Health & Fitness

General Health Information

Remember: Websites providing health information are intended to supplement, not substitute for, professional care. Please consult your doctor about your medical concerns.

Learn about how the new health care law affects you HealthCare.gov - If you don't have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source that provides qualifying coverage, the Marketplace can help you get covered. Go to Healthcare.gov to compare plans and sign up for an affordable health insurance plan that fits your needs and budget. You can also renew or change an existing plan, report income or life changes, appeal a Marketplace decision, learn more about using your new coverage, or find local help (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). See also Get Covered NJ.

Middlesex County seal Middlesex County Office of Health Services - Offers a wide array of Public Health services such as food protection, disease surveillance, well infant classes, immunizations, and cancer screening and education. See also Middlesex County Community Health programs & resources. Middlesex County Directory of Children's Medical Services 2018-2020 [Link opens a PDF] provides contact information for a wide range of health and social services for children & their families in Middlesex County, including health centers & hospital programs, dental care, disability services, and many others (Middlesex County Office of Health Services: Pediatric (Child) Health Program). See also Community and Social Services brochures & info.

Call 2-1-1 when you need to find state or local resources to address urgent needs or everyday concerns, including health & mental health services, food banks, shelter, rental or utility assistance, adult day care, Meals on Wheels, transportation, childcare, crisis intervention services, job training, education, and more. 2-1-1 is free, confidential, multi-lingual, confidential, TTY accessible, and available 24/7 2-1-1 resource specialists will guide callers to the most helpful available resources. Visit the website for more information (United Way, in partnership with the State of New Jersey). NOTE: 2-1-1 calls are generally toll-free; however, if you are calling 2-1-1 from your cell phone, please check with your cell phone service provider first to find out whether you will be charged for the call.

Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions, see:
CURRENT AIR TRAVEL SECURITY PROCEDURES UPDATED LINK!
(U.S. Transportation Security Administration).

Facts on File: Health Reference Center - Clear and comprehensive information on conditions and diseases, health and wellness, mental health, and the human body. Focusing on the high school health curriculum, Health Reference Center includes educational videos, color illustrations, and regularly updated health news articles. If you're using this resource outside the library, you'll have to enter your library card barcode to begin.

EBSCOHost Health Source: Consumer Edition - This rich collection of consumer health information provides access to full-text consumer health magazines and reference books. It also includes searchable full text for current health pamphlets. See also EBSCOHost Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, a trusted full-text database covering nursing and allied health topics, including pediatric nursing, critical care, mental health, nursing management, medical law and more.

HealthFinder.gov - Information and tools on a wide range of health topics selected from government and non-profit organizations to bring you the best, most reliable health information on the Internet. See also National Institutes of Health VIDEO. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has authoritative information on a wide range of health & safety topics, with free videos on a variety of health, safety and preparedness VIDEO. Most videos are short and all include closed-captioning; some are available en Español [Filter by Language]. (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)

Easy-to-Read Health Information (Medline Plus) VIDEO INTERACTIVE - Information in simple language on a wide range of health conditions. For many conditions, helpful pictures or diagrams and audio are included. See Todos los documentos de lectura fácil for materials in Spanish. Medline Plus Health Information also includes Videos & Tools VIDEO INTERACTIVE, a Medical Encyclopedia (content by A.D.A.M., Inc.), a list of Medical Abbreviations, and more. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Body Maps INTERACTIVE - An interactive visual tool that allows you to search multiple layers of the human anatomy, view systems & organs down to their smallest parts, and understand in detail how the human body works (Healthline Networks, Inc; site includes advertisements).

Caregiving - See Sites for Seniors: Family Caregiving, Military Caregiving, and Families with Special Needs: Caregiving.

Cleveland Clinic Consumer Health Information AUDIO VIDEO INTERACTIVE - 'Articles and tools to help you manage a chronic disease or condition, live healthy, and be well.' Includes videos, podcasts, interactive health tools, and related resources (Cleveland Clinic, a not-for-profit, multispecialty academic medical center).

ClinicalTrials.gov - If you are interested in participating in clinical research on health conditions, or in tests of new drugs or other treatments, or if you just want to find out about research studies in progress or completed, search this registry of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world (U.S. National Institutes of Health). See also International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) World Health Organization (WHO).

Consumer Information: Health - Advice and information about buying health & weight loss products, and how to avoid common health scams (U.S. Federal Trade Commission). See also Is a wellness fad legit or scam? (2023, Insider.com; 'a global news and lifestyle publication'), Health Fraud Scams VIDEO (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), and Buying Medicines Over the Internet, below.

Consumer Reports Health - Consumer Reports' health reporters, editors, and testers offer brief health and fitness tips, and report on new developments and trends. You can sign up for an email newsletter at the bottom of the page. NOTE: Product ratings are available online only to paid subscribers - but our WordPress page explains how you can access Consumer Reports product reviews online using our EBSCOHost Masterfile Elite database. You can also read them in person at the library!

Disaster Resources Webfinder - Links to library materials and online resources offering advice on what to do before and after floods, hurricanes, winter storms blackouts, and other disasters. Covers food safety, water treatment, thawing frozen pipes, cleaning, and more. For resources on winter safety & preparedness, see Winter Weather and related links. See also First Aid & Safety resources listed below.

Emergencies - See First Aid & Safety resources, below.

Evaluating Health Information (Medline Plus) - Advice on how to separate reliable from questionable health information on the web & social media, on the news, and in books (U.S. National Library of Medicine). See also Understanding Complementary Health News, and Diet in the News - What to Believe?, below. For news on health-related topics, see News in Health and related links, below. If your health care providers use words you don't understand, What Did My Doctor Say? UPDATED LINK! defines many medical terms in plain language (Medical Library Association).

Family Health History UPDATED LINKS! - Explains how your family health history can be used to evaluate your risk of developing common diseases, and aid in early detection and prevention. Family Health History for Adults offers advice on how to gather your family health information (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). For a printable form you can fill out to record your family health history, see Wellness Worksheet: Create a Family Health Portrait or Family Health Portrait Worksheet (2007, 2005). Personal Health Records offers resources & advice on creating your own personal health record to keep track of your medical tests, illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, and family health history, with information about keeping your information private (MedlinePlus). (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). See also Patient Privacy Rights and Medical Forms, below.

First Aid & Safety - A parents' guide to emergency treatments for everything from allergic reactions and animal bites to nosebleeds and broken bones. Includes printable instruction sheets for a variety of common first aid situations (Nemours Foundation). You may want to download a First Aid app APP or buy a printed First Aid guide from the Red Cross to keep handy for emergencies, and assemble a first aid kit (Medline). The University of Washington School of Medicine provides basic information about cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the website Learn CPR VIDEO. For an even simpler method, see Hands-Only CPR video VIDEO and Hands-Only CPR fact sheet [Link opens a PDF] (American Heart Association). PLEASE NOTE: The South Plainfield Public Library offers non-certifying CPR courses at the library from time to time. Please check our calendar for upcoming schedule of CPR classes. See also Emergency Medicine: ER 101, Pediatric Emergencies, Know When to Go to the Emergency Room, & Medical Forms, below (American College of Emergency Physicians), and When Should I Go to the Emergency Room? (in English & español) [Links open PDFs] (New Jersey Hospital Association, a non-profit trade organization). To help prevent emergencies, see Health and Safety Tips (American College of Emergency Physicians), Weather Safety (National Weather Service), and our Child Safety & Health links. See also Medical Forms, below, and Disaster Resources, above.

Foreign Language Health Information - See Multilingual Health Information, below.

Health Care Advance Planning - See Sites for Seniors: Health Care Advance Planning links.

Health Care Quality - See Health Care Quality Guide, below.

Health Info Lines - A list of health information telephone lines; most, but not all, are toll-free (2019, National Institutes of Health). The National Library of Medicine has retired the more extensive Health Hotlines list, but you may be able to find helpful information sources on the Organizations Providing Health Information or Directories of Libraries, Health Professionals, Services and Facilities pages from Medline Plus (U.S. National Library of Medicine).

Health News - See News in Health, below.

Lab Tests - See Medical Tests, below.

Medical Animations - See Medline Plus videos, above.

Medical Bills - See Medical Bills links, below.

Medical Errors - Medical errors are mistakes that can happen with your health care, such as getting the wrong medicine or even the wrong operation. This site explains what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from medical errors (2020, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). See also Patient Safety (Medline) (2018, U.S. National Library of Medicine), It's Your Healthcare, Be Involved! [Link opens a PDF] (2012, New Jersey Hospital Association, a non-profit trade organization), Choosing Wisely and related links, below, and Medication Errors and Medical Product Recalls, below.

Medical Forms - Printable forms to help you organize your family's medical information to be prepared for emergencies. Includes Personal Medical History Form, Consent to Treat Form (English & Spanish), and Emergency Information Form for Children with Special Health Care Needs (American College of Emergency Physicians). See also First Aid & Safety links, Family Health History, above, and Health Care Advance Planning links, above.

