Health

By Mike Patrick, MD
Medical Director for Interactive Media, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Despite its big, scary-sounding name, molluscum contagiosum is a common and relatively harmless skin condition seen in many children. It comes in the form of bumps that range in size from a pinhead to a pencil eraser. The bumps are caused by a skin virus and appear as painless domes that are typically flesh-colored, although they may develop a white center and/or redness around the edges. The telltale sign of molluscum contagiosum is a small dimple (umbilication) on top and near the center. Although one bump may appear alone, they are often seen in clusters or scattered on different areas of the skin.

By Karen Kier, Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team

Many different cultures have gods, goddesses and symbolic figures to help promote fertility for a couple. Besides Greek mythology, there are at least 33 different cultures that have some form of good luck for a couple when trying to have children. Even my Pennsylvania Dutch background has a barn (hex) sign for fertility. Despite these thoughtful good luck charms, the reality is that infertility is more prevalent than many may realize. This is a topic that many individuals are really not comfortable in sharing or talking about, which can include miscarriages and loss of pregnancy.  It can be hard to find support when many are afraid to disclose the issue.