It's true that any kind of surgery, including gallbladder removal, can increase the risk of infection. But that doesn't mean patients always need to take antibiotics afterward.

Total knee replacement surgery is one of the more common operations performed in hospitals today. It’s not the only option, however, for a bum knee- nor is it the safest.

Quitting smoking can be one of the toughest battles a person can face, but a variety of treatments can help. Sometimes combining treatments may work too.

More than one-third of adults in the US are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Getting bigger around the waistline, however, can be a deadly problem.

Being obese can increase the risk for numerous health problems. Being underweight isn't healthy either; it may even raise the risk for chronic lung disease.

A family with at least one obese adult may be more likely to have an obese child. But a bigger influence may be other children in the home.

Screening can detect certain diseases in the early stages, possibly increasing the chances of successful treatment. However, in some cases, screening a whole population can lead to more harm than good.

Vaccines can be used to protect against both viruses and bacteria. But bacteria have a secret weapon that makes them harder to fight.

Public health awareness campaigns often focus on reducing cigarette smoking, but other smoking risks exist as well. In addition to cigars, hookahs present health risks too.

Past research has linked lower socioeconomic status to a higher risk for heart disease. A new study now suggests that low socioeconomic status might be linked to a specific circulatory problem.