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Many Kids' Cereals Loaded with Sugar
A new report says many kids' cereals have more sugar than many sweets or desserts
Youth Football Players at Increased Risk for Stroke
Young football players may be at a higher risk of suffering a stroke than their peers, according to a new study
Heading Soccer Ball Linked with Brain Injuries
Soccer players who frequently head the ball face the possibility of brain injury and cognitive impairment, according to a new study
Here's what every parent needs to know about these flu strains going into the 2011 – 2012 season
The Science Behind Your Favorite Childhood Remedies
Researchers have studied the effects of your mom's chicken soup, steamy baths and more on colds. We'll tell you what really works
Research shows that certain smells can boost sleep, lessen stress and even ease cold symptoms. Get a whiff of this!
In an effort to keep up with my tech-savvy patients and their parents, I read a study from a well-known software maker that confirmed something we all know: Our kids are extremely wired
Protect Youth From Online Harassment
Although digital communities enable youths to socialize with peers and develop multimedia skills, these online forums also have risks. Fortunately there are ways for parents to help their children avoid these new types of harm
Swollen Lymph Nodes Common in Childhood
Swelling of the lymph nodes, known as lymphadenopathy, is quite common during childhood. This is most noticeable in the head and neck area
There's has been a lot of discussion lately (in both medical and lay literature) surrounding the use of prebiotics and probiotics. The first question patients and parents often ask is, what's the difference between the two?
I received an email via our iPhone App from a mom who was very worried after her daughter had been bitten by a friend's dog. This is a common concern pediatricians hear
Flu vaccines are being shipped and should be in your doctor's office by now. This year's vaccine contains three strains of influenza virus that are identical to last year's chosen strains
The Importance of a Healthy Lunch
To start teaching children about healthy eating habits, we need to begin in early elementary school. Sit down with your child and review the school lunch menu. It might be wise to make a deal that they may buy their lunch two days a week and you'll pack a lunch on the other three days
Chicken Pox Vaccine Has Saved Lives
It's always good news when I read research-based studies validating that vaccines are one of the most important advances in public health
I get a lot of questions from new parents who are runners about the use of jogging strollers. When researching the issue in the pediatric literature, I couldn't find a consensus about when it's safe and appropriate to use such a stroller with a newborn
Window Falls Injure Thousands of Kids Annually
Windows Are Big Source of Kids' Injuries. Window falls send more than 5,000 kids and teens to emergency rooms each year, and are serious enough to require a hospital stay a quarter of the time
To protect your kids from serious sports injuries, prevention is key. But if an accident does occur, be prepared. Here's how to spot and treat the most common injuries in kids' sports
Whether your children are starting at a new school or returning to their stomping grounds, heading back into the classroom can be stressful. To make things easier on your entire family, try these moves to ease back-to-school stress
Be Ready to Deal With Motion Sickness Before You Travel
During the summer travel season, I get many calls from parents about children who suffer from motion sickness.
In the summer, many families create memories and cool down at the beach, lake, or pool. Of course, the main concern is fun, but the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of water is safety
Due to wet weather and heat, news reports have families on alert: Snakes are being pushed out into the open. More snakes means the potential for snakebite.
6 Summer Illnesses You Need to Know About
The summer months are prime time for certain viruses -- and kids have the greatest chance of getting them. Here's what you need to know about the most common warm-weather illnesses
How the New USDA Guidelines Change Your Meals
The age-old food pyramid is a goner. Can the new MyPlate icon improve your eating habits? Learn more here.
Altitude Sickness Usually Mild
With summer vacation season in full swing, many families are traveling. Some are heading out across the U.S., while others are seeking adventure in Europe, South America, Africa, or even Asia, where they may encounter high altitudes
Choose Insect Repellent Carefully
It's that time of year again when pediatricians see a host of children suffering from uncomfortable bug bites. The best way to prevent bites from mosquitoes, mites, chiggers, flies and fleas is to use insect repellent
Kids, Media and Childhood Obesity
A new study looks at mounting research showing a child's media use may be linked to body weight -- not only because they don't get as much exercise if they're watching TV and using other media, but also due to other issues related to media exposure
Heading For the Woods This Summer? Watch Out For Ticks
After playing outdoors, your child comes home with a tick embedded in his/her back. You've done your best to remove the dreaded insect but are worried sick that your son or daughter may contract Lyme disease. What should you do?
