Health Basics

Articles In This Section

• Go, Slow, and Whoa! A Quick Guide to Healthy Eating

  Looking for an easy way to eat healthier? This article provides tips on choosing the right foods - and an easy-to-follow chart to guide you.

• Getting Rid of Old Medicines

  Medicines can cause problems if they get into the water supply or the wrong hands. Find out how to dispose of old or unused meds safely in this article for teens.

• Managing Your Medical Care

  Visit our center on managing your medical care for advice on how to get involved in taking charge of your health and choosing the right health care providers.

• Health Care: What Do You Know?

  How much do you know about taking charge of your health care? Take our quiz and find out!

• Donating Blood

  There's a 97% chance that someone you know will need a blood transfusion. Blood donors — especially donors with certain blood types — are always in demand. Find out what's involved in this article for teens.

• 5 Ways to Fight the Flu

  Get tips for fending off the flu in this article for teens.

• 5 Tips for Surviving Shots

  If you're afraid of shots, you're not alone. Next time your doc asks you to roll up your sleeve, try these tips.

• Your Medical Records

  Each time you hop up on a doctor's exam table, somebody makes a note in your medical records. There may come a time when you need your medical information, so find out how to get it and how it's protected.

• How to Fill a Prescription

  Taking responsibility for your own health care means understanding things like prescriptions. Read our tips for teens on filling a prescription.

• Refilling a Prescription

  Tips and advice for teens on refilling a prescription.

• Health Insurance: Cracking the Code

  Health insurance has a language all its own. This article for teens explains what some key terms mean.

• Health Insurance Basics

  Taking charge of your own health care is a big step, and it can be a little overwhelming. Here's a quick crash course on insurance for teens.

• What’s the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• The 5-Second Rule

  Almost everyone has dropped food on the floor and still wanted to eat it. Does the 5-second rule give you the excuse you need? Or is it just a myth?

• Fainting

  Fainting is pretty common in teens. The good news is that most of the time it's not a sign of something serious.

• Figuring Out Health News

  News reports on health and medicine can be confusing —and sometimes downright scary. How do you know what is important and accurate?

• Hand Washing

  Did you know that the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands? If you don't wash your hands frequently, you can pick up germs from other sources and then infect yourself.

• Immunizations

  Missing out on shots puts you at more serious risk than you might think. That one little "ouch" moment protects you from some major health problems.

• The Basics on Genes and Genetic Disorders

  Genes play an important role in how we look and act, and even in whether we get sick. This article gives the lowdown on genes, genetic disorders, and new research into gene therapy.

• Why Should I Care About Germs?

  Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease - and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself.