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Medical Genetics: Getting Genetic Services for Your Child What are genetic services? Genetic services are programs that help support families and children with genetic disorders. Genetic services can: Give you information about your family’s genetic risk factors. Diagnose a

Oral Health and Dental Specialists What is a general dentist (DDS or DMD)? To become a general dentist, a person must graduate from dental school and have either a DDS or a DMD degree: DDS. Doctor of dental surgery DMD. Doctor of dental medicine There is no difference between the

Arrhythmias in Children What are arrhythmias in children? An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. When a child has an arrhythmia, abnormal electrical signals sent through the heart muscle may cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or in an

Sickle Cell Disease in Children What is sickle cell disease in children? Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder that a child is born with. It's passed down through a parent’s genes. Children with SCD make an abnormal type of hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood

Neurocutaneous Syndromes in Children What are neurocutaneous syndromes in children? Neurocutaneous syndromes are disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin, and bones. The diseases are lifelong conditions that can cause tumors to grow in these areas. They can also

Planning a Pregnancy If you're planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks for both you and your baby. Good health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. The first few weeks of pregnancy are

The Menstrual Cycle: An Overview What is ovulation? When a young woman reaches puberty, she starts to ovulate. This is when a mature egg or ovum is released from one of the ovaries. The ovaries are the two female reproductive organs found in the pelvis. If the egg is fertilized

Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea) in Teens What are menstrual cramps in teens? Menstrual cramps are severe, painful cramps that occur during a period. There are two types: Primary. This type starts soon after a girl gets her first period. It's usually lifelong. But it may get

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

Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) in Children What is tongue-tie in children? Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a problem with the tongue that is present from birth. It causes speech and eating problems in some children. The lingual frenulum of the tongue is a small fold of tissue that