Vegetarian Diet Can Be Safe, Healthy Choice for Children
My teenage daughter wants to become a vegetarian. Is it a safe choice for growing kids? Will she be able to get everything she needs from this type of diet?
Kids' Nutrition: Remake Snacks Into Treats You Can Live With
While you wouldn't dream of banning frozen treats, you feel justified putting the kibosh on the ones containing red No. 3 and other wacky ingredients. One way to minimize the food dyes and unpronounceables is to remake your kids' favorite snacks from scratch
Skin Rash Could Be Fifth's Disease
Even though summer has arrived in most parts of the nation, I'm still seeing typical spring illnesses like Fifth's disease. Fifth's disease is a common viral illness seen in children, often in the late winter and spring
When are Allergy Medications Appropriate for Kids?
First, it's important to make sure that your child is suffering from allergies and not a cold. Here are some of the most common treatments, including age restrictions, as of May 2011
Cell Phones and Cancer: Get Your Hands Off That Phone!
Looking for a great gift for your favorite high school or college grad? Pick up a hands-free headset for their cell phone. There's a healthy reason behind this. The World Health Organization (WHO) just announced that radiation from cell phones may cause cancer
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Is Back
I've been seeing a lot of cases of 'hand, foot and mouth disease' (HFM) in the office lately. This illness is usually caused by a Coxsackie virus A-16, a member of the enteroviral family. These viruses are typically seen in the summer and early fall
The Apple Trick: On Not Tricking Kids into Eating Well
I attribute the fact that my four year old daughter eats everything, from oysters and rabbit ragu to kale and carrot juice, to pure and simple luck. Other parents ask, especially when they see her slurp down an oyster, how we get her to eat so well. When I say it is all luck, I'm not lying. But the truth is, I also use a few tricks
Viruses Linger During End of School Year
Students from preschool through college are in full end-of-the-school year mode. Unfortunately, there also seem to be several spring/summer viruses lurking around that are disrupting many students' (and parents') end-of-year plan
New Guidelines Aimed at Reducing Overdoses of OTC Medicines
Are you confused about over-the-counter liquid medication dosages? You're not alone. The good news is, changes are coming. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just released new guidelines in an effort to reduce the risk of overdoses when giving children liquid OTC medications
Earlier Bedtimes May Fend Off Teen Depression
A new study confirms something pediatricians and parents already suspected: One key to having happy, healthy and less depressed children is to have earlier bedtimes.
Teens and Headaches Seem To Go Together
I just read an interesting study about teenagers with headaches. About 1 to 2 percent of adolescents have chronic daily headaches, defined as greater than 15 headache days per month for more than three months.
Medical History Key to Diagnosing Food Allergies
I've been reading and reviewing several articles on food allergies and their diagnosis. One piece appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association (May 2010 issue) and another in the March issue of Consultant for Pediatricians. Both articles emphasized that there continues to be a great deal of confusion and lack of uniformity for diagnosing food allergies
Parental concerns about children with fever continue to be the primary reason for phone calls to pediatricians' offices, visits to the doctor and late-night trips to the ER. The term 'fever phobia' is not new, and one of the hardest things to 'teach' parents is the mantra: Fever is your friend. What? How can that be?
Iron Deficiency Can Have Serious Consequences
An article published in the journal Pediatrics from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) committee on nutrition sets new guidelines for iron intake in infants and children. The news is not good. As such, the AAP guidelines now recommend the following
Pregnancy is a time of joy, but for many women, a time of unprecedented worry. Along with the admonitions about caffeine, lunchmeat and wine, many pregnant women are told they should get rid of their cats because of health risks. With a few basic safety precautions, the Centers for Disease Control states that pregnant women do not need to give up their cats
MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus) is a bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissue. With the frequency of such infections rising, parents should be aware of the fact that an unusual 'bite' that's becoming more tender, has surrounding redness (erythema), feels warm to the touch and has the appearance of a large pimple or boil, needs to be examined
Try These Tips To Control Indoor Allergens
As we continue our allergy series, we thought it would helpful to offer a few tips on how to keep many pesky allergens from bothering your kids in your home. A wide array of things can trigger an allergy attack in the home, including dust mites and mold
Steroid Sprays Effective Weapons Against Nasal Allergy Symptoms
The surge in allergies this year has been due to a very wet winter, and the weather this spring has brought erratic changes of temperature and lots of wind. This is the perfect storm for an 'allergic cascade' to attack everyone's nasal mucosa. Intranasal steroids appear to be the best preventative and treatment for nasal allergy symptoms
There's No Such Thing As a Sterile Waiting Room
Someone had written in to suggest that doctors needed to stop providing magazines and toys for people in the waiting room. Her feeling was that if doctors stopped furnishing these items, patients would bring their own, reducing the spread of germs. I couldn't believe someone would suggest that doctors have empty waiting rooms! Have we gone overboard with germ fears?
