People in recovery from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may need assistance from family members and friends in a variety of ways. You may help your loved one for several weeks during recovery with a number of tasks, including shopping, cleaning, and driving. You can also help support your loved one in making...
Briefly describes seizures. Lists ways to help someone during and after a seizure. Covers things to watch for during a seizure as well as when to seek medical attention.
Adolescent thinking tends to be focused on the present. But adolescents and teens are rapidly learning new skills related to complex reasoning, inductive and deductive reasoning, sensitivity toward others, flexibility, and problem solving. Remind yourself that it is normal for adolescents to have a sense of being...
Helping your infant feel better Your infant (newborn to 12 months) is less likely to be uncomfortable or upset after getting a shot if he or she is not hungry or tired. You can also help your baby during and after the shot by providing gentle comfort and reassurance. The following strategies may help you. See that your...
Covers why physical activity is important for children with disabilities. Outlines benefits and the barriers that get in the way. Offers tips for motivating children.
The urge to conform to their peers (kids the same age) is a normal stage for kids ranging in age from about 12 to 21. At this stage, children start looking to their peers—not their parents—to help them figure out everything from what clothes to wear to how serious to be about school. The one thing that seems to make all...
If someone you know has a panic attack, they may become very anxious and not think clearly. But there are things you can do to help: Stay with the person and keep calm. Move the person to a quiet place. Ask what the person needs. Speak to the person in short, simple sentences. Be predictable, and avoid surprises. Help...
Positive self-esteem, a supportive family, and positive role models help teens gain confidence to make good choices. Even young children have opinions about substance use. So start early to help your child learn the skills needed to avoid substance use. Be a good role model. As a parent, your attitude toward tobacco...
Children of all ages are exposed to ideas about thinness by parents, peers, and other sources. Starting in grade school, children may become more aware of body image as they compare themselves to others. Adolescents often become extremely concerned about their bodies and their weight. This is understandable since...
Inner strength is the ability to cope with the stressful situations in life. This is often called "resilience." Building inner strength begins with simple actions or thoughts that your child practices, such as planning for what to do next and learning to accept change. Inner strength can help a child face problems...
Self-esteem is a person's core belief about themself. A person's self-esteem is reflected in their actions, both in how as well as what they do. Although self-esteem varies from time to time, the pattern usually leans toward a healthy or unhealthy view of self. With healthy self-esteem, a person is more likely to...
Learn how to help your child deal with asthma and asthma treatments.
Learn tips for helping your child manage their emotional reactions.
Here's help understanding how your child's treatment plan can help manage and prevent seizures.
Learn how to help your child if they go through a traumatic event.
Most adolescents make the adjustment to middle school or junior high in a matter of weeks. But others may take longer to adjust. They may feel sick, refuse to leave the house, or have nightmares and unreasonable fears. You can help your child deal with this adjustment and anticipate other situations that may come up...
How do you know if your child is overweight? Doctors use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts or the body mass index (BMI) to measure a child's weight compared to their height. If you are concerned that your child is—or could become—overweight, talk about this with your child's doctor. The...
There are lots of ways you can help your newborn learn and communicate. Learn your newborn's cues. You can recognize when your baby is most alert and receptive. Newborn communication can be subtle. Look for signs—such as bright eyes and wiggling arms and legs—that your baby is happy and eager to interact. Pay attention...
As a parent, you are the ideal teacher to help your child learn about sex. Talking openly about sexuality helps your child understand their feelings, and it can help them have a positive attitude toward a natural process. It's best to keep your explanations honest and simple. A 6-year-old child won't need the details...
Most parents are nervous about their teenager driving a car. As a parent, you are right in your concern. Many teens learn to drive by taking driver's education classes. While teens are learning to drive, they need to get as much experience as possible with another adult in the car. If you are unable to help your teen...
Learn how to support your teen after a traumatic event.
Hematocrit is a measure of how much space (volume) the red blood cells take up in the blood. A hematocrit check is often used to test for anemia, which is a decrease in the amount of oxygen-carrying substance (hemoglobin) found in red blood cells. The hematocrit value may be given as a percentage of red blood cells in a...
Hematologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood and blood system, such as anemia, blood-clotting disorders, and leukemia. Hematologists may also order blood transfusions, diagnose blood disorders, and perform procedures such as bone marrow aspiration and biopsy...
Heme iron polypeptide is a type of iron. You normally get iron from the foods you eat. In your body, iron becomes a part of your hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin) and myoglobin (MY o glo bin). Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your blood to tissues and organs. Myoglobin helps your muscle cells store oxygen. Heme iron...
Hemin is made of red blood cells processed from human blood. Hemin works by lowering the production of a certain enzyme in the body. Hemin is used to treat the symptoms of occasional attacks of porphyria related to the menstrual cycle in women. Hemin helps control symptoms such as pain, increased heart rate or blood...
What is hemochromatosis? Hemochromatosis happens when too much iron builds up in the body. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of your blood that carries oxygen to all of your cells. But when there is too much iron, it can damage the liver and heart and lead to other diseases, such as diabetes and...
Hemochromatosis is a condition that occurs when too much iron builds up in the body. Small amounts of iron are normally stored in the liver and heart, but excess iron will eventually damage these organs. There are two types of hemochromatosis: Hereditary (genetic) hemochromatosis. The most common form of hemochromatosis...
Hemochromatosis gene (HFE) testing is a blood test used to check for hereditary hemochromatosis, an inherited disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron. The iron then builds up in the blood, liver, heart, pancreas, joints, skin, and other organs. In its early stages, hemochromatosis can cause joint and belly...
Discusses screening test for hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron. Covers symptoms of hereditary hemochromatosis. Discusses who should be screened and offers reasons not to be screened.
Discusses process of hemodialysis when chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury cause kidneys to lose ability to remove waste and extra fluid. Covers fistulas and grafts. Looks at what to expect after treatment. Discusses peritoneal dialysis.
