Controlling High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is called the silent killer. This is because many people who have it don't know it. You can take an easy test to see if your blood pressure is too high. If it is high, you can take steps to lower it. Doing so could save your life.

Diabetes: Inspecting Your Feet

Diabetes increases your chances of developing foot problems. So inspect your feet every day. This helps you find small skin irritations before they become serious infections.

Diabetes: Keeping Feet Healthy

When you have diabetes, your feet need special care. Even a small foot problem can become very serious. Practice self-care to protect your feet and keep them healthy.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Having too little sugar (glucose) in your blood is called low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Diabetes itself doesn't cause low blood sugar. But some of the treatments for diabetes, such as pills or insulin, may put you at risk for it.

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can be caused by eating too much food, especially carbohydrates, by not being active, or by not taking your medicine. Read on to learn more.

Long-Term Complications of Diabetes

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, possibly leading to health problems (complications). Keeping your blood sugar in your target ranges can help prevent or delay complications.

Taking an Active Role in Your Medicines

Take the time to learn about your medicine. For instance, why are you taking it? What does it do? Work with your healthcare providers to get the answers you need.

How to Take Your Pulse

Taking your pulse is a way to measure your heart rate. When you take your pulse, you are feeling the force of blood as it's pumped from your heart into your body. Here's how to take your pulse.

Heart Failure: Being Active

Being active doesn't mean that you have to wear yourself out. Even a little movement each day helps to strengthen your heart. If you can't get out to exercise, you can do simple stretching and strengthening exercises at home. Read on for helpful tips to be a bit more active.

Heart Failure: Warning Signs of a Flare-Up

Once you have heart failure, flare-ups can happen. Gaining weight is often the first warning sign of trouble. That's why you need to weigh yourself each day. But there are other signs of trouble, too. Here are some things to watch for.