Family Resources: Health Library

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a leading pediatric care facility. Please use our A-Z listing below to find information about the disease, condition, procedure or test you need.

A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet

You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking your child by about 12 months at the latest. The dentist can provide or recommend preventative information regarding baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding practices, mouth cleaning, teething, pacifier habits, and finger-sucking. habits.

A Common Plastic Comes Under Scrutiny

Polycarbonate plastic is durable, impact-resistant, and clear. It is widely used in food and drink containers, but research has raised concerns over its health effects.

A Fruity Way to End the Meal

Naval oranges, ripe strawberries, and sliced bananas are served with a yogurt-ginger sauce.

A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs

Here are some common medicinal herbs. Most herbs have not been completely tested to see how well they work or to see if they interact with other herbs, supplements, medicines, or foods.

A Kids' Asthma Journal

Do you want to gain better control over your asthma? Put it in writing!

A Quick Look at Reflexes

What happens when your healthcare provider taps on your knee with a rubber mallet? Your leg kicks forward, seemingly on its own. And in a sense, your leg has a mind of its own — in your spinal cord.

A Safety Checklist for Parents

You can help keep your children safe by following these precautions.

A Serious Look at Fainting

Fainting (syncope) is a brief loss of consciousness. This leads to falling down or needing to lie down, followed by a quick recovery. Fainting by itself is not a problem, but it could be a sign of a serious health condition.

A Simple Way to Keep the Flu Away

You can prevent the flu this season by taking 1 simple step: Get a flu shot.

A Thanksgiving Menu Tune-Up

Read on for helpful tips to create a healthier, lighter, but still festive meal for Thanksgiving Day. The biggest change: If you don't need to present the whole turkey for carving at the table, cook a turkey breast instead.

A Woman's Guide to Beating Heart Disease

Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target.

Ability to Concentrate Isn't What It Used to Be

With today's world filled with so much stimulation, quick news reports, and fast-food restaurants on every corner, are we capable of concentrating as well as we used to?

About Clinical Trials: Information from the National Cancer Institute

Cancer clinical trials are studies managed by government agencies, educational institutions, private not-for-profit organizations, or commercial businesses. They develop and evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments and therapies for diseases.

About Your Asthma Action Plan

Your Asthma Action Plan includes information about your symptoms and medicines. It also includes instructions about managing your asthma symptoms and when to call your doctor.

About Your Child's Asthma Action Plan

The Asthma Action Plan includes information about your child's symptoms and medicines. It also includes directions about managing your child’s symptoms and when to call their doctor.

Acne

Acne affects teens and adults of all ages. It happens when oil secreted by sebaceous glands clogs the hair follicle. Bacteria infect the clogged follicle and cause pimples.

Actinic Keratosis

Detailed information on actinic keratosis, including causes and treatment.

Acute Severe Asthma

Asthma can be unpredictable. But it's important to recognize the difference between a minor flare-up and an attack that could be life-threatening. Read on to learn more.

Acute Spinal Cord Injury

A traumatic injury to the spine can cause a bruise, a partial tear, or a complete tear in the spinal cord. Read on for details about causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and management.

Add Variety to Your Vegetables

Vegetables offer not only a variety of flavors and textures--they are also packed with nutrients. But many Americans limit their vegetable consumption to just a few types.

AEDs- High-Tech Help for Cardiac Arrest

Technology has given us the automated external defibrillator (AED), which is turning up far from hospitals. Some schools and public buildings already have AEDs.

After a Heart Attack

Over the long-term, your quality of life is tied to how severe your heart attack was and how it was treated. Beyond that, any change will depend largely on you.

Air Filters, Dehumidifiers, and Humidifiers

Here are some helpful tips for understanding the air in your house and the air-quality appliances that can alter it.

Air Pollution

Detailed information on air pollution and air pollution prevention.

Alagille Syndrome

Alagille syndrome is an inherited condition in which bile builds up in the liver because there are too few bile ducts to drain the bile. This results in liver damage.

Alcohol and Pregnancy

Drinking alcohol while pregnant is a leading cause of birth defects in a baby. In addition, the risk for miscarriage and stillbirth increases with alcohol consumption. Read on to learn more.

Alcohol and Your Heart

Alcohol may have some health benefits, including lowering the risk for heart disease, but it may also lead to abusive drinking and other diseases.

Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease

Alcohol-induced liver disease is caused by heavy use of alcohol. The liver's job is to break down alcohol. If you drink more than it can process, it can become badly damaged.

All About Blood Pressure Medicine

Several kinds of medicine are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Here are some of the main types.

All About Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines

There are 7 main types of cholesterol-lowering medicines.

All About Kidney Stones

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in the kidney out of substances normally dissolved in the urine.

All About LSD

LSD, also called acid, is one of the most commonly used hallucinogens or psychedelic drugs.

All About Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps -- involuntary muscle contractions -- are common. But even though they can be quite painful, they don't cause damage.

All About the Stomach

Your stomach's starring role is as an organ essential for digestion. The stomach breaks down all the food you eat.

All Family Time Is Quality Time

Quality time should be woven into our lives. As our children get older and slip away, we need to stop worrying about the extraordinary and think more about the ordinary."

