Diseases

Diseases
Topics:

General


  • The International Huntington Association
    The IHA is a federation of national voluntary health agencies that share common concern for individuals with Huntington’s disease and their families.

  • The National Institutes of Health
    The NIH website features health publications, resources, and information in English and Spanish.


  • The National Library of Medicine
    Look up doctors, dentists, hospitals, and medical topics from A to Z at the National Library of Medicine, a service of the National Institutes of Health.


  • The National Osteoporosis Foundation
    The National Osteoporosis Foundation is the leading resource for people seeking up-to-date, medically sound information on the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of osteoporosis.
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Als-Lou Gehrig's Disease


  • ALS Association
    The homepage of the ALS association includes information about ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease as well as tips for caregivers.


  • ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease
    Basic information about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.


  • Understanding ALS
    Information and resources from the ALS association.

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Alzheimer's Disease


  • Alzheimer’s Clues
    A look at what is known—and what isn’t known—about Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Alzheimer’s Disease: The Basics
    Some information to consider if you suspect that an older loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease.


  • Common Alzheimer’s Complications
    Many persons with Alzheimer’s disease seem to have excess energy, which can show up as restlessness, wandering, and/or disturbed sleep. These symptoms pose special problems for caregivers.

  • Dealing With Aggressive Behavior
    While violent behavior isn’t a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, you need to know what to do if your loved one becomes hostile.

  • Listening and Communicating
    Alzheimer’s disease can make it difficult for you to communicate with your loved one, but there are steps you can take to improve the situation.

  • The Alzheimer’s Association
    A link to the source for Alzheimer’s information, support, and assistance.

  • Your Role In Alzheimer’s Care
    As the caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you will have to perform many different tasks and roles as the illness progresses.

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Arthritis


  • Arthritis Advice
    Basic information about arthritis, including common treatments.


  • Beating Arthritis
    Regardless of how your loved one is affected by arthritis, there are ways you can help alleviate the stiffness, pain, and fatigue caused by the disease.


  • Symptoms of Arthritis
    Looking for these signs can help you determine if your loved one suffers from arthritis.


  • The Arthritis Foundation
    The homepage for the Arthritis Foundation includes links to local support groups and programs.

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Bladder & Bowel Disorders


  • CCFA
    The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s website features research, general information and article links as well as a discussion group and “Ask a Specialist” area.


  • AUAF 
    The official website of the American Foundation for Urologic Disease provides information on urological conditions, research programs, and educational materials.


  • The IFFGD
    Information, assistance, and support for people with GI disorders and bowel incontinence, from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.


  • The United Ostomy Association
    The United Ostomy Association is a volunteer-based health organization that provides education, information, support, and advocacy for people who have had intestinal or urinary diversions.

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Cancer

  • Bladder Cancer
    An overview of bladder cancer of the most common types of bladder cancer—including superficial and invasive.

  • Brain Tumors
    Some basic information about benign and malignant brain tumors, as well as treatment options.


  • Breast Cancer
    Basic information about breast cancer and treatment options—including recommendations for follow-up.


  • Cancer And Self-Image
    Some ways that your can help your loved one with cancer overcome the emotional effects of the disease.


  • Cancer Treatment Nutrition Tables and Recipes 
    A quick reference guide and food ideas to help ensure that your loved one maintains good nutrition during his or her cancer treatments.
  • Cancer of the Cervix
    An overview of the most common types of cervical cancer, including high- and low-grade SILs.


  • Cancer of the Esophagus
    Some basic information about cancer of the esophagus—including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.


  • Cancer of the Larynx
    Some basic information about cancer of the larynx—including the most common regions for development.


  • Cancer of the Pancreas
    Basic information about cancer of the pancreas, including types and treatment options.


  • Cancer of the Uterus
    Basic information about uterine cancer, including the most common types.


  • Colorectal Cancer
    Basic information about colorectal cancer and preparing for treatment.


  • Coping Within The Family
    Cancer is a blow to every family it touches, and each family must handle it in their own way.


  • Eating After Cancer Treatment
    Sometimes, eating problems persist even after cancer treatment is over.


  • Eating Before Cancer Treatment
    Some healthy eating suggestions that will help your loved one’s body cope better with his or her cancer treatments.