Allergy Season Has Arrived: Protect Your Kids As Spring Blows In
Spring is the season for allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages), triggered largely by tree pollens and grasses as spring blows in. Allergy symptoms affect about 1 in 5 people, and the first symptoms often begin in childhood
Diagnosing Ear Infections Not Always Easy
One of the most frequent reasons for a visit to the pediatrician continues to be ear infections (otitis). Especially at this time of year, when we're still in the throes of 'cough and cold' season, the otoscope (device used to look into the ear), is getting worn out!
Screening Essential To Curb Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes
Each year, 10-12 million kids in the U.S. participate in sports. The tragedy of a sudden death in an otherwise 'presumably healthy' child causes not only sadness, but also deep concern as to how the death might have been prevented
ADD Begins in Childhood But Can Continue Into Adulthood
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a condition that begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. Between 20 and 50 percent of children diagnosed with ADD will continue to have clinically significant symptoms in adulthood
If there's one thing I know after looking down thousands of throats during my pediatric career, tonsils come in many shapes and sizes. Here's what else I have learned about children's tonsils and tonsillitis
Improving Children's Digestive Health
The best way to prevent stomach upsets in small children is to teach good eating habits from a very young age. These easy to implement eating tips will set the stage for a life-time of good eating habits and help avert uncomfortable tummy aches and pains
Hand-washing 101: Kill Germs, Don't Spread Them
Our hands allow us to work, interact and take care of our children -- but they can also make us sick. Hand-to-face contact is the most common way germs are spread. That's why proper hand-washing is the best defense against cold and flu. Read on to get the clean truth about how to kill germs with proper hand-washing
Fever May Not Always Warrant a Trip to the Doctor
Monday's in the office are always busy, and one of the most predictable visits will be for a child who has had a fever over the weekend. Fevers and kids are like salt and pepper; they just go together. The most frequently asked question is, 'When do I need to see the doctor for a fever?' There is not one simple answer. Here are some simple rules of thumb for calling your pediatrician
Food Allergy or Food Intolerance?
A mother with a 9-year-old daughter asked, 'Could my daughter could be allergic to strawberries, as she gets a stomachache and sometimes vomits after she eats them? She hasn't had problems eating strawberries before.' This is interesting because I've been reading and reviewing several articles on food allergies and their diagnosis
For many families, battling the flu is a seasonal rite of passage: Up to one in five children will suffer through a bout. To help ease your worries, we asked the experts to spell out what day-by-day flu symptoms to expect, how you should treat them, and when to call your pediatrician. By arming yourself with the flu facts, you can stop fretting -- and start taking charge
Wintertime Upper Respiratory Infection Sends Some Kids to the Hospital
RSV is the acronym for respiratory synctial virus, a wintertime upper respiratory infection that causes colds and coughs, but also an illness known as bronchiolitis.
Stay-happy Tricks for Sick Kids
Keeping your child healthy is probably the most important job you have as a parent. But as every mom knows, it often requires asking your little one to do some of her least favorite things. And that can make your life, well, challenging. These expert-approved stay-happy tricks will keep your sick kids smiling during even the most difficult situations
Get Your Kids to Trade in Screen Time for Sleep
It's time to reign in the connectivity: Recent studies have found that teens who sacrifice sleep time for screen time are at a greater risk for sleep disorders, mood swings and depression -- not to mention a less-than-stellar performance at school due to shortened attention spans. Here are five ways to help them find a better balance
Mono and Epstein Barr Virus: What You Need to Know
Mono is most frequently caused by the Epstein Barr virus, but other viruses may mimic the symptoms of mono. Many of us have been exposed to Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and may not even realized it, while others will develop a viral illness which typically causes sore throat, fever, congestion, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. Here's what you need to know
Don't Forget Skincare and Sun Protection in Winter
With winter upon us in full force, don't forget skin care and sun protection. Due to the drier air and the need to turn up the heat, it's important to protect your child's skin (and your own) and keep it from drying.
