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Cancer and Tobacco How are tobacco and cancer linked? Using tobacco makes it more likely that you will get cancer. This includes lung, mouth, throat, bladder, and other cancers. In fact, 1 out of 5 people with cancer in the U.S. got it from smoking. All tobacco products, such as

The Child's Immune System What is the immune system? The immune system protects your child's body from outside invaders. This includes germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and toxins (chemicals made by microbes). The immune system is made up of different organs, cells

What Are Red Blood Cells? Red blood cells carry fresh oxygen all over the body. This is important to your health. Red blood cells are round with a flattish, indented center, like doughnuts without a hole. Your healthcare provider can check on the size, shape, and health of your

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a group of physical and emotional symptoms many people may have in the days before their period starts. Symptoms usually stop when the period starts or shortly after. It’s thought to

Polycystic Kidney Disease What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a rare genetic disorder. It causes many cysts filled with fluid to grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts can impair how the kidneys work. It can lead to kidney failure. PKD is the

Fibromyalgia in Children, Adolescents and Teens What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues around the body. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition. It can affect the neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms and legs. The

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

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Children What is slipped capital femoral epiphysis in children? Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a condition of the hip joint that affects children. In SCFE, the ball of the thighbone (femoral head) slips off the neck of the

Maintaining Weight Loss Benefits of maintaining weight loss Losing weight is hard for many people. But it's even more challenging to keep the weight off. Many people who lose a large amount of weight have problems keeping it off over time. One theory is that people who eat fewer

Overview of Kidney Disorders How do the kidneys work? The body takes nutrients from food and converts them to energy. After the body has used all the food components that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood. The kidneys and urinary system help