What Do You Know About Acne? Eighty percent of Americans between ages 11 and 30 have at least one outbreak of acne, making it the most common skin disease in this country, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Test your knowledge of acne by taking this multiple-choice quiz. 1. Acne is a disease that affects which of these? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Glands at the base of hair follicles produce oil that tra...
The Activity Quiz Are you ready to start exercising, but don't know where to start? This quiz from the CDC and AARP can get you off on the right foot. 1. To get the best workout possible, you need to visit a gym. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You don't have to do calisthenics or aerobics to get exercise. You can get enough exercise through daily activities. Count walking the dog, working in the garden, or cleaning up the house as your daily exercise. A. True B. Fals...
What Do You Know About Addiction? Addiction is a chronic brain disease that can be caused by abusing drugs or alcohol. Over time, addiction changes the structure and function of the brain. Find out more about addiction by taking this quiz. 1. Addiction can begin when a person uses drugs, but addiction involves more than just using a lot of drugs. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is When someone abuses a drug, changes occur in the brain that bring on a feeling of pleasure....
Quiz Yourself: Adult Immunizations Find out what you know about getting immunized by taking this quiz. 1. You should get a tetanus and diphtheria booster every 15 years. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You should get this booster every 10 years. Tetanus and diphtheria are serious diseases caused by bacteria, according to the CDC. The tetanus bacteria enter the body through a cut or wound. Diphtheria can be passed from person to person. If you are older than 65 and hav...
How Much Do You Know About Advance Directives? How important is it to draw up a living will? Take this quiz and find out. 1. The two most common forms of advance directives are the living will and durable power of attorney. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is A regular will is a document that states how you want your estate handled after your death, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). It takes effect after you die. A living will is ...
How Much Do You Know About Age-Related Macular Degeneration? Millions of Americans are affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that damages the eye's central vision. To learn more about macular degeneration, take this quiz, based on information from the National Eye Institute. 1. People who have the greatest risk for developing AMD are 60 or older. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The risk increases with age, but AMD can occur during middle age. A...
What Do You Know About Alcohol Abuse? Misuse of alcohol can lead to serious consequences. Alcohol-use disorder differs from alcoholism. Alcohol-use disorder is a pattern of drinking that results in failure to meet work, home, or school responsibilities, among other things. Alcoholism is more severe form of alcohol-use disorder. It is considered a disease with symptoms that include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, or physical dependence. Learn more about the effects...
How Much Do You Know About Allergies? Allergies are nothing to sneeze at. Learn how to better deal with them by taking the following quiz. 1. Which of these body systems causes allergic reactions? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Antibodies are released to protect the body against a perceived threat. A. Endocrine B. Immune C. Nervous D. Autonomic 2. An allergen is anything that triggers an allergic or hypersensitive response. Which of these could be an allergen? You di...
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Quiz Many people swear by alternative and complementary therapies. Find out more about these treatments by taking this quiz. 1. "Alternative medicine" and "complementary medicine" mean the same thing. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Alternative medicine often refers to medical therapies used in place of more conventional medicine (allopathic), the Nat...
Take the Alternative Arthritis Treatment Quiz Find out how much you know about alternative arthritis treatments. 1. Acupuncture, the practice of using fine needles at specific sites on the skin to treat illness, can relieve arthritis pain in some people. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Researchers say that acupuncture provides relief for conditions such as fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, multiple tender points, and c...
Take the Altitude Sickness Quiz Gazing down on the spectacular view from a mountaintop can take your breath away. That breathlessness is oftentimes more than just an awestruck reaction to the sights. It can be a symptom of altitude sickness, an illness that can strike hikers, mountain climbers, skiers, and anyone who hits the 8,000-foot mark on a mountain. Learn more about this condition by taking this true-false quiz. 1. Altitude sickness is also called mountain sickness. You didn't answer this questio...
What Do You Know About Alzheimer's Disease? Find out more about this degenerative disease of the brain by taking this quiz. 1. Alzheimer's is the most common form of which of these? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is It is a collection of symptoms characterized by decreasing intellectual and social abilities. A. Malnutrition B. Dementia C. Fatigue D. Psychosis 2. How is Alzheimer's diagnosed? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is No single t...
What Do You Know About Anemia? Anemia is a condition that affects the number of red blood cells in your body. A number of medical diseases and conditions can cause anemia. Find out more by taking the following quiz. 1. Anemia is a common condition. What happens when a person has anemia? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is These cells carry oxygen and iron to nourish all the cells in the body. Anemia isn't a single disease but a condition that has many different causes. A....
How Much Do You Know About Anthrax? Anthrax is a serious disease that can affect the skin, lungs, and digestive tract. Learn more about this disease by taking the following quiz. 1. Anthrax is caused by which of the following? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Anthrax is caused by the rod-shaped bacterium Bacillus anthracis . Like most bacteria, B. anthracis reproduces by forming spores. It is primarily a disease of hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats), but it can affe...
Take the Antibiotics Quiz Antibiotics have been called "wonder drugs" because of their ability to treat bacterial infections that were once deadly. Antibiotics have saved countless lives since they were first introduced 60 years ago. But overuse of these drugs has allowed certain bacteria to become resistant to them. Learn more about this important issue by taking this quiz, based on information from the CDC and the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA). 1. Antibiotics kill both viruses and...
What Do You Know About Aplastic Anemia? Aplastic anemia is a rare blood disorder that affects the growth of blood cells. "Aplastic" means "lack of growth." Learn more about this serious disease by taking the following quiz. 1. Blood cells--red, white and platelets--are made in the bone marrow. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The bone marrow, which is the spongy liquid inside your bones, makes stem cells. These stem cells develop into the three main types of blood cell...
Take the Appendix Quiz The human appendix is a 3- to 6-inch narrow tube located where the small and large intestines join. It's mostly known for becoming inflamed and requiring emergency abdominal surgery for thousands of Americans each year. If you want to learn more about the appendix, take this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 1. The appendix performs what vital role in the body? You didn't answer this question. You answered The cor...
Take the Arthritis Quiz This quiz is a chance to find out more about arthritis and arthritis treatment. 1. Although doctors have identified more than 100 forms of arthritis, most people have one of three main forms. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The three most common kinds of arthritis in older people are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis. A. True B. False 2. Arthritis affects only the wrist, ankle, and knee joints. You didn't answer this que...
Take the Aspirin Quiz Each year, more than a million Americans die of heart attacks and other forms of heart disease. Low-dose aspirin therapy is one weapon in the arsenal against heart disease that also includes healthy eating and nutrition, adequate exercise, and not smoking. Learn more about aspirin's role in combating heart disease by taking this quiz, based on information from the American Heart Association (AHA). 1. One way that aspirin helps people with heart disease is by preventing blood platel...
Assess Your Awareness of Asthma What do Ludwig van Beethoven and John F. Kennedy have in common? Asthma. Inflamed airways cause asthma and its recurrent or chronic breathing problems. See how much you know about this disease by taking the following quiz. 1. Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children. When does it usually show up? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Half the cases develop in childhood. Many cases vanish by adulthood, but they may com...
Asthma Knowledge Quiz The following quiz will test your knowledge about asthma. Always talk with your health care provider to find out more information. 1. About one-third of all people with asthma in the US are children. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is About 7.1 million children under the age of 18 have asthma. A. True B. False 2. Asthma is a disease that rarely complicates pregnancies. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is In fact, asth...
Asthma Quiz Children are more likely to have asthma than are adults. In fact, asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Find out more about this condition by taking the following quiz. 1. Asthma is a common disease among children and adults in the United States. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Asthma is a common disease among children and adults in the United States, and it is increasing. A. True B....
What Do You Know About Athlete's Foot? Itch. Scratch. Itch. Scratch. The itching caused by athlete's foot can be intense. Named for the active people who seem most prone to this condition, athlete's foot can affect even couch potatoes. Find out more by taking this multiple-choice quiz. 1. Athlete's foot is caused by: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The fungi are called dermatophytes, and they like to grow in warm, moist places, like the insides of your sweaty shoes. T...
Take the Atopic Dermatitis Quiz Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition marked by inflamed and itchy skin. It can be inherited, and it affects millions of Americans. The following quiz, based on information from the National Institutes of Health, offers helpful facts about the condition. 1. People who have atopic dermatitis also may have: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is "Atopic" refers to a group of conditions that can run in families and usually occur together....
How Much Do You Know About Autism? Autism is a developmental disability that usually starts in early childhood. Because different children can have widely different symptoms, autism is classified as a "spectrum disorder," which means it is a group of disorders with similar features, ranging in severity from mild to serious. Find out more about autism by taking the following quiz. 1. A person with autism has difficulty interacting with others. Which of these is an example of impaired social interaction? ...
How Much Do You Know About Autoimmune Diseases? Autoimmune diseases can affect anyone, but women are at greater risk. These diseases also share common symptoms: fatigue, dizziness, and low-grade fever, according to the National Women’s Health Information Center. Test your knowledge of this serious--and mysterious--class of diseases. 1. Which of these is an autoimmune disease? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is AIDS stands for "acquired immunodeficiency syndrome," but thi...
What Do You Know About Taking Care of Your Back? Oh, my aching back! Back pain is one of the most common complaints patients bring to the doctor's office. But how serious is it? Take this quiz and see how much you know about back care. 1. How many vertebrae are in the spinal column? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Thirty-three vertebrae make up the spinal column. A. 53 B. 43 C. 33 D. 23 2. How many Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime? You didn't answ...
How Much Do You Know About Your Back? You probably take your back for granted—until it starts to hurt. Think about it—your back is a part of your body that's in nearly constant use. Whether you're sitting, standing, or moving, your back and its muscles are providing support all day, every day. Test your knowledge of the back by taking this quiz. 1. How many bones are in your spine? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is There are 33 bones are in the spinal column, from the s...
What Do You Know About Balance Disorders? Although millions of Americans have balance disorders, they can be difficult to diagnose. That's because dizziness--a common symptom of these disorders--is such a broad term. 1. Which of these parts of the body plays a key role in balance? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The labyrinth is an organ in the inner ear. It interacts with other systems in the body—the eyes, bones and joints, brain and nervous system--to maintain the ...
What Do You Know About Birth Defects? Test your knowledge of birth defects and what you can do to minimize the risk. 1. Annually, what percentage of U.S. infants are born with birth defects? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is According to the March of Dimes, about 1 in 33 babies born each year in the United States has a birth defect. A. 1 percent B. 3 percent C. 5 percent D. 10 percent 2. When is an unborn baby most at risk of developing abnormalities? You didn't answer ...
Take the Blood Count Quiz The last time you visited your health care provider for an illness, he or she might have ordered a CBC test to help determine the diagnosis. CBC stands for complete blood count, but what does that mean? And what do all those numbers on the result sheet mean? Find out by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institutes of Health. 1. Which blood cells and blood elements are included in a CBC test? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer...
