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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

Your Child's Allergies: Dust Mites What is a dust mite? Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in homes and schools. They like warm, humid areas filled with dust. Dust mites feed on the shed scales of human skin that work their way into furniture, carpets, bedding, and

Meconium Aspiration What is meconium aspiration? Meconium aspiration is when a newborn breathes in a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb. Meconium is the baby's first stool, or poop. It is sticky, thick, and

Meckel Diverticulum What is Meckel diverticulum? Meckel diverticulum is a small pouch in the lower wall of the small intestine. The normal intestine does not have a pouch. It's near where the small and large intestines meet. The pouch is left over from when your child's digestive

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

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

Varicose Veins What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins. They can happen anywhere in the body. But they are more common in the legs. Varicose veins are not considered a serious health problem. But they can be uncomfortable and can lead to more serious

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

Addison Disease in Children What is Addison disease in a child? Addison disease, also called primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare autoimmune endocrine disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands don't make enough of the "stress" hormone called cortisol. Cortisol controls

Fanconi Anemia in Children What is Fanconi anemia in children? Fanconi anemia is a blood disorder. The bone marrow either doesn't make enough blood cells or it makes abnormal blood cells. Bone marrow is the spongy material inside bones. It makes white and red blood cells, and