When to Worry About Stuttering
Stuttering at this age is called disfluency, or pseudo stuttering, and is quite common as children learn to speak and develop more complex speech patterns. In many cases, the stuttering occurs out of the blue, lasts for several weeks, then resolves, only to return off and on during the preschool years as the child learns more and more language.
Healthy Foods That Make Teeth Rot
Candy is bad for your teeth. Well, that's a no-brainer! Even 3-year-olds know that. But my patients are always caught off guard when I tell them that certain healthy foods are just as unkind to your chompers and can cause your teeth to rot. So grab a toothbrush and hear me out
Make Sledding Safety a Priority
As winter deepens and snowstorms sweep across much of the country, there may be several more 'snow days' with children (and sometimes their parents) home from school. As such, I decided to do a little research on sledding safety and accidents. Here's the findings
New Research Offers Hope For Eczema Patients
The newest theory is that children with eczema have extrinsically different skin, in that they have a defective skin barrier, which allows irritants into the skin resulting in inflammation. These children seem to have a defect in the filaggrin, a protein in the skin that's important in maintaining skin hydration. There seems to be a mutation in the gene that makes this protein.
Why Sarah Palin Is Wrong About Michelle Obama's Weight Gain Fight
Sarah Palin made a paid appearance at a private school in Pennsylvania. Arriving with dozens of cookies, she explained, 'I had heard that there's a debate going on in Pennsylvania over whether public schools are going to ban sweets, cakes, cookies, that type of thing.' She characterized the first lady's initiative for school lunches as 'a nanny state run amok'
New Iron Recommendations Issued For Children
An article published recently in the journal Pediatrics, from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) committee on nutrition, sets new guidelines for iron intake in infants and children. The news is not good. According to Dr. Frank Greer, co-author of the report, 'iron deficiency remains common in the United States'
Many parents are bringing in their young children with recurrent coughs and congestion, and strains of 'can't we just have an antibiotic?' are ringing through the office. There isn't a parent who doesn't want to make their sick child feel better faster, but antibiotics are usually not the answer
No mom wants her child to feel miserable -- and the common cold can really wipe a kid out! Fortunately, combining a few simple moves with time-tested remedies can help ease your little one's symptoms. So the next time she starts coughing and sneezing, try these savvy tricks to soothe your sick kid in no time
Your child drops an animal cracker on the floor, then bends over to pick it up and eat it. You think to yourself, '10-second rule!' But how bad is it, really? Are you letting your kids pick up germs and bacteria, or are they actually boosting their immune systems? To find out when -- and if -- being a germophobe mom pays, we talked with expert Carole Marsh. Here's what she had to say
Are Germ-killing Products Harming Your Health?
Germ-killing toothpastes, antibacterial soaps, sanitizing deodorants, bacteria-banishing home cleaners. With all of these products on the market, you'd think everything in hand's reach is likely to make your family sick. But are all germ-killing products really protecting us in the long run? Here's us the lowdown on which products are worth it and which aren't
Is Cord Blood Banking Worth It?
During some recent 'pre-natal' interviews with couples expecting their first baby, I've been asked about cord blood banking. This question often comes up as prospective parents receive information from either their obstetricians or via the mail regarding private companies that will 'bank' a baby's umbilical cord blood. Here's my opinion
Child Born With Hip Dysplasia May Not Need Future Hip Replacement
Some people born with hip dysplasia eventually require hip replacement. But when the condition is detected during infancy -- as in your child's situation -- effective treatment is often available, significantly decreasing the chances that hip replacement will be necessary in the future
Why Vitamin D Is Important For Your Kids
The latest studies involving vitamin D and calcium metabolism are now appearing in the pediatric literature as newer information about the long-term health effects of vitamin D continues to evolve. It's certainly a hot topic these days, with more studies to come.
Safeguard Your Child's Digestive Health
Proper digestion is important not only to prevent stomach upset, but also to create an environment for optimal absorption of vitamins and minerals. Absorption is an important factor in the digestive process. The best way to prevent stomach upset in children is to teach good eating habits from a very young age. Here's how
Goal of Treatment for Alpers' Disease is to Ease Symptoms
Alpers' disease -- now called Alpers' syndrome -- is a rare and serious genetic disorder. The disease is characterized by a breakdown of the brain's grey matter, persistent seizures and liver failure. A definitive diagnosis of Alpers' syndrome can be made using a blood test to detect the gene mutation responsible for this disease.
