All posts by Eric Jackson

Understanding Congenital Heart Defects

Many babies born with congenital heart defects can go on to live long and healthy lives. In fact, more than 2 million people live with a congenital heart defect in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Increase your understanding of heart defects and how they can affect someone you love.

Healthy Foods for Cold Weather

A healthy diet helps maintain your health and boosts your energy in winter months.

Women walking after exercise

Women and Heart Health: How to Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk

Women have different heart-health needs than do men, from unique heart disease risk factors to recognizing distinctive symptoms of a heart attack in women. Learn the information and lifestyle changes you can make to protect your heart.

Living Donor Friends

Liver Transplant Criteria and What It Means to Be a Living Donor

If you have a loved one who meets the criteria for liver transplantation, you may be able to help them receive a new organ faster with a living donor liver transplant. This is a type of organ transplant in which a patient who requires a liver transplant receives part of a liver from a living donor—usually a family member or close friend—instead of a deceased donor. Living donor liver transplant can be lifesaving, with possibly better outcomes than those who undergo deceased donor transplantation. 

Man running

The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Beyond Weight Loss

Bariatric surgery and weight loss go hand in hand. But trimming down isn’t the only perk of this life-changing procedure.

Doctor looking at X-ray of mouth

Oral Cancer: The Top 11 Signs You Should Know

Oral cancer affects only a small portion of Americans, accounting for about 3 percent of the total number of cancer cases each year, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. But while it may be less common, it shares a key factor with other types of cancers—it’s most treatable when detected early. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for oral cancer signs.

Woman missed a birth control pill

What to Do If You Miss a Birth Control Pill

You’re taking birth control pills, but one night you forget. What happens next? First, don’t panic. Here’s what to do if you miss a birth control pill.

Senior man holding his stomach in pain

What Causes Stomach Ulcers & Am I at Risk?

You’ve probably watched a TV show before where an overly stressed character says, “I think I have an ulcer.” Ulcers are a fairly common type of gastrointestinal health condition, affecting nearly 4 million people each year in the United States. But what causes stomach ulcers?

Man holding chest at work

Chest Pain: Can Stress Cause a Heart Attack?

Chest pain can indicate many things, from acid reflux, GERD and pneumonia to a panic attack, coronary artery disease and heart attack—just to name a few. When your chest hurts, your body may be trying to let you know that you’re overworking your heart. Chest pain or discomfort should never be ignored or taken lightly. Let’s examine some causes of chest pain.

Man holding his head in pain

When Your Headache Keeps Coming Back: The Facts About Chronic Headaches

Most people experience a headache occasionally, making it one of the most common medical conditions. For some, though, headaches are an everyday part of life. According to the World Health Organization, between a half and three-quarters of adults 18 to 65 had at least one headache last year. When headaches occur regularly, they are chronic, and they can be so severe that they disrupt work and personal routines.