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Alcohol and Pregnancy The risks involved with alcohol use during pregnancy Drinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects for a baby. Everything a pregnant person drinks also goes to the baby. Alcohol is broken down more slowly in the baby's developing body

First Aid Kit Everyone should have a well-stocked first aid kit at home, in the car, and at work. You may also want to stock a portable kit (a box or small bag) that can be taken to the site of an emergency. It's important to check your kit regularly. Restock items that have been

Congenital Liver Defects What are congenital liver defects? Congenital liver defects are liver disorders that are present at birth. They are rare. These liver disorders usually block the bile ducts. This affects the flow of bile. Bile is a fluid made in the liver. It helps with

Depression and Suicide Most people who die by suicide have a mental health issue. It may be a depressive or substance abuse disorder. They may feel lonely, depressed, or isolated. They may have had a traumatic life experience. Many of the warning signs of suicidal feelings are

The Thyroid Gland Anatomy of the thyroid gland The thyroid gland is found in the front of the neck. It sits below the voice box (larynx) and on top of the trachea (windpipe). It has a butterfly-like shape. The small, 2-inch gland consists of 2 lobes, 1 on each side of the

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

Diet to Help Prevent Heart Disease Eating a healthy diet can help prevent a number of problems, such as high cholesterol and heart disease. But knowing exactly what a healthy diet looks like can be a challenge. The USDA and the U.S. Department of Health teamed up to create an

Wisdom Teeth Extraction What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the last 4 permanent teeth to appear in the back of the mouth at the top and bottom. They often first appear in young adults between the ages of 17 to 21. They are also called third molars., If wisdom teeth do not

Ear, Nose, and Throat Facts What is the ear? The ear is the organ of hearing and balance. The ear is made up of: External or outer ear. This includes: Pinna or auricle. This is the outside part of the ear. External auditory canal or tube. This is the tube that connects the outer

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