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Allergens: Animals What is an animal allergen? Allergens found in animals are a common cause of allergic reactions. They are caused by the proteins found in an animal's: Skin (dander) Saliva Urine Household pets such as cats and dogs are the most common sources of animal

Anatomy of the Skin Facts about the skin The skin is the body's largest organ. It covers the entire body. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection. The skin also: Regulates body temperature Stores water and fat Is a sensory organ Prevents water

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

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

Anemia and Chemotherapy Anemia is a potential side effect of chemotherapy (chemo). It's a condition that involves a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in your body. These are the cells that carry oxygen to other cells all over your body. Chemotherapy can damage your

The Digestive System: An Overview What is digestion? Food and drink must be changed into smaller molecules of nutrients to be absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body. Digestion is the process by which food and liquid are broken down into smaller parts

Fire Safety and Burns Overview What are the different types of burns? A burn injury usually results from an energy transfer from a heat source to the body. There are many types of burns caused by thermal, radiation, chemical, friction, or electrical contact. Thermal burns are

Refractive Errors in Children What is normal vision? To understand how certain problems can affect your child's vision, it’s important to know how normal vision happens. For children with normal vision, the following things occur in this order: Light enters the eye through the

Melanoma: Diagnosis If your healthcare provider thinks you might have melanoma, you will likely need certain exams and tests to be sure. Diagnosing melanoma starts with your healthcare provider asking you questions. They will ask you about your health history, your symptoms, risk

Postpartum Care Click on the links below to learn more about this topic. Caring for the Mother: Physically and Emotionally© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your