Take the Blood Pressure Quiz Do you know your risk factors for high blood pressure? You can’t do anything about some risk factors. But other risk factors can be changed. Learn about the risk factors for high blood pressure by taking this quiz. 1. How often should you have your blood pressure checked? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Every 2 to 3 years if it's normal. Follow your health care provider's advice if it's not. A. Every year B. Every 2 to 3 years C. Every 5 y...
Take the Blood Transfusion Quiz Each year, millions of Americans roll up their sleeves to donate blood, helping accident victims, surgical patients, and others in need. How much do you know about blood transfusions? Take this multiple-choice test to find out. 1. Why are transfusions given? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Transfusions also improve clotting problems. A. To increase the amount of blood B. To increase the blood's ability to carry oxygen C. To decrease the...
How Much Do You Know About Botulism? Botulism is rare, but extremely dangerous. This quiz will help you learn how to make sure the food you eat is safe. 1. The majority of botulism cases are: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You can get botulism in three ways: by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin, by eating foods that contain spores of the bacteria, or through a wound infected with the bacteria. C. botulinum is an anaerobic bacterium, meaning it grows in pla...
What Do You Know About Breast Cancer? Test your knowledge of breast cancer by taking this quiz. 1. Early detection of breast cancer is the key to successful treatment. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is More than 2.9 million U.S. women with a history of the disease are alive today, mainly because of early detection. The five-year survival rate is close to 100 percent if the cancer is detected before it spreads. A. True B. False 2. Older women are more likely to develop b...
Take the Breastfeeding Quiz Breastfeeding offers a range of benefits for your and your child. Do you know what they are? 1. Breastfed children are less likely to have: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The antibodies found in breast milk can help protect a child from certain diseases and infections. Children who are breastfed also are less likely to develop allergies. Breastfeeding for at least 6 months also helps protect against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Rec...
How Much Do You Know About Bruxism? Are you clenching your teeth and don't even know it? Find out about bruxism (teeth clenching or grinding) by taking this quiz. 1. Bruxism in children is considered to be a behavioral disorder. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is In most cases, bruxism in children is a sleep disorder, but it may be associated with other causes such as Rett syndrome, a neurological and developmental disorder occurring mostly in girls; central nervous syst...
How Much Do You Know About Bunions, Corns and Hammertoes? Did you know untreated bunions may lead to arthritis? Take this quiz and find out how to take care of your feet. 1. Women are nine times more likely to have a bunion than are men. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is More than half of U.S. women have bunions, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and nine out of 10 bunions occur in women. The main culprit for bunions is wearing tight, narrow shoe...
What Do You Know About Burns? Burns can occur anytime of year, but the summertime can hold special hazards because many of us are outdoors doing yard work, grilling, or boating. Learn more about burns by taking the following quiz. 1. Which of these facts is true about burns? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is To prevent scalds from hot water, check your water heater setting to see that it is set at 120 degrees, the recommended temperature. At that temperature, it takes f...
How Much Do You Know About Caffeine? Is there a link between heavy caffeine consumption and osteoporosis? Find out when you take this quiz. 1. How does caffeine affect the body? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Caffeine in low to moderate amounts (one to two cups of coffee) acts as a mild stimulant, boosting heart rate and blood pressure. This results in a feeling of alertness and in increased concentration. Caffeine's effects kick in about 15 minutes after it is consu...
The Calcium Quiz Test your knowledge of the importance of calcium by taking this quiz. 1. Calcium plays the following roles in your body: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Calcium is important to your body in many ways—from your bones to your heart to your nerves, muscles, and blood. A. Develops and maintains strong bones and teeth B. Helps maintain normal heart rhythm C. Enables muscles to work D. Transmits nerve impulses E. Aids in blood clotting F. All of the above 2...
Test Your Knowledge of Cancer's Warning Signs Early detection of cancer is important because it is usually easier to treat—and possibly cure—when caught early. Do you know what signs to look for? Take this quiz to find out more. 1. Any sudden or progressive change in a mole's appearance could be a sign of skin cancer. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is That’s why it’s important to regularly check your skin for any changes in moles, freckles, or other skin marks, the Amer...
How's Your Car Safety Knowledge? Most of us think of ourselves as safe and responsible drivers. Yet automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for people ages 5 to 32 and the leading cause of injury for people of all ages. You can't be responsible for other drivers, but it is wise to brush up on your own auto safety skills. To test your knowledge, try your hand at this true/false quiz. 1. In a severe accident, you have a better chance of surviving if you are not wearing a seat belt and are thro...
How Much Do You Know About Cat Scratch Disease? Cats make wonderful pets. That's why there are millions of pet cats in the U.S. Sometimes, however, cats can cause an illness called cat scratch disease. Find out more about this illness by taking this true-false quiz. 1. Cat scratch disease (CSD) is primarily found in children. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Most cases are in people under 21 years old. A. True B. False 2. CSD is an allergic reaction to touching a cat. ...
What Do You Know About Cataracts? More than half of Americans 80 years and older have cataracts, the National Eye Institute (NEI) says. 1. Most cataracts related to aging are caused by proteins clumping in the lens of the eye. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The clumps of protein cloud the eye's lens. The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The lens must be clear for the retina to ...
How Much Do You Know About Celiac Disease? Celiac disease is a digestive disease that can affect children and adults alike. Also known as celiac sprue, this disease is the most common genetic disease in Europe and is considered significantly underdiagnosed in the U.S. Learn more about the disease by taking this quiz. 1. People with celiac disease cannot eat which kind of food? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is When a person with celiac disease eats any of these grains, ...
What Do You Know About Cervical Cancer? According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 4,000 American women will die from cervical cancer in 2013. But death rates have declined dramatically over the last 50 years because more women are being screened. To learn more about cervical cancer and prevention, take this quiz, based on information from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the ACS. 1. Where is the cervix located in the body? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct ...
What Do You Know About Child Development? Test your knowledge of child development by taking this quiz. 1. When riding in a motor vehicle, how tall should a child be to sit in a regular seat and use an adult seat belt instead of a being strapped into a car safety seat or booster seat? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Children are usually big enough to use a regular seat when they are 8 to 12 years old. Before allowing your children to use the regular seat and adult sea...
What Do You Know About Living with Asthma? Asthma is a disease that affects the airways of the lungs. It is the most common long-term disease of children. Test your knowledge of daily life with asthma with this quiz, based on information from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. 1. What are the symptoms of asthma? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Histamine tightens the muscles in the bronchial tubes, and the lining of the lungs and airways swell. This causes a...
What Do You Know About Chlamydia? Test your knowledge of chlamydia by taking this quiz. 1. How many kinds of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent in the U.S. today? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is But chlamydia is one of the most pervasive, ahead of gonorrhea and syphilis, but second to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Doctors diagnose more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia each year. A. 100 B. 50 C. 25 D. 10 2. The STI chlamydia is a bacterium that...
Take the Cholesterol Quiz Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in all parts of the body. It helps form cell membranes and is involved in the production of some hormones and vitamin D. Excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries, narrowing them and slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart, brain, and other organs. 1. Anyone who is 20 or older should have a cholesterol check: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Depending on your results, your doctor may recomm...
What Do You Know About the 'Choose My Plate' Eating Plan? The federal government's personalized food plan – called Choose My Plate – is the latest version of a guide to good nutrition that started years ago with the Four Food Groups. Find out how much you know about the current dietary guidelines. 1. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans were developed to make people aware of the food groups that make up a healthy diet. Which of these organizations developed the guidelines? You didn't answer this questio...
Take the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Quiz We all get tired. Many of us have felt depressed at times. But the mystery known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not like the normal ups and downs we experience in everyday life. 1. For many people, chronic fatigue syndrome can begin when? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is For other people, CFS develops after a bout of infectious mononucleosis ("mono"), which temporarily saps the energy of many teenagers and young adults. Ofte...
Knowledge Is the Key to Colorectal Cancer Test your knowledge of colorectal cancer by taking the following quiz. 1. Colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the third most common cancer in U.S. men and women. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Cancers of the lung, breast in women, and prostate in men are the only cancers more common than colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that about 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer...
What Do You Know About the Common Cold? 1. More than 200 viruses cause colds. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is And some of those viruses can be quite potent. Some viruses, such as the rhinoviruses, seldom produce serious illness. But others, such as parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus, can lead to severe lower respiratory infections in young children. A. True B. False 2. Frequent hand-washing can reduce your chances of getting a cold. You didn't answer...
Take the Constipation Quiz Find out more about constipation by taking this quiz. 1. Your doctor may diagnose constipation if you have fewer than 3 bowel movements a week. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Other symptoms of constipation include hard stools that are difficult to pass, or a sensation of incomplete evacuation. A. True B. False 2. Certain medications can cause constipation. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The list of medic...
How Much Do You Know About Contraception? About half of all pregnancies are unplanned, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But women today have many safe and reliable options to choose from if they want to prevent pregnancy. Contraception, or "birth control," can be a drug, device, or method. Test your knowledge of contraception by taking this quiz. 1. Which methods of contraception require a prescription? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Othe...
What Do You Know About COPD? Smoking is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious, debilitating and often fatal illness. Take this quiz to find out more about COPD and how to prevent it. 1. Which of the following diseases is included in the umbrella term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is In chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes are continually inflamed, which leads to scarring.
How Much Do You Know About Coronary Artery Disease and Angioplasty? Coronary artery disease (CAD) plays a major role in the leading cause of death in this country: heart attack. CAD is also known as atherosclerosis. Learn more about this disease and its treatment by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). 1. Which is a symptom of coronary artery disease? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Healthy arteries are smo...
How Much Do You Know About CPR and Defibrillators? Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in adults in the United States. Knowing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may help you save the life of someone who goes into cardiac arrest. Learn more about CPR by taking this quiz, based on information from the American Heart Association (AHA). 1. When was CPR first developed? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Although the technique of mouth-to-mouth resus...
What Do You Know About Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease? Thirty years ago, few people had heard of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Today, it has made the news mostly from its possible association with "mad cow disease." To help make sense of this puzzling disease, take this quiz, based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). 1. CJD is a rare, degenerative, fatal brain disorder. You didn't answer this ques...
Take the Crime and Older Adults Quiz Being the victim of a crime is never pleasant, but older adults need to take special precautions. 1. Older adults are more likely than younger adults to be attacked by strangers. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Older adults are also more likely to be attacked in or near their homes. And older victims are more likely to suffer more serious injuries than younger victims. A. True B. False 2. One of the best ways to protect yourself at...
Take the Cycling Quiz You’ve been vowing to get more exercise, so why not pump up the tires and head out on your bike? Better yet, get the family out with you, and everyone benefits. Use this quiz to gear up your knowledge about bicycling. 1. Bicycling is an excellent form of exercise because it gives you a good workout with less strain on your joints than jogging. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Bicycling is easier on your back and joints than jogging. Biking is also...