Confusion Reigns Over Cough and Cold Medicines
The confusion over cough and cold medications continues, and I must admit I'm a little confused, too. However, two things do come to mind
Children Can Have Migraine Headaches
Headaches are a common complaint throughout childhood, but pediatricians have recognized that children have many different types of headaches, including migraines. Here's what you need to know and be aware of when it comes to childhood migraines
First They Came for My Twinkie ...
To ring in 2011, let's raise a toast to proclaim the most frequently made New Year's resolution. Then promptly break it. Yes, it's the season for the American vow to lose weight. But first, let's argue about just how much leverage the government should exert. Here we are -- the president's signature barely dry on the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act -- and the grousing is accelerating
Keeping Lunch Boxes Interesting and Healthy
For most parents, having school-aged children means you are on lunch duty for 10 months. But how do you keep kids interested in eating lunches that are relatively healthy instead of ditching them for the alluring fast or junk food that they see the other kids eating?
Kids Should Drink Milk, Even If It Is Chocolate
I think it's preferable to have children and adolescents continue to drink milk, even if it means having chocolate or strawberry milk. There have actually been studies in the pediatric literature that show it's preferable to have a few extra calories from the sweetener in flavored milks than to forgo drinking milk
Protect Your Child From Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency remains common in the United States. The effects of being iron deficient not only cause anemia, but may also cause long-term, irreversible effects on children's cognitive and behavioral development. Because of these findings, it is imperative that adequate iron is provided in infancy and early childhood. Here's what you can do
Rare Muscle and Skin Disorder Can Be Difficult to Treat
Dermatomyositis is a rare muscle and skin disorder. The main symptoms are muscle weakness and skin rashes. Dermatomyositis can be difficult to treat but it may go into remission in some children. Here are the treatment options and things that can be done (nutrition, lifestyle) that will help
Kids Should Drink Milk, Even If It Is Chocolate
I think it's preferable to have children and adolescents continue to drink milk, even if it means having chocolate or strawberry milk. There have actually been studies in the pediatric literature that show it's preferable to have a few extra calories from the sweetener in flavored milks than to forgo drinking milk
Protect Your Child From Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency remains common in the United States. The effects of being iron deficient not only cause anemia, but may also cause long-term, irreversible effects on children's cognitive and behavioral development. Because of these findings, it is imperative that adequate iron is provided in infancy and early childhood. Here's what you can do
Rare Muscle and Skin Disorder Can Be Difficult to Treat
Dermatomyositis is a rare muscle and skin disorder. The main symptoms are muscle weakness and skin rashes. Dermatomyositis can be difficult to treat but it may go into remission in some children. Here are the treatment options and things that can be done (nutrition, lifestyle) that will help
The Kid's Doctor: Kids and Choking Dangers
As a pediatrician, I talk about choking with parents beginning at the first visit, and encourage all new parents to take a CPR course. When you discuss this issue with young parents, you never dream that they'll ever actually have to perform CPR, but choking hazards in young children are very real.
Pertussis Cases Continue to Rise
I've been reading a lot about the pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak in California. But pertussis is not only affecting those in California; the number of cases is rising across the country. That being said, it's important to reiterate the need for infants, children, adolescents and adults to get pertussis immunizations. Here's why
Alternative Treatments To Fight a Cold
While I've been fighting a cold myself, the office has been full of children of every age blowing their noses and raising a cacophony of coughs. So I thought I'd take another look at alternative ways to prevent and treat the common cold.
Contact Lenses Appropriate For Kids Old Enough to Handle the Responsibility
There's no definite age that eye care professionals recommend before children can start wearing contact lenses. Nor are there risks specifically associated with children wearing contact contacts, beyond the usual risks that come with contact lens use. It is important, however, that your child be able to handle the responsibility of properly wearing and caring for contact lenses.
