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Cholesterol in the Blood Facts about cholesterol Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance that can be found in all parts of your body. It helps your body make cell membranes, many hormones, and vitamin D. The cholesterol in your blood comes from 2 sources: the foods you eat and

Skin Self-Exam Skin cancer can be treated with more success if it’s found early. The way to find skin cancer early is with regular skin exams. This means having a healthcare provider check your skin. And it also means checking your skin at home regularly. Getting regular skin

About Cancer Clinical Trials What are cancer clinical trials? Cancer clinical trials are research studies with people. They may be done by government agencies, educational organizations, private not-for-profit groups, or commercial businesses. Trials are used to check how safe

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) in Children What is myasthenia gravis in children? Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disorder that causes weakness in muscles around the body. This happens because antibodies destroy some of the places where nerves and muscles meet (neuromuscular connections). MG

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

Major Depression in Adolescents and Teens What is major depression? Major depression, also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, and has

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)? Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may affect people of childbearing age. It’s a severe and chronic health condition that needs

Juvenile Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases What are juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases in children? Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain and swelling. Juvenile arthritis is the term used for arthritis in children. The most common form of

Gastrointestinal Problems What might gastrointestinal problems mean in a newborn? A newborn's ability to eat and digest food is essential to growth and development. Most babies are able to absorb nutrients and have normal bowel movements after being fed. Gastrointestinal problems

Uterine Fibroids What are uterine fibroids? Fibroids are firm, dense tumors made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They develop in the uterus. About 1 in 5 to 1 in 2 women of reproductive age have fibroids, but not all are diagnosed. Fibroids are very common