Definition & Facts for Diarrhea

What is diarrhea? Diarrhea is loose, watery stools three or more times a day. Diarrhea may be acute, persistent, or chronic: How common is diarrhea? Diarrhea is a common problem. Acute diarrhea is more common than persistent or chronic diarrhea. Researchers estimate that about 179 million cases of acute diarrhea occur in the United States each year.1 What are […]

Hepatitis B

In this section: What is hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Inflammation is swelling that occurs when tissues of the body become injured or infected. Inflammation can damage organs. Viruses NIH external link invade normal cells in your body. Many viruses cause infections that can spread from person to person. The […]

Hepatitis A

In this section: What is hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and damage. Inflammation is swelling that occurs when tissues of the body become injured or infected. Inflammation can damage organs. Viruses NIH external link invade normal cells in your body. Many viruses cause infections that can be spread from person to person. […]

Factors Affecting Weight & Health

Many factors can affect your weight, including Lifestyle habits Lifestyle habits—including the foods and beverages you consume and how active you are in your daily life—can also affect your weight. If you take in more calories from food or beverages than you use during physical activity and through daily living, such as doing housework or walking to […]

Diabetes, Gum Disease, & Other Dental Problems

On this page: Diabetes affects many parts of your body, including your mouth NIH external link. People with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease NIH external link, cavities, and other problems with their teeth and gums.1 And some of these mouth problems can make your diabetes worse. Taking good care of your teeth and gums, including getting regular cleanings […]

Healthy Living with Diabetes

On this page: Healthy living is a way to manage diabetes. To have a healthy lifestyle, take steps now to plan healthy meals and snacks, do physical activities, get enough sleep, and quit smoking or using tobacco products. Healthy living may help keep your body’s blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose level, also called blood sugar level, in […]