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The Digestive System: An Overview What is digestion? Food and drink must be changed into smaller molecules of nutrients to be absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body. Digestion is the process by which food and liquid are broken down into smaller parts

When to Call for Help Anytime you're not comfortable with a medical situation, call 911 or your local emergency number, go to an emergency room, or call your doctor. When to get help right away The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) says that these conditions need

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Adults What is whooping cough (pertussis)? Whooping cough (pertussis) is a very contagious respiratory illness. It mainly affects babies and young children, but adults can also get it. Whooping cough caused thousands of deaths in the 1930s and 1940s

Vision Milestones Vision normally sharpens as a baby matures into childhood. However, vision problems may be suspected in children who are not responding to their environment correctly. The following are some age-related guidelines that may help you know if your child is having

Shoulder Pain and Problems What are shoulder problems? Shoulder pain and problems are common. There are many types of shoulder problems that are caused by injuries and sudden (acute) or long-lasting (chronic) inflammation of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a complex joint

Tension Headaches What is a tension headache? Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are often factors in these headaches. Tension headaches often don’t cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. They do cause a steady ache, rather

Pneumonia in Children What is pneumonia in children? Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can be mild or serious. Pneumonia is generally more common in children younger than 5 years old. What causes pneumonia in a child? Pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria or viruses

Fever What is a fever? A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It often means there is an abnormal process occurring in the body. Exercise, hot weather, inflammation, infection, vaccines, and many other things can make body temperature rise. What causes a fever

Pulmonary Rehabilitation What is pulmonary rehab? Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program for people with long-term (chronic) lung diseases. It may also be used before or after lung surgery. It may also help improve lung function in people with scoliosis

Older Adults: Preventing Falls Every year, millions of older adults fall, leading to injuries and emergency room visits. Many of these falls and injuries can be prevented. Most falls happen at home. Taking certain safety measures can prevent many falls. Facts about falls Here are