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Care of Children's Mouth and Teeth Most pediatric dentists agree that regular dental care should begin when a child gets their first tooth or no later than the child's first birthday. Most children should have a dental checkup at least twice each year after that. Some children

Newborn Metabolic Screening Most babies look healthy and perfect when they are born—just ask their parents. But because some potential problems aren't readily seen, all newborns are tested for certain conditions, including metabolic disorders. A metabolic disorder is one that

Monoclonal Gammopathies What are monoclonal gammopathies? Monoclonal gammopathies are conditions in which abnormal proteins (antibodies) are found in the blood. These proteins are made from a small number of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The most common condition linked with

Blood Donations and Blood Banking What is blood banking? A blood bank is a place where blood is collected and stored before it is used for transfusions. Blood banking takes place in the lab. This is to make sure that donated blood and blood products are safe before they are used

HIV/AIDS What is HIV/AIDS? The term AIDS refers to the most advanced stages of an infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The current definition of AIDS includes: All HIV-infected people who have fewer than 200 CD4+ T cells (also called T4 cells or just T

Common Liver Tests What are some common liver tests? A series of blood tests can often find out if the liver is inflamed, injured, or working normally. The pattern of abnormalities can point to hepatitis (infection or inflammation of the liver) versus cholestasis (problems with

Juvenile Dermatomyositis What is juvenile dermatomyositis? Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, muscles, and skin. It's different from other muscle diseases because it also causes skin problems. Symptoms often

Ascites What is ascites? Ascites is a condition that happens when fluid collects in spaces in your belly (abdomen). If severe, it may be painful. The problem may keep you from moving around comfortably. It can set the stage for an infection in your abdomen. Fluid may also move

Osteoporosis What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, thinning bones. This puts the bones at greater risk of breaking. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. What causes osteoporosis? Researchers don't know the exact cause for

Facts About Diabetes What is diabetes? When you have diabetes, your body has a problem with insulin. It doesn't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin it makes (insulin resistance). Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas. It helps sugar (glucose) enter your cells to