Cholesterol screening is an important part of preventive health. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but it can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke over time. A simple blood test called a lipid panel can help identify cholesterol patterns and guide next steps. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to function, but too much of certain types can contribute to plaque buildup in the arterie

Insect Bites or stings Mosquitoes, ticks, bees, wasps, spiders, ants, chiggers, and other insects can leave behind itchy, painful, or swollen skin reactions. Most bites and stings improve with simple home care, but some can cause infection, allergic reactions, or illness that needs prompt medical attention. What is an insect bite or sting? An insect bite occurs when an insect feeds or irritates the skin, often causing itching, redness, and a small bump. A sting occurs when an

Hives, also called urticaria, are raised, itchy welts on the skin. They may look red, pink, skin-colored, or slightly swollen. Hives can appear suddenly, move around the body, change shape, disappear, and then come back in a different area. Many cases of hives are mild and temporary, but hives can sometimes be part of a serious allergic reaction. It is important to know when hives can be managed with supportive care and when urgent help is needed. What do hives look like? Hiv

COVID-19 COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For some people, COVID-19 feels like a mild cold. For others, it can cause more serious illness, especially in older adults, people who are pregnant, and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems. Because COVID-19 symptoms can overlap with the common cold, flu, allergies, sinus infections, asthma flares, and pneumonia, it is important to know when home care is reasonable and whe