Exposure to below-freezing temperatures can cause frostbite, a rare but serious condition that needs emergency medical care. Frostbite can affect any area of the skin, and in extreme cold can develop ...

EKG (also called ECG) is short for electrocardiogram. "Electro" refers to the heart's natural electrical activity, which the test records through small wires taped on your chest. You won't feel a ...

Malaise and fatigue often go hand-in-hand and indicate a child is sick or about to become sick. Symptoms can start slowly or appear suddenly depending on the cause. They can be acute (short-lasting) ...

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections spread from person to person during sex (vaginal, oral, or anal) or close sexual contact. STDs are also called sexually transmitted infections, or ...

We see and hear about hearts everywhere. A long time ago, people even thought that their emotions came from their hearts, maybe because the heart beats faster when a person is scared or excited. Now ...

It’s normal for people to masturbate (touch or rub their own genitals because they like the way it feels). Some people do it to relieve stress or tension. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed ...

Bullying is a big problem. It can make kids feel hurt, scared, sick, lonely, embarrassed, and sad. Bullies might hit, kick, or push to hurt people, or use words to call names, tease, or scare them. A ...

What Is a VP Shunt? A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a thin plastic tube that helps drain extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain. CSF is the saltwater that surrounds and cushions the brain ...

infection in the urinary tract irritation or injury of the genital area stones (small masses of minerals) in the urinary tract Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of pain during ...

What Is a Tear-Duct Blockage? A tear duct is a small tube that drains tears from the eyes. Tears are made in glands under the eyelids. They wash over the eyes to keep them moist and clean. Then, they ...

How much do you know about your muscles? Find out by taking this quiz!

Most blood tests take only a few minutes. They’re done at some doctor’s offices, and at community labs, diagnostic centers, and hospitals. A doctor, nurse, or phlebotomist (fleh-BOT-eh-mist, someone ...