Quality of Care

If you've ever been a hospital patient, you've probably been hooked to an intravenous line. We call it an "IV." It sends fluid into your bloodstream. But what's the purpose of an IV, exactly? Let's take a moment to learn more.

These drugs are commonly used to ease your allergy symptoms. They're also used to treat other issues. You can buy some antihistamines over-the-counter. Others require a prescription.

This is a name we give to marijuana products used to treat medical conditions. Marijuana is a drug and it comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. U.S. federal law outlaws it. But many states allow you to use it for medical reasons. In these states, your doctor can give you permission.

This nutrient is one of the B vitamins. It helps turn the foods you eat into energy.

This nutrient is one of the B vitamins. Our bodies use it to make red blood cells. It's used to make DNA, and to keep our nerve cells healthy.

This is an amino acid that our bodies need to be healthy. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is found in all our cells. L-arginine is known for helping to dilate blood vessels.

This is an antioxidant that's found in all of your cells. It's used by the immune system. It also has other roles in the body.

This is one of the B vitamins that's essential for good health. It helps our bodies make new cells. It's used to make DNA and other genetic material. It also plays a role in cell division.

These are minerals that contain an electrical charge. They dissolve in water. In your body, we find them in your blood, sweat, urine and other fluids. They affect many things. They're used in chemical reactions in your body. They affect nerves and muscles. And they help balance fluids in your cells. Some examples of electrolytes include calcium, potassium and sodium.

These healthy chemicals are found in many of the foods you eat. Vitamins A, C, and E are all types of antioxidants. So are selenium and beta-carotene.

These molecules are the building blocks of protein. There are twenty different amino acids that we need for good health.

This is a nutrient we can't live without. It helps build connective tissues like cartilage and collagen. It's used to make muscles and blood vessels. It also helps you absorb iron.

This is an antioxidant that's found in all of your cells. It helps turn glucose (a type of sugar you get from foods) into energy.

This is a mineral we need to be healthy. It's found in cells throughout the body. Your body uses zinc for many things, like growth and development, making proteins and DNA, and helping the immune system fight off germs.

This is an amino acid that our bodies need to be healthy. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is found in all our cells. Taurine may affect the heart and nerves.

This is a group of eight nutrients we can't live without. They help us get energy from the foods we eat. They help form red blood cells. They also affect many other body functions.

This is a mineral our bodies need in abundance. We need it for strong bones and teeth. Our bodies need it for other things too.  In fact, there's more calcium in your body than any other mineral.

This is a mineral our bodies need to be healthy. Many things our bodies do rely on magnesium. It affects our nerves, muscles and blood pressure. It affects our energy levels and our bones.

This is an amino acid that our bodies need to be healthy. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is found in all our cells. L-carnitine plays a role in energy production and other body processes.

This is an amino acid that our bodies need to be healthy. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is found in all our cells. L-glutamine plays a role in digestion, immune system health and other processes.

This nutrient is a type of sugar that's found naturally in your body. It helps form the walls of your cells. It plays a role in your blood sugar level and other body processes.

This is an IV infusion of the drug ketamine. We use it to treat some forms of neuropathic pain. That's a type of pain you have when your nervous system is damaged or not working well.

This is an opioid medication. Your doctor may give it to you for severe pain. It may help when other pain control methods don't.