Articles In This Section
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What Is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics - the idea that environmental factors can change the health not only of the people who are exposed to them, but also the health of their descendants - is something we'll be hearing more about.
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Klinefelter Syndrome
Boys with this condition have an extra "X" chromosome that prevents them from developing normally during puberty. But hormone treatments, counseling, and other therapies can help boys develop more masculine traits and build their self-esteem.
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Kids and Diabetes: Wendy’s Story
Wendy's daughter Madison was diagnosed with diabetes at age 5. Wendy tells how her daughter learned to manage her diabetes and stay an active and happy kid.
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Marfan Syndrome
Marfan syndrome is a progressive genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.
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Dwarfism
Dwarfism is a condition that is characterized by short stature. Many of the possible complications of dwarfism are treatable, so that people of short stature can lead healthy, active lives.
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Tay-Sachs Disease
A baby with Tay-Sachs disease is born without an important enzyme, so fatty proteins build up in the brain, hurting the baby's sight, hearing, movement, and mental development.
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Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly. With modern treatment, most kids who have it can lead full, healthy lives.
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When Your Baby Is Born With a Health Problem
If you're expecting a baby, it's important to understand that certain health problems and complications can't be prevented, no matter how smoothly the pregnancy goes.
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Newborn Screening Tests
Newborn screening tests look for harmful or potentially fatal disorders that aren't apparent at birth. Find out which tests are done and which disorders they're designed to detect.
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Muscular Dystrophy
There's no cure for muscular dystrophy (MD), a genetic disorder that gradually weakens muscles, but there are ways to improve muscle and joint function and slow deterioration so that kids with MD can stay as active as possible.
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Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both physically and mentally.
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Genetic Counseling
Genetic counselors work with people who are either planning to have a baby or are pregnant to determine whether they carry the genes for certain inherited disorders. Find out more.
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G6PD Deficiency
An inherited condition, G6PD deficiency is when someone doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD, which protects red blood cells. Certain triggers can lead to anemia in kids who have G6PD deficiency.
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Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis (NF) can cause tumors to grow on nerve tissue, producing skin and bone abnormalities. Learn more about NF, including how it's diagnosed and treated.
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Neurocutaneous Syndromes
Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. The focus of treatment is to prevent or minimize complications and maximize the child's strengths.
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Birth Defects
Birth defects are relatively common. Some are minor and cause no problems; others cause major disabilities. Learn about the different types of birth defects, and how to help prevent them.
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Turner Syndrome
Turner syndrome results from a chromosomal abnormality. Girls with TS usually are shorter than average and infertile due to early loss of ovarian function.