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Epilepsy and Seizures in Children What is epilepsy in children? Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes a child to have recurring seizures over time. These seizures can't be linked to a short-term (acute) illness such as an infection, or a short-term injury such as a brain

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? STIs are infections passed from person to person through sexual contact. They may also be called STDs for sexually transmitted diseases. Millions of new cases are diagnosed every year in the U

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

Stroke What is a stroke? A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It's an emergency situation. Call 911 if you think you might be having a stroke or stroke symptoms. The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to work well. If the

Fire Safety The importance of fire safety Each year, thousands of people are injured in home fires in the U.S. Most fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation of the toxic gases produced by fires. Fires and burns are a leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths

Allergic Rhinitis in Children What is allergic rhinitis in children? Rhinitis is a reaction that happens in the eyes, nose, and throat. It occurs when allergens in the air set off the release of histamine and other chemicals in the body. Normally allergens are harmless. But when

Cataracts in Children What are cataracts in children? A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens. The lens is normally clear (transparent). Cataracts keep light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina. The retina is the thin layer of nerve tissue that lines

Marfan Syndrome in Children What is Marfan syndrome in children? Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. Connective tissue holds the body's cells, organs, and other tissue together. Connective tissue is also important in growth and

Preventing Eye Injuries in Children Eye injuries affect about 2.4 million people every year. Household products cause more than 125,000 serious eye injuries. Hospital emergency rooms treat nearly 23,000 victims of eye injuries from sports. Toys and home playground equipment cause

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