  • Eating Tips For Oral Discomfort
    Some diet tips to try if your loved one experiences mouth sores, tender gums, or other oral problems resulting from cancer treatment.


  • Fatigue And Depression
    During cancer treatment, your loved one may feel tired or depressed. Here are some simple steps to take to help him or her feel better.


  • Healthy Diet During Cancer Treatment
    Cancer treatments can cause various side effects—including nausea and loss of appetite. But your loved one needs to eat well during treatment in order to fully recover from its effects.


  • Hodgkin’s Disease
    Information about the type of lymphoma known as Hodgkin’s disease.


  • Kidney Cancer
    Information about renal cells cancer, the most common form of kidney cancer in adults.


  • Leukemia
    Basic information about leukemia.


  • Living Each Day
    Helping your loved one cope with cancer is a day-by-day, step-by-step process.


  • Lung Cancer
    Basics information about the most common types of lung cancer—including small and non-small cell.


  • Melanoma
    Information about melanoma, a type of cancer that affects the body’s pigment cells.


  • Multiple Myeloma
    Information about multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells.


  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
    Basic information about the group of cancers known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.


  • Nonprescription Pain Relief
    If you’re loved one’s cancer pain isn’t too severe, he or she might be able to control it with over-the-counter medications.


  • Oral Cancer
    Some basic facts about oral cancer.


  • Other Cancer Eating Tips
    Food preparation and nutrition suggestions that can help your loved one during his or her cancer treatments.


  • Ovarian Cancer
    Information about epithelial carcinoma, the most common form of ovarian cancer.


  • Pain Relief Without Medicine
    If your loved one is concerned about taking too many drugs, there are some strategies for relieving cancer pain that don’t involve medication.


  • Prescription Pain Relievers
    Facts about narcotics and other prescription drugs used to fight cancer pain.


  • Prostate Cancer
    A brief introduction to prostate cancer, including information about follow-up care.


  • Recipes For Cancer Patients
    If cancer treatments are affecting your loved one’s eating habits or appetite, try a few of these nutritious recipes.


  • Sharing Feelings
    One of the best ways to help your loved one with cancer is to provide a supportive environment where he or she can share difficult feelings.


  • Sharing The Diagnosis
    Once your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, how do you share that information with family and friends?


  • Skin Cancer
    Basic information about basal cell carcinoma and squamouscell carcinoma—two of the most common types of skin cancer.


  • Stomach Cancer
    Basic information about stomach cancer, including a list of questions to ask the doctor before and during treatment.


  • Stomach Problems And Cancer Treatment
    Cancer treatment side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, can make it difficult for your loved one to get the nutrients that his or her body needs.


  • The American Cancer Society
    The American Cancer Society hosts a comprehensive site on cancer of all forms, its treatments, prevention, and alternative therapies. The homecare section may be of particular interest to caregivers.


  • The National Institutes Of Health
    A link to the National Institutes of Health’s website for cancer-related issues.


  • The World Outside
    When friends and co-workers find out that your loved one has cancer, they will react in different ways. Both you and your loved one need to be emotionally prepared to deal with their responses.


  • When You Need Assistance
    There are many sources of physical, emotional, and spiritual support to help you and your loved one cope with cancer.

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Cancer - Chemotherapy

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Cancer - Radiation Therapy

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Cerebral Palsy

  • Cerebral Palsy
    A look at the types, symptoms, and complications associated with cerebral palsy.


  • Cerebral Palsy and Aging
    Some symptoms normally related to primary aging may occur prematurely in individuals with cerebral palsy.

  • Managing Cerebral Palsy
    Strategies, treatments, and therapies that can help your loved one with cerebral palsy.


  • United Cerebral Palsy
    The UCP website features information on the condition, its treatment, research, assistive technologies, and the caregiver’s role as an advocate.

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Diabetes

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Heart Disease

  • Common Heart Disease Medications
    If used properly, prescribed medications can improve your loved one’s health, but you should also be aware of the medications’ potential side effects.

  • Getting Started In Cardiac Rehab
    Cardiac rehabilitation can help your loved one feel better and live longer.


  • Heart Disease And Women
    Heart disease affects men and women in different ways—and alternative treatments are available for women that may help reduce cholesterol and increase heart health.