Adverse Effects of Scoliosis Depend on Magnitude of the Curvature
The likelihood of having adverse Scoliosis effects depends on the magnitude of the scoliosis, a condition defined as a sideways curvature of the spine that develops most often in children prior to puberty
How to Make Sure Your Kids Eat Enough Vegetables
It's common for kids to dislike or refuse to eat some fruits and vegetables. Your best bet is to be a good role model by eating the green stuff yourself (and at least acting like you enjoy it!). Here are a few tips to get your child to eat more fruits and vegetables
Four Loko: Boozy Up-and-Down Makes This Loko Loco
Can we agree that young people need no help in getting drunk? And can we agree that young people are attracted to the following -- Large cans, sweet flavors, a cheap price, and staying awake. Put those all together, and you can understand why Four Loko is one of the fastest-growing alcoholic beverages in the country. And why so many older people are worried
The Kid's Doctor: Young Athletes and Overuse Injuries
I see more and more kids coming in with complaints of back pain, knee pain, ankle and elbow pain often secondary to repetitive motion from sports. We had a pediatric orthopedic surgeon on our show recently and we discussed overuse injuries in adolescent athletes
The Kid's Doctor: Wart Treatments Vary
I see so many kids with warts. Warts are caused by viruses and can be a real nuisance. Because warts are due to viruses, they are contagious and may be acquired without a person even knowing where they contracted the virus. Some people seem to be susceptible to the virus and may get warts recurrently, while others have never had a wart
Colic -- Although Stressful -- is Temporary
My 7-week-old son is often inconsolable, to the point where he will cry for up to six hours a day. He's extremely gassy and at times seems to be in pain and cannot nap comfortably. Our pediatrician says that it's most likely colic. Please help me understand this condition and what I can do to help him. Is this something he will outgrow?
Healthy Eating Guide to Cereal
These days, buying breakfast cereals can be confusing. Many carry healthy labels or promote some health benefit even if they aren't the best choice for health. To ensure that you're buying a healthy product for your family, read labels and look for the following cues
Supplements for High School Athletes: How to Make Smart Choices
As parents, coaches and mentors, we have a responsibility to help young adults make the right nutritional and wellness choices that will best support both their academic and athletic endeavors. Here's a set of worthwhile tips
Why Sniffles Hit Hardest at Night
When your child wakes up coughing or complaining of an earache, it's tough to know what to do. And many common ailments -- from asthma to croup -- worsen in the wee hours. Here's why these symptoms hit hardest at night. Plus, how to help your child feel better when sick at night, no matter the ailment
Child With High Body Mass Index at Increased Risk of Health Problems
Body mass index (BMI) is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by their height in meters squared. BMI can help determine if a child is at a healthy weight. Children with a BMI measure that's too high may be at increased risk for health problems, such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.
Normal Weight Obesity - A Growing Concern
What is normal weight obesity? Normal weight obesity: it sounds like an oxymoron, but it's not. It's possible to fall in the normal weight range and still have weight-related health issues
The Dangers of Diagnosing Online
Here I am on the Internet writing about the dangers of diagnosing yourself or your children via information on the Web. The hazards of using the Internet as your own medical textbook can be great. The Internet is a resource, not a doctor
Child's Height at Age 2 May Predict Adult Height
A child's height at age 2 may be predictive of final adult height. But many factors can affect height. As they grow, children should be monitored regularly by a doctor to ensure they are growing properly and to detect any growth problems as soon as possible.
No parent enjoys hearing a child cough, even though coughing is the body's way of keeping the lungs clear and preventing pneumonia. But that doesn't make the problem any easier for you or your child, especially when your little one can't get a good night's sleep because of a nagging cough. Here's guide to deciphering and treating the most common types of cough symptoms in young children
Team up With Schools to Fight Flu Season
The good news is that many school districts have been preparing for a potential pandemic influenza outbreak for a few years, so they're ready to tackle this year's challenging season. As a proactive parent, you can look for specific things -- and take some vitally important steps -- to ensure your child's school is in the best possible position to keep cold and flu bouts to a minimum this year
Family Dinners Help Fight Obesity
Obesity and the problems associated with it -- type 2 diabetes, heart disease, joint problems and more -- begin in childhood. If we can't change our children's eating and exercise habits we have no hope of stemming the tide of ongoing obesity. In that vein, we must begin modeling better eating habits for our children by returning to the idea of family meals
Don't Take Hollywood's Advice on Treating Kids With Head Lice
Nothing causes more angst and disgust than when parents find that their child has lice, yet it has nothing to do with cleanliness. It's not unusual for everyone in the family to start scratching their heads and thinking they're infested, too.
