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Preventing Sports Injuries Exercise is good for the body. And with the correct safety steps, sports injuries can often be prevented. The quality of protective equipment—padding, helmets, shoes, mouth guards—has helped to improve safety in sports. But you can still be at risk of

The Thyroid Gland Anatomy of the thyroid gland The thyroid gland is found in the front of the neck. It sits below the voice box (larynx) and on top of the trachea (windpipe). It has a butterfly-like shape. The small, 2-inch gland consists of 2 lobes, 1 on each side of the

Low-Vision Devices What is low vision? Low vision is a condition that means your vision can't be helped with traditional eyeglasses, contact lenses, intraocular lens implants, or corrective surgery. But in some cases, people with low vision may get help with special visual

Alcohol and Pregnancy The risks involved with alcohol use during pregnancy Drinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a baby. Everything a pregnant person drinks also goes to the baby. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the baby's developing body

Overview of Neck Masses in Children What are neck masses? Neck lumps (masses) are common problems in babies and children. Some neck masses are present at birth (congenital). They result from abnormal formation that occurs in the early stages of an unborn baby's development. Many

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

Skin Pigment Disorders What are skin pigment disorders? Skin color is determined by a pigment (melanin) made by specialized cells in the skin (melanocytes). The amount and type of melanin determines a person's skin color. What is the function of melanin? Melanin's role is to

Molds in the Environment What is mold? A mold is a microscopic fungus that grows and lives on plant or animal matter. It can also live on nonorganic objects. Most molds are made up of filaments. They reproduce through the production of spores. Spores spread by air, water, or

Nutrition During Pregnancy The importance of good nutrition during pregnancy About 300 extra calories are needed every day to maintain a healthy pregnancy. These calories should come from a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sweets and fats should be

Methods of Surgery What are the different methods of surgery? Surgery doesn't always mean large cuts (incisions) and long healing times, as in the past. Depending on the type of surgery, several methods may be used. People with the same diagnosis won't always be advised to have