Health Topics A-Z

Opioid Overdose and Naloxone

How to recognize an opioid overdose and use naloxone, a medicine that can quickly reverse it.

Opioids for Long-Term Pain

Strong painkillers derived from or acting like opium, used for persistent pain.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, made up of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance).

Osteoarthritis

Changes to cartilage, bone and surrounding tissue that produce joint pain and stiffness.

Osteoporosis

Reduced bone density and quality, increasing the risk of fracture from minor trauma.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

The most you have to pay for covered, in-network services in a plan year, after which your plan pays 100 percent of covered costs.

Overactive Thyroid

Hyperthyroidism: the thyroid producing too much hormone, speeding up many body processes.

Pacing Activity

Spreading activity evenly rather than alternating between overdoing it and crashing.

Part D and Extra Help

Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) and the Extra Help program that lowers drug costs for people with limited income and resources.

Pelvic Floor

The sling of muscle supporting the bladder, bowel and uterus.

Period Pain

Cramping caused by prostaglandin-driven contractions of the uterus during a period.

Persistent Cough

A cough that lasts longer than the usual course of a cold or chest cold.

Pesticides at Home

Products used in and around the home to kill or repel insects, rodents, weeds and other pests.

Physical Therapy

Assessment and treatment of movement problems, largely through exercise and education.

Physical Therapy Services

Assessment and treatment of movement problems, largely through exercise and education.

Planning Ahead

Recording your wishes for medical care and naming who will decide for you, while you are able to.

Planning for Deterioration

Deciding in advance what should happen if a condition worsens.

Plantar Heel Pain

Pain under the heel, often worst on the first steps of the day.

Pneumococcal Vaccination

A vaccine against the bacteria that cause much bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection.

Pneumonia

Infection of the lung tissue, from bacteria, viruses or fungi, causing cough, fever and breathlessness.

Poisoning Prevention at Home

Keeping medicines, cleaning products, batteries and other hazards away from children and using products safely.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A common hormonal condition involving irregular ovulation, high androgen levels and metabolic features.

Polypharmacy

Taking several long-term medicines at once, and the interactions and side effects that build up.

Portion Sizes

Practical ways to judge how much food is on the plate without weighing it.

Postpartum Checkups

Visits with your obstetric or primary care provider in the weeks and months after giving birth.

Postpartum Depression

Depression that begins during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth, lasting longer and feeling heavier than the short-lived "baby blues."

Posture

How the body is held at rest and during activity.

Practical Support for Caregivers

The services, equipment and help available to unpaid caregivers.

Preconception Health

Health measures taken before getting pregnant rather than after a positive test.

Prediabetes

Blood glucose above normal but below the diabetes threshold.

Preeclampsia Warning Signs

A serious blood pressure disorder of pregnancy and the weeks after birth that can affect the kidneys, liver, brain and the baby's growth.

Pregnancy Weight Gain

The recommended range of weight gain across pregnancy, which depends on your BMI before you became pregnant.

Premiums, Deductibles and Copays

The main ways a health plan splits the cost of care with you: a monthly premium, a yearly deductible, and copays or coinsurance after that.

Prenatal Care Schedule

The series of checkups with an obstetrician, family doctor or midwife that runs from early pregnancy until birth.

Prescription Refills

Ongoing supply of regular medicines without a new appointment each time.

Probiotics

Live bacteria or yeasts taken with the intention of providing a health benefit.

Prostate Health

The prostate gland, the symptoms of its enlargement, and what the PSA test can and cannot show.

Protecting Your Hearing

Preventing noise-induced hearing damage, which is permanent.

Psoriasis

An immune-mediated condition causing thickened, scaly plaques of skin.

Psychological Therapies for Pain

CBT and acceptance and commitment therapy applied to persistent pain.