Medical Tests (MedlinePlus) - An A to Z list of dozens of medical tests. Click on a test name to find out what the tests are used for, why a doctor may order a test, how a test will feel, and what the results may mean. Includes info on At-Home Medical Tests (National Library of Medicine). See also The Truth About Home Medical Tests (2022, Consumer Reports) and Choosing Wisely (American Board of Internal Medicine) for information that could help you avoid tests that may be unnecessary, costly, and even harmful. See also Radiology Info, and Medical Errors, above.

Merck Manual Home Health Handbook VIDEO - Free online text of the Merck Manual Home Health Handbook, which 'explains disorders, who is likely to get them, their symptoms, how they're diagnosed, how they might be prevented, and how they can be treated; also provides information about prognosis... written in everyday language by 300 outstanding contributors.' The online version contains news, photographs, audio & video material not found in the print version, and is updated periodically with new information. (Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., pharmaceutical company)

Multilingual Health Information: MedlinePlus Multiple Languages by Health Topic - Health information in multiple languages, arranged by topic, is now available on this page, and arranged by language on MedlinePlus Health Information in Multiple Languages (U.S. National Institutes of Health). See also Publications for Women in Other Languages (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). Health Brochures in Multiple Languages AUDIO offers online health education brochures and sound recordings in many languages, including Amharic, Chinese, Hmong, Karen, Khmer, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, Vietnamese, and others. Covers a variety of topics, but not all brochures are available in all languages; in many languages only a handful of brochures are offered, most commonly on illnesses such as chicken pox and hepatitis. Choose a topic from the menu under CLINICAL TOPICS, click on the FOR PATIENTS tab, then click on a language. Additional materials are to be added in future (Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library et al.).

New Year's Resolutions Webfinder - Links to library materials and online resources that can help you achieve your goals, including drinking less, quitting smoking, eating better, getting fit, managing debt, changing careers, and more. (South Plainfield Public Library)

News in Health - A monthly online newsletter offering practical information on a wide range of health-related topics (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Grapevine Health VIDEO offers health 'edutainment' content for underserved communities to improve health knowledge. Click on Grapevine Media in the menu (created by Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick, Clinical Professor at George Washington University School of Medicine); the Grapevine Health Youtube channel VIDEO includes Dr. Lisa's 'on the street' interviews with the community, as well as information videos on a variety of conditions, and interviews with health experts. Knowable Magazine: Health & Disease reports on the current state of scientific knowledge in health, using articles, interviews, infographics, and videos to present insights from scholarly research to a general audience (from Annual Reviews, a non-profit publisher). The National Center for Health Research NEW! reviews available research on topics related to Medical Care for Adults, Child & Teen Health, Violence & Risky Behaviors, Preventing Disease & Staying Healthy, and more (non-profit organization). Health News: Kaiser Health News is a non-profit news service committed to in-depth coverage of health care policy and politics. KHN reports on how the health care system works, and also features daily summaries of major health care news (Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation). For more on health policy, see Health Affairs a peer-reviewed journal of health policy thought and research (Project HOPE, a non-profit international health education organization). See also Evaluating Health Information and related links, above.

Organ Donor Program - Explains how you can register to become an organ or tissue donor. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Privacy: Health Information Privacy - Information about who has the right to access or disclose your medical & pharmacy records, and for what purposes they may be used under the the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Includes HIPAA FAQs for Individuals (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). See also Personal Health Records, above, Computers & Technology: Health App Privacy links NEW!, and Telehealth Privacy and Security Tips for Patients NEW! (2023, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services).

Vaccines: Immunization Schedules - Easy-to-read schedules of recommended vaccinations for children from birth through age 6, with links to schedules for ages 7 to 18, ages 19 & older, and pregnant women (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). See also Vaccines.gov: Who and When (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), CDC COVID-19 Vaccines page, NJ COVID-19 Vaccines info, Dealing with Needle Anxiety, and other COVID-19 Vaccination posts.

Wellness - See Wellness links, below.

Winter Safety & Preparedness - See Winter Weather and related links.

Your Disease Risk INTERACTIVE - An easy-to-use tool, in a question and answer format, for evaluating your risk of developing five major diseases (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and stroke), with personalized tips for preventing them. (Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine)

Alternative & Complementary Medicine

CAM (Complementary & Alternative Medicine) Web Resources - A small selection of links on complementary and alternative medicine, including different types of alternative therapies (2023, Tufts University).

Dr. Andrew Weil [NOTE: This site advertises and sells Dr. Weil's books, supplements, and other products] - This website from the bestselling author of holistic health books offers articles and Q&A on a wide range of health and wellness topics, such as aging, heart health, mental health, health issues for men, women & children, herbs & supplements, wellness therapies, and more. (Site includes advertisements)

Herbal Medicines - See Drug & Supplement Information, below.

Meditation and Mindfulness - See our Meditation & Stress Reduction Webfinder and our other Meditation, Stress Management, and Mental Health resources posted on Wordpress.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health AUDIO VIDEO - Research-based information on treatments & conditions, explanation of terms, uses & side effects of herbs and botanicals, how to find a practitioner, and more. In Spanish: La medicina complementaria y alternativa. See also MedlinePlus: Complementary & Integrative Medicine page. (U.S. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)

Wellness: Right as Rain - Provides 'truthful and down-to-earth health and wellness information you can use every day,' on a wide range of mind, body, life, and wellness topics (University of Washington). Taking Charge of Your Health and Well-Being offers information about 'how a holistic approach to wellbeing can help you discover health, contentment, purpose, and connection' (University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality & Healing and Charlson Meadows).

Understanding Complementary Health News - A short interactive tutorial to help you evaluate the quality of news stories about health. See also Diet in the News - What to Believe?, below.

Vitamins & Supplements - See Drug & Supplement Information, below.

Dieting, Nutrition, & Food Safety

Children's Nutrition Research Center INTERACTIVE - Nutrition & health resources for families, including a Healthy Me Calculator and Nutrition & Your Child quarterly e-newsletter (Baylor College of Medicine et al.). My Plate: Health and Nutrition for Preschoolers offers tips for parents and caregivers on helping children aged 2 through 5 develop healthy eating habits for life. There's also a My Plate for Kids (U.S. Department of Agriculture). Make Healthy Eating Fun for Kids [Link opens a PDF] offers tips on what parents can do to help kids develop healthy eating habits (2015, KidsPeace.org). See also Kid's Healthy Eating Plate (Harvard School of Public Health).

Cholesterol - See Fats and related links, below.

Diet in the News - What to Believe? - 'What should I eat? How much exercise should I get? One day the experts say one thing. The next, they seem to say another...' This article offers advice on how to get at the heart of a research-related news story and see how important the results are for you personally (Harvard School of Public Health). See also Understanding Complementary Health News.

Dining Out - Tips for making healthier choices - wherever you dine - without giving up flavor, fullness or fun (American Heart Association). The Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods offers tips for safe storage and use of take-out and delivered meals (U.S. Department of Agriculture).

Fats - Info to help you understand the different types of fats and make healthier food choices (American Heart Association). Trans Fats provides an overview of findings and recommendations on trans fats (such as hydrogenated vegetable oils) in the diet. Includes a summary of other fats (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), with links to more information (2017, American Heart Association). Dietary Cholesterol explains the difference between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol, and offers the latest advice on how dietary cholesterol fits in with a healthy diet (2023, American Heart Association). See also High Blood Triglycerides (2023, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute), Triglycerides (2020, Medline Plus), and Ingredients in popular snack foods can make them addictive, below.

Food Assistance - See USDA Food and Nutrition Programs & Services, below.

FoodSafety.gov - Advice on proper food handling and storage for different kinds of foods in a variety of situations, plus information on recent recalls and safety alerts. Includes a Foodkeeper App which you can search for specific foods to find out how long you can safely store them, as well as a handy printable Refrigerator & Freezer Storage Chart [Link opens a PDF] (2018, Food and Drug Administration). See also FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts. For additional helpful information, see Food Storage Guide (2023, North Dakota State University) and Pantry Food Storage (2010, Ohio State University). More food safety info & fact sheets are available from the FDA's Food Safety Inspection Service. See also Foodborne Germs & Illness Facts UPDATED LINK! (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Things You Should Know About Grocery Store Produce NEW! (2024, Reader's Digest), and Food Safety for Moms-To-Be, below (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Protect Food and Water During Hurricanes and Other Storms has advice on how to make sure your food and water are safe during and after hurricanes, power outages, and floods (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). See also Emergencies and Food Safety (U.S. Department of Agriculture), and Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods, above.

Food Stamps - See USDA Food and Nutrition Programs & Services, below.

Heart Healthy Nutrition - A variety of heart-healthy recipes, plus advice on cooking, grocery shopping, and dining out (American Heart Association). Delicious Heart Healthy Eating and Recipes for Healthy Eating include recipes specifically for African-Americans, Latinos, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Vietnamese, and Filipinos (U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). See also Lower Your Blood Pressure with DASH, Fats & cholesterol and Sugar links.

Labels - Advice to help you use the nutrition labels on packaged foods to make quick, informed food choices that contribute to a healthy diet (2022, U.S. Food and Drug Administration). To get information on the nutrients in specific foods, see Nutrients, below. For information on foods that are labelled as organic, humane, ocean-friendly, or other similar terms, see Consumer Reports' Guide to Food Labels (formerly Greener Choices), and our Green Shopping Webfinder (FOOD section).

Local & Seasonal Food: Eating seasonally can be good for you NEW! - Explains why buying in-season produce is an easy step toward better eating habits, and offers tips on how to get started (2024, Associated Press). See our Green Shopping Webfinder (FOOD section) for related resources.

Low Protein Recipes - Tips for patients (such as those with kidney disease) who need to follow a low-protein diet, plus additional recipes for a variety of dietary needs (high fiber, low carb, low sodium, and many others) and nutrition & diet info for diabetics and people with kidney disease. (National Kidney Foundation)

Lower Your Blood Pressure with DASH [Link opens a PDF] & DASH Eating Plan- Sample menus and recipes featuring foods that are heart healthy and lower in salt (sodium) for those with high blood pressure; also contains additional information on weight loss and physical activity. You can print the booklet for free, or order a printed copy by mail for a small fee (U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). See also Heart Healthy Nutrition links, above. Salt & Sodium: Take Action offers advice on how to limit the salt (sodium) in your diet (Harvard School of Public Health). See also How to Reduce Sodium in your Diet UPDATED LINK! (2022, U.S. Centers for Disease Control), Tips To Reduce Salt and Sodium [Link opens a PDF] (U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute), Sodium Breakup: Change Your Salty Ways in 21 Days (American Heart Association), and Ingredients in popular snack foods can make them addictive, below.

My Plate - Info, tips, and tools/apps to help you eat healthfully according to your food preferences, health goals, and budget. Includes an explanation of the different food groups and how to measure quantities included in the recommendations. The MyPlate Kitchen offers a collection of healthful recipes (including Low-Cost SNAP Recipes plus Healthy Eating On A Budget APP, help with healthy meal planning, cooking, and grocery shopping). More nutrition information from the U.S. government is available at Nutrition.gov (U.S. Department of Agriculture). See also FoodSafety.gov, above.

Nutrients: USDA Food Database Central - Search for a food and you'll get a chart showing complete nutritional data for that food, including calories, fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein, lipids, and more. Now covers many popular brand name products (U.S. Department of Agriculture). See also My Plate and related links, above. For information on how to read nutrition labels on packaged foods, Labels, above.

Nutrition for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding - Suggests recommended amounts of different types of foods and calories required for different stages of pregnancy as well as breastfeeding. Amounts are tailored to your height, weight, and activity level (Part of myplate.gov). See also Food Safety for Moms-To-Be, below.

Nutrition Labels - See Labels and related links, above.

Nutrition Source - Information, advice, and recipes for healthy eating, a healthy living guide, and info on disease prevention (Harvard School of Public Health). Healthy Food Choices (formerly Nutrition and Wellness) has practical advice on buying, preparing, & preserving food, food safety, nutrition and more (University of Illinois).

Oldways - This website aims to help people rediscover and embrace the healthy, sustainable joys of the ''old ways'' of shared cultural traditions. Includes information about traditional diets (Mediterranean, African Heritage, Latin American, Asian Heritage, and Vegetarian & Vegan), plus a searchable collection of recipes, and related resources (non-profit organization).

Salt - See Lower Your Blood Pressure with DASH and related links, above.

Seasonal diet - See Local & Seasonal Food, above.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; also known as Food Stamps) - See USDA Food and Nutrition Programs & Services, below.

Spend Smart, Eat Smart VIDEO - Advice, recipes, and how-to videos that can help you eat a more healthful diet while reducing your food expenses. Their free app APP provides a comparison calculator to help you find the best bargains when you're shopping for food (Iowa State University Extension and Outreach). Save the Food offers meal planning tools, food storage tips, and recipes to help you prevent food waste and save money (Natural Resources Defense Council). Eat or Toss? NEW! provides advice on whether imperfect, damaged, or strange-looking food is safe to eat, with photos and references for each article; includes a section of Use-it-Up Recipes (by journalist Rachael Jackson). See also Freeze More, Waste Less (2023, Natural Resources Defense Council), and MyPlate Kitchen, above.

Sugar - Info about sugar, added sugars and other sweeteners, with tips to help you cut down on sugar (American Heart Association}. See also Ingredients in popular snack foods can make them addictive (2023, Science News Explores; published by the Society for Science, a non-profit organization).

Triglycerides - See Fats and related links, above.

USDA Food and Nutrition Programs - Includes links to various Food Assistance Programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; also known as Food Stamps), WIC, school meals, farmer's market nutrition programs, etc. For local food assistance, you can also contact the South Plainfield Food Pantry, Middlesex County Food Assistance: REPLENISH, and Middlesex County Nutrition Services (Senior Meals & Farmers Markets).

Vitamins & Supplements - See Drug & Supplement Information, below.

Weight Loss: Control Your Weight - Tips for safe and effective weight loss, plus related resources (U.S. National Institutes of Health). See also Losing Weight (American Heart Association). WebMD's Weight Loss & Diet Plans A-Z evaluates dozens of the latest diets, and their Diets of the World [Archived pages] offer you an international flavor to spice up your diet, including French, Latin, Japanese, Mediterranean, or special diets (Vegetarian & Vegan, Gluten-free, Keto, Raw Food, Detox) (site includes lots of advertisements). Another useful resource is Weight-control Information Network, offering helpful advice on choosing a safe and successful weight loss program, plus additional Weight Management resources (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health). U.S. News: Best Diets has annual reviews by a panel of experts on a range of diet plans, including best diets for Weight-Loss, Diabetes, Healthy Eating, and Fast Weight-Loss, as well as Heart-Healthy Diets, Plant-Based Diets, Easiest Diets to Follow, and more. 'Each profile explains how the diet works, determines whether its claims add up or fall short, scrutinizes it for possible health risks, and reveals what it's like to live on the diet, not just read about it.' The Truth Behind Weight Loss Ads offers advice on avoiding weight loss scams (2022, Federal Trade Commission). See also Heart Healthy Nutrition above, and Fitness, Sport, & Physical Therapy links, below.

Diseases & Conditions

Prevention and treatment information for the flu season:

Flu.gov: FLU PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT

COLDS, FLU, EAR INFECTIONS, AND RUNNY NOSES (below)

AIDS - See HIV Info, below.

Alzheimer's Association - The latest research on Alzheimer's Disease and dementia, with information on risk factors, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, and more. See also Alzheimer's links & Dementia links (Medline), and our Sites for Seniors: Alzheimer's & Related Disorders links.

Arthritis Foundation [CAUTION: 'The acceptance of advertising on Arthritis Foundation websites, mobile apps or other software offerings does not constitute or imply an endorsement of any advertised product, treatment or clinical trial. The Arthritis Foundation accepts no responsibility for any claims made in any advertisement...'] - Information and advice on conditions, symptoms, daily living, fitness, nutrition & weight loss, and a variety of treatments (drugs, supplements, alternative therapies, self-treatments, surgery, and lab tests), for people suffering from arthritis and related conditions affecting the joints, including osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and back pain (nonprofit organization; site includes advertisements). See also National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Health Topics A-Z and American College of Rheumatology patient information.

Asthma & Allergy Foundation - Facts about asthma and allergies (including food allergies). Allergy Bureau: Conditions & Treatments has additional information on allergies. Air Quality Index provides current data on air pollutants in your area. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) offers information about the health effects - and methods of control - of mold & moisture, radon, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke and other indoor air contaminants, including COVID-19; see links under Popular IAQ Topics and IAQ FAQ (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). For more information on indoor air quality, and specific pollutants such as bacteria & viruses, carbon monoxide, radon, formaldehyde, dust mites, and secondhand smoke, as well as outdoor air quality concerns, see the American Lung Assocation's Clean Air page. For information on how to reduce the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19, see COVID-19 and Indoor Air. See also Environmental Health links, below.

Autism VIDEO - Basic FAQs about autism; see 'Understanding Autism' in the menu for additional resources (Autism New Jersey, formerly known as COSAC, The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community). See also Autism Society of America.

