Children usually move in natural, predictable steps as they grow and develop language, cognitive, social, and sensory and motor skills. But each child gains skills at their own pace. It's common for a child to be ahead in one area, such as language, but a little behind in another. At routine checkups, your child's...

Discusses chronic pain caused by problems other than cancer. Covers symptoms and how chronic pain is diagnosed. Covers conditions that can be treated, like neck pain, low back pain, and arthritis. Info on treatment with medicine and lifestyle changes.

So you're ready to make a change that matters to you. You've planned for this change. You have your larger plan and smaller steps defined. Here are some things you can do to help you stay focused and make it easier to manage temptation, track your progress, and keep things positive and rewarding. Know what things...

You may be thinking about donating an organ to a family member or friend. Or you may want to donate an organ to help someone in need. Donating an organ while you're alive is called a "living donation." Some people who are critically ill need an organ transplant to live. But there are a lot more organs needed than are...

Carotid artery stenting is a procedure to open a narrowed carotid artery. There is a carotid artery on each side of the neck. They supply blood to the brain. Fatty buildup can narrow these arteries. This buildup is called plaque. When one or both of your carotid arteries are narrowed, it can make it hard for blood to...

Briefly discusses various sleep problems of those 12 and older. Covers insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

What is anorexia? Anorexia is a type of eating disorder. People who have anorexia usually have a very low body weight because of an intense fear of gaining weight. They may not eat enough food because of this fear. Some people with anorexia make themselves vomit to avoid weight gain. Sometimes they exercise too much...

What is bulimia? Bulimia is a type of eating disorder. People with bulimia will eat a larger amount of food than most people would in a similar situation, in a short time (binge). Then they do something to prevent weight gain. They may vomit or use medicines like laxatives to get rid of food (purge). Or they may...

Gender identity is your inner sense of being male, female, both, neither, or another gender. For some people, their gender identity doesn't match the sex they were assigned at birth. Most children start to identify their gender around age 3. Many transgender and gender-diverse adults remember feeling at a young age that...

Interactive tool that helps you estimate the impact smoking will have on your lifespan. Provides links to info on quitting tobacco use and a decision tool to determine whether you're ready to quit smoking.

Learn how to plan for long-term financial stability.

The sponge is used to prevent pregnancy. It is called a barrier method because it keeps the sperm and eggs apart. The sponge also contains a spermicide, which kills the sperm or stops the sperm from moving. The sponge fits inside your vagina and covers the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. After you place the...

How you feel about your body (your body image) may change when you have cancer. It is common to feel angry, frustrated, or disappointed after cancer surgery or during treatment for cancer. And it may be hard to adjust. Changes that may affect a person's body image include: Losing a breast because of breast cancer...

Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) may start while you are in the hospital. The hospital (inpatient) program is one part, or phase, of your cardiac rehab. This phase emphasizes exercise and education. A hospital program may include: A customized exercise program, based on your medical history, clinical condition, and...

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defines military sexual trauma (MST) as experiences of sexual assault or sexual harassment. These traumas occur when a person is in the military. The location, the genders of the people involved, and their relationship do not matter. Sexual harassment may include: A put-down...

Warning signs of suicide in children and teens include: Talking about suicide or wanting to die or disappear. Talking, writing, or drawing about death. Giving away belongings. Withdrawing from friends and family. Being angry or hostile. Doing risky things, like driving too fast. Using alcohol or drugs. Having changes in...

Looks at illness that causes extreme mood swings, ranging from mania (feeling overly energetic) to depression. Also called manic-depressive disorder. Covers treatment with counseling and medicines like mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.

Mitral valve replacement is most often done as an open-heart surgery. Minimally invasive types of surgery may be another option. The damaged mitral valve is removed and replaced with a new heart valve. The damaged valve is cut out. Then the new valve is sewn in place. The new valve may be mechanical or made of animal...

What is gender dysphoria? Dysphoria means feeling distressed or uneasy. Gender dysphoria is a feeling of emotional distress because your inner sense of your gender ( gender identity) doesn't match the sex that you were assigned at birth. For transgender and some gender-diverse people, their gender identity doesn't match...

What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is an abnormal curve in the spine. The spine curves from side to side in an "S" or "C" shape rather than being straight. The spine also may be twisted. What causes it? In most cases, the cause of scoliosis is not known. Scoliosis usually starts in the preteen years. In some cases, scoliosis...

What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from a mild concussion to a severe head injury. It is caused by a blow to the head or body, a wound that breaks through the skull (such as from a gunshot), a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain. This can cause bruising...

What is a cesarean section (C-section)? A cesarean section is the delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) in the mother's belly and uterus. It's often called a C-section. Sometimes a C-section is needed for the safety of the mother or baby. When is a C-section needed? In most cases, doctors do a C-section because of...

Covers the four courses of MS: relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, primary progressive, and progressive relapse. Discusses early and advanced symptoms. Also covers complications. Discusses diagnosis and treatment. Includes info on pregnancy and MS.