Allergens: Animals

Household pets, such as cats and dogs, are the most common sources of animal allergens. Here's what you need to know about symptoms and treatments.

Allergens: Dust and Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic organisms that can live throughout homes and businesses. Read on to learn more.

Allergens: Pollen

Pollen is the most common cause of hay fever. Read on for more information--and helpful tips for reducing the effects of hay fever during pollen season.

Allergy Overview

Allergies are problems of the immune system. Normally the immune system attacks harmful things such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes it overreacts and responds to things that are normally harmless. These may include dust, mold, pollen, or food.

Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous

Today there are alternatives to 12-step programs. Some treatment programs teach problem drinkers to reduce their drinking. This approach appeals to people who otherwise might not seek treatment.

An Early Start to Good Nutrition

With childhood obesity on the rise, should parents worry about the weight of their babies?

Anatomy and Function of the Urinary System

Detailed anatomical description of the urinary system, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations.

Anatomy of a Joint

Joints are the areas where 2 or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move.

Anatomy of Female Pelvic Area

The female pelvic area contains a number of organs and structures: the endometrium, uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva.

Anatomy of the Breasts

A closer look at the structure of the breast.

Anatomy of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a complex network of glands and organs. It includes the hypothalamus, pancreas, ovaries, and testes, along with the pituitary, thyroid, and other glands.

Anatomy of the Eye

The structures of the eye include the cornea, iris, pupil, macula, retina, and the optic nerve.

Anatomy of the Prostate Gland

Details about the size, location, and function of the prostate gland, including a diagram.

Anatomy of the Skin

The skin is the body's largest organ. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection.

Anatomy: Fetus in Utero

Definitions of terms related to the anatomy of a fetus in utero.

Anemia and Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can damage your body’s ability to make red blood cells, so body tissues don't get enough oxygen. This is a condition called anemia. People who have anemia may feel very weak or tired, dizzy, faint, or short of breath, or may feel that their hearts are beating very fast.

Anemia Overview

Anemia is a common blood disorder. It occurs when you have fewer red blood cells than normal, or not enough hemoglobin in your blood. Here's what you need to know about this condition.

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (or simply anorexia) is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and food. People who suffer with this behavior problem have a distorted body image. They see themselves as overweight even when their weight is dangerously low.

Answers to Questions About Your Child's Mental Health

Children's mental health is as important as their physical health. Read on for helpful answers to common questions that can help you protect your child's mental health.

Answers to Your Questions About Arthritis and Exercise

People with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise without damaging their joints.

Antibiotics

Detailed information on the use of antibiotics and children

Appendectomy for Children

An appendectomy is surgery to remove a child’s appendix. An appendectomy may be done as an open surgery or as laparoscopic surgery. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.

Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Full of oats, flaxseed, and cottage cheese, these cookies are as healthy as they are delicious.

Apricot-Orange Bread

This bread is low in all the right places— saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium—without losing any taste and texture.

Arm Care After a Stroke

Learn about getting correct arm care after a stroke and why it's so important.

Arthritis Diagnosis

Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.

Ascites

Ascites is a condition that occurs when fluid collects in spaces in your belly. It can be painful and keep you from moving around comfortably. Ascites can set the stage for an infection in your belly. Fluid may also move into your chest and surround your lungs. This makes it hard to breathe.

Asthma and Exercise

Exercise is a common trigger for many people with asthma. This is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or EIB. But living with EIB doesn't mean you need to give up exercise.

Asthma and Pregnancy

With correct asthma management and good prenatal care, most women with asthma can have healthy pregnancies.

Asthma in Children Quiz

Are you a parent of a child with asthma? Take this quiz and stop feeling guilty.

Asthma in Older Adults

Many people think of asthma as a childhood disease, but it often occurs as a new condition in older adults.

Asthma on Campus

College can pose challenges for the student with asthma. New and unfamiliar living quarters, school and social stresses, and other factors can set off a flare-up. Here are some helpful tips.

Asthma Triggers Quiz

Asthma flare-ups can be started by things known as triggers. Do you know what can trigger asthma? Test your knowledge.

Asthma: Allergy Testing

If you think you may have allergies, talk with your healthcare provider about getting tested.

Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T)

A-T is a rare childhood disease that affects the nervous system and other body systems.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a type of thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. It can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other circulatory conditions.

Athletic Shoes: Lace Them to Fit

Simply lacing your shoes or sneakers correctly along with choosing a shoe that fits your foot correctly, can add comfort to your stride and prevent foot injuries.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disorder. It is also called eczema. It often affects infants and may last until adulthood. It causes itchy, scaly patches on the skin.

Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Prevention

Atrial fibrillation increases the risk for stroke. So stroke prevention is an important part of treatment for atrial fibrillation.

Avocado Banana Chocolate Pudding

Kids can help assemble and measure the ingredients for this easy sweet treat that also packs a nutritional punch, thanks to the banana and avocado.

Avocado Tacos / Tacos de aguacate

These fresh-tasting tacos are great for a light meal!

Awesome Apples

The Apple Dumplings recipe is virtually fat-free and can be put together in a jiffy. After you’ve sliced the apples, the Quick Apple Crisp takes just minutes to put together and pop in the oven.