How Much Exercise Do Kids Need?

Kids need at least one hour of physical activity every day. They can get exercise during gym class and recess at school, participating in organized team sports, and even while riding bikes or playing tag. Regular exercise helps kids:

lower stress
raise self esteem
maintain a healthy weight
build healthy bones, muscles, and joints
sleep better at night

Tanning

A tan happens when your skin produces melanin to protect itself from exposure to the sun's UVA rays. A sunburn is a sign of skin damage and is caused by UVB rays. Tanning can cause health problems including premature skin aging, skin cancers, eye damage, and reactions to certain medicines. Learn more about how to protect yourself from the sun's damaging rays.

Eating Well When You're Pregnant

When you're pregnant, eating healthy is more important than ever. Making healthy food choices every day will help you give your baby what he or she needs to develop. It will also help make sure that you and your baby gain the proper amount of weight. Learn more about how get the nutrition that your baby needs during your pregnancy.

Bone Marrow Transplant

Bone marrow transplantation is a procedure that replaces a person's faulty bone marrow stem cells. A bone marrow transplant can be used to treat people with some blood cancers and certain diseases, such as leukemia or sickle cell anemia.

Talking with Your Doctor

How well you and your doctor communicate with each other is one of the most important parts of getting good health care. Being prepared can help make the most of your visit. Here are some things you can bring:

Lists of all the medicines, herbs, or vitamins you take
A description of symptoms - when they started, what makes them better or worse
A trusted friend or family member to assist you
A way to take notes during your appointment

Make sure you understand your diagnosis and any treatments. Ask your health care provider to write down his or her instructions to you.

Healthy Recipes

Staying healthy can be a challenge, but research shows that simple lifestyle changes like eating healthy meals and being physically active can help. MedlinePlus has healthy recipes from Apple Coffee Cake to Zesty Tomato Soup to help you develop a healthy eating pattern.