Search Results

Acne What is acne? Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and oil glands (sebaceous glands). The oil glands secrete oils (sebum) to keep the skin moist. When the glands get clogged, it can lead to pimples and cysts. Acne is very common. People of all races and ages have acne

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 baby to move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts 2 weeks before or after the estimated

Kidney Failure What is kidney failure? Kidney failure happens when damage results in loss of normal kidney function. There are two types of kidney failure—acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure starts abruptly. It can sometimes be reversed. Chronic kidney failure progresses

Lupus What is lupus? Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack its own cells and tissues. It causes episodes of inflammation to various parts of the body. It can affect your joints, tendons, and skin. It

Depression What is depression? Depression is a whole-body illness. It involves the body, mood, and thoughts. Depression affects the way you eat and sleep. It also can affect the way you feel about yourself, the people around you, and other things. It's not the same as being

Hip Fracture What is a hip fracture? A hip fracture is a break in the thighbone (femur) of your hip joint. Joints are areas where two or more bones meet. Your hip joint is a "ball and socket" joint, where your thighbone meets your pelvic bone. The ball part of your hip joint is

Lyme Disease in Children What is Lyme disease in children? Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are spread by tick bites. Lyme disease is a year-round problem, but it peaks during the spring and summer months. It can cause

Metabolic Syndrome What is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome means that you have three or more health problems that put you at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It is also known as insulin resistance syndrome. It's also called syndrome X. If you have

Healthy Sleep Habits in Children What is normal sleep? The total amount of sleep your child needs varies depending on their age. Age Recommended hours of sleep per day Newborn to 3 months 14 to 17 hours 4 to 12 months 12 to 16 hours (often sleeps through the night) 1 to 2 years

Allergy Overview What are allergies? Allergies are due to a problem with the body's immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a false alarm. Normally the immune system attacks harmful things, such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes it