Tranquilizers and other depressants (dih-PRESS-entz) calm nerves and relax muscles. They are bright-colored capsules or tablets that are legally available through a doctor for medical reasons, but can ...

You've decided it’s time to break up. Here are some ideas for how to have a talk that's direct, honest, and kind. Adjust the words to fit your style. Tell the other person that you want to talk, then ...

Blood transfusions are a lifesaving treatment for many Americans. Blood transfusions are needed for many reasons, including surgery, after accidents, and for patients with chronic illnesses and cancer ...

Your body does some amazing things, so why not put it to the test? Check with a grown-up before trying any of these experiments. Some will require help from an adult.

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a lung infection caused by a fungus. It's rare in healthy people, and usually affects those with a weak immune system. It's the most common infection diagnosed in ...

Kids with auditory processing disorder (APD) can't understand what they hear in the same way other kids do. Something interferes with the way the brain recognizes and interprets sounds, especially ...

Anorexia (also called anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder that makes people extremely afraid of gaining weight and gives them a distorted view of their body shape and size. They restrict how much ...

Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities. People with autism, also called autism spectrum disorder(ASD), have differences in the way their brains develop and process information. As ...

Some babies are born with a condition called Goldenhar syndrome. It can cause incomplete development of bones in the face, affecting the ears, nose, soft palate, lips, and jaw. Usually, this happens ...

Amphetamines (am-FET-eh-meenz) are very addictive stimulants. They speed up functions in the brain and body. They come in pills or tablets. Prescription diet pills also fall into this category of ...

Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal skin infection caused by a type of yeast. It's a common cause of skin rash in teens and young adults. It causes lots of round and oval-shaped patches on the skin, ...

Normally, RBCs have a round, doughnut shape and move easily through small blood vessels. Sickle cell disease causes RBCs to form in the elongated shape of a sickle, or the shape of the letter "C." ...