News and Updates for the Patient and Family

Kidneys that function properly are important for maintaining good health. More than 1 in 7 American adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects how well kidneys function. The two main causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes…

The brief provides public health professionals with the most recent, practical, and useful data available on coronary heart disease, blood pressure, and stroke for adults aged 45 years or older.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for numerous health and chronic conditions, including cognitive impairment. The public health community can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in populations by preventing and managing high blood pressure. Learn more in a new action brief —Protecting the Heart and the Brain: Managing…

This report summarizes the consensus reached by the subject mater experts and describes the major points of discussion that led to their recommendations on managing the impact of vascular risk factors for men and women aged 50 years and older.

Cannabinoids are the active chemicals in cannabis, also known as marijuana. Cannabis contains hundreds of cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol. Cannabidiol causes far fewer psychoactive effects than THC.

Health literacy is important for everyone because, at some point in our lives, we all need to be able to find, understand, and use health information and services.

Stress can have a variety of negative effects on the body. The idea that acute stress can cause hair to turn gray is a popular belief. But until now, that link wasn’t scientifically proven. Hair color is determined by cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. New melanocytes are…

Heart disease is a serious and common condition. If you have diabetes, you’re twice as likely to have heart disease than someone who doesn’t have diabetes. But there’s a lot you can do to lower your risk for heart problems. And those actions will make it easier to manage diabetes,…

A recent study found that adults with a history of stroke, heart disease, and COPD were more likely to report cognitive decline compared to adults without those conditions. The study also found that a significant proportion of adults with cognitive decline also had chronic diseases. Cognitive decline may affect a…