What is prescription medication? The word “prescription” comes from the Latin word “praescriptio,” which means pre- (‘before’) and script (‘writing, written’). Today, it refers to the instructions a doctor or healthcare provider writes for a specific medication. This includes how much to take,…
A medical prescription (often abbreviated as Rx) is a formal written order issued by a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or dentist. This order authorizes a pharmacist to dispense a specific medication to a particular patient.…
Medications work in different ways depending on what they are made of and what they are designed to do. Healthcare providers use drug categories to group medications based on their effects, how they interact with the body, and the conditions…
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects nearly half of all Americans, contributing to almost half a million deaths per year. Signs of hypertension can go undetected, which is why the condition is often called the silent killer. Understanding the dangers of high…
Understanding High Cholesterol Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that your body needs to build cells and make hormones. While some cholesterol is necessary, having too much of the wrong kind can lead to health problems. One type,…
Depression affects millions of people every year, making it one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. More than 15 million people are diagnosed with depression annually, showing the importance of finding ways to manage symptoms…
Clinical depression can sneak up on you. The signs of depression appear gradually and can be mistaken for other temporary issues. At first, it might feel easiest to wait and see if the symptoms will pass. Unfortunately, clinical depression will…
Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, uncertainty, or challenging situations. It helps the body stay alert and focused when facing difficult tasks. However, for an estimated 284 million people worldwide, anxiety becomes more than just an occasional feeling—it turns…
Arthritis is a health condition that causes pain, swelling, or stiffness in the joints. A joint is the place where two bones meet, like your knee, hip, or elbow. When a person has arthritis, it can hurt to move or…
Heart disease and stroke remain major health problems in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 647,000 Americans die from heart-related issues every year. Strokes are also a leading cause of long-term disability,…