Cancer.gov - Comprehensive information about all different types of cancer, including causes, prevention, testing, treatment options, side effects & complications, emotional aspects, clinical trials, and información sobre el cáncer en español (U.S. National Cancer Institute). The American Cancer Society also offers información de referencia sobre el cáncer en Español, as well as Cancer Information in 13 Languages, which includes links to other organizations may provide cancer information in additional languages. Locally, the Rutgers Cancer Resource and Learning Center (RLC) in New Brunswick provides reliable, relevant and current information about all aspects of cancer. The RLC is free and open to everyone; a librarian is available to help visitors research and find information about cancer. Common Health Scams (scroll down to Cancer heading) VIDEO offers brief tips on avoiding cancer treatment scams (2022, Federal Trade Commission). See also Environmental Health links, below.

Chronic Fatigue / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - Definition, symptoms, possible causes, diagnosis, treatment options, FAQ, and support group information for to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). See also CFIDS Association of America.

Colds, Flu, Ear Infections, and Runny noses: Know When Antibiotics Work UPDATED LINK! - 'Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats, and bronchitis are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses? It's true. Plus, taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.' Visit this site for more information (2024, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). How can I tell if I have a cold or the flu? [CAUTION: 'The presence of an ad on familydoctor.org does not imply endorsement of the advertised company or product'] (2019, American Academy of Family Physicians) explains how cold and flu symptoms differ. See also COVID-19 & Respiratory Viruses. Flu.gov, and Ear, Nose & Throat links, below.

Coping with Chronic Illness - Links to information and organizations. See also Chronic Pain (U.S. National Institutes of Health).

COVID-19 & Respiratory Viruses - See Respiratory Virus Guidance NEW!, Colds, Flu, Ear Infections, and Runny noses, and our COVID-19 Resources page.

Dental Health: Mouth Healthy [NOTE: 'The acceptance of an ad on MouthHealthy.org... is not to be construed as an endorsement or approval by the ADA or MouthHealthy.org.'] - Oral health information for all ages and stages of life, including and A to Z index of topics, nutrition information, dental care concerns and more. Includes Find-a-Dentist directory (American Dental Association; site includes advertisements). See also Dental Health Links (Medline), Gum Disease & Periodontal Health (American Academy of Periodontology), and Oral Health Information for Older Adults.

Diabetes and Digestive & Kidney Diseases - Online publications explain diabetes, hepatitis, ulcers, indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and other common and uncommon conditions affecting the stomach, kidneys, liver, etc. (U.S. National Institutes of Health). See also Diabetes Association, National Kidney Foundation, and Endocrine Diseases & Conditions, below.

Disabilities: NJ Disability Information Hub NEW! - A one-stop source for New Jersey residents with disabilities, caregivers, parents, and advocates. Provides information on programs & services that can help with food, income, employment, caregiving, in-home supports, vocational rehabilitation, personal care, and education. See also People with Disabilities Webfinder and related posts.

Ear, Nose & Throat - Information on topics such as sinusitus, hearing loss, snoring, allergies, thyroid conditions, balance disorders, and other conditions related to the ears, nose, throat, head and neck (American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery). See also Colds, Flu, Ear Infections, and Runny noses, above, and Hearing, Ear Infections, and Deafness, below.

Eating Disorders Info - Explains Anorexia, Bulimia, and related disorders (National Eating Disorders Association).

End of Life - See Hospice, below, and Caregiving resources.

Endocrine Diseases & Conditions - Patient education materials on endocrine/hormone conditions including diabetes, growth disorders, menopause, obesity, thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders, and others. Also offers a Find-an-Endocrinologist search. (Endocrine Society)

Environmental Health - Information on all kinds of environmental health threats, from carbon monoxide or lead to noise, food poisoning, or natural disasters (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). See also Environmental Health Topics; includes Children's Environmental Health (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences). For worldwide news about subjects related to environmental health, see Environmental Health News (Environmental Health Sciences, a non-profit organization). See also Asthma & Allergy and Indoor Air Quality links, above, and Noise links, below.

Epilepsy Foundation - Information about about epilepsy and related disorders, including causes, risks, treatment, diagnosis, and FAQ. (Epilepsy Foundation)

Fibroids - Explains what uterine fibroids are, describing types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options (University of California). See also Uterine Fibroids (2023, Mayo Clinic).

Fibromyalgia: Patient Education - An overview of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, coping strategies, and links to related resources (2023, American College of Rheumatology). See also Fibromyalgia links (Medline).

Genetics Home Reference - Consumer-friendly information about hundreds of genetic health conditions, diseases, and syndromes, with related resources; now part of MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). See also Rare Disorders, below.

Healthcare-Associated Infections - Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving treatment for other conditions, or that healthcare workers acquire while performing their duties. This site offers information for patients UPDATED LINK! as well as health care providers. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Hearing, Ear Infections, and Deafness - Explains the causes and prevention of hearing loss, as well as communications options for the deaf or hearing-impaired. Also provides facts about ear infections, tinnitus, and noise-induced hearing loss (U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders). See also Ear, Nose & Throat links, above. For more information about noise-related problems, see Noise & Health (Center for Hearing and Communication; non-profit health care center), Loud Noise Can Cause Hearing Loss (2022, National Center for Environmental Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Noisy Planet (kids & pre-teens) (2019, National Institutes of Health), Hearing Loss in Children (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases - Online publications covering a variety of heart, lung, and blood disorders, plus related resources (U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). The American Heart Association offers resources on prevention and treatment for heart disease, including health assessment tools, CPR & ECC, Healthy Lifestyle, and more. See also Texas Heart Institute, Heart Healthy Nutrition, above, and Lung Association, below.

HIV Info - Resources on prevention, treatment, and other information (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). See also HIV Prevention UPDATED! (2024, CDC). National HIV Testing Resources offers a searchable database of HIV testing sites, plus answers to many questions about HIV/AIDS and testing (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Hormone Diseases & Conditions - See Endocrine Diseases & Conditions, above.

Hospice - See Hospice links, below.

Infectious Diseases - Brief fact sheets on dozens of communicable diseases, including AIDS, anthrax, E. coli, hepatitis, influenza, Listeriosis (Listeria), Lyme disease, measles, scabies, strep throat, West Nile Virus, and many more; some older information may be outdated (2002 - 2022, Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene). The CDC Current Outbreak List lists current U.S. & international infectious disease outbreaks (2023, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Liver Disease Information Center - Patient information on liver diseases, including cirrhosis, all forms of hepatitis, liver cancer, and others (American Liver Foundation). See also Digestive Diseases: Liver (U.S. National Institutes of Health).

Lung Association - Facts about asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many other conditions which affect the lungs, plus information on tobacco and smoking (American Lung Association, non-profit organization). Also, check out our Smoking, Alcoholism & Addiction links, below.

Lyme Disease (Medline) - Links to information and organizations. See Tick Bites for information about other tick-borne hazards, and how to deal with ticks (U.S. National Institutes of Health). For more about ticks and how to deal with them, see Preventing Ticks in the Yard and related links.

Mpox (Monkeypox) - Signs & symptoms, prevention, and other info (2022, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - See Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, above.

Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Fact sheets on all kinds of neurological diseases, conditions, and syndromes, including stroke. Arranged A-Z; also searchable by keyword (U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). American Stroke Association provides information about stroke prevention, risks, treatment, recovery, and caregiving.

Noise - See Hearing links, above.

Occupational Health & Safety - Information on recognizing and dealing with a wide range of work-related health and safety topics including ergonomics, noise, and workplace violence, as well as specific substances, processes and industries. (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)

Opioid Abuse - See Opioid Misuse and Addiction, below.

Orthopaedic Connection - Information about arthritis, osteoporosis, sports injuries, and other conditions affecting the bones & joints. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)

Pain - See Coping with Chronic Illness, above, and specific pain conditions (e.g., arthritis).

Pets & People - Information about the health-related risks & benefits of owning and caring for animals (U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases). For information on pet care & pet health, see Parenting & Family: PETS.

Prostate Health NEW! - An overview of the prostate, including what it does, common problems, symptoms, and more (Harvard Medical School). See also Tips for Keeping a Healthy Prostate NEW! (Johns Hopkins University) and Medline Plus: Prostate Diseases NEW! (National Library of Medicine).

Radiology Info - Tells you how various x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, radiation therapy and other procedures are performed. It also addresses what you may experience and how to prepare for the exams (Radiological Society of North America, Inc.). See also Environmental Health and Lab Tests and related links, above.

Rare Disorders - A database of brief descriptions for more than a thousand uncommon diseases and conditions, with contact information and links to additional resources for each (National Organization for Rare Disorders; non-profit organization). See also Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (U.S. National Institutes of Health).

Rehabilitation Information - Links to thousands of resources, including organizations, agencies, websites, reports, and research projects, to help those with impairments or disabilities live independently. You can browse the categories or search by keyword (National Rehabilitation Information Center). For other useful online resources and library materials about living with disabilities, see our People with Disabilities Webfinder & related posts.

Respiratory Viruses - See COVID-19 & Respiratory Viruses, and Colds, Flu, Ear Infections, and Runny noses, above.

