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Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves What are heart valves? The heart has four chambers: two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). Blood passes through a valve before leaving each chamber of the heart. The valves prevent the backward flow of blood

The Child's Immune System What is the immune system? The immune system protects your child's body from outside invaders. This includes germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and toxins (chemicals made by microbes). The immune system is made up of different organs, cells

Hepatoblastoma in Children What is hepatoblastoma in children? Hepatoblastoma is a very rare cancer that starts in the liver. It usually affects children younger than 3 years of age. About half of all children with it are diagnosed before age 1. It usually doesn't spread

Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins in Pregnancy What are hemorrhoids and varicose veins? Hemorrhoids and varicose veins might seem to be two different, unrelated problems, but they're actually quite similar. And many women, especially those in the third trimester of pregnancy, have

Medicine Rashes in Children What are medicine rashes in children? Medicine rashes are the body’s reaction to a certain medicine. You may also hear these called drug rashes. The type of rash that occurs depends on the type of medicine that is causing it. Rashes can range from mild

Asthma in Children What is asthma in children? Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung disease that causes your child's airways to become sensitive to certain things (triggers). Several things happen to the airways when a child is exposed to triggers: The lining around the airways

Skin Cancer in Children What is skin cancer in children? Skin cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the skin. It can spread to and damage nearby tissue. Over time, it can spread to other parts of the body. Skin cancer is very rare in children. What causes skin

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children What is gastroesophageal reflux in children? Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Reflux means to flow back or return. Reflux happens because the lower

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? STIs are infections passed from person to person through sexual contact. They may also be called STDs for sexually transmitted diseases. Millions of new cases are diagnosed every year in the U

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