Children's Health Encyclopedia

Yoga

Healthline — The term "yoga" comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "union." Yoga combines physical exercises, mental meditation, and breathing techniques to strengthen the muscles and relieve stress. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years as a ...More…

X Rays

Healthline — X rays are electromagnetic radiation that differentially penetrates structures within the body and creates images of these structures on photographic film or a fluorescent screen. These images are called diagnostic x rays. Diagnostic x rays are ...More…

Wryneck

Healthline — Wryneck, also called twisted neck or torticollis, is a deformity in which the neck is twisted and held at an angle to one side. A congenital (present at birth) form called congenital torticollis is the most common type of wryneck seen in ...More…

Wounds

Healthline — A wound occurs when the integrity of any tissue is compromised, for example, when skin breaks, muscle tears, burns, or bone fractures. A wound may be caused by an act, such as a gunshot, fall, or surgical procedure; by an infectious disease; or ...More…

Working Mothers

Healthline — More mothers in the United States are working today than ever before. In 1993, 58% of mothers with children under the age of six, and nearly 75% of those with children between the ages of six and eighteen were part of the paid labor force. ...More…

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Healthline — Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare inherited disorder marked by a low level of blood platelets, eczema, recurrent infections, and a high risk of leukemia or lymph node tumors. WAS was named for the two physicians who first reported the ...More…

Wilms' Tumor

Healthline — Wilms' tumor is a cancerous tumor of the kidney that usually occurs in young children. When an unborn baby is developing, the kidneys are formed from primitive cells. Over time, these cells become more specialized. The cells mature and organize ...More…

Williams Syndrome

Healthline — A rare congenital (present from birth) genetic disorder that results in physical and developmental delays and problems. Williams syndrome (WS) is sometimes also referred to as Williams-Beuren syndrome. The disorder was first described by J. C. P. ...More…

Whooping Cough

Healthline — Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious disease which causes classic spasms (paroxysms) of uncontrollable coughing, followed by a sharp, high-pitched intake of air which creates the characteristic whoop that is reflected ...More…

Well-Baby Examination

Healthline — Well-baby examinations are scheduled regularly during the first two years of life due to the rapid growth and change that occurs during infancy. During each visit the pediatrician monitors, advises, and answers questions on a baby's growth and ...More…

Wechsler Intelligence Test

Healthline — The Wechsler Intelligence Scales are a series of standardized tests used to evaluate cognitive abilities and intellectual abilities in children and adults. The Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (regular, revised, and third edition) and ...More…

Warts

Healthline — Warts are small, benign growths caused by a viral infection of the skin or mucous membrane. The virus infects the surface layer. The viruses that cause warts are members of the human papilloma virus (HPV) family. Warts are not cancerous, but some ...More…