Safety & Health Knowledge - Information on safety at home & community, on the roadway, and in the workplace (National Safety Council). For brief tips on home safety, see Staying safe at home (MedlinePlus). For more safety advice, see Parenting & Family: CHILD SAFETY and Sites for Seniors: SAFETY.

Skin Care & Treatment VIDEO - Patient information on disorders of the skin, hair & nails, plus skin care tips (American Academy of Dermatology). The U.S. EPA offers a UV Index Mobile App APP to help you prevent excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun that can lead to skin cancer.

Sleep Disorders (Medline) - High-quality resources on good sleep habits and sleep disorders, with information on various conditions, and information for kids, teens, women, & seniors (Medline). See also Sleep.org: How Does Technology Affect Sleep? & Technology in the Bedroom (2024; Sleep.org & SleepFoundation.org, part of OneCare Media; site includes advertisements), and Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency (National Center on Sleep Disorders Research; U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute).

STDs / STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections) - Information about sexually transmitted diseases and infections, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention (American Social Health Association). For more on reproductive health, see our Women, Men, Children & Maternity links, below.

Stroke - See Neurological Disorders and Stroke, above.

Vision: Eye Health - Eye Health A-Z, Symptoms, Glasses & Contacts, Tips & Prevention, Ask an Ophthalmologist, and more (American Academy of Ophthalmology). Vision & Health offers blog posts on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of common vision conditions, and what you can do to reduce your risk (Lighthouse International). See also National Eye Institute (U.S. National Institutes of Health), Contact Lenses VIDEO (2019, U.S. Food and Drug Administration), and information about LASIK eye surgery VIDEO (2022, U.S. Food and Drug Administration).

Doctors, Hospitals & Health Plans

Care Compare (formerly Hospital Compare) - Use this tool to find & compare nursing homes, hospitals & other providers near you. Includes a Guide to Choosing a Hospital and related resources. You can also use this tool to compare doctors & clinicians, nursing homes (including rehab services), home health services, hospice care, long-term care hospitals, and more. Although the tool was created for people with Medicare in mind, many of the measures shown here apply to people who may not have Medicare (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). Hospital Safety Grade rates hospitals on quality and safety, based on data collected in the annual Leapfrog Hospital Survey (The Leapfrog Group; non-profit organization). See also U.S. News & World Report: Best Hospitals.

Dentists - See Dental Health links, above.

Dollars for Docs - 'Pharmaceutical and medical device companies are required by law to release details of their payments to a variety of doctors and U.S. teaching hospitals for promotional talks, research and consulting, among other categories. Use this tool to search for general payments made from August 2013 to December 2018.' (By ProPublica, 'an independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.' Site includes advertisements). NOTE: This database was last updated in October 2019 and should only be used as a historical snapshot. Newer data is available at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments site.

End-of-life Care - See Hospice links, below.

Health Care Laws - Explains a variety of legal topics such as uninsured/charity care, long term care, Medicaid & Medicare, prescription drugs, privacy, vaccines, and more. Some materials are specific to New Jersey. (Legal Services of New Jersey)

Health Care Quality Guide - Tips to help you be active in making decisions about your health care so you can receive the best possible care. Includes a list of questions to ask your doctor (2018 - 2021, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services).

Health Insurance Scams VIDEO - Explains how to recognize, avoid, and report health insurance scams, including medical discount plans and Medicare scams (2021, U.S. Federal Trade Commission). To find health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act ('Obamacare'), see Healthcare.gov, above. See also Sites for Seniors: Medicare links.

Health Savings Accounts - Information about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and other tax-favored health plans, designed to help individuals save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis; updated annually. (U.S. Internal Revenue Service)

HMOs - See Managed Care links, below.

Hospice: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization - Information for patients and families facing life-threatening illness, death, and grief. Includes advice on finding a hospice, caregiving, bereavement, and more. The section on How to Prepare, Plan, and Be Present provides information & resources that can help you make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis, including Advance Care Planning, Caregiving, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Grief & Loss (non-profit organization). For other useful resources, see Hospice Foundation of America (non-profit organization). End-of-life Care describes support and medical care given during the time surrounding death. Read the articles to learn what happens before, during, and after dying (National Institute on Aging). See also Grief Support links, below, and Caregiving links.

Hospital Compare - See Care Compare, above.

Insure Kids Now! - Information on free or low-cost health insurance programs available for children whose parents cannot afford to buy insurance for them. You can also call 1-877-543-7669 (toll-free) for more information (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services); see also CHIP. In New Jersey, see NJ Family Care.

Long-Term Care UPDATED LINK! - Provides an overview of long-term care (LTC) basics, plus links to help you find local services (2023, National Institute on Aging). Long-Term Care Facilities NEW! explains the differences among Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and other types of Residential Care facilities; includes links to resources for finding a long-term care facility, and tips for making the transition to a long-term care facility (2023, National Institute on Aging). Long-Term Care: Finding the Right Long-Term Care for Your Loved One briefly describes common types of LTC, with links to AARP guides and other resources so that you can learn more about each type (2022, AARP; site includes advertisements). See also Medicare Coverage: Long Term Care NEW! (Medicare.gov), and Sites for Seniors: Long Term Care links & Family Caregiving links.

Low Cost Health Care - See Healthcare.gov, Medicare / Medicaid / CHIP, and Insure Kids Now!.

Managed Care Complaints - 'Every person covered under a managed care plan has the right to file a complaint with his carrier about any aspect of the coverage, the carrier's network, and the services provided by health care providers.' This page explains how to file a complaint in New Jersey, with FAQ about managed care plans. See also NJ Managed Care Consumer Rights (NJ Department of Banking and Insurance) and NJ Medicaid & Managed Care (NJ Department of Human Services).

Medical Bills: The No Surprises Act - 'A surprise medical bill is an unexpected bill from an out-of-network provider or at an out-of-network facility. Effective January 1, 2022, the No Surprises Act may protect you from surprise medical bills under certain circumstances.' This page provides the details on the new law. See also Is there financial help for my medical bills? and Know your rights and protections when it comes to medical bills and collections (2022 - 23, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau). For related information, see Get Help Paying for Medical Care & Prescription Drugs (2024, USA.gov).

Medical Diagnosis Codes UPDATED LINK! - If you want to find out what that diagnostic code number on your doctor bill or insurance form means, you can find it in the most recent edition, posted here. Use the Diagnosis Code Browser Tool to search for codes by keyword or code number (U.S. Centers for Disease Control).

Medicare / Medicaid / CHIP - Check these pages to find out whether you are eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), what's covered, and related information. See also Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), and Insure Kids Now!. For more on Medicare, see our Sites for Seniors: Medicare links

N.J. Health Care profile - Searchable profiles of more than 32,500 N.J. medical doctors (including osteopathic physicians), podiatrists and optometrists. Contains information about practitioners' education, training, and practice; click on the tabs in a doctor's profile to view information on Education, Practice (to find out if a practitioner speaks a familiar language, has an office accessible to persons with disabilities, or accepts your health plan, etc.), Legal Actions, or Professional Activities. Click on Profile FAQ in the menu for additional information. Use the advanced search function to locate doctors practicing in a particular area or hospital; information regarding the expiration date of a practitioner's license can be found at NJ Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification Search, or can be obtained by calling, writing, or faxing the State Board of Medical Examiners: License Verification Office (Attorney General, State of N.J.). See also N.J. State Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Society of NJ Physician Finder. To look up other New Jersey health care providers, such as dentists, physical therapists, nurses, home health aides, chiropractors, psychologists, acupuncturists, and others, see the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs New Jersey Professional Licensing Boards and related links. The AMA Doctor Finder provides background information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States and its possessions, including more than 690,000 doctors of medicine (MD) and doctors of osteopathy or osteopathic medicine (DO). You can search the database by the doctor's name or by medical specialty; if you get no results, click the View Non-Members button. See also Medline Plus Directories for links to directories of specialists and other health care providers.

N.J. Hospitals Directory - Alphabetical list of hospitals, health care systems, and affilliates in the state. Includes addresses, phone numbers, and website links. NJHA also offers a variety of helpful Consumer Health Care Resources, including help with understanding your medical bills, using health insurance, and staying healthy. (New Jersey Hospital Association)

Nursing Homes - For information on nursing homes and other health & aging issues, see our Sites for Seniors: Nursing Homes, Sites for Seniors: Long Term Care, Sites for Seniors: Family Caregiving, and other Senior Health, Safety, Fitness & Health Care links.

Drug & Supplement Information

Antibiotics UPDATED LINK! - Outlines when antibiotics are and are not needed to deal with common conditions such as colds, flu, ear infections, and runny noses, and explains why it's important to take antibiotics only when they're needed. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Buying Medicines Over the Internet - Advice on how to protect yourself when buying medicines online, and many related resources on Buying & Using Medicine Safely; for more information, see BeSafeRx: Your Source for Online Pharmacy Information VIDEO (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). See also Medical Devices, below, and Consumer Information: Health & Fitness, above.