What Do You Know About Cystic Fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. About 30,000 children and young adults in the U.S. have CF. Most of them descendants of people from northern Europe. Find out more about CF by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institutes of Health. 1. CF affects which body system? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The sweat glands and the reproductive ...
Depression Quiz Test your knowledge of depression by taking this quiz. 1. Which of these behaviors is one symptom of depression? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is This loss of interest usually causes sleeping and eating patterns to suffer. Brief periods of depressed mood are normal. A. Cynicism B. Unexplained aggression C. Loss of interest in all things D. Rapid mood swings 2. Depression can occur at which age? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct a...
What Do You Really Know About Diabetes? Nearly 26 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes and more than 7 million more have diabetes but don't realize it, according to the CDC. Yet diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Test your knowledge of this chronic disease by taking this multiple-choice quiz. 1. What percentage of all people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is People with diabetes general...
Diabetes: Test Your Knowledge If you have diabetes, taking steps right away to control it will help you avoid complications that may come up later. This multiple-choice quiz, based on information from the American Diabetes Association, will help you with important answers now. 1. Diabetes happens because of which of these? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is When you have diabetes, your body can't use blood sugar properly. Blood sugar is also called blood glucose A. Your ...
How Much Do You Know about Dialysis? The kidney's main job is to get rid of excess fluid and waste material in your blood. Kidneys damaged by disease, injury, or birth defects lose their filtering ability, and dangerous levels of fluid and waste accumulate. This is known as kidney or renal failure. A person with kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease, needs dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. Learn more about dialysis by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Ins...
What Do You Know About Diarrhea? Anyone can get diarrhea. In fact, the typical American adult experiences diarrhea about 4 times a year, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Most cases of diarrhea, defined as loose, watery stools occurring more than 3 times in 1 day, last a day or 2 and need no treatment. Find out more about this common digestive problem by taking this quiz, based on information from the NIDDK and the American Academy of Pediatrics. ...
Take the Diet Quiz Weight management is a growing concern in this country. Six out of every 10 Americans are overweight or obese. At any given time, millions of people are trying to lose weight. Each year, billions of dollars are spent on weight-loss products and services, from diet books to shoe inserts. Learn more about diets and weight loss by taking this quiz, based on information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Weight-control Information Network (WIN). 1. What percentage of weight-loss ...
What Do You Know About Dietary Fiber? You hear a lot about fiber and why you need it. But what is it? Fiber is a term applied to carbohydrates that cannot be digested. It is found in all plants that are eaten for food. Learn more about this important part of your diet by taking this quiz, based on information from Harvard School of Public Health. 1. Nutritionists classify fiber in two main types. One type is soluble. How is soluble fiber defined? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct...
What Do You Know About Dietary Guidelines? In 2011, the federal government unveiled a new dietary icon called Choose My Plate, which reflects the updated nutritional guidelines published in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Find out how much you know about the latest dietary guidelines by taking the following quiz. 1. The Dietary Guidelines were developed to educate the American public about the food groups in a healthy diet. Which of these organizations developed the guidelines? You didn't ans...
Choosing and Using Supplements At least half of American adults take a daily dietary supplement—vitamins, minerals, or herbs, with annual sales approaching $23 billion. Although such dietary insurance can be a benefit, many people take them without knowing enough to ensure optimum results. To assess how much you know about dietary supplements, answer the following statements true or false. 1. People who eat a balanced, varied diet that includes 2 cups of fruits and 2-1/2 cups of vegetables per day can g...
What Do You Know About the Digestive System? What happens to that cheeseburger and fries (or, we hope, that whole wheat bread and green salad) you had for lunch? During the digestive process, food is converted into energy that's used by your body. Take this quiz to see how much you know about how digestion works. 1. How does food move through your digestive tract? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is These contractions move food from the esophagus to the stomach, then thro...
Take the Disease Prevention Test You can do a lot to keep yourself healthy. Avoiding germs, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest—all these steps and others can put you on the road to good health. How much do you know about preventing disease? Take this quiz and find out. 1. How are infectious diseases, such as colds and influenza, most commonly spread? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The most common way to catch infectious illnesses is to touch the mouth, nose,...
Doctor-Patient Communication Quiz You and your doctor are partners, working together for your optimal health. That's why it's important to find a doctor you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to your questions, and takes the time to ask his or her own. Find out more about doctor-patient relations by taking this quiz. 1. Your doctor knows which medications you're taking, so you don't need to bother reminding him. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You may see othe...
Take the Drinking Water Quiz When you're thirsty for a drink of water, you probably turn on the tap, or open a container of bottled water. You may take for granted that the water you drink is safe and free of contaminants. But the quality of water—and even its safety—can vary from place to place, depending on the water source and how it was treated. Find out more about drinking water by taking this quiz, based on information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1. If you are part of a pu...
What Do You Know About Drug Abuse? Drug abuse and addiction affect more than just the person using the drugs. These behaviors can break apart families, ruin personal relationships, and make it difficult to keep a job. Learn more about drug abuse and its effects by taking this quiz, based on information from National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 1. People who abuse drugs are weak-willed individuals who could control their craving for dr...
How Much Do You Know About Drug Interactions? Every year, thousands of people experience interactions between prescribed drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, or between drugs and herbal products. Other unexpected interactions can occur between drugs and certain foods or health conditions. Learn what you can do to prevent these interactions by taking this quiz, based on information from the FDA and other organizations. 1. A variety of substances can alter a drug's effects. You didn't answer this quest...
What Do You Know About Taking Drugs and Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy? Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs can have serious consequences for a pregnant woman and her baby. Knowing what these dangers are, and how to avoid them, can help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby. To assess how much you know about using drugs during pregnancy, try your hand at this quiz. 1. Pregnant women who smoke are less likely to have miscarriages and deliver low-birthweight infants. You didn't answer th...
How Much Do You Know About E. Coli Illness? E. coli bacteria recurrently make the news. As a source of foodborne illness, E. coli can be deadly. But aren't E. coli also regular residents of our intestines? When do E. coli become the "bad guys"? To learn more about this common bacterium, take the following quiz. 1. E. coli and other species of bacteria found in our intestines help our bodies do what? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is They also suppress the growth of harm...
Take the Ear Infection Quiz Infections of the middle ear, called otitis media, seem to be a common badge of childhood. Seventy-five percent of children experience at least one episode of otitis media by their third birthday. How much do you know about this illness? Take this quiz, based on information from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. 1. An ear infection usually begins with a cold. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Otitis media o...
Take the Ear, Nose, and Throat Quiz Ear, nose, and throat problems affect both children and adults. Knowing how to prevent and treat them can help you stay healthy. See how much you know about the ears, nose, and throat by taking this quiz, based on information from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 1. Cotton swabs are a safe and easy way to remove wax from the inside of your ears. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Inserting cotton-tipped app...
How Much Do You Know About Eating Disorders? Many of us turn to dieting to shed a few extra pounds, but for some people, dieting becomes an obsession that turns into an eating disorder. Researchers aren't sure why this happens, but they do know that the topic of appetite control is quite complex. This quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Mental Health, provides helpful information on eating disorders. 1. A person with an eating disorder isn't trying hard enough to eat right. You did...
Take the Emphysema Quiz Emphysema is a lung disease that interferes with normal breathing. It's one of a group of lung diseases known collectively as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Other diseases in this group include asthma and chronic bronchitis. According to the American Lung Association, close to 5 million Americans suffer from emphysema. To learn more about this lung disease, take this quiz. 1. Cigarette smoking is the usual cause of emphysema. You didn't answer this question. You an...
What Do You Know About Erectile Dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ED) is commonly known as "impotence." Learn more about erectile dysfunction by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). 1. At what age can ED occur? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The problem is more common in men over age 65, but it can occur at any age. It is normal for men to experience changes in erectile function, su...
The Eye Quiz Don't sit too close to the TV. Don't watch TV without a light on in the room. Don't use over-the-counter eyedrops. Are these statements true? Find out by taking the following quiz. 1. Sitting too close to the television will harm your eyes. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is This is one of the biggest myths, eye experts say. Sitting too close to the TV does not make vision worse. A. True B. False 2. If I see well, then I don't need eye checkups. You didn't a...
Do You Know How to Preserve Your Eyesight? Can you harm your vision by sitting too close to the TV? Why is vitamin A good for your eyes? Who is at risk for cataracts? Find the answers by taking this quiz. 1. Which of these habits harms your vision? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is These habits tire eye muscles but won't permanently damage vision. A. Sitting too close to a TV B. Reading without enough light C. Reading too long D. None of the above 2. Doctors advise peop...
Fats in Foods Quiz How much do you really know about the fat that lurks in your food? Take this quiz and find out. 1. How many calories are in 1 gram of fat? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is All fat contains 9 calories per gram. A gram of carbohydrate contains 4 calories, and a gram of alcohol contains 7 calories. A gram, by the way, is a unit of weight, and 1 gram is about the same weight as a standard paper clip. A. 7 B. 9 C. 11 2. How many teaspoons of fat are in a ...
What Do You Know About Fats? Fat is one of the three main components of food, along with carbohydrates and protein. It’s important to a healthy diet – but only in modest amounts. And not all types of fat are healthy. Find out more about fat by taking the following quiz. 1. Which of these food types is the main dietary cause of high cholesterol in the blood? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Although it might seem that the cholesterol in your diet would have the greatest...
What Do You Know About Fever? One minute you're hot; the next, you're chilled and your teeth chatter. You've got a fever. See how much you know about fever, what causes it, and the best ways to treat it. 1. Your health care provider will consider that you to have a fever if your temperature taken by mouth is: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is If you have a temperature above your normal temperature but below 100.4, it’s called a low-grade fever. A low-grade fever is mild...
The Big Fiber Quiz How much fiber should you consume? Is there more than one kind of fiber? What foods contain fiber? Test your knowledge about fiber by taking this quiz. 1. Experts say that fiber can be beneficial to our health if we consume how many grams a day? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is A. 5 grams per 1,000 calories B. 10 grams per 1,000 calories C. 14 grams per 1,000 calories 2. Fiber is found in naturally stringy vegetables and meats such as flank or skirt ...
How Much Do You Know About Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia affects approximately 5 million Americans. Women of childbearing age are most likely to suffer from fibromyalgia, but it can affect men, children, and older women, as well. Test your knowledge of fibromyalgia by taking the following quiz. 1. What is fibromyalgia? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Fibromyalgia is a collection of painful symptoms, not a disease. A. Small tumors in muscle tissue B. A collection of painf...
Take the Fire Prevention Quiz Do you know what to do if a fire breaks out at home? How can you best prevent a home fire? Find out more by taking this quiz on fire prevention. 1. Which of these is the leading cause of home fire deaths? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Smoking is the leading cause of deaths from home fires. In the months of December, January, and February, however, smoking ties with heating equipment fires in number of deaths, according to the National F...
