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Usually, the wall of the abdomen is strong. The muscles keep your intestine in place. But if there’s a weak spot, the intestine can push through and form a hernia. A person may be born with a weakness there, or the weakness may develop over time later in life. “It’s like when you look at an old tire on a car and you see kind of a bulge on the sidewall of the tire. That’s because there’s a…

Want to know more about genes and how they work? Or learn about DNA forensics, biotechnology, and related careers? This educational website has up-to-date information, animations, games, interactive tutorials, and teacher resources designed for students and educators in grades 9 to 12.

Get to know your family better this holiday season by talking about health. Do any health conditions seem to run in your family? For example, have many people in your family had diabetes, cancer, a heart attack, or anything else? Now is the time to find out. Ask about the health history of your grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and the rest. You can share this information with your health…

Is your doctor sending you for an MRI, a CT scan, or other medical scan? Do you know what to expect? Or how the test results can help with making a diagnosis or planning treatment? There’s a free app from NIH to answer your questions. It’s called “Understanding Medical Scans.” You can use it anywhere to help you prepare for a medical scan. The app describes MRI, CT, ultrasound, PET, and X-ray.…

You probably often hear or read about the results of health research studies. Want to better understand the complex science that relates to health research? Explore the interactive modules, quizzes, and videos created by NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. These tools can help you weigh what you hear and read. Knowing the science can help you make educated decisions…

Music has been around since ancient times. It is part of every known culture. It can get your foot tapping, lift your mood, and even help you recall a distant memory. Did you know that music can bring other health benefits? Scientists are exploring the different ways music stimulates healthier bodies and minds. “When you listen to or create music, it affects how you think, feel, move, and more,”…, Your Brain on Music, The brain is a complex processing hub. It’s the control center of your nervous system, the network of nerve cells that carry messages to and from your body and the brain. A healthy brain tries to make sense of the world around you and the constant information it receives, including sound and music. “Sound is an important and profound force in our lives,” explains Northwestern University…, Building Strong Minds, Playing a musical instrument engages many parts of the brain at once. This can especially benefit children and teens, whose brains are still developing. Introducing music to young kids can positively influence their ability to focus, how they act, and language development. Kraus’s research team at Northwestern studies how musical training influences brain development. They found that music has…, Music Therapy, Listening to and making music on your own can bring health benefits. But some people may also benefit from the help of a board-certified music therapist. Music therapists are trained in how to use music to meet the mental, social, and physical needs of people with different health conditions. “Music therapy can take many forms that go beyond listening to music,” explains Dr. Sheri Robb, a music…, Music in Your Life, Music can offer many health benefits, but it may not be helpful for everyone. Traumatic injuries and brain conditions can change the way a person perceives and responds to music. Some people may find some types of music overstimulating. Others may find that certain music brings up emotional or traumatic memories. “It’s important for healthcare providers to identify and understand when music isn’t…

Last year more than 1.7 million people were diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Cancer can be difficult to treat because each tumor is unique. Scientists are now gaining a better understanding of the changes that lead to cancer—and figuring out how to target them for personalized treatments. “Cancer treatment is changing at a very fast pace,” says Dr. Patricia M. LoRusso, an NIH-funded…

You probably get your blood pressure checked every time you go to the doctor. Having high blood pressure increases your chances of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and other serious health problems. After studying the results from hundreds of studies, experts recently changed the definition of high blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers, like 120/80 mm Hg. The first…

Make better health your resolution all year round. You can learn simple ways to prevent disease and improve your relationships, emotional well-being, physical health, and surroundings. Check out NIH’s “ Your Healthiest Self: Wellness Toolkits ” for science-based health tips in five different areas. Each area has checklists of tips you can print for yourself or share with others. The wellness…

How common is morning sickness? How does pregnancy affect sleep? Does chronic disease or disability change the pregnancy experience? Pregnant women are helping researchers answer questions like these by joining the PregSource research project. It is free to join, and all information is kept confidential. Plus, it offers health trackers, reliable health information, and the chance to share your…