  • Keys To Heart Health
    A few suggestions that can help your loved one with heart disease develop a healthier lifestyle.


  • Living With Angina
    Stable and unstable angina do not always lead to a heart attack, but both should be given medical attention.


  • Managing Heart Disease
    A health plan can make management of your loved one’s condition easier. Medication, diet, and exercise, should all be considered when developing a plan.


  • The American Heart Association
    The AHA’s homepage features an abundance of information, including an interactive heart disease risk assessment tool.


  • Warning Signs Of A Heart Attack
    Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack can help you save a loved one’s life.


  • What Is Heart Failure?
    An introduction to the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of heart failure.

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HIV/Aids


  • As AIDS Progresses
    As your loved one’s disease progresses into its latter stages, some further complications may occur.

  • Care Tips For A Loved One With HIV
    HIV can lead to a variety of related complications. Here are a few simple steps to take to avoid problems.


  • Caring For Someone With AIDS
    Some of the issues involved when caring for your loved one with AIDS.


  • Chickenpox And AIDS
    Chickenpox can be deadly for someone with AIDS, therefore it’s important to keep your loved one away from all contact with this disease.


  • Cooking For Someone With AIDS
    When caring for someone with AIDS, avoid food-borne infections by using some basic cooking instructions.


  • Dementia And AIDS
    In its later stages, AIDS can lead to confusion and dementia. Caregivers need to prepare for this difficult and awkward stage.


  • Dying At Home
    Whether or not to die at home is a big decision faced by many people with AIDS.


  • Emotional Caregiving And AIDS
    Dealing with any chronic illness can be emotionally draining. A tremendous amount of support from you and other family and friends will be needed.


  • Facts About HIV And AIDS
    Facts about HIV and AIDS, which will help you understand your loved one’s illness.


  • Final Arrangements
    Discussing final arrangements with a loved one can be difficult, but it’s best to handle the problem while he or she is still in relatively good health.


  • Getting Started
    A few things to consider before beginning to care for someone with HIV.


  • Giving Care To A Loved One With AIDS
    Proper rest and exercise, a feeling of independence, and a positive environment can all help your loved one with AIDS feel better and live longer.


  • Housekeeping And AIDS
    Keeping the house as clean as possible can help make your loved one with AIDS feel more comfortable and prevent the development of further infections and diseases.


  • How HIV Is Not Spread
    Common myths and misconceptions about the way HIV is spread.


  • How HIV Is Spread
    The ways in which the HIV virus passes from person to person.


  • Needles And Syringes
    When caring for someone with AIDS, it’s important to learn how to safely handle needles and syringes.


  • Other Help You Can Give
    Caregiving goes beyond medical assistance and housekeeping chores. Here are some other ways in which you can assist your loved one with HIV.


  • Protecting Your Loved One
    Your loved one with AIDS is highly susceptible to infection; prevention of spreading potentially dangerous germs is important.


  • Protecting Yourself
    While caring for a loved one with HIV, it’s important to take several steps to protect yourself from developing infection.


  • Sex And AIDS
    If you have sex with someone who has HIV, it’s important to protect yourself.


  • Waste Disposal
    Be careful when handling bodily wastes from an HIV-infected person. Safe disposal will help you and others avoid infection.


  • Wearing Gloves
    Protecting yourself from infection includes avoiding contact with all bodily fluids that might contain the HIV virus.

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Kidney Disease

  • Dialysis Facility Compare
    A link to the U.S. government’s Web site containing information and resources designed to help you find the right Dialysis facility for your loved one.

  • Kidney Disease
    Some signs and symptoms of kidney disease.


  • The National Kidney Foundation
    News, programs, and local support for people living with kidney and urinary tract diseases.

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Lung Disease
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  • Controlling Asthma
    Some simple steps that you can take to help your loved one control his or her asthma.


  • Lung Disease
    Some basic information and steps you can take when caring for someone with lung disease.


  • The AAFA
    A link to the homepage of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

  •  The American Lung Association
    The official website of the American Lung Association.


  • You Can Quit Smoking
    Quitting smoking can improve your health—and your loved one’s.

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Multiple Sclerosis

  • Multiple Sclerosis
    A run down of symptoms and some basic facts about multiple sclerosis.