Take the First Aid/Emergency Quiz Test your knowledge of first aid by taking this quiz. 1. If you need to call 911 in an emergency, what should you tell the dispatcher? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Try to remain calm and speak slowly and clearly. The dispatcher may ask you if anyone has been injured and, if so, how many; and the condition of the victim(s). Don't hang up until the dispatcher tells you it's OK to do so. Wait on the scene until emergency help arrives....
What’s True About the Flu? Take a look at the influenza virus under a microscope, and you'll see a funny-looking spiked ball, much like the famous Russian satellite Sputnik. But if you've ever been flat on your back with the flu, you know there's nothing funny about this highly contagious virus. Test your savvy by taking this quiz. 1. Stomach flu is the worst kind of flu. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is There's no such thing as stomach flu, says the CDC. But people wi...
Food Allergy Quiz Do you or does someone in your family have a food allergy? Take this quiz and learn how to better cope with this condition. 1. Although many people think they or their families have food allergies, only about 5 percent of children have proven allergies to food. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is And among adults, the incidence of clinically proven food allergies drops to about 4 percent of the population. A. True B. False 2. Food intolerance is potentia...
Food Poisoning Quiz Find out what you need to know about keeping your family safe from foodborne illnesses. 1. Perishable foods should not be left at room temperature longer than two hours. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods, and leftovers within two hours or sooner to keep harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying. A. True B. False 2. It's important to wash counters, cutting boards, and utensils after handling raw fo...
Take the Food Quiz Following a sensible diet is a cornerstone of good health. Find out how much you know about healthy eating by taking this quiz, based on information from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). 1. Snacking may keep you from becoming overly hungry and overeating. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Healthy snacking can help you moderate the amount of food you eat. This will make you less inclined to overeat at your next meal or late at night in fro...
What Do You Know About Food Safety? Each year, millions of Americans become ill from foodborne illnesses and thousands die. To help prevent foodborne illness, you can take steps to ensure the safety of the food you eat. To learn more about food safety, take this quiz, based on information from the FDA. 1. You should use soap to clean your fruits and vegetables before eating them. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You should not use soap, detergents, or bleaches on fruit...
How Much Do You Know About Foot Health? Most people would agree that it's no small problem when their feet ache. Yet few other parts of the body are more neglected in terms of basic personal care. And major foot problems and chronic pain often go ignored. Learning about foot care can help you recognize when to see a doctor for treatment. 1. You should inspect your feet regularly. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Dry, scaling skin or inflammation of the skin may indicat...
How Much Do You Know About Genital Herpes? Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. About one in six teens and adults has genital herpes, according to the CDC. Find out more about genital herpes by taking this quiz, based on information from the CDC. 1. How many types of herpes simplex virus are there? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes genital herpes, comes in two forms: type 1 and type 2. HSV type ...
Take the Germs Quiz Germs: We find them everywhere—or they find us. It seems we can't avoid them. We spend a lot of time worrying about picking them up, sharing them, and losing them. But what do we really know about germs? Take this quiz to find out. 1. Germs are most likely to thrive in this room of the house: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The answer is the kitchen, and the key is the word "thrive." Bathrooms generally host more bacteria and germs than kitchens, b...
Take the Glaucoma Quiz Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can damage the eye's optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness. However, with early treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss. 1. In most forms of glaucoma, what damages the optic nerve? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is In most forms of glaucoma, the pressure inside the eye—called intraocular pressure—rises because the eye's drainage canals become blocked or don't work pr...
Take the Gout Quiz For anyone who has had gout, the experience is not one that's easily forgotten. It causes sudden, intense pain and tenderness in a joint. Find out more about gout by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. 1. Gout is a form of arthritis. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Arthritis is a term that is often used to refer to the more than 100 different rheumatic diseases that a...
Take the Growth Plate Quiz Growth plates are found on the long bones of children and teenagers. These plates are areas of growing tissue near the end of the bones, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Test your knowledge of growth plates by taking this quiz, based on information from the NIAMS. 1. The growth plate is the weakest area of the growing skeleton. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The growth plate is ...
Test Yourself on Halloween Safety Halloween can be full of fun and excitement for youngsters, but it’s also a time for trick-or-treaters to be careful. Take this quiz to learn more about this popular holiday and how to make sure your family’s celebration is safe this year. 1. The first popular Halloween candy in America was: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The Tootsie Roll was America’s first wrapped penny candy. It was created and sold by candy maker Leo Hirshfield i...
How Much Do You Know About the Hantavirus? First identified in the early 1990s in the desert Southwest, the hantavirus has been reported in more than 30 states. Learn more about the virus and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) by taking this quiz, based on information from the CDC. 1. Where have most cases of HPS been reported? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Most cases of HPS occur in rural areas. HPS was first identified in 1993. Most of the cases have been in West...
How Much Do You Know About Hazardous Materials in Your Home? Bleach, ant killer, and gasoline are poisons commonly found in the home. But plenty of other toxic or hazardous chemicals fill our shelves and cupboards, and some of them may surprise you. Hairspray, for instance, is highly flammable. Learn more about these chemicals by taking this quiz. 1. Which of these are household poisons? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Most people know that toilet bowl cleaners contai...
How Much Do You Know About Head Lice? Head lice are insects that are found, as the name suggests, on the head. They are common human parasites. Learn more about head lice by taking this quiz, based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1. Head lice usually are found behind the ears or at the back of the neck along the hairline. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is They only dwell on the scalp and human hair and are not found on other parts of ...
What Do You Know About Headaches? When you get a headache, it's usually not the bones of the skull or the brain itself that's hurting. The pain comes from pain-sensitive nerves located near the muscles and blood vessels of the face, neck, and scalp, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Find out more about headaches by taking this quiz. 1. Which of these is the most common kind of headache? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Nine of 10...
What Do You Know About Having a Healthy Pregnancy? Pregnancy is an exciting and busy time for couples. You spend time wondering about your baby-to-be and making plenty of preparations to welcome the newest member of your family. By taking this quiz, you can learn which lifestyle behaviors are most helpful and which may be harmful to your developing child. 1. Healthy habits during which trimester are most crucial for the well-being of the developing fetus? You didn't answer this question. You answered Th...
Take the Healthy Snacks Quiz Don’t feel guilty about snacking! Eating small, frequent meals can help you control your weight and stay fueled throughout the day. Just make sure your snacks—and those you serve your kids—are nutritious. Find out more about healthy snacking by taking the following quiz. 1. One way to limit the size of your snacks is to buy food packaged in single servings. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Buying single-serving packages makes it easy to mon...
Brushing Up on Healthy Teeth Keeping your teeth healthy sounds simple: Brush and floss after every meal and see your dentist twice a year. The trouble is, simple as that sounds, you may need to know more. It's not that dental health is hard; it's easy. But give this true-false quiz a try to see just how much you know about keeping your teeth their brightest, whitest, and healthiest. 1. You must brush and floss your teeth after every meal to prevent gum disease and cavities. You didn't answer this questi...
Take the Hearing Quiz Hearing loss can occur for many reasons. Sometimes it occurs as people age. Sometimes it occurs after a long exposure to loud sounds. Learn more about hearing and hearing loss by taking this quiz. 1. After years of exposure to a humming refrigerator, people can develop hearing loss. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Although long-term exposure to certain sounds can cause hearing loss, sounds of less than 75 decibels are considered safe. A humming r...
What Do You Know About Preventing Heart Disease? You can take steps to reduce your risk for heart disease. Find out more about preventing heart disease by taking this quiz. 1. Which of these is a cause of heart disease? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is This condition is called atherosclerosis. Fat and cholesterol build up in the arteries. This buildup is called plaque. The plaque makes the inside of the arteries narrower and stiffer, and less blood can get to the heart...
What Do You Know About Heart Disease Risk? Knowing what causes heart disease and how you can prevent it can help you live a longer, healthier life. Take this quiz to find out more about reducing your risk for heart disease. 1. There's nothing you can do to prevent heart disease. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Healthy adults can reduce their risk for heart disease and a heart attack by maintaining a healthy weight (a body mass index of less than 25), getting enough ex...
Take the Heart Health Test How healthy is your heart? Find out more by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the American Heart Association (AHA). 1. We've made only modest progress in reducing the toll of heart disease in the last 10 years. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Heart attack deaths fell by one-third between 2000 and 2010. A. True B. False 2. Heart disease kills more women than all types of canc...
Heart Quiz for Women Only As a woman, do you know what your risk is for developing heart disease? You might be surprised. Take this quiz, based on information from the American Heart Association, and see how much you know about heart disease in women. 1. Coronary heart disease develops gradually over many years and can easily go undetected. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Coronary heart disease takes years to develop, and, in the case of women, it generally takes almo...
Take the Heat Stroke Quiz A hot summer day can be just as deadly as a chilly winter one for older adults. Take this quiz to see how much you know about heat stroke and heat exhaustion. It's based on information from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke mean the same thing. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Heat exhaustion is a warning that the body is becoming overheated. Signs...
The Hemoglobin A1c Quiz If you have diabetes, you should know about the importance of hemoglobin A1c. Test your knowledge of hemoglobin A1c by taking this quiz. 1. A hemoglobin A1c test measures the average amount of sugar in your blood over the last three months. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The hemoglobin A1c test shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over the last 3 months. It's a simple lab test done by your doctor. The hemoglobin A1c test is the best...
Take the Hepatitis Test Viral hepatitis comes in several forms, and many of them can make you very sick. Some forms of the virus can be eliminated from the body, but other forms remain for a lifetime. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of hepatitis. 1. Which organ does hepatitis affect? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Whatever the cause, hepatitis results in inflammation of the liver. A. Heart B. Brain C. Liver D. Kidneys 2. Which of these factors can cause hepatit...
Herb and Spice Quiz What do you know about the herbs and spices we use in our food? 1. Herbs and spices can be combined in any way you like and with any foods. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The only rule is to trust your taste buds and to go easy at first until you know which flavors you prefer and which herbs and spices go well together. A. True B. False 2. The flavor of low-fat foods is enhanced by herbs and spices. You didn't answer this question. You answered Th...
Take the Seniors and HIV/AIDS Quiz Twenty-five percent of all people in the U.S. with HIV/AIDS are age 50 or older, and the number of older people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS each year is increasing. 1. If you are infected with HIV, you will definitely get AIDS. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is AIDS is the most advanced form of HIV infection; not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS. If there's any chance you may be infected with HIV, you should be tested as soon as possibl...
What Do You Know About HIV/AIDS? According to the CDC, more than 1.1 million Americans are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Find out more about HIV and AIDS by taking this quiz, based on information from the CDC. 1. When was HIV first recognized in the United States? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Around this time, doctors in Los Angeles and New York were reporting rare cases of pneumonia, cancer, and other illnesses among male patients who had sex with...