Dietary Supplements - Facts sheets for consumers on vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other dietary supplements (U.S. National Institutes of Health). Taking herbal supplements: Should I or shouldn't I? [CAUTION: The presence of an ad on mayoclinic.org or in one of its newsletters does not imply endorsement of the advertised company or product] offers general advice on using herbal supplements (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research). See also Herbs & Supplements (Medline) & Herbal Medicine (Medline) (U.S. National Library of Medicine), and Herbs, Botanicals, and Other Products (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) for facts about hundreds of herbs, vitamins, and other supplements. Operation Supplement Safety answers common questions about all kinds of supplements. This site was created for military personnel, veterans, & their families, but has generally useful information about potential health risks and how to choose safe dietary supplements (Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences et al.). See also Should I Take a Daily Multivitamin? (Harvard University), Multivitamin / Mineral Supplements: Fact Sheet for Consumers (2024, National Institutes of Health), Straight Talk About Nutritional Supplements NEW! (2024, Consumers' Checkbook; non-profit organization), and Yes, You Can Take Too Many Vitamins NEW! (2024, Cleveland Clinic).

Disposal of Unused Medicines - See Unused Medicines: Safe Disposal, below.

Drug Information for Consumers - Links to consumer-friendly drug information covering safety, side effects, labeling, and more. Scroll down the page for FAQs on popular topics. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Drugs, Procedures & Devices [CAUTION: 'The presence of an advertisement on familydoctor.org does not imply endorsement of the advertised company or product'] - Explains the different types of non-prescription (Over-The-Counter) drugs available, with tips on reducing the risk of adverse effects and interactions. Also provides information about common prescription medicines, how they work, and foods, medicines or activities you should avoid while taking them; and information about some commonly prescribed medical procedures & supplies, what they are used for, and how they can help you (American Academy of Family Physicians).

Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Information (Medline) - Provides consumer information on prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal medicine. Browse by first letter of a drug / herb / supplement, or use the search box. The MedlinePlus Drug Summary will usually be the first item in the search results list. (U.S. National Library of Medicine). See also Dietary Supplements, above.

Herbs - See Dietary Supplements, above.

Medical Devices - Consumer information on a variety of devices and procedures, including contact lenses, blood glucose monitoring devices, hearing aids, nasal rinsing, obesity treatment devices, tanning, ultrasound, and many others. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Medical Product Recalls - Consumer information about recalls and safety problems of drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and other health products, plus how to report a problem; see also FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) - Find out about the Medicare prescription drug program here. You can also find and compare drug plans, health plans, and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies. See also Medicine Assistance Tool, and Sites for Seniors: Medicare links.

Medication Errors Fact Sheet [Link opens a PDF] - A printable 1-page guide to help you avoid problems with drug interactions, dosages, etc., whether at home, at the pharmacy, or in the clinic or hospital (2006, National Academy of Sciences). Consumer Med Safety provides drug alerts, advice on safe medication use, how to report errors, how to throw away your medicines safely, and related information (Institute for Safe Medication Practices). See also Medication Errors (Medline) (U.S. National Library of Medicine) and Medical Errors, above.

Medicine Assistance Tool - Searches hundreds of public and private assistance programs that can help those in need obtain prescription medicines; read the Privacy Policy UPDATED LINK! before you enter your personal information (Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America [PhRMA]). See also Medicare: Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D).

My Medicines Record Keeper [Scroll down to #2, 'Keep a Medicine List'. Available in English, Spanish, and 11 other languages.] - A handy printable 2-page guide with easy-to-read advice about taking medicines correctly, and a chart you can fill in to keep track of your medicines and supplements. There are 2 alternate versions in English: My Medicines [Link opens a PDF] and My Medicine Record [Link opens a PDF]. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Opioid Abuse - See Opioid Misuse and Addiction, below.

Prescription Assistance - See Medicine Assistance Tool, above.

Prescription Drug Misuse - Links to information on treatment, prevention & screening, specific conditions, research, organizations, and more (Medline). See also Opioid Misuse and Addiction. For more on drug abuse, see our Smoking, Alcoholism & Addiction links, below.

Supplements - See Dietary Supplements, above.

Unused Medicines: Safe Disposal - What should you do with those outdated medications in the medicine cabinet? Throw them in the trash? Flush them down the toilet? This page explains how to properly dispose of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs. See How to Dispose of Unused Medicines for related information (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). There are National Prescription Drug Take Back Days every year in April & October to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs locally (includes a search tool for authorized year-round drop-off locations), and New Jersey's Project Medicine Drop offers secured drop boxes in the headquarters of many local police departments. See also Disposing of Unused Medicines [Link opens a PDF] (2017, South Plainfield Police Department).

Vitamin Supplements - See Dietary Supplements, above.

Fitness, Sport, & Physical Therapy

ACE Fitness - A healthy living blog, plus tools & calculators, directory of certified health clubs and fitness trainers, and Exercise Library VIDEO, a collection of workouts aimed at strengthening specific muscle groups; includes videos. (American Council on Exercise; site includes advertisements)

Active at Any Size - 'Physical activity may seem difficult when you are overweight or obese. You may get short of breath quickly. Your feet or joints may hurt. It may be hard or costly to find the right clothes and equipment. And you may feel self-conscious working out in front of others... This brochure will give you many tips and resources for being more active and healthier at any size.' Related resources for Weight Management & Healthy Living include health & fitness advice tailored to specific audiences such as diabetics, pregnant women, African Americans, and older adults, plus lots of additional information on losing weight and improving health (U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). See also Physical Activity for Everyone, below, Weight Loss links, above.

Calculators: Health Calculators - Simple tools to help determine your Body Mass Index (BMI), how many calories you need each day, how many you can burn with activities, and what your target heart rate should be during exercise (American Cancer Society). See also Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI) and Assessing Your Weight & Health Risk (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). To learn about your healthy resting heart rate, see What's a normal resting heart rate? [CAUTION: The presence of an ad on mayoclinic.org or in one of its newsletters does not imply endorsement of the advertised company or product] (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research).

Children's Sports - See our Kids' Sports & Coaching Webfinder.

Chronic Illness and Fitness - See National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, below.

Disabilities and Fitness - See National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, below.

Fitness (American Heart Association) VIDEO - Helpful articles, videos, and info on fitness basics, getting active, staying motivated, and walking.

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability VIDEO - Fitness and lifestyle advice for individuals with a variety of disabilities & health conditions. Many useful resources may be found under the menu headings Articles and Videos. NCHPAD's YouTube channel offers many videos on home workouts, meditation, active aging, inclusive yoga, and more, including an 8 minute workout (seated or standing) to increase your strength, cardio and flexibility, a 25 minute standing workout video that guides you through several strength and cardio activities to increase your heart rate and help you meet your physical activity goals (University of Alabama). See also How to Exercise with Limited Mobility (Helpguide.org; site includes advertisements), and Physical Activity for Everyone, below.

Physical Activity for Everyone - Resources to help you make physical activity part of your life; for children & teens, adults, pregnant or postpartum women, older adults, and adults with chronic health conditions & disabilities (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). HelpGuide.org offers advice on How to Start Exercising and Stick to It and additional articles on exercise & fitness (non-profit organization; site includes advertisements). See also Active at Any Size, and National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, above.

Physical Therapy VIDEO - Information on how physical therapy can help with various conditions and injuries, with a collection of online videos on exercise, pain, safety, and related subjects. (American Physical Therapy Association). See also Rehabilitation (Medline).

Sports Medicine: Exercise & Fitness [CAUTION: 'The presence of an ad on FamilyDoctor.org does not imply endorsement of the advertised company or product'] - Basic information on on exercise, sports safety, and injury rehabilitation (American Academy of Family Physicians). See Sports Medicine Today for additional information for athletes, coaches & parents (American Medical Society for Sports Medicine).

Walking - Explains the benefits of walking, how you can fit walking into your schedule, how to start or join a walking club, and more (2017 - 2018, American Heart Association; site includes advertisements). Just Go Walk reviews research suggesting that walking after a meal, particularly dinner, can improve markers for cardiometabolic disease (2021, Good News Network®). Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey), Health Benefits of Biking and Walking & Walking Safety Tips (Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, University of North Carolina), and Bike Safely (National Safety Council). Older adults, see Stepping Out UPDATED LINK! (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). For tips on how to stay motivated by setting realistic goals, monitoring your progress, and avoiding & managing barriers, see Starting & Continuing a Walking Program (Association for Applied Sport Psychology).

Yoga for Beginners - Whether you're new to yoga or an advanced practitioner who wants to review the basics, these articles provide detailed guidance on performing basic yoga poses, and offers yoga Q & A. Older adults, see Yoga for Seniors: A Sequence to Help with Your Mobility and 13 Chair Yoga Poses for Seniors (Yoga Journal; site includes advertisements). Adults & kids with disabilities, see Adapted Yoga VIDEO (National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability, NCHPAD; videos hosted on YouTube) See also more yoga resources.