  • The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
    Information on living with MS from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

  • The Shepherd Center
    Information for caregivers from the Shepherd Center, a not-for-profit hospital specializing in spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and other neuromuscular disorders.

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Parkinson's Disease

  • American Parkinson Disease Association
    The APDA has created a network of more than 800 support groups that provide education, counseling, assistance, and referrals.


  • Parkinson’s Disease
    What to expect from Parkinson’s , and tips for dealing with the disease’s progression.


  • Parkinson’s Treatments
    Information on several new treatments that can help slow the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.


  • The National Parkinson Foundation
    The homepage of the National Parkinson Foundation features a wealth of news, resources, and programs for persons who suffer from Parkinson’s disease and their families.

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Psychological Disorders

  • Anxiety Disorder Information
    The Anxiety Disorders Association of America offers information and support to persons who suffer from a wide variety of anxiety, fear, and obsessive disorders.


  • Mental Illness
    While the specifics of diagnosis and treatment vary, there are some basics to consider if you provide care to someone experiencing a mental disorder.


  • Pendulum Resources
    Information, support, resources, and links for persons with bipolar disorders and those who care about them.


  • The American Psychiatric Association
    Tips on choosing a psychiatrist, family issues, psychiatric medications, mental health insurance coverage, and other information from the American Psychiatric Association.


  • The NAPHS
    The National Associaton of Psychiatric Health Services’ consumer website includes information and links to mental health facilities and organizations.

  • The NDMDA
    The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association educates patients, their families, and the public about the nature and management these illnesses.


  • WalkersWeb
    Walkers in Darkness is a charitable organization established to promote the health and well-being of individuals afflicted with mental and emotional disorders.

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Stroke

  • Choosing A Rehabilitation Program
    A list of questions to consider as you and your loved one prepare to choose a rehabilitation program.


  • Coping With A Stroke
    An introduction to stroke-related topics, including basic medical information, an overview of the recovery process, and suggestions for preventing another stroke.


  • Deciding About Special Equipment
    Even after rehabilitation, some stroke survivors have trouble walking, balancing, or performing certain activities of daily living. Special equipment can sometimes help.

  • General Tips For Stroke Recovery
    Stroke recovery can be stressful for both the caregiver and the survivor. Here are some things to think about as you and your loved one face the challenges of recovery.


  • Getting The Most Out Of Rehabilitation
    You and your loved one can work together to help make stroke rehabilitation a success.


  • Physical And Mental Effects Of Stroke
    While each stroke is different—depending on the part of the brain injured, the severity of the injury, and the patient’s general health—there are some common after-effects.


  • Preparing To Care For A Stroke Survivor
    Before your loved one is discharged from the hospital, make sure you understand his or her safety, physical, and emotional needs so you will be available to provide the necessary care.


  • Rehabilitation Goals
    The basic goals of stroke rehabilitation.


  • Returning Home After A Stroke
    As your loved one prepares to leave the hospital or rehabilitation center, there are some things that you can do to ease his or her transition back to community living.


  • Stroke Rehabilitation
    In order to help your loved one recover as fully as possible from a stroke, you need to understand the rehabilitation process.

  • The National Aphasia Association
    The National Aphasia Association is a nonprofit organization that promotes public education, research, rehabilitation and support services to assist people with aphasia and their families.


  •  The National Stroke Association
    Information on types of strokes, symptoms, treatments, rehabilitation, therapies, and prevention from the National Stroke Association.

  • The Warning Signs Of Stroke
    Successful stroke treatment can depend on immediate medical care, so it’s important for caregivers to be aware of warning signs and symptoms.


  • Where To Find Additional Help
    A guide to community-based services that can provide needed assistance to caregivers whose loved ones have suffered strokes.

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In the Press

Caregiving resources recognized by:



 

Leading Causes of Death

The 15 leading causes of death accounted for 82.3 percent of all deaths in the United States.

1) Heart disease

2) Cancer

3) Stroke

4) Respiratory diseases

5) Accidents

6) Diabetes

7) Alzheimer’s

8) Influenza/pneumonia

9) Kidney disease

10) Septicemia

11) Suicide

12) Liver disease

13) Hypertension

14) Parkinson’s

15) Homicide

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report dated April 24, 2008

Caregivers Handbook

This handy guide provides resources, checklists and worksheets
 - all in one place.