If
you like reading about teens with serious--even terminal--physical
illness, try this link for suggested books you can find at the Richmond
Heights Library.
All
About Vision
Everything you ever wanted to know about vision correction and more!
You'll find articles on contact lenses and glasses (including advice
on choosing frames to enhance your appearance), eye surgery, diseases
and conditions, the anatomy of the eye, and much, much more.
You can even subscribe to a free e-mail newsletter providing news,
money-saving tips, and eye-care advice from experts. Illustrated
with plenty of color photos and labeled drawings.
American
Lung Association: Diseases from A to Z
This site from the American Lung Association covers a variety of
lung diseases, ranging from those that everyone has heard of such
as asthma to those more obscure. You'll also find articles
on the effect air pollution can have on our ability to breathe easily,
tips on coping with common illnesses such as colds or flu, and statistics
on the incidence of lung disease in various ethnic groups.
Asthma
and Allergy Foundation of America
This site provides basic information to people who suffer from asthma
or allergies. A section devoted to adolescents with asthma includes
links to local support groups for teens, a pen pal program, &
"Healthlines SAY," a newsletter targeting teens with asthma, with
articles by both physician and teen sufferers.
Centers
for Disease Control & Prevention
This searchable, government-sponsored site provides information
on an enormous variety of health-related issues. The "Adolescents
& Teens" section includes fact sheets on teen pregnancy, fitness,
tobacco use in teens, sports injuries, & more. An extensive
database of health statistics rounds out the site.
Communicable
Disease Fact Sheets
This page from the New York State Department of Health offers basic
information on the symptoms, causes, and treatments of a variety
of infectious diseases. The alphabetical index includes familiar
diseases such mononucleosis and chickenpox as well as others less
familiar like anthrax and listeriosis.
Epilepsy
Foundation
A searchable site providing information on all types
of seizure disorders, including the less well-known simple and complex
partial seizures. You'll find clear explanations of the causes,
symptoms, and treatments (medication and diet) for this common disorder,
as well as links to local epilepsy support groups, research updates,
and online newsletters. Though not geared specifically towards
teens, the site does include its own teen chatroom.
Braces
Information
Geared toward younger teens (older teens are referred to the site's
FAQ :By Adult Orthodontic Patients) the site covers reasons for
getting braces & the best age to start the process, an explanation
of how braces straighten your teeth, types of braces, braces as
fashion accessory, and what to expect in terms of pain/discomfort.
A "Dental Quiz," list of celebrities who wore braces, jokes about
visiting the orthodontist, and photos of smiling teens in their
braces round out the site.
Oncolink
Try this site from the University of Pennsylvania Cancer
Center when you need straightforward information on cancer.
Topics include the symptoms of and treatment for various types of
cancers, pain management, coping strategies, and much, much more.
This searchable site is exceptionally easy-to-navigate and the info.
presented is easily understood, even by those of us with no medical
training.
The
Sickle Cell Society
Though not geared specifically to teens, the Sickle Cell Society
provides basic information on the causes, symptoms and treatment
of this inherited disease. You'll also find reports on recent
research, testimonials from young people coping with sickle cell
anemia, poetry, and a message board. You can even request
a penpal who suffers from sickle cell through the site.
Sleep
Disorders
A very comprehensive site that covers all aspects of sleep disorders:
nightmares, insomnia, snoring, sleep-walking, narcolepsy, nocturnal
leg cramps, & more. For each of these disorders you'll
find information on symptoms, treatment, and current research.
You'll also find plenty of statistics on the various disorders,
links to national and local support groups, and tips on getting
a good night's sleep. Nice extras include a recommended list
done in cooperation with Amazon.Com and an online version of the
"Epworth Sleepiness Scale" (should you continue driving,
etc.?)
Stalking
the Mysterious Microbe
Did you know that while most people SAY they wash their
hands after using a public restroom, studies have shown that only
68% actually DO? Or that antibiotics are no longer as effective
in fighting bacterial infections, causing scientists to fear worldwide
epidemics? Read these and other fascinating facts about disease-causing
microbes here. You'll also find experiments you can try at
home, interviews with microbiologists, and advice on how best to
prepare for a career in micobiology.
YourSurgery.Com
Facing surgery? This searchable and easy-to-navigate
site provides detailed information on a variety of surgical procedures,
including anesthesia, the procedure itself, aftercare, and recovery.
The site is well-illustrated with diagrams, labeled drawings, and
clear, full-color photography. Warning to the squeamish: some
of these photos can get pretty graphic.
