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Watching Your Weight Why do you need to watch your weight? According to the CDC, more than 7 in 10 U.S. adults older than age 20 are either overweight or obese. Why is excess weight a concern? It may cause new health problems or worsen ones you already have. Staying at a healthy

Medical Conditions and Pregnancy Certain health conditions may complicate a pregnancy. But with the correct care, you can have a healthy pregnancy even with health challenges. If you are concerned about a medical problem during pregnancy, talk to your doctor or midwife. Diabetes

Eye Cancer: Intraocular Melanoma What is intraocular melanoma? Melanoma is a serious kind of skin cancer. This cancer starts in cells called melanocytes. These cells make the pigment that colors your skin. You also have melanocytes in your eyes. When these cells become cancer, it

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

Introduction to Menopause What is menopause? When a person permanently stops having menstrual periods, this is called menopause. This means they can no longer get pregnant. Many doctors use the term menopause to refer to the period of time when hormone levels start to change

Meningitis in Children What is meningitis in children? Meningitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the thin membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. These membranes are called the meninges. What causes meningitis in a child? Meningitis is most often caused by a

Understanding the Stigma Around Mental Health When was the last time you chatted about your mental health? Last week, last month, last year? Regardless of when it was, your emotional well-being shouldn’t be a side note. It’s central to who you are and your overall health. And you

Medical Genetics: Types of Genetic Changes The human body has about 20,000 different genes in each cell. Genes are located on chromosomes, which are stick-shaped structures in the middle of the cell (nucleus). Each cell usually has 46 chromosomes grouped in 23 pairs. Each gene

Prenatal Medical Care The importance of early prenatal medical care As soon as you find out you are pregnant, work with your health care provider to set up a schedule of prenatal care. For pregnancies without major complications, prenatal exams are often scheduled as follows

Newborn Metabolic Screening Most babies look healthy and perfect when they are born—just ask their parents. But because some potential problems aren't readily seen, all newborns are tested for certain conditions, including metabolic disorders. A metabolic disorder is one that