Opioid Misuse and Addiction

Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are a type of drug. They include strong prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol. The illegal drug heroin is also an opioid. When used correctly under a health care provider's direction, prescription pain medicines are helpful. However, misusing prescription opioids risks dependence and addiction.

MedlinePlus has information on opioid safe use, misuse, addiction, and treatment plus links to accurate and unbiased information.

Get the facts on opioids.

Do You Know How to Help Someone Who is Choking?

Choking is when someone is having a very hard time breathing or cannot breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the throat or windpipe (airway). Learn what to do for a baby under 1 year or an adult or child over 1 year who is choking.

Body Piercing

The practice of body piercings goes back to ancient times and is most often in the ear lobe, but some people also pierce their ear cartilage, eyebrow, nose, tongue, lip, belly button, nipples, or genitals. Read more on how to reduce the health risks that can happen with piercings.

Coping with Loss

When someone you care about dies, your world changes. You are in mourning—feeling grief and sorrow at the loss. When you grieve, you can feel both physical and emotional pain. Everyone handles loss differently and there’s no right or wrong way to mourn. It's not unusual for people who are grieving to cry easily and have:

Trouble sleeping
Little interest in food
Problems with concentration
A hard time making decisions

Find resources for understanding grief and coping with loss.

Serving & Portion Size: What's the Difference?

Do you know the difference between serving size and portion size?

A recommended serving size is the amount of each food that you are supposed to eat, while a portion size is the amount of food that you actually eat. The calorie difference between the two sizes can affect your weight loss efforts. Here are some simple tips that can help you choose healthy portion sizes.