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health & safety topics

Your child's health and safety is our top priority. Please search our resource library for information on health, nutrition, fitness, injury prevention and other important topics.

Heart & Blood Vessels

A to Z: Beta Thalassemia

Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

Anemia

Anemia happens when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by many things, including dietary problems, medical treatments, and inherited conditions.

Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is weak spot in the large artery that carries blood from the heart (the aorta). Kids who have one need regular checkups and care to prevent emergencies.

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis means the aortic valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia happens when the body can't make enough blood cells. A person can develop anemia, infections, and bleeding. Treatments can help with most kinds of aplastic anemia.

Arrhythmia (Abnormal Heartbeat)

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart. Many are minor and not a health threat, but some can indicate a more serious problem.

Arteriovenous Malformations

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. Large AVMs or multiple AVMs usually needs medical treatment.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Atrial septal defect (ASD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a type of congenital heart defect. Most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.

Atrioventricular Canal Defect

An atrioventricular canal defect (AV canal) is a heart problem in which the center of a baby's heart does not form normally before birth.

Beta Thalassemia

Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing beta globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.