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Watching Your Weight Why do you need to watch your weight? According to the CDC, more than 7 in 10 U.S. adults older than age 20 are either overweight or obese. Why is excess weight a concern? It may cause new health problems or worsen ones you already have. Staying at a healthy

Cancer Overview What is cancer? Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells. The whole body is made of cells that act and grow in controlled ways as the body needs them. Cells are controlled by genes. The genes in any cell in the body can be damaged. Then the cell can grow out of

Understanding Risks of Medicines in Pregnancy When you are pregnant, always check with your healthcare provider or midwife before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. This includes herbs and dietary supplements. All medicines affect the baby. How they affect the

Allergens: Animals What is an animal allergen? Allergens found in animals are a common cause of allergic reactions. They are caused by the proteins found in an animal's: Skin (dander) Saliva Urine Household pets such as cats and dogs are the most common sources of animal

The Lungs in Pregnancy Respiratory system The respiratory system is made up of the organs involved in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Its main job is to move fresh air (oxygen) into your body and move waste gases (carbon monoxide). out of your body. The system includes

Treatment for a Child's Allergy to Dust or Pollen Your child's doctor will consider your child's age, overall health, how severe the allergic reaction was, and other factors when advising treatment. The three ways to treat allergies that work best are: Avoiding the allergen

Milk Allergy Diet for Children General guidelines for milk allergy When your child has a food allergy, they must follow an allergy-free diet. This means your child can't have the food they are allergic to or any products containing that food. The items that your child is allergic

Types of Genetic Testing Genetic tests look for changes in a person's genes. They can also look for changes in the amount, function, or structure of key proteins coded by genes. Genetic tests can look at the DNA or RNA that play a role in certain conditions. Abnormal test results

Labor What is labor? Labor is when the uterus contracts again and again to help the cervix open (dilate) and to thin (efface). The contractions get stronger with time. This causes the fetus to move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts 2 weeks before or after the

Breathing Problems What might breathing problems mean in a newborn? Babies breathe much faster than older children and adults. A newborn's normal breathing rate is about 40 to 60 times per minute. This may slow to 30 to 40 times per minute when the baby is sleeping. A baby’s