Healthy Living

Yes, a kidney stone can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). The stone itself is not an infection, but it creates conditions that make infection much more likely. When a stone blocks the flow of urine, bacteria can multiply behind the blockage and cause a UTI that may spread to the kidney. This combination is … Read more

After a spay surgery, your dog has internal stitches that hold muscle and tissue layers together. These stitches are not visible from the outside. If they rip or come undone, you often cannot see the problem directly, but your dog will show clear signs that something is wrong. The most reliable way to tell if … Read more

Getting enough biotin starts with knowing what actually contains it. Biotin, also called vitamin B7, is water-soluble, which means your body does not store it for long. You need a steady supply from food or supplements. The best food sources are organ meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, and certain vegetables. For most healthy adults, a balanced … Read more

“Crabs” is the common slang name for pubic lice, tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair and feed on human blood. The medical name is Pthirus pubis. They are not the same as head lice, and they are not a sign of poor hygiene. Anyone who has close physical contact with an infected … Read more

Hormones are chemical messengers, and pregnancy is a time of major hormonal shifts. One hormone, called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is produced by the placenta after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. While hCG is best known as the hormone detected by pregnancy tests, doctors sometimes suggest giving it as an injection during … Read more

Azithromycin, often called a Z-Pak, is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the United States. You take it by mouth, usually as tablets or a liquid suspension. The standard course is a specific number of pills taken over five days, but the exact schedule depends on your doctor’s instructions and the condition being … Read more

Finding out you are pregnant can feel overwhelming, no matter how much you planned for it. Your first job is simple: take a breath. Then book an appointment with a doctor or midwife and start taking a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid. These two steps protect your health and your baby’s health right away. … Read more

Deciding when it is time for assisted living is one of the hardest decisions families face. It is rarely a single moment, but rather a pattern of small signs that add up to a clear answer. You know it is time when the daily tasks required to live safely at home—like bathing, cooking, or managing … Read more

Seeing blood when you wipe or in the toilet bowl is alarming, but it is a common problem. The blood you see is usually from your lower digestive tract, which includes the rectum and anus. Most causes are not life-threatening, but some require medical attention. This article explains the likely reasons for rectal bleeding, what … Read more

A split lip is one of those injuries that seems minor but hurts with every word, bite, or smile. Because the lip moves constantly and the skin there is thin, it struggles to stay closed while healing. The good news is most split lips heal on their own within a few days to a week … Read more