Just for Seniors

SENIORS: Click here for Seniors' Health links.

FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS: Click here for Caregiver links.

Mental Health, Self-Help, & Support Groups

Are you in crisis? Are you feeling desperate, alone or hopeless?
You can dial 988 to call the NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE.
The former NJ Hopeline staff will continue to serve you by answering 988 calls routed to New Jersey.

COVID-19 Mental Health Helplines & Hotlines (NJ). See also
Online recovery for addiction and related issues
Domestic violence: Staying safe during COVID-19
All COVID-19 resources

Rutgers Acute and Emergency Services - Offers emergency mental health treatment and screening services in Middlesex and Essex Counties: 24/7 access to emergency evaluations for individuals of all ages at imminent risk of harm to self or others due to a mental health condition; 24/7 availability for outreach evaluations in community settings including consumer home location; referral and linkage to appropriate aftercare including outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, substance abuse treatment, voluntary hospitalization, and involuntary hospitalization; linkage to case management and family support as appropriate. Call 1-855-515-5700 for more information.
See also N.J. Mental Health Cares, below.

Call 2-1-1 when you need to find state or local resources to address urgent needs or everyday concerns, including health & mental health resources UPDATED LINK!, food banks, shelter, rental or utility assistance, adult day care, Meals on Wheels, transportation, childcare, crisis intervention services, job training, education, and more. 2-1-1 is free, confidential, multi-lingual, confidential, TTY accessible, and available 24/7 2-1-1 resource specialists will guide callers to the most helpful available resources. Visit the website for more information (United Way, in partnership with the State of New Jersey). NOTE: 2-1-1 calls are generally toll-free; however, if you are calling 2-1-1 from your cell phone, please check with your cell phone service provider first to find out whether you will be charged for the call.
See also Community and Social Services brochures & info.

Action for Happiness - Outlines '10 Keys to Happier Living' that consistently tend to make life happier and more fulfilling, according to the latest research. For each key you'll find information, questions, resources and suggested actions to help apply them in your daily life (UK Registered Charity, supported by an Expert Advisory Group). Two resources from Harvard University, How to Flourish & Flourishing App, suggest practical activities that can improve happiness & life satisfaction, mental & physical health, meaning & purpose, character & virtue, and close social relationships. Greater Good Magazine offers stories, tips, articles, videos, quizzes, and podcasts for a happier life and a more compassionate society. Covers mind & body, education, parenting & family, relationships, workplace, spirituality, politics, culture, media, and more. Aims to bridge the gap between scientific journals and people's daily lives, particularly for parents, educators, business leaders, and health care professionals. (University of California)

Anxiety - A brief overview of anxiety (types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment), with links to additional resources (Medline). See also Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Attacks (Helpguide.org; site includes advertisements), and Anxiety Disorders [NOTE: Advertisements on this website are not an endorsement of the company, product or service advertised] (Anxiety and Depression Association of America).

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator - A confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities for substance abuse/addiction and/or mental health problems. SAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). For local resources, see Mental Health: Behavioral Health Resource Guide (Middlesex County).

Caregivers - People caring for a sick child, spouse or parent can find the emotional, physical and financial strains overwhelming. See our Caregiver links for help.

Depression - A brief overview of depression (causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments), with links to additional resources (Medline). Coping with Depression offers practical self-help & coping tips for recovering from depression, covering supportive relationships, negative thinking, self-care, getting help, and more (2019, Helpguide.org; non-profit organization; site includes advertisements). See also The Neuroscience of Happiness AUDIO (2010, The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley)

Facts for Families - Short fact sheets on a variety of behavioral and other issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families. Also available in Spanish (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry).

Grief Support - Brief advice on coping with the grief of different types of losses, with related topics including Grief and the Holidays, Expressing Condolences, COVID-19 Losses, and much more; use the menus to choose a topic (National Funeral Directors Association). Next Avenue: Grief (Twin Cities PBS), HelpGuide's Grief & Loss, which includes grief over life changes (job loss, divorce, etc.) as well as deaths (non-profit organizations; site includes advertisements), American Hospice Foundation's Grief Center (non-profit organizations) also offer many helpful articles on grieving different types of losses, as well as advice on Writing a Condolence Note and Writing a Condolence Note to a Grieving Child or Adolescent. The American Widow Project was created specifically to provide support for military widows (non-profit organization). See also Pregnancy and Newborn Loss: Bereavement Care NEW! (Central Jersey Family Health Consortium), Pregnancy and Newborn Loss (March of Dimes), Grieving Children (American Hospice Foundation), A Time to Grieve: helping school children mourn, move on following school shootings & national tragedies [Link opens a PDF] (2015, KidsPeace; non-profit organization), How Children Understand Death & What You Should Say (American Academy of Pediatrics), Helping Toddlers Cope with Grief and Death (Zero to Three; non-profit organization), and Coping Support for Brothers and Sisters of Very Sick Children. If you are an adult dealing with the death of a brother or sister, see Adult Loss of a Sibling (by Therese Rando, Ph.D., hosted on Legacy.com). For basic advice on dealing with practical tasks after a death, see When a Death Occurs UPDATED LINK! (National Funeral Directors Association), When A Loved One Dies Checklist NEW! (2023, AARP), Sorting Through a Loved One's Belongings (Whats your Grief), and Estate Sales (2021, Consumers' Checkbook; non-profit organization). For resources on dealing with the death of a pet, see Pet Loss and related links.

HelpGuide.org - Information and advice to help you cope with mental and physical health challenges, such as anxiety & depression, stress & trauma, grief & loss, sleep problems, addiction, eating disorders, and more. (Non-profit organization; site includes advertisements)

Humor: Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter - Explains how laughter is good for your physical & mental health, and how to bring more laughter into your life (HelpGuide.org; non-profit organization; site includes advertisements).

Meditation and Mindfulness - See our Meditation & Stress Reduction Webfinder and other Meditation and Stress Management resources.

Mental Health Topics AUDIO VIDEO - Information on a variety of mental health concerns & treatments, with additional resources on clinical trials, Mental Health Brochures & Fact Sheets, and more (U.S. National Institute of Mental Health). See also Mental Health Conditions (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and Mental Health Information (National Mental Health Association).

Mood Disorders - Information, support, and other resources related to depression, bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), and related conditions; for patients and families. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

N.J. Mental Health Cares - Mental health professionals at this information & referral service can connect you to the information and services you need; call the HelpLine at 866-202-HELP (4357). (Mental Health Association in New Jersey, funded by the NJ Department of Human Services).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - An overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of PTSD, with links to additional information (Medline). See also National Center for PTSD and Coping with PTSD Symptoms (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).

Psychology Topics - News and information related to psychological issues that may affect your everyday life; arrranged A - Z (American Psychological Association). See also Monitor on Psychology (American Psychological Association), Psychological Science News (Association for Psychological Science; non-profit organization), and Brain & Behavior Research Foundation blog & research (non-profit organization).

Self-help groups - See N.J. Self-Help Clearinghouse, below.

Stress (Medline) - Links to overviews and articles on different kinds of stress and how to manage stress, plus research findings, tutorials, and related resources (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Also see our Meditation & Stress Reduction Webfinder and other Meditation and Stress Management resources.

Smoking, Alcoholism, & Addiction

Online recovery for addiction and related issues during COVID-19

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

Middlesex County Division of Addictions and Mental Health Planning - Information and referral services for behavioral health care programs, with a focus on consumer empowerment, recovery awareness, prevention, wellness, cultural competence and ending stigma. The Middlesex County law enforcement community has introduced a drug addiction recovery assistance program called Blue Cares (732-596-4199) NEW!, providing a 24/7 confidential hotline for individuals or family members in need of information, guidance, and recovery support; no insurance required.

ReachNJ: New Jersey's 24/7 Addiction Helpline, 1-844-732-2465 - ReachNJ is a central call-in line for New Jersey residents who are looking for help with a substance use disorder. Each call to ReachNJ is answered by a live person in the first 30 seconds. Trained staff will screen callers to identify their exact needs, are able to provide referrals to supportive services and a seamless connection to a local treatment provider. ReachNJ serves NJ residents of all ages regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Addiction or Substance Abuse: Treatment Facilities - See Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, above.

Alcohol & Alcholism Information - Information about alcohol's effects on health. See also Pamphlets, Brochures & Fact Sheets. Some publications are also available in en Español. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)

Alcoholism or Substance Abuse: Treatment Facilities - See Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, above.

Alcohol Screening Quiz - Brief, anonymous questionnaire to help you find out whether your drinking patterns are safe, risky or harmful. Generates personalized results based on your age, gender and drinking patterns (Boston University School of Public Health).

Drug Abuse Treatment Facilities - See Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, above.

Gambling Addiction - For help with gambling addiction, text 800gambler, call or visit 1-800-GAMBLER UPDATED LINK! or find a meeting (Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey).