What Do You Know About Holiday Sweets and Treats? If you want to eat healthy this holiday season, is it necessary to cut out all those tempting treats and snacks? Take this quiz to find out. 1. Which oil is best to avoid? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Although palm oil contains no cholesterol, it is high in saturated fatty acids. These fatty acids can raise your level of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, which increases your risk of heart disease. A. Olive B. Palm C. Canola ...
What Do You Know About Household Poisons? Hair spray, antifreeze, house paint. These and other common items found in any home are useful products when used correctly. In the wrong hands, however, they can be deadly. Learn more about how to keep your home safe from accidental poisoning by taking this quiz, based in part on information from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). 1. One of the most dangerous poisons found in the home is antifreeze. You didn't answer this question. You ...
How Much Do You Know About Anemia? The red blood cells in your body look like doughnuts. Their main job is to carry oxygen to body tissues and remove carbon dioxide. Anemia is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. Learn more about anemia by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). 1. Anemia can be short term (temporary) or lasting a long time (chronic), and can range from mild to severe. You didn't answer this ...
Take the Huntington's Disease Quiz It has been more than 40 years since singer/songwriter Woody Guthrie died of Huntington's Disease (HD). He had been misdiagnosed for years—he'd even been labeled an alcoholic. Since that time, much has been learned about HD. The following quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, provides essential information on this devastating disease. 1. Huntington's Disease is also known as: You didn't answer this question. You an...
Take the Hypothermia Quiz Baby, it's cold outside! When winter weather arrives, you need to take extra precautions against hypothermia if you're an older adult. Test your knowledge of these cold facts from the National Institute on Aging. 1. Cold weather can be a problem for older adults because many seniors take medications that can interfere with the body's ability to regulate its temperature. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Medications that increase the risk of acc...
Immunization Quiz Vaccines have made certain childhood diseases rare in this country. Find out more about vaccines by taking this quiz. 1. The first vaccine developed was against smallpox. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The first vaccine was developed in 1796, by a British doctor, Edward Jenner. The word vaccine comes from a Latin word relating to cows. That's because the first vaccine was based on cowpox, a mild disease of cattle and people, but it also protected ag...
How Much Do You Know About Impotence? Impotence is also called erectile dysfunction. Find out how much you know about the causes and treatment of impotence by taking the following quiz. 1. What is the most common cause of impotence? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Vascular problems account for the majority of cases and can be caused by diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease, according to the American Urologi...
Take the Infant Immunization Quiz Test your knowledge of vaccinations against a variety of diseases that can affect your child. This quiz is based on information from the CDC. 1. A pregnant woman passes antibodies to her unborn baby through the placenta to protect against certain diseases. About how long does this natural immunity last after birth? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is A pregnant woman passes on antibodies to those diseases she herself is immune to. That ma...
What Do You Know About Inhalant Abuse? Many American teenagers experiment with intoxicating inhalants. These substances are deadly, however, for 100 to 200 youths in the U.S. each year. Find out more about inhalant abuse by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 1. Inhalants are rarely abused by teens today. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Inhalants are the fourth or fifth most abused substance by teens, according to t...
How Much Do You Know About International Travel and Health? Test your knowledge of how to stay healthy when traveling abroad. 1. International travel may require prophylactic medicines and vaccines. How long before departure should you see your doctor? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Some vaccines must be given in a series over several days or weeks. You should see your doctor as early as possible before your departure to find out what medications or vaccines are reco...
What Do You Know About Juvenile Arthritis? Arthritis is usually thought of as a disease that occurs later in life, but one child in every thousand develops a juvenile form of this illness. About 300,000 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis or other rheumatic conditions, according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Take this quiz to learn more. 1. Joint inflammation that begins before age 16 and continues for at least six weeks is the hallmark of juvenile arthritis...
How Much Do You Know About Kidney Health? 1. How much blood do your kidneys filter daily? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is One of the functions of your kidneys is to remove waste products and extra fluid from the blood. Waste products come from your diet and normal breakdown of tissues. The kidneys filter about 50 gallons of blood a day. Of that amount, about one-half to two quarts of fluid and waste products are removed from the blood and passed out of the body in uri...
Take the Kidney Stone Quiz Kidney stones are one of the most common problems of the urinary tract—and one of the most painful disorders. How much do you know about kidney stones? Try your hand at this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 1. Most kidney stones pass through a person's urinary tract without any medical intervention. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is If the crystals that form the stones remain...
Take the Kids' Healthy Snacks Quiz Is your snack bowl ready for Halloween? Before you fill it with marshmallow candy and chocolate bars, give a thought to good nutrition. It's possible to offer tasty but more nutritious treats this year. This quiz will give you the lowdown on healthier snacks for kids. 1. Gooey or sticky snacks are bad for kids' teeth. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Snacks that are gooey or chewy stick to teeth and stay there longer than foods that c...
What Do You Know About Taking Care of Your Knees? Your knees are complex joints and that makes them more vulnerable to injury. Learning how to prevent knee injuries and treating them if they occur can help you stay active at work and play. Test your knowledge of knees by taking this quiz, based on information from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1. The knee is the largest joint in the body and bears most of the body's weight. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer...
Late-Life Depression Quiz Older adults often suffer from depression needlessly because they fail to recognize its signs or are reluctant to talk with their health care provider about it. In addition, friends and family may think that the symptoms of depression they see in an older person are just a passing mood. Depression, however, is a medical illness. Learn more about depression in the elderly by taking this quiz. 1. Depression is a natural part of growing older. You didn't answer this question. You ...
Take the Lead Safety Quiz Test your knowledge of lead poisoning and how to protect your family. This quiz is based on information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1. One of the most common places to find lead is in the home. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Lead can leach into drinking water from certain types of plumbing materials (lead pipes and copper pipes with lead solder, for example). It can also be found on walls, woodwork, toys, and dinnerw...
Leukemia Quiz Learn more about leukemia by taking this quiz, based on information from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). 1. A person with leukemia produces abnormal blood cells - usually white blood cells - that over time crowd out normal white and red blood cells, and platelets. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Although the abnormal white blood cells may function almost normally, they eventually become so numerous that they int...
What Do You Know About Leukemia? Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. A person with leukemia produces abnormal blood cells - usually white blood cells. These cells grow out of control and crowd out the normal blood cells. Find out more about leukemia by taking the following quiz, based on information from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). 1. Leukemia is categorized as chronic or acute. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Chronic leukemia gets worse slowly, with few sympt...
Take the Lips Quiz Lips are for...talking and smooching and eating. Yes, they're important, but do you know how to take good care of your lips? Take this quiz to find out. 1. Your lips are part of your skin, but why do you need to treat them differently from the rest of your epidermis? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips have an extremely thin outer layer, which allows moisture to evaporate more quickly. Your lips also have none or ...
The Longevity Quiz What's the secret to a long, healthy life? The secret is that it depends on you—and you can take steps to keep yourself healthy in the long run. Find out what you know about living longer by taking this true-false quiz. 1. To reduce your risk for chronic disease as an adult, you need to exercise at least two hours a day. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that you should get at least 150 minutes a week of m...
How Much Do You Know About Planning for Long-Term Care? People who need long-term care include those with a chronic illness or a physical handicap. Learn more about long-term care planning by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute on Aging (NIA). 1. Which expert is trained to help you and your family develop a plan for long-term care? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is This is a special kind of social worker or nurse. A geriatric case manager,...
How Much Do You Know About Low Blood Pressure? There's a lot of information about the dangers of high blood pressure, but low blood pressure can endanger your health, too. 1. How is low blood pressure, or hypotension, defined? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The exact level that marks low blood pressure differs from person to person, although the offici...
Take the Lupus Quiz Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disorder that can range from mild to severe. It's unclear how many people that lupus affects. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that as many as 1.5 million Americans have it. Most of them are women. Find out more about this autoimmune disease by taking the following quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). 1. Which part of the body is affect...
What Do You Know About Male Pattern Baldness? Some men cope with their inevitable loss of hair by wearing a cap most of the time. Some don an artificial hairpiece to cover their loss. Still others shave their whole head. There's more to know about baldness than toupees, though. Learn more by taking this quiz. 1. An average scalp has how much hair? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is People with brown or black hair have the most, at 155,000 strands. Blond-haired people hav...
What Do You Know About Mammograms? Test your knowledge of what steps to take to catch breast cancer in the early stages. 1. To get a quality mammogram, make sure the facility has which of these? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Also ask if the facility follows FDA quality-assurance programs and if the radiologists who read the mammograms are board certified. A. FDA certification B. Mammogram machine that's calibrated annually C. Registered technologists D. All of these...
How Much Do You Know About Marijuana? Knowing about marijuana can help you recognize its use in others, so you can encourage them to seek treatment. Marijuana is a street drug made from the flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the hemp plant. It is usually smoked as a cigarette, in a pipe, or in a cigar casing in which the inner tobacco has been replaced with marijuana. Marijuana also can be consumed by mixing with foods, brewing into a tea or "vaping" in an e-cigarette device. The main active ingredien...
Do You Know Enough About Taking Prescription Medications? Learn how to better manage your medications by taking this quiz. 1. Older people have a greater risk for drug interactions. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Not only do we usually take more medications as we age and develop some medical problems, but as we age, body changes can affect the way the medications are absorbed and used. Changes in the digestive tract affect how quickly a medication is absorbed. If you...
How Much Do You Know About Melanoma? Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Although skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, melanoma cases make up less than 5 percent of all skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. Find out how much you know about melanoma by taking this quiz. 1. What is melanoma? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, yet it is the least common type. It occurs when the pigment-producing ce...
How Much Do You Know About Memory? To keep your memory sharp, it's helpful to understand factors that affect memory for better or for worse. 1. Spending most of your time doing one type of activity doesn't stimulate your brain. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is If you don't challenge your brain with different activities, you end up with the inability to remember certain things. Brain cells that aren't stimulated work less efficiently. The old adage about using it or los...
Take the Meningitis Quiz Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Both viruses and bacteria cause meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening; viral meningitis seldom is. Learn more about bacterial meningitis through this quiz. 1. Bacterial meningitis is caused by only one kind of bacteria. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is It can be caused by several different kinds of bacteria. Some of the more common bacteria t...
How Much Do You Know About Menopause? Test your knowledge of menopause by taking this quiz. 1. At what age does menopause typically begin? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Menopause usually occurs sometime between age 45 and 55, but the typical age is 50, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Menopause means the permanent end of menstruation. A. 40 B. 45 C. 50 D. 55 2. A woman is considered to be in menopause after she has missed how many menstrual cycles...
What Do You Know About Mercury in Fish? Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, according to the EPA and the FDA. Find out how much you know about mercury contamination in fish by taking this quiz. 1. The amount of mercury in the atmosphere has increased steadily since: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Mercury is a liquid metal used in thermometers, barometers, blood pressure devices, antiseptic compounds, and fungicides. With the rise of manufacturing...
