Discussion topics

Addiction

Overcoming the need for drugs, alcohol, and other addictive substances can be a desperate struggle, for both the people battling the craving and their loved ones. Talk with others about the challenges of the fight.

Allergies and asthma

Asthma control is a daily challenge. And from air filters to shots, there's no end of ways to fight allergies. Share your strategies for what works - and what doesn't.

Autoimmune diseases

With diseases such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, it's your own immune system that turns traitor. Meet other patients who are coping with these and other autoimmune disorders.

Bones, joints and muscles

Your bones, joints and muscles can act up in a variety of ways, from arthritis to osteoporosis. Talk to others with aches and pains about what works for them.

Brain and neurological conditions

Neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis can devastate both patients and caregivers. Support from others who share the unique challenges of these diseases can often help.

Cancer

Cancer is a multitude of diseases, but families who face it share a common fear and the need for support. Connect with others who have breast, prostate, and other cancers.

Children's health

When you're a parent, every hot forehead can seem like the beginning of something disastrous. Commune with other parents on the sniffles and the serious - and for that matter, anything that puzzles you about kids.

Complementary and alternative medicine

Supermarkets and health food stores offer a bewildering array of vitamins, herbs, and other dietary supplements. These products have many of the same effects as drugs but are much less strictly regulated and can be dangerous. Get input from other people about their experiences.

Depression

Depression can affect anyone, of any age, at any time. Some of the symptoms - loss of hope, lack of motivation - can make it hard to seek treatment and can be frustrating for family and friends. Here you can engage with others who suffer themselves or are trying to help loved ones.

Diabetes

Need help managing your blood sugar, improving your diet, or figuring out how to squeeze exercise into your schedule? Meet other people who are working through the same struggles.

Diet and nutrition

You know by now that you need to cut down on fat and processed foods, add green leafy vegetables to your diet, and drink less soda. Pop in here for some positive reinforcement.

Digestive disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, and ulcers can be painful, stressful, and embarrassing. But you're not alone - these diseases affect millions of people. Meet some of them here.

Eyes and vision

Vision changes that come with cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma can be frightening and depressing. Talk with others experiencing the same loss about treatments and how they cope.

Fitness and exercise

Can't find the time and motivation to get up and get moving? Sure you can - although it might help to have a little encouragement from friends.

General health

If you have a health concern that isn't addressed by any of these other topics, check in here to find other people who might share it or offer some insights.

Genetic disorders

You can now be tested for genes that cause a wide variety of disorders. Or perhaps you or a loved one already is affected by, say, cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease. Here you can discuss what you know - or don't want to know.

Health insurance

Insurance company denied your claim? Trying to figure out all those forms? Thinking about switching health plans? Talk to others who have wrestled with these issues - and maybe their insurers - here.

Heart and cholesterol

A number of risk factors for heart disease - activity level, weight, cholesterol - are under your control. Talk with others who are grappling with these factors and facing the same treatments, tests, and anxieties that you are.

Infectious diseases

From chicken pox to hepatitis, you can talk about infectious diseases - avoiding them and living with them - here.

Infertility

Facing infertility can be a devastating experience, which cuts to the very heart of people's feelings about themselves and their place in the world. One of the most important ways to navigate this difficult time is with support from others; discuss treatments, tests, and insensitive relatives here.

Men's health

Men have health issues all their own. Talk to your peers about preventing and coping with the illnesses that tend to plague men. Worried wives and mothers welcome, too.

Mental health

Mental disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder can leave families feeling lost in the dark. But relief is available to those who seek professional help. Find others here who understand the struggle.

Pain

From the occasional headache to chronic fibromyalgia, pain disorders can be daunting and difficult to manage. Get support from others with experience handling pain.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery

When most people hear 'plastic surgery' they think of cosmetic surgery - breast augmentations and facelifts. But plastic surgeons also offer hope to people with congenital abnormalities or scarred by accidents and fire. Talk to others who have had or are considering plastic surgery, cosmetic or otherwise.

Pregnancy and childbirth

From the first positive pregnancy test to the first time you hold your newborn, parenthood is a life-changing experience. Ask your questions and share your joys and fears here.

Senior health

Yes, some parts of the anatomy are going downhill fast. But it's possible - and health-promoting - to stay physically active and socially and intellectually engaged late in life. Talk about your own health, or that of your parents, with others who are working toward a healthy lifestyle.

Sexual health

Sexually transmitted diseases, erectile dysfunction, contraception. It may not be easy to confide your concerns about sex even to close friends face to face. Here, you can be open without feeling exposed.

Skin conditions

Itchy, thin, oily, wrinkled. Conditions from acne to eczema and psoriasis can cause great discomfort and make you self-conscious, too. Talk to people with these and other conditions about what brings relief.

Sleep disorders

Often, ending the tossing and turning can be a simple fix: Cut out the after-dinner coffee and get the TV out of the bedroom. Or medications may help. Talk to others with insomnia, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, and more to find out what brings them rest.

Weight loss

The doctors will be glad to tell you the secret to weight loss: Eat less and exercise more. But that won't make it any easier. Find encouragement here.

Women's health

From PMS to ovarian cancer, women have a host of health issues that men will never quite get. Discuss your own issues with other women here.