Overview When a newborn has diarrhea, his bowel movements will be looser and more frequent than normal. Whether or not he shows signs of being in any discomfort, diarrhea can quickly cause him to become dangerously dehydrated. As a result,…
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The flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. According to the Mayo Clinic, in generally healthy individuals the flu may cause a few days of feeling ill but the chances of developing complications are not great. The…
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An enlarged prostate isn’t deadly, but it won’t make your life too comfortable either. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a noncancerous condition in which the prostate enlarges and squeezes against the urethra. Urination is labored, painful and frequent. According…
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Problems coping with life often lead to depression. Depression is not a normal part of aging, but unfortunately, it is very common. Late-life depression affects about six million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10 percent receive treatment. This…
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Don’t be surprised if your child gets diarrhea now and then. Diarrhea is a serious problem for small children, who can get very sick and even die because of the dehydration and loss of electrolytes diarrhea causes, according to the…
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If you’re trying to conceive, a healthy diet for both partners is vital. Your reproductive systems need essential vitamins and minerals for effective hormone function and sperm production, and it can only get these from the foods you eat. Aim…
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Overview The menstrual cycle is governed by the interaction of hormones that allow an egg-containing follicle to grow. Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, plays an important role in the recruitment and development of eggs each month. Abnormal FSH levels more often…
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Massage therapy isn’t just a fluff-and-buff spa pampering. In addition to being offered in spas, massage is widely available in hospitals, chiropractic offices, student clinics, malls, airports and corporate office environments. Because interest in massage therapy has expanded, more research…
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Overview Few things delight parents more than finding ways to make their baby laugh. Parents of newborns may even hear laughing when there is none. But by the age of four or five months, your infant should be squealing with…
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Prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate gland in men, is used as a tumor marker. PSA is elevated in a number of conditions affecting the prostate, however, making it a less than ideal indicator of prostate…
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At six months old, a typical infant will just be learning to sit up. A baby will be able to roll over and will probably be trying to crawl or scoot. Babies discover their hands at this time, and love…
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Yohimbine is a chemical extracted from the bark of the yohimbe tree. It was discovered in the nineteenth century and has been used in various medicinal and alternative healing applications. Yohimbine is often taken as an alternative to yohimbe tree…
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The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) reports that in the United States, prenatal exposure to alcohol is the most common cause of birth defects. No amount of alcohol exposure during pregnancy is deemed safe to the fetus….
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Since the 19th century, parents and health care providers have turned to gripe water as a home remedy for many of the common discomforts associated with infancy. This over-the-counter concoction generally includes a combination of herbs, sweeteners and baking soda….
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Approximately 20 percent of babies and young children have eczema, according to the medical advisory board at BabyCenter.com. The skin rash usually starts in the first year of life and many cases will improve on their own by the age…
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Menstrual cycles differ from one woman to another. The National Institutes of Health points out that an average length of time between menstrual flow is 28 days, with most women falling between 24 and 34 days. A menstrual cycle that…
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Woe to the woman who finds decisions difficult when she’s faced with the sanitary napkin aisle (or even aisles). What began as a thick wad of cotton often attached to underwear with safety pins has become one of the products…
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Overview Between four and six months of age, a baby’s energy needs increase, making it a good time to introduce solid foods. For most babies, it doesn’t matter what the first solid foods are, according to the American Academy of…
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Overview You are what you eat–the saying applies to people of all ages, but it holds especially true for pregnant women. Your baby’s ability to grow in the womb depends on your healthy eating habits. Educate yourself about what does–and…
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Overview Watch with pride as your baby grows and learns. He develops rapidly during his first year. As his personality emerges, you will see him learning to relate to you and to other people. Babies’ social development is closely linked…
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Overview Late childhood begins your transition into adulthood. Late childhood is also called puberty. During puberty, you go through several physical and emotional changes. Puberty starts when your brain releases chemical messengers called hormones. These hormones trigger your body to…
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Overview Playing dress-up at home or in a dramatic play center at preschool sparks the imagination of the youngsters involved. Most kids enjoy dressing up in different clothes and using props to make up their own stories. Dramatic play also…
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Overview A nursing home is a long-term care facility for people who do not require hospitalization, but are unable to care for themselves or have someone available to provide care for them at home, according to the National Institutes of…
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For women who plan to get pregnant, knowing when ovulation will occur is critical. According to “Comprehensive Gynecology,” the chance of getting pregnant peaks when intercourse occurs on the day of ovulation or up to 2 days before ovulation. Several…
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A fever is usually defined as oral temperature higher than 99.5 or a rectal temperature exceeding 100.4, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Fevers in children are primarily caused by bacteria and infections from cold and flu…
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Overview Acid reflux is a painful condition that causes stomach contents to back up into the esophagus after food is consumed. The National Digestive Disorders Information Clearinghouse explains that both adults and babies can suffer from acid reflux, although it…
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Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and the baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Sometimes, moms may experience breast pain due to…
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Sleep talking or somniloquy is a common problem that affects both children and adults. It can occur every night or just once in a while. It can occur at any point during the sleep cycle and may or may not…
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Overview Bleeding that occurs between periods, is extremely heavy or lasts for more than a week at a time is abnormal, explains the Mayo Clinic. Although not all abnormal bleeding is dangerous, it sometimes indicates serious medical and gynecological conditions….
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Overview Parents can expect their babies to spend many hours sleeping or playing in their cribs. With numerous recalls of cribs hitting the news on a frequent basis, parents might wonder how to ensure the model they select is the…
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