What Do You Know About Migraine Headaches? Many households in the United States have someone who suffers from migraine headaches, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Take this quiz to test your knowledge of migraines. 1. Which of these groups is most likely to have migraines? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The reason isn't known, but researchers suspect that hormones may be involved. A. Men B. Women C. Teens D. Children 2. Which ...
Miracle Diet? Fat Chance! So you think you know how to eat right—what foods are healthy, what foods keep the weight off—yet you can't avoid peeking at the latest fad diet. A voice inside says you'd lose the weight without cutting calories if you ate your cheeseburger without the bun, drank a liquid protein concoction, and stopped eating for three hours before you go to bed, or ate exactly 40 percent of calories from carbohydrates, 30 percent from protein, and 30 percent from fat at each meal and snack. ...
Take the Mold Allergy Quiz Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant and animal matter. They're everywhere in our environment. Learn about mold allergy by taking this multiple-choice quiz. 1. How many species of mold exist? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Estimates range from the tens of thousands to more than 300,000, according to the CDC. The most common types of mold found in the home that cause allergic reactions include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria,...
What Do You Know About Multiple Births? So you're having more than one! You're not alone. The number of multiple births has increased dramatically in recent years. 1. Which is an explanation for the increasing number of multiple births in this country? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is About a third of the increase in multiple births can be explained by an increasing number of women older than age 30 having children. The remaining two-thirds of the increase can be tied ...
How Much Do You Know About Multiple Sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, the brain, and spinal cord. Its symptoms can range from benign to severe. Find out more about this mysterious illness by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). 1. Although exact numbers are not available, approximately how many people in the United States have MS? You didn't answer this question. You answered The corr...
Take the Nervous System Quiz The nervous system is responsible for our thoughts, our emotions, and our movements. The brain, nerves, and spinal cord are all members of this important process. How much do you know about the nervous system? Do you know what happens when the system malfunctions? Find out by taking this multiple-choice quiz. 1. The human nervous system is capable of a wide range of functions. What is the basic unit of the nervous system? You didn't answer this question. You answered The cor...
New Year's Resolution Quiz Happy New Year! It’s time to look ahead to the next 12 months and see what you can do to maintain or improve your health. Do you need to lose weight? Quit smoking? Start exercising? Find out more about healthy choices by taking the following quiz. 1. Which of these is important to a healthy diet? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The USDA's dietary guidelines recommend that half of the grains you eat each day be whole grains. You should have a...
Take the Nicotine Quiz Nicotine, one of the main chemicals in tobacco, is the primary reason that smoking is so addictive. Even though most smokers know that smoking is bad for them, they find it difficult to quit because of nicotine's effect. 1. Nicotine causes which of these changes in the body? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Nicotine temporarily increases the heart rate by two to three beats a minute and increases blood pressure in the short term because it constr...
How Much Do You Know About Nicotine-Replacement Therapy? Want to quit smoking? Here is the latest information about nicotine-replacement therapy and other aids that can help you. 1. Most medications that help you quit smoking contain nicotine. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is These medications--called nicotine-replacement therapy--ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the craving for nicotine, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) says. People trying to quit get a dose of ...
What Do You Know About Working the Night Shift? If you work the night shift, you face unique health and productivity challenges. Take this quiz to see how much you know about making the most of the night shift. 1. If you work at night, try to maintain the same sleep schedule on the days you work and the days you're off. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Reverting fully to a typical day schedule during your time off will make it harder to sleep during the day after you r...
How Much Do You Know About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma? Lymphomas are a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Learn more about non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) by taking this true-false quiz, based on information from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Cancer Institute. 1. Lymphomas are categorized as one of two main types: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Hodgkin lymphoma, or Hodgkin disease, is named for Thomas Hodgki...
What Do You Know About Nutrition and Cancer? A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important for good health. What effect does diet have on your risk for cancer? Find out by taking this quiz, based in part on information from the American Cancer Society (ACS). 1. Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day may reduce your risk for certain types of cancer. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is According to the ACS, adequate...
Take the Senior Nutrition Quiz Eating a healthy diet is essential for people of every age. But as you age, doing so is especially important. To assess how much you know about good nutrition, take this quiz. 1. As you grow older and become less active, you need fewer nutrients in your diet. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is As you grow older, you may need fewer calories, particularly if you are less active than when you were younger, says the National Institute on Aging ...
Obesity Basics: What Is It? How Is It Treated? There is an epidemic of obesity in this country, health experts say. But what is obesity? How is it measured? Find out the answers to these questions and others by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). 1. Body mass index (BMI) is the current standard for finding out whether someone is overweight or obese. BMI corrects for differences in height among people. Which BMI reading...
Older, Wiser, Wider? Call it what you will: the battle of the bulge, middle-age spread, the waistline war. Somewhere in that busy time between 30 and 40, the forces of nature—children, work, time—gang up on you. One day you notice last season's clothes are a little uncomfortable this time around. All this comes at a time when age is less acceptable as an excuse for gaining weight. Just look at the current U.S. Dietary Guidelines, which make no allowance for getting heavier through the years. Getting old...
Fielding Questions on Organic Foods Organic foods, once sold only in health food stores and farmers markets, are slowly becoming a staple in your local supermarket. Organic ingredients are grown and processed without artificial additives and used in a wide variety of products. Find out more about organic foods by taking this quiz. 1. What's the best way to tell the difference between organic and non-organic products? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The USDA has set un...
What Do You Know About Osteoarthritis? Learn more about osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, by taking this quiz. 1. Osteoarthritis affects how many people in the United States? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Most of the people affected are 45 or older. Osteoarthritis affects both men and women. Before age 45, more men have the disease. After age 45, women are more likely to develop it, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeleta...
What Do You Know About Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens a person's bones, making them less dense and more fragile. 1. In which age bracket does bone density peak and the rate of bone loss begin to exceed the rate of bone formation? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Bone formation continues at a pace faster than resorption (bone loss) until peak bone mass (maximum bone density and strength) is reached around age 30. After age 30, bone resorp...
Test Your Knowledge of OTC Pain Relievers Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can quickly relieve a headache, backache, cramps, and other aches and pains. But even though these medications are readily available and inexpensive, care should be used whenever you take them or give them to a child. Take this quiz to see how much you know about OTC pain relievers. 1. OTC pain relievers are safe when taken as directed. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is OTC pain relievers ar...
How Much Do You Know About an Overactive Bladder? Overactive bladder is a health problem that can have a debilitating effect on nearly every part of daily living. It can cause isolation, depression, guilt, denial, fatigue from sleeplessness, work absenteeism, and problems with relationships. 1. Going to the bathroom more than eight times a day is normal. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Some people blame frequent trips to the bathroom on too many beverages, aging, or j...
What Do You Really Know About Over-the-Counter Medications? Just because a drug is available without a prescription doesn't mean it's safe to take, the FDA says. Take this quiz and learn the ins and outs of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. 1. How are prescription drugs different from OTC ones? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Prescription drugs require a doctor or other health care provider to monitor their effects. A. They contain higher amounts of active ingredients...
Take the Paget's Disease Quiz Paget's disease is an illness of the bones, usually causing them to become enlarged and deformed. Worldwide, it is the second most common bone disease, after osteoporosis. It is named after Sir James Paget, who first diagnosed the disease in 1877. Learn more about Paget's disease by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institutes of Health. 1. The hallmark of Paget's disease is that the body's normal process of reabsorbing bone is: You didn't answer this...
Take the Pain Quiz What's the most sensitive part of your body? Are women less sensitive to pain than men? Does everyone feel pain? Get answers to these and other questions by taking the pain quiz. 1. Most pain serves no purpose. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Pain can be a warning that your body is injured or infected. The doubled-over pain of a ruptured appendix will send you straight to the emergency room; without this warning, you could die. This type of acute pa...
What Do You Know About Parkinson's Disease? This illness has existed for thousands of years. Learn more about Parkinson's disease by taking this quiz. 1. Parkinson's disease is marked by a shortage of which chemical in the brain? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The brain-signaling chemical dopamine, one of many neurotransmitters in the brain, is produced by cells in the brain stem. These cells release dopamine, one of the neurotransmitters that help control muscle mov...
How Much Do You Know About Pet Diseases? Dogs and cats and birds and hamsters. Snakes and guinea pigs and turtles. The family pet can be a source of joy and companionship, no matter what kind of animal it is. Sometimes, however, your favorite animal can be a source of illness. Learn more about pets and disease by taking this multiple-choice quiz. 1. What is the term used to describe diseases that humans can catch from animals? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Zoonoses ...
How Much Do You Know About Pinworms? Test your knowledge of pinworms and how to prevent an occurrence. This quiz is based on information from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the CDC. 1. An infection with pinworms is called: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is A pinworm infection is called enterobiasis. It is caused by the parasitic worm Enterobiasis vermicularis. Other names for pinworm infection include seatworm infection and threadw...
Take the PMS Quiz Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a range of monthly symptoms that starts one to two weeks before a woman's menstrual period. Most women have at least some PMS symptoms. Learn more about PMS by taking this quiz. 1. Which group of women is more likely to develop PMS? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is One culture may report different symptoms from another culture, but women from all walks of life are affected. A. Those in industrialized countries B. ...
How Much Do You Know About the Pneumonia Vaccine? Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that is more common in older adults, infants, young children, and some people with chronic health problems. A vaccine offers protection against some forms of pneumonia. Find out more about pneumonia and the vaccine by taking this quiz, based on information from the CDC. 1. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses or bacteria. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Pneumonia is an inflammation o...
How Much Do You Know About Poison Ivy? It's fun to take a hike through the woods: listening for songbirds, looking at wildflowers, spying the occasional chipmunk. You also need to keep an eye out for the bane of hikers—poison ivy. Find out how much you know about this annoying plant by taking this true-false quiz. 1. The leaves of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac burn skin on contact. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The rash that develops upon exposure to any ...
What Do You Know About Poison Prevention? Every 30 seconds a child is poisoned in the U.S., according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC). Sixty percent of all poisonings occur to children under age 6. Poisons can be solids, liquids, sprays, or gases. They can be something a person eats, breathes, gets in the eyes, or on the skin. Learn more about accidental poisonings by taking this quiz, based on information from the AAPCC and the CDC. 1. Which of these toxic substances is bl...
How Much Do You Know About Poisonous Houseplants? Houseplants help keep your indoor air clean, make a dramatic statement in your interior design, and provide a sense of well-being around the house. But some plants can poison children or pets. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about the safety of common houseplants. 1. One of the most common houseplants in the U.S. is the philodendron. It grows quickly and soon fills your home with lush, green growth. But chewing on those lush leaves can cause...
What Do You Know About Prediabetes? Take this quiz to find out how to cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 1. What blood sugar level may mean prediabetes if you are taking the fasting plasma glucose test? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Three tests can be used to find out if you have prediabetes: the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG), the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and the hemoglobin A1C (A1C). The FPG is done after you fast, or go without food, for 8...
