Bird flu (avian influenza)Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease of birds and is caused by several …
BirthmarksThey are common and many children have a mark of some sort. Most are harmless and some go away as …
BisexualityBisexuality is when a person finds both men and women physically, sexually or emotionally …
Bites and stings – first aidUnited States has many animal and insect species that bite or sting. Some bites and stings can be …
BladderThe bladder is part of the urinary system The kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra make up the …
Bladder cancerIt stores and gets rid of urine Bladder cancer begins when cells inside the bladder change and grow …
BleedingBleeding is the loss of blood from the circulatory system. Causes can range from small cuts and …
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a type of surgery that alters the appearance of the upper …
BlepharospasmBlepharospasm is the term used to describe involuntary movements of the eyelids. In its more severe …
BlistersLayers and is one of the body’s responses to injury or pressure. The feet are particularly …
Blood and pathology testsBlood and pathology tests leave many people squeamish, but they’re an important part of detecting, …
Blood countThe full blood count (FBC) is a common test that can help to diagnose a wide range of illnesses, …
Blood donationMost of this is used to help people with medical conditions that require blood or blood products …
Blood groupsThe blood carries oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and picks up waste products (such …
Blood pressureBlood pressure is the pressure of blood on the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood …
Blood pressure (high) - hypertensionThe heart pumps blood around the body through the blood vessels. Blood pressure is the amount of …
Blood pressure (low) - hypotensionThe heart pumps blood around the body through the blood vessels. Blood pressure is the amount of …
Blood transfusionIn these circumstances, a blood transfusion - giving the person blood donated by someone else - can …
Blushing and flushingThe terms blushing and flushing mean the same thing, although flushing tends to be used for more …
Body contouring surgeryAnd extra fat, and to improve the shape and tone of underlying tissue. The result is a body with …
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)What is body dysmorphic disorder? Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who …
Body image - menWhat is body image? Your body image is how you perceive, think and feel about your body. This can …
Body image - womenYour body image is how you perceive, think and feel about your body. This can include your body’s …
Body image – tips for parentsYour body image is how you think and feel about your body, and what you imagine it looks like. This …
Body image and dietsWhat is body image? Your body image is how you think and feel about your body. Body image involves …
Body liceBody lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) are small blood-sucking insects that live on the body of …
Body mass index (BMI)It is normal for your body to store energy as fat. However, too much or too little body fat can …
BoilsThis common bacterium inhabits the skin, and approximately one third of the population carry the …
Bone cancerBones: store protein, minerals and nutrients, such as calcium. Bone cancer can develop as either a …
Bone density testingBone density testing is a medical procedure used to determine bone density or strength. It can …
Bone fracturesA broken bone or bone fracture occurs when a force exerted against a bone is stronger than the bone …
Bone marrowBone marrow is the spongy tissue in the hollow centres of a person’s long bones. It is the blood …
BonesBones provide the structure for our bodies The adult human skeleton is made up of 206 bones. These …
Borderline personality disorder, and self-harming behaviour. About 1–4% of the population will develop BPD at some time in their …
Bottle feeding - nutrition and safetyBreastmilk or a suitable infant formula is recommended as the main source of nutrition for all …
BotulismWhat is botulism? Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal condition that causes progressive …
Bowel cancerWhat is bowel cancer? Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer affecting Americans. It is …
Bowel cancer screeningBowel cancer is the third most common cancer affecting Americans and the second leading cause of …
Bowel motionsThe small intestine absorbs food nutrients The waste is pushed into the large bowel where water is …
Bowen therapyBowen is an holistic remedial body technique that works on the mechanoreceptors and soft connective …
Bowen's diseaseIn Bowen’s disease, the skin cancer is located only in the epidermis, the uppermost layer of the …
Brachioplasty (arm lift surgery)Brachioplasty, or ‘arm lift’ surgery, reshapes the underside of the upper arm from the …
BrailleIt is made up of raised dots that can be ‘read’ by touch. The basic component is a rectangular …
BrainThe brain oversees bodily functions and allows consciousness This delicate organ can be affected by …
Brain deathBrain death is not the same as coma, because someone in a coma is unconscious but still alive. Brain …
Brain injury and sexual issuesA brain injury can change the way a person experiences and expresses their sexuality. Problems might …
Brain surgeryThe brain controls and coordinates conscious and unconscious body functions, as well as ‘higher’ …
Brain tumoursWhat is a brain tumour? The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). …
Brain tumours - gliomasWhat are gliomas? Gliomas are brain tumours associated with the three types of glial cells in the …
BreakfastBreakfast is often called ‘the most important meal of the day’, and for good reason. As the name …