N.J. Self-Help Clearinghouse - Links to support groups and workshops dealing with mental health. Also provides information on starting a support group.

Opioid Misuse and Addiction - Links to selected resources for recognizing and dealing with opioid abuse and addiction (Medline). See also Opioids: What You Should Know (Johns Hopkins University), and Prescription Drug Misuse, above.

Partnership to End Addiction (formerly Partnership for Drug-Free Kids) - Information for parents and caregivers about substance abuse prevention and treatment. In English and Español. Includes Intervention & Treatment resources. (DrugFree.org; non-profit organization)

Prescription Medicines - See Prescription Drug Misuse, above.

SmokeFree.gov - Resources to help you stop smoking, including advice from experts via Smokefree Text Messaging Programs, smartphone apps APP, and phone hotlines (U.S. National Cancer Institute). See also Great American Smokeout (third Thursday in November) & Stay Away from Tobacco (American Cancer Society) and Be Tobacco Free (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). For information on secondhand smoke exposure, health effects, and smoke-free initiatives & resources, see Secondhand Smoke UPDATED LINK! (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Self-Help - See N.J. Self-Help Clearinghouse, above.

Start Your Recovery - Relatable information for people who are dealing with drug or alcohol issues (and their family members, friends, and co-workers) at any stage of recovery. Offers objective information about signs, symptoms, conditions, treatment options, and resources. (A collaboration among clinicians and experts from research institutions and Reingold, a creator of mental health communications and outreach campaigns)

Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities - See Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, above.

Women, Men, Maternity & Reproductive Health

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

Domestic violence: Staying safe during COVID-19

Violence Against Women & Children: Hotlines & Other Resources
[IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER PLEASE DIAL 911]

National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE) is available 24/7 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224); also offers help via text messaging (text 'START' to 88788), online chat, and additional resources. See also National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (Text: loveis to 22522), National Sexual Assault Hotline (phone 800-656-HOPE [4673] or online live chat), Sexual Harassment at Work or School (RAINN: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), and Military Sexual Assault: DoD Safe Helpline (1-877-995-5247) (U.S. Department of Defense). Am I Being Abused? will help you learn whether you're involved in an abusive relationship; includes links helpful organizations (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Locally, Woman Aware in New Brunswick, N.J. offers a 24-hour helpline (732-249-4504) for crisis counseling & referrals, as well as emergency shelter & housing services, advocacy services, and counseling; Town Clock in New Brunswick, N.J. NEW! provides permanent, affordable, safe housing and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence and their children. For additional resources in New Jersey, see New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence: Helplines and New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault. See also Victim Connect Resource Center (call or text 1-855-484-2846 ) for all victims of crime in the United States and its territories (funded by U.S. Department of Justice), and National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888, TTY: 711, Text 233733 or Live Chat) for victims & survivors of sex and labor trafficking (Polaris Project, non-profit organization; funding through U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Women's Law provides state-specific legal information and resources for survivors of domestic violence, as well as a confidential email hotline offering direct support (part of National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc; non-profit organization). Their Safety Tips include advice on Safety with an Abuser, Safety Planning with Children, Internet Safety, Safety with Social Media, and more (National Network to End Domestic Violence; non-profit organization). Develop a Safety Plan includes information on Safety Planning with Children, Safety Planning for Teens, Workplace Safety Plan, and more (Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness; non-profit organization). Talking to Young Children offers advice about what to say to children who have witnessed domestic violence, plus related information (Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness; non-profit organization). See also Child Abuse links and Child Traumatic Stress. The Call for Change Helpline is a free, confidential, anonymous helpline for people who want to stop using abuse and control in their intimate relationships; call 877-898-3411 or email Help@ACallForChangeHelpline.org. The Helpline is also for family, friends and professionals who want to help them stop. People who are unsure about their behavior can also call the Helpline (funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health et al.).

Central Jersey Family Health Consortium NEW! - Assistance with concerns specifically related to things like pregnancy, child health and developmental milestones. Programs include Pregnancy & Newborn Loss Bereavement Care, Early Intervention, Prematurity Prevention, Grow NJ Kids, Healthy Families, Perinatal Addictions, Postpartum Support, Safe Kids NJ, and more. (Non-profit organization, located in North Brunswick and Morristown)

Birth Control - See Sexual Health links, below.

Breastfeeding - An overview of benefits, challenges, lifestyle, and other helpful information (U.S. National Women's Health Information Center). See also Breastfeeding FAQ UPDATED LINK! (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Breast Feeding Resources (Medline), and Breastfeeding Info (La Leche League).

Child Health & Safety Links - Selected online resources to help you keep your child safe & healthy. (South Plainfield Public Library)

Domestic Violence - See Violence Against Women & Children, above, and Child Abuse & Child Traumatic Stress links.

Family Services Hotlines - List of toll-free telephone hotlines for New Jersey families in need, includes food assistance, energy assistance, child care, child support, medicaid, family violence, addictions, and legal services (N.J. Department of Human Services). See also Middlesex County Community and Social Services brochures & info.

Food Safety for Moms-To-Be VIDEO - Accurate, easy-to-understand information about how to prevent foodborne illness, a serious health risk for pregnant women and their unborn babies (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). See also Nutrition for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding (Part of myplate.gov).

Go Ask Alice - Explicit and irreverent, sometimes outrageous answers to questions you were afraid to ask about physical & emotional health, relationships, sexuality, alcohol / drug abuse, and more. (Columbia University)

Kids' Health - See PARENTING: Kids Health links.

LGBT Resources: Sexual orientation and gender diversity UPDATED LINK! - Information those who want to better understand sexual orientation and gender identity (American Psychological Association). The LGBT National Help Center operates volunteer-staffed national hotlines and one-to-one online chat, to help youth, adults, and seniors with coming-out issues, safer-sex information, school bullying, family concerns, relationship problems and a lot more. The NJ Transgender Information Hub NEW! answers questions about Name Changes & Updating IDs, Support & Resources, and Legal Protections & Civil Rights for transgender and non-binary people in New Jersey. See also Sexual Health and related links, below.

Menopause (Medline) - Links to overviews, tools, news, research, and related resources (U.S. National Library of Medicine).

Men's Health (Medline) - Links to information on a variety of health issues of special concern to men (U.S. National Library of Medicine). See also Prostate Health, above.

Midwifery - For those seeking an alternative in maternity care, this site includes a Find a Midwifery Practice tool, information about midwives (what they do, how they are trained, etc.), and related resources (American College of Nurse-Midwives; professional organization). See also Citizens for Midwifery (a non-profit, volunteer organization).

Postpartum Support Network - Information about pregnancy & postpartum mental health, directory of local support groups, toll-free helpline (1-800-944-4773), resources for fathers, and more (Non-profit organization). See also National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services).

Pregnancy & Baby Care - See PARENTING: Pregnancy and Baby Health links.

Prostate - See Prostate Health links, above.

Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Resources - See Violence Against Women & Children, above.

Sexual Health - Information on sexual health for men, women, and teens, including contraception, abortion, body image, pregnancy, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted diseases, and more (Planned Parenthood® Federation of America, Inc.). Sex, etc. (Rutgers University) and Info for Teens (Planned Parenthood®) provide info for teens on reproductive health, sexuality and relationships. Our Bodies, Ourselves Today offers evidence-based information and resources on sexuality and sexual health, 'grounded both in diverse lived experiences and current political and cultural contexts' (originally a companion website for the book Our Bodies, Ourselves; Boston Women's Health Book Collective. The website is now jointly maintained by Our Bodies Ourselves and the Suffolk University Center for Women's Health and Human Rights). See also LGBT Resources, above.

Violence - See Violence Against Women & Children, above.

WomensHealth.gov - Information and links on a wide variety of women's health-related material from both Federal agencies and private sector sources. Covers such topics as pregnancy, breast cancer, eating disorders, heart disease, exercise, nutrition & diet, menstruation, menopause, osteoporosis, reproductive health, and more (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

All COVID-19 resources

General Health Information

Alternative & Complementary Medicine

Dieting, Nutrition, & Food Safety

Diseases & Conditions

Prevention and treatment information for the flu season: Flu.gov: FLU PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT COLDS, FLU, EAR INFECTIONS, AND RUNNY NOSES (below)

Doctors, Hospitals & Health Plans

Drug & Supplement Information

Fitness, Sport, & Physical Therapy

Just for Seniors

Mental Health, Self-Help, & Support Groups

Smoking, Alcoholism, & Addiction

Women, Men, Maternity & Reproductive Health

Violence Against Women & Children: Hotlines & Other Resources [IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER PLEASE DIAL 911]

Prevention and treatment information for the flu season:

Flu.gov: FLU PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT

COLDS, FLU, EAR INFECTIONS, AND RUNNY NOSES (below)

Violence Against Women & Children: Hotlines & Other Resources
[IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER PLEASE DIAL 911]