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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

Vision Milestones Vision normally sharpens as a baby matures into childhood. However, vision problems may be suspected in children who are not responding to their environment correctly. The following are some age-related guidelines that may help you know if your child is having

Making the Home Environment Safe What's involved in making the home environment safe? When caring at home for an ill, aging, or disabled person of any age, it's important to think about home safety. Print out this helpful checklist. Then use it to check for safety issues around

Breast Cancer: Diagnosis How is breast cancer diagnosed? If your health care provider thinks you might have breast cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to make sure. Diagnosing breast cancer starts with your provider asking you questions. They will ask about your health

Older Adults: Preventing Falls Every year, millions of older adults fall, leading to injuries and emergency room visits. Many of these falls and injuries can be prevented. Most falls happen at home. Taking certain safety measures can prevent many falls. Facts about falls Here are

Mold What is mold? Mold is a member of the fungus family. It's rarely killed by heat or cold exposure. Mold stays inactive (dormant) until a certain season, such as spring or fall, or when favorable environmental conditions appear. Then it grows and thrives. Where does mold grow

Topic Index - Pregnancy and Childbirth Pregnancy & Childbirth Home Planning a Pregnancy Signs of Pregnancy / The Pregnancy Test Calculating a Due Date Prenatal Medical Care Pregnancy Pregnancy Overview Anatomy: Fetus in Utero The First Trimester (0 - 12 Weeks) The Second

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