it. Children that are at risk should be screened for Wilms tumor every three months until they turn eight.

Symptoms include a lump in the abdomen, blood in the urine, and a fever for no reason. Tests that examine the kidney and blood are used to find the tumor.

Doctors usually diagnose and remove the tumor in surgery. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation and biologic therapies. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

X-Rays

X-rays are a type of radiation called electromagnetic waves. X-ray imaging creates pictures of the inside of your body. The images show the parts of your body in different shades of black and white. This is because different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation. Calcium in bones absorbs x-rays the most, so bones look white. Fat and other soft tissues absorb less and look gray. Air absorbs the least, so lungs look black.

The most familiar use of x-rays is checking for fractures (broken bones), but x-rays are also used in other ways. For example, chest x-rays can spot pneumonia. Mammograms use x-rays to look for breast cancer.

When you have an x-ray, you may wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body. The amount of radiation you get from an x-ray is small. For example, a chest x-ray gives out a radiation dose similar to the amount of radiation you're naturally exposed to from the environment over 10 days.

Senior Concierge Program

Senior Concierge Program, Houston, TX

It's your life - Live it independently! It is inevitable, the more miles we put on our bodies, the more challenging it becomes to do the things we simply took for granted in the past. Sometimes, family members and friends are unavailable to help out. As a result, living independently becomes difficult, and you may experience problems with everyday tasks.


When Medicare Isn't Enough

Ways to Pay for Homecare, Houston, TX

When home health services covered by Medicare or your insurance company are not enough, you or your family may benefit from our private duty services. We can provide nurse and aide services to supplement the care you are receiving to speed your recovery or simply give your family a break. Our services include: RN and LVN Visits Case Management, Home Health Aides, Private Duty...


Post-Surgical Private Duty Care

Post-Surgical Private Duty Care, Houston, TX

Many patients who have had surgery are not prepared to care for themselves following discharge from the hospital or outpatient surgery center. Imagine if you or your family did not have to go through the recovery process alone. Uptown Homecare provides professional surgery recovery services, customized to your indidivual needs. Managed by an RN, our personalized service ensures that you...




close Call Now
713-980-8090
Send a Message