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What is in-home care? In-home care means hiring someone to care for young toddler or preschooler in your own home. Your child will be in a familiar place and get [...]

What is obsessive compulsive disorder? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. If your child or teen has OCD, they have repeated, upsetting thoughts. They do the same [...]

What is before and after school in-home care? Before and after school care is generally for children 6 to 12 years of age. Care is also provided holidays, school breaks, [...]

What is phonological disorder? Phonological disorder is a communication disorder. Children who have it have problems making the right sounds for letters or words. Children with this disorder make 3 [...]

What is cheating? Cheating is commonly defined as when a person misleads, deceives, or acts dishonestly on purpose. Cheating comes in many forms: * iPods and other MP3 players can [...]

What is hyperventilation syndrome? Hyperventilation syndrome is a condition brought on by rapid, deep breathing. It can cause fainting. Hyperventilation can be very alarming because it may seem to be [...]

What is a nonverbal learning disability? Children and teens with a nonverbal learning disability (NLD) have learning problems in subject areas other than reading. They generally have problems in the [...]

Why is humidifying and suctioning important? When you breathe through your mouth and nose, air is naturally warmed, moistened, and cleaned. Air coming in through a tracheostomy (trach) tube does [...]

What is strep throat? Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by bacteria called Streptococci. There are different types of streptococci. The type that causes serious sore throats [...]

What are advance directives? Advance directives are written instructions about your future medical care. They do not go into effect until you are no longer able to make decisions. Advance [...]

What kinds of reactions do insect bites cause? For most people, a minor insect bite or sting may cause a little swelling and itching. The site may be painful for [...]

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Each beat of the heart is started by [...]

What is antibiotic-resistant staph infection? Antibiotic-resistant staph infection, also called methicillin-resistant staph infection, or MRSA, is an infection caused by a type of bacteria that is resistant to many commonly [...]

What is a gastrostomy? A gastrostomy is a surgically created opening in the stomach. A gastrostomy may be needed if you are not able to eat enough food for good [...]

What is an EEG? An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a test that records the electrical activity of your brain. (The nerve cells in your brain work by carrying tiny electrical charges.) [...]

What is dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which your eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears do not have the normal chemical makeup. [...]

NOTE: The following text is a sample of a durable power of attorney for healthcare (DPOA-HC). The DPOA-HC is the way that you appoint someone to speak for you if [...]

What are burns and scalds? A burn is damage to body tissues caused by heat (dry or moist), flame, electricity, friction, chemicals, or sunlight. A scald is a burn caused [...]

What is a bone scan? A bone scan is a procedure that uses a radioactive chemical to view the bones in your body. The chemical is called a radionuclide or [...]

If you have allergies, many things inside and outside your home can trigger or worsen allergy symptoms. The things that cause allergy symptoms are called allergens. Some common allergens in [...]

What is vulvar dystrophy? Vulvar dystrophy is a change in the skin of the vulva. It is a white spot of thick or thin skin on the vulva. The vulva [...]

What is vulvitis? Vulvitis is the medical term used for inflammation of the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of the female genitals. It includes the mound of tissues [...]

What is vaginitis? Vaginitis is the medical name for swelling, burning, itching, or an infection of the vagina. When the vulva is also affected, it is called vulvovaginitis. (The vulva [...]

What will I need? If you can, find out in advance what items the hospital provides for you during and after labor and what you will need to bring. You [...]

What is natural family planning? Natural family planning is a term used for methods of birth control that do not involve the use of any drugs or devices. It is [...]

What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are swollen veins and tissue in the lower rectum and anus. The anus is at the end of the rectum and is the opening through which [...]

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Each beat of the heart is started by [...]

What is family child care? Family child care is done by providers who are licensed to care for children in their home. The caregiver is often a mother with her [...]

What is center-based care? Child care centers provide an organized group setting away from home. They may also be called preschools, nursery schools, or learning centers. Most centers take children [...]

What is in-home care? In-home care means hiring someone to care for your infant or young toddler in your own home. Your child will be in a familiar place and [...]

What is colorectal cancer screening? Colorectal cancer screening involves several tests or exams used to check for cancer of the rectum and colon (large intestine). Why is colorectal cancer screening [...]

What is the common cold? The common cold is an infection of the head and chest caused by a virus. It is a type of upper respiratory infection (URI). It [...]

You may do all of these exercises right away. * Active neck rotation: Sit in a chair, keeping your neck, shoulders, and trunk straight. First, turn your head slowly to [...]

If you have had surgery or if you have been in a cast or splint, you may do these exercises when your healthcare provider says you are ready. * Thumb [...]

What is tendonitis? Tendons attach muscles to bones. Tendonitis develops slowly and is caused by overworking the tendons. Tiny tears occur on a tendon when it is constantly overworked. The [...]

Rehabilitation Exercises If you have had surgery or if you have been in a cast or splint, you may do these exercises when your healthcare provider says you are ready. [...]

Why is ice used for injuries? Ice is used after an injury to reduce swelling and decrease pain. Ice decreases blood flow to the injured tissue and reduces inflammation. When [...]

What is a personal fitness plan? A personal fitness plan is your own road map to reaching your fitness goals. A personal fitness plan should include the following things: * [...]

What is a corneal abrasion? A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. The cornea is the clear outer layer on the front of the eye. [...]

There are over 10 million people in the United States whose spouse or partner has died. The death of a loved one is one of life's most stressful events, and [...]

What is viral sore throat? A viral sore throat is an infection of the throat caused by a virus. How does it occur? A viral sore throat occurs when a [...]

What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids are swollen veins near the anus or inside the rectum. The anus is the opening where the bowel movement passes out of the body. The rectum [...]

What is a gastrostomy? A gastrostomy is a surgically created opening in the stomach. A gastrostomy is needed if you are not able to eat enough for adequate nutrition during [...]

How does aging affect our eyes? The eye sends images to the brain using these abilities: the ability to adapt to light and dark accommodation (the ability of the eye [...]

What is a denture? Dentures are a set of replacement teeth. They are fitted exactly to each person's mouth. Although they are very strong, dropping them even a few inches [...]

What is a good bowel habit? Some people have a bowel movement twice a day and others twice a week. There is no 'best' number of daily or weekly bowel [...]

Doing daily activities and chores is painful and tiring for many arthritis sufferers. The good news is there are many ways to help you to continue to perform your daily [...]

Why is humidifying and suctioning important? When you breathe through your mouth and nose, air is naturally warmed, moistened, and cleaned. Air coming in through a tracheostomy (trach) tube does [...]

Brief Version What is an anal fissure? An anal fissure is a shallow tear or crack in the skin at the opening of the anus. If your child has blood [...]

How are infectious diseases spread? Diseases are usually spread by touching something that is infected with a virus or bacteria. For example, your child has a cold and touches his [...]