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Allergy Overview What are allergies? Allergies are due to a problem with the body's immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a false alarm. Normally the immune system attacks harmful things, such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes it

Dental Sealants What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). Sealants are very good at preventing tooth decay (cavities). They work very well on the back teeth. These teeth

Nutrition During Pregnancy The importance of good nutrition during pregnancy About 300 extra calories are needed every day to maintain a healthy pregnancy. These calories should come from a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Sweets and fats should be

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

Overuse Injuries An increasing number of boys and girls are playing recreational and organized sports. As a result, there is a rise in the number of overuse injuries seen among children and teens. Most sports and overuse injuries are due to injuries that affect the bone, muscles

Asthma and Pregnancy Having asthma does not always mean having a complicated pregnancy. With correct asthma management and the right care during pregnancy, most people with asthma can have a healthy pregnancy. Asthma is one of the most common health problems that can complicate a

Birth Injuries What is a birth injury? Sometimes during the birth process, the baby may suffer a physical injury that impairs function or structure of their body. This is sometimes called birth trauma or birth injury. It can occur during labor, delivery, or after delivery. Birth

Breast Pain (Mastalgia) What is mastalgia? Mastalgia is breast pain. There are 2 main types of mastalgia: Cyclical breast pain. The pain is linked to menstrual periods. Noncyclic breast pain. The pain may come from the breast. Or it may come from somewhere else, such as nearby

Asthma and Exercise Asthma is a long-term (chronic) condition causing swelling and narrowing of the airways. The muscles around the airways tighten, the lining of the airways swells, and extra mucus is produced. These changes make it harder to breathe. Triggers are things that

Smoking and Heart Disease The American Heart Association (AHA) says diseases caused by smoking kill more than 440,000 people in the U.S. each year. Most new smokers are children and teens. Smokers have a higher risk for lung disease and other respiratory problems, such as