What Do You Know About Prescription Drug Abuse? Prescription medications can successfully and safely treat mental and physical illnesses. But some medications can be addictive and many can be abused. Being aware of these potential harms can help you prevent them. Learn more about prescription drug abuse by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 1. People of any age, income, education level, and gender can abuse prescription drugs. You didn't answer this ...
How Much Do You Know About Prescriptions? Prescription drugs can work wonders—when they're taken as they should be. But what happens when you miss a dose? Or when you want to take an over-the-counter medication along with your prescription? See if you know the answers to these and other questions by taking this quiz. 1. How are prescription drugs different from over-the-counter medications? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Prescription medications and OTC medications s...
What Do You Know About Prostate Health? Prostate cancer and other diseases of the prostate are common. Learning about these diseases can help you recognize problems and seek medical treatment early. 1. The prostate is located beneath the bladder and consists of glands and ducts embedded in muscle fibers. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The prostate is part of a man's reproductive system. It produces fluid that carries sperm. A. True B. False 2. Th...
Take the Psoriasis Quiz Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects millions of Americans. Although it can affect people of any age, it occurs mostly in young adults. Find out more about this disease by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, and the American Academy of Dermatology. 1. What happens to skin cells in a person with psoriasis? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The normal turnover of ...
What Do You Know About Quitting Smoking? No matter what your age or how long you have smoked, giving up cigarettes is the ticket to a longer life. Consider that just 12 hours after your last cigarette, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal. A year after you've quit, your risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker's. 1. The risk for death by heart attack or coronary heart disease decreases considerably how soon after you quit smoking? You didn't answer this question. You answered ...
Take the Rabies Quiz Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the CDC each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. 1. The rabies virus is passed on by contact with what part of an infected animal? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The rabies virus is transmitted to others through the saliva of the infected animal. All mammals can carry the viru...
How Much Do You Know About Radon? Radon is a gas that you can't see or smell, but is present in nearly all the air around us. Everyone breathes in radon every day, usually at low levels. People who inhale high levels of radon are at increased risk for developing lung cancer. Radon is a problem in homes in which higher concentrations collect. Find out more about radon by taking this quiz, based on information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). 1. Where...
Take the Raynaud’s Quiz For some people, cold weather brings more than just cold fingers and toes. Chilly temperatures can turn those extremities white or even blue with cold. The condition is called Raynaud's phenomenon. To learn more about this disorder, try your hand at this quiz, based on information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 1. For people with Raynaud's phenomenon, their fingers and toes turn white because of a lack of iron. You didn't answer this question. You answered Th...
Take the Repetitive-Stress Injuries Test Repetitive-stress injuries (RSIs) can be painful and debilitating, causing damage to tendons, ligaments, nerves, and muscles over time. Also called repetitive motion syndromes, RSIs can affect almost any part of the body. Test your knowledge of RSIs by taking this multiple-choice quiz. 1. Which of these activities can result in a repetitive-stress injury? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Baseball pitchers, musicians, and people ...
What Do You Know About Reproductive Cancers? Cancer can strike any part of the reproductive system, but research has led to better diagnoses, treatments, and a lower chance of death for many of these cancers. 1. How common is testicular cancer in men? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Although testicular cancer accounts for only 1% of all cancers in men, it is the most common form of cancer in young men ages 15 to 35. Any man can get testicular cancer, but it is more co...
Take the Reye's Syndrome Quiz Reye's syndrome is a disease that affects all the organs, but causes the most harm to the brain and the liver. The disease was first officially identified more than 40 years ago by a doctor in North Carolina, although it has been around for at least 70 years. Find out more about the disease by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the American Liver Foundation. 1. Reye's syndrome primarily affects which a...
Rheumatoid Arthritis Quiz Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects 1.5 million Americans. It has no cure, but it can be controlled by a range of treatments. Learn more about RA by taking this quiz. 1. One characteristic that distinguishes RA from other types of arthritis is its symmetry. If one hand is involved, the other one is, too. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is RA in adults most often affects the wrists and fingers. It can also affect the neck,...
Take the Rosacea Quiz Approximately 14 million people in the United States have rosacea. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about this skin condition. 1. Rosacea affects mainly the back and the abdomen. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Rosacea usually occurs on the face, although the neck and upper chest are also sometimes involved. Rosacea also affects the eyes in about half the cases. A. True B. False 2. Rosacea is a disease that develops in childhood, grow...
Take the Scoliosis Quiz Find out how much you know about scoliosis by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. 1. Most idiopathic scoliosis that occurs in children appears before age 10. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Scoliosis can occur before age 10, but it's rare and is generally caused by some condition such as a spinal tumor, congenital heart disease, or a genetic disorder rather than ...
Take the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Quiz If you notice periods of depression that seem to accompany seasonal changes during the year, you may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression alternating with periods of normal or high mood the rest of the year. 1. People with seasonal affective disorder feel sad only during the winter. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is People with SAD experience dep...
How Much Do You Know About Seasonal Allergies? As the blooms and blossoms of spring spill out across gardens and yards, pollens and mold spores are also on the move. For people with seasonal allergies, spring can be a time of sniffles and sneezes. Find out more about seasonal allergies by taking this quiz. 1. Which of the following is a symptom of seasonal allergies? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Other symptoms include itchy eyes, nose, and throat, and a runny nose....
How Much Do You Know About Seizures? A seizure is an uncontrolled electrical discharge from brain cells that causes mental and physical symptoms. Epilepsy is a group of chronic conditions in which a person has unprovoked, recurring seizures. Find out more about epilepsy and seizures by taking this quiz, based on information from the Epilepsy Foundation. 1. Although the characteristics of a seizure may differ from person to person, seizures are caused by the same thing: You didn't answer this question. Y...
Take the Senior Fitness Quiz You don't have to be reminded about the aging process. It's inevitable—but some of the changes associated with aging are not. Just because you're older than 60 doesn't mean you can't be fit. Learn more about senior fitness by taking this quiz. 1. As we get older, we should limit our physical activities because they can be too taxing on our bodies. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is A decline in physical fitness is not a consequence of aging, ...
Take the Senior Oral Health Test "Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag," the old song goes, "and smile, smile, smile." But older adults may not be ready to offer a toothy grin if they don't get regular dental checkups. Your teeth are important, no matter what your age. Find out how much you know about teeth by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute on Aging. 1. All people eventually lose their teeth as they age. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct a...
What Do You Know about Sexually Transmitted Diseases? Chlamydia, herpes, and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Millions of new STD infections occur in the U.S. each year, according to the CDC. Take this quiz to find out more about STDs, as well as how to protect yourself from them. 1. STDs are most prevalent in which age group? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Nearly half of all STDs occur in people ages 15 to 24, according to the CDC. Other age group...
What Do You Know About Shingles? Learn about shingles, a painful skin condition, by taking this quiz. 1. Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, varicella-zoster (VZV). What does "varicella" mean? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Varicella is a Latin word used to distinguish the chickenpox/shingles virus from its much more dangerous relative, variola, which causes smallpox. "Zoster" is part of the virus name because it is the Greek word for "girdle";...
The Shoulder Quiz A dislocation and a torn rotator cuff are just two things that can go wrong with the shoulder. Can you think of others? Find out how much you know about shoulders by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1. The collarbone is part of the shoulder joint. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The shoulder joint is composed of three...
Take the Sickle Cell Disease Quiz Red blood cells are usually doughnut-shaped. In a person with sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells are shaped like a C--like a sickle. Find out more about this disease by taking the following quiz. 1. People with sickle cell anemia are born with it. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The disease is inherited. People with sickle cell anemia inherit a sickle cell gene from each parent. People who inherit a sickle cell gene from only one...
Take the Sleep Apnea Quiz When your sleep is upset throughout the night, you can be very sleepy during the day. Perhaps you have sleep apnea--a breathing disorder marked by many brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. 1. Sleep apnea is most common among women. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Although sleep apnea occurs in both sexes and among all age groups, it is most often diagnosed in middle-aged men. It may be under-diagnosed in women. About 18 million Amer...
What Do You Know About Sleep? Sleep is as important as the food you eat and the air you breathe. Find out more about sleep by taking this quiz. 1. Infants need about how many hours of sleep in 24 hours? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is How much sleep a person needs depends in large part on age. Infants need about 16 hours; school-aged children, 10 to 11 hours. Teens need about 9 hours. Most adults seem to need 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. That amount can vary to as f...
What Do You Really Know About Sleep? A good night's sleep—everyone needs it, but not everyone gets it. We stay up late and get up early, and then wonder why we always feel tired. Why is sleep important? See how much you know about snoozing by taking this quiz. 1. The rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage is when dreaming occurs. How often does REM happen during the night? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is REM sleep occurs every 1-1/2 hours while you sleep, the National I...
How Much Do You Know About Smallpox? Smallpox was once found throughout the world, causing illness and death wherever it occurred. Smallpox was primarily a disease of children and young adults, with family members often infecting each other. A massive program by the World Health Organization eliminated all known smallpox viruses from the world in 1977. Although the disease no longer exists, samples of the virus that caused smallpox were saved by various governments for research purposes. 1. Small...
What Do You Know About Smokeless Tobacco? Smokeless tobacco may seem less harmful than smoking. But the health consequences of using smokeless tobacco include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and mouth sores. 1. Many people consider chewing tobacco a safe alternative to cigarettes because it's not smoked. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is In reality, it can cause serious long-term health problems. Tobacco in any form contains cancer-causin...
What Do You Know About Smoking During Pregnancy? This quiz will help you learn how smoking affects your baby. 1. Most babies of women who smoke weigh the same as babies of women who don't smoke. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is They weigh an average of a half-pound less and are more likely to be born early and need special care after birth, according to the CDC. Smoking nearly doubles a woman's risk of having a baby with low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds). Low-bir...
Take the Snakebite Quiz They fascinate. They repel. Some pose a danger. Most are harmless. And whether they are seen as scary creatures or colorful curiosities, snakes play important environmental roles in the fragile ecosystems of the nation's wildlife areas. 1. The most common venomous snakes in the United States are native to all states except: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The most common venomous snakes in the United States are pit vipers. Pit vipers have trian...
Take the Snow Sports Safety Quiz Downhill skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports, but they aren't without their risks. Each year, thousands of skiers and snowboard enthusiasts are injured, some seriously, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Beginning skiers and snowboarders are at highest risk for injury, but even those who are experienced can run into trouble. Learn more about snow sports injuries and how to prevent them by taking this quiz. 1. The leather boots once...
Take the Spine Health Quiz Back pain is one of the most common nerve-related illnesses in the United States. Keeping your spine in good health is one way to avoid back pain. Learn more about your spine and back pain by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 1. How many doctor's visits each year are because of back problems? You did...
What Do You Know About Sports and Eye Safety?? You have your kneepads and your helmet. Or your faceguard and your gloves. Before you walk onto the playing field, don’t forget to protect your eyes. Find out more about preventing eye injuries by taking this quiz. 1. More than 90 percent of sports eye injuries can be prevented. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 40 percent of eye injuries are related to sports an...
Take the Sprains and Strains Quiz Sprain? Strain? The terms for these injuries sound so similar, what's the difference? Find out by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. 1. If you have a sprain, it means you've injured a ligament. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The injury can be either an overstretching or a tear of one or more ligaments. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that hold two...
How Much Do You Know About Stinging Insects? Picnics and barbecues and pottering in the garden are some of the delights of summer. For some people, though, these pleasant pastimes are ruined by a fear of bees and wasps and other things that sting. Should you worry? Find out by taking this true-false quiz. 1. Most people are allergic to bee stings. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Although many people fear bees and other stinging insects because they think they are high...
What Do You Know About Streptococcal Infections? Strep throat is just one illness caused by group A streptococcal (GAS) bacteria. Group B streptococcal (GBS) bacteria are responsible for illness in newborns. Take this quiz to find out more about streptococcal infections and how to prevent them. 1. How many mild GAS infections occur each year? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Infections caused by GAS can be mild to severe. Mild GAS infections include strep throat and mi...
What Do You Know About Stress? Slow traffic. Screaming children. A job interview. A crumbling marriage. Any of these could be a stressful situation. We all face stress in our lives, and some days are more stressful than others. Stress can take its toll on our physical and mental health. Learn more about stress and its effects by taking this multiple-choice quiz. 1. Which gland in your body is responsible for the stress response? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is When yo...
How Much Do You Know About Stroke? Stroke is a leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA). The ASA reports that strokes kill about 137,000 people a year, accounting for about one of every 18 deaths. Find out more about stroke by taking this quiz, based on information from the AHA and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). 1. What is another name for ...
Stroke Quiz Find out how much you know about strokes and what causes them. 1. A stroke is caused by a blood clot or burst blood vessel that stops the flow of blood to an area of the brain. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The blockage (clot of blood or some other mass) or bursted blood vessel leads to a sudden partial loss of brain function. Without oxygen and important nutrients, the affected brain cells are either damaged or die within a few minutes. A. True B. False...
What Do You Know About Stuttering? What do Lewis Carroll, Bill Walton, and King George VI have in common? They were all stutterers at some point in their lives. The Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA) offers this quiz to see how much you know about stuttering. 1. More than 3 million Americans stutter. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Stuttering, also known as stammering, is a communication disorder. A. True B. False 2. Stuttering affects four times as many males as ...
Take the Summer Sun Exposure Quiz Hot weather, clear skies, and extra leisure time in the summer mean that many people spend hours in the sun. Lengthy sun exposure can raise the risk for skin cancer if you don't take steps to protect yourself. 1. The hours of the day when you are most at risk from the sun's rays are: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is This time frame applies to daylight saving time; in standard time, you should try to avoid the sun between 9 a.m. to 3 p....
Take the Swimming Quiz Find out why swimming is such a great way to exercise. 1. Swimming is an excellent activity for which of these? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Recreational swimming is considered a moderately intensive activity; swimming laps is vigorous activity. A. Aerobic conditioning B. Rehabilitating an injury C. Losing weight D. All of the above 2. Water workouts are easier on joints because of water's buoyancy. By how much does water reduce the body's we...
How Much Do You Know About Taste & Smell? Smell and taste problems can have a big impact on our lives. Because these senses contribute substantially to our enjoyment of life, our desire to eat, and be social, smell and taste disorders can be serious. 1. People are able to distinguish four main types of tastes: sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The taste cells are clustered in the taste buds of the mouth and throat. Many of the small b...
What Do You Know About Tattoos and Body Piercing? Tattooing has been done as a decorative practice since ancient times. It's now also being used for some cosmetic medical procedures and for permanent makeup applications. Find out more about tattoos and piercings by taking this quiz. 1. How is a tattoo applied to the skin? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The needles usually are attached to a small machine and tubes that hold the dyes. The tattooist moves the machine ov...
What Do You Know About Teen Health? Test your knowledge of what it takes to be a healthy teen. 1. At what age does the adolescent growth spurt usually begin for girls? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The growth spurt in girls typically occurs two years earlier than in boys. Girls can have their growth spurt as early as ages 6 or 7, but it typically occurs at age 11. Body parts may grow at different rates, and teens often appear clumsy and feel awkward during this peri...
Take the Adolescent Immunization Quiz Thanks to vaccines, most U.S. children are protected against serious diseases such as measles, mumps, diphtheria, polio, and chickenpox. But what happens to that protection in adolescence? A teen who missed a vaccination or booster as a child may need to be immunized. Sometimes a teen's living situation or medical condition makes it necessary to get a vaccination. Other vaccines lose their protective power over time, and teens and young adults need a booster to stay...
Take the Tetanus Quiz Tetanus, or lockjaw, is an infection that affects the nervous system. Most children are immunized against it, but that immunity wears off with time. Adults need a booster shot to maintain their immunity. 1. Tetanus is caused by a virus. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium produces a toxin, or poisonous substance, that attacks the part of the spinal cord that controls the muscles. I...
Take the Thyroid Quiz The thyroid is a gland that controls key functions of your body. It is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which help to maintain the body’s metabolism or production of energy. Disease of the thyroid gland can affect nearly every organ in your body and harm your health. 1. The most common thyroid disorder is: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The most common thyroid disorder is hyp...
Take the Toilet Training Quiz One of the milestones for toddlers is toilet training. As a first-time parent, you may have questions about when to start and how to proceed. Learn more about toilet training by taking this quiz. 1. At what age is a child usually ready to start learning to use the toilet? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Each child is different, so your child may be ready earlier or later. Boys usually are not ready until later and take longer to learn tha...
How Much Do You Know About Tonsils and Adenoids? Test your knowledge of tonsils and adenoids by taking this quiz, based on information from the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). 1. Tonsils are located on the back of the throat. Where are the adenoids located? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Although tonsils are visible when you open your mouth wide, adenoids cannot be seen without a flexible lighted instrument. A. At the base of the...
Trans Fat Facts and Fiction Not all fats are alike, and trans fats get even less respect than their natural counterparts. Although most trans fats are consumed from processed foods, some are found naturally in meat and dairy products. 1. Most of the trans fats (also called trans fatty acids) consumed come from a process called hydrogenation, which: You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Hydrogenation changes liquid oil to solid in creating stick margarines and spreads. That'...
What Do You Know About Tuberculosis? Many people think tuberculosis (TB) is no longer a threat, but it's still a leading killer worldwide. One-third of the world’s population (about 2 billion people) is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis , the bacterium that causes TB. 1. How do you get TB? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Tuberculosis is a disease that can affect any part of the body, but the infection most often targets the lungs. Most TB cases are caused by in...
Take the Urinary Incontinence Quiz Learning about incontinence can give you the courage and understanding needed to bring the subject up with your health care provider. 1. One type of incontinence is called stress incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine while someone coughs, sneezes, laughs, or does routine physical activities, such as bending down, lifting, or walking. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Stress incontinence occurs ...
Take the Urinary Tract Infection Quiz Your urinary tract includes the organs that collect and store urine and release it from your body. They are the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. 1. The average adult passes about three quarts of urine a day. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The total is about a quart and a half of urine each day. The amount of urine varies, depending on the fluids and foods you consume. The volume formed at night is about half that formed in...
Take the Vision Test Find out how much you know about your eyes. 1. Which of these is a leading cause of vision loss or blindness? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is All three of these conditions can cause either severe vision loss or blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults each year. Glaucoma is another leading cause of blindness in the U.S.; among African-Americans, it is the most common cause of blindness. Others at risk for gla...
How Much Do You Know About Vitamins? Sometimes it's hard to keep your vitamin facts straight. How much vitamin A do you need? What's the best source of Vitamin C? And all those B vitamins—which one is which? Here's a quiz that offers a chance to learn something different, but not necessarily trivial, about vitamins. 1. If you live above the 45th parallel, you are likely to be deficient in which vitamin? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Vitamin D is created by your body...
Take The Vocal Quiz Hoarseness is a general term that describes abnormal voice changes. When you are hoarse, your voice may sound breathy, raspy, or strained, or there may be changes in volume (loudness) or pitch (how high or low the voice is). 1. Excessive talking or yelling can strain or injure the vocal cords. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Other activities that can lead to vocal abuse (straining or injuring the vocal cords) include throat clearing, coughing, inha...
What Do You Know About Water Safety? Hundreds of people drown each year in the U.S., including those who die in boating accidents and in swimming pools. Summertime is a prime time for water-related injuries. Learn more about water safety by taking this quiz, based on information from the American Red Cross (ARC) and other safety groups. 1. Alcohol is rarely involved in drowning deaths related to boating mishaps. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Alcohol use is blamed in...
How Does the Weather Affect Your Health? We talk about the weather when we don't have much else to chat about: "Nice day, isn't it?" "Aren't you sick of this rain?" The weather has more to do with your health than you might realize. Learn more about the weather and you by taking this quiz. 1. People who suffer from a “bum knee” often say they can tell when rain is coming. This is because they may have which of these common health conditions? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answ...
Take the Weight-Training Safety Quiz Many Americans are starting weight-training (or resistance-training) programs to improve their health and fitness. The following quiz can help you determine if you know enough about strength training to start a program yourself. 1. Weight training increases fitness by increasing muscle strength and endurance, enhancing the cardiovascular system, and increasing flexibility. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is It's important to maintain ...
Weighty Questions Since 1980, the number of obese adults in the U.S. has doubled. According to the CDC, more than 72 million Americans currently are obese—or more than a third of the adult population. The increase in obesity isn’t limited to adults: The rate of obesity has tripled for children during this same time period. Find out more about the risks of excess weight by taking this quiz. 1. Being overweight puts you at risk for heart disease. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct a...
Take the West Nile Virus Quiz When dealing with West Nile virus, prevention is your best bet. Protecting yourself against mosquito bites reduces your risk of getting this disease, along with other diseases that mosquitoes can carry. 1. West Nile virus belongs to a group of viruses known as flaviviruses. How are these viruses spread? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Other flaviviruses carried and spread by mosquitoes include those that cause yellow fever, Japanese encep...
Can You Control Workplace Interruptions? Having trouble concentrating on important tasks at work because of frequent interruptions? If so, knowing how to control and avoid them can increase your productivity. Here is a quiz to help you assess your knowledge of how to deal with interruptions. 1. It's efficient to check your e-mail every time you get a message. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is It's more efficient to open your e-mail only twice a day, unless you're expect...
How Are Your Wound Smarts? Find out how much you know about taking care of wounds. 1. The first thing you should do when you get a wound is wash it with soap and water and then bandage it. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is You might also apply iodine or hydrogen peroxide to help prevent infection, though these can be irritating to wounds so talk with your doctor before use to make sure this is appropriate for your wound. But keep in mind that you should use antiseptics ...