Determine Cause of Child's Lack of Growth Before Considering Hormones
Before moving forward with growth hormone therapy, your child should receive a thorough evaluation from an endocrinologist who has expertise in growth disorders to verify that growth hormone deficiency is the reason for lack of growth
Teach Your Kids to Stress Less
We can't protect our children from every stressful situation that life throws at them. Instead, it's important to teach them to recognize the signs of stress and learn how to react in a positive, healthy way. Here's practical tips for helping your kids stress less
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in 25 children suffers from a food allergy. Food allergies can cause a variety of symptoms within a few minutes to an hour after eating
Healthy Lunches Your Kids Will Love Recipe
Say so long to that tired PB&J sandwich and sugary juice box -- and hello to delicious, nutritious school-lunch ideas that your child will devour. Help your child ace her exams and stay healthy by making over her lunchbox with these healthy school-lunch ideas
Teens' Chronic Headaches Often Fade With Time
It's not unusual for me to see several teens a week who complain that they have headaches every day. Despite these persistent headaches, the majority of adolescents continue to participate in their school activities, sleep well once they fall asleep, and stay active on weekends
Anxiety Before New School Year is Common for Many Children
My son, who will be in fourth grade, is really nervous about going back to school. He's had trouble with this in the past. Sometimes he gets so upset, he ends up with stomachaches. The problem usually fades as the school year goes on. But right now it's very hard on him, and it's stressful for the rest of the family, too. What can we do to help him make this transition easier?
Childhood Obesity From a Holistic Perspective
The United States is unique in that it is the world-leader when it comes to children who are both malnourished and obese. These seemingly contradictory facts suggest that what our children eat is just as important as how much. It is the accumulation of nutrient-poor foods over the course of a day, a week, a year that is contributing to the epidemic of childhood obesity our nation is facing
Whooping Cough Continues to Affect People of All Ages
Is it true that my infant son could get whooping cough if he is exposed, even though he has been getting his vaccinations? How common is whooping cough? I assumed it was basically eliminated in the United States.
Keep Your Athletes Hydrated On and Off the Field
With summer heat at its peak across the country and kids heading back to school athletics, band practice, drill team and the like, this is a good time to discuss heat-related illnesses and their prevention.
How to Stop Your Baby's Wheezing and Prevent Asthma
Are you concerned when you hear your baby wheezing? You're not alone. The good news: A new study published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology has identified consistent risk factors for wheezing in infants -- which means there are steps you can take to help prevent it
Fighting Drugs With the Power of Sleep
Parents looking to steer their teens away from drugs may want to encourage them to stay in bed longer. Lack of sleep seems to lead to increased drug use -- not the other way around, as many researchers previously concluded -- and this is likely to be a pattern of behavior that teenagers acquire from their friends.
Milk: When the First Food May Be the Best Food
Milk was your first food, so it hardly seems a cutting-edge component of our diets. Still, milk just might be one of the last of the great mystery foods, so rich in nutrients that no one has quite figured out yet how they all impact our bodies and our minds.
Introducing New Foods to Your Child
I receive many questions about 'when' you can feed a child different foods. More and more information is being published on this subject and the 'older' recommendations about withholding certain foods from children have recently changed. Actually, they've changed about 360 degrees!
I seem to get several calls each year about 'acute mountain sickness,' which may occur when traveling to altitudes above 5,000 feet but is typically associated when traveling to altitudes of 8,000-14,000 feet. Fortunately, most people will not have serious problems when traveling to higher altitudes. Here's what you need to know when coping with altitude sickness
Protecting the Future Health of Our Boys
A fascinating yet shocking development has been transpiring over the past few decades: The world is slowly starting to lose its boys through declining male births. This recent phenomenon has a lot to do with the steady infiltration of hormone-disrupting chemicals in our daily lives - chemicals such as bisphenol-A and phthalates.
The Power of Persuasion: Food Marketing Really Does Work
A fast food commercial pops up and you feast your eyes on a glistening cheeseburger. The next thing you know, you're hungry and you've got a hankering for a burger. Is this mere coincidence or do food ads really hold the power to change the way you eat? The answer is right before your eyes; multi-million dollar advertising campaigns would not exist if they didn't work.
Fighting Childhood Obesity From a Holistic Perspective
It is the accumulation of nutrient-poor foods over the course of a day, a week, a year that is contributing to the epidemic of childhood obesity our nation is facing. If we want our children to live a full, optimal life, free of disease, then it's time for a change. Here's how
Congress Must Act Now to Alleviate Child Hunger
For most, 'hunger' is a metaphor for a list of wants rather than needs. We hunger for more -- more time, more money, more of what the next guy has. Imagine the physical and emotional distress of true hunger. Now imagine suffering that pain as a child. An empty stomach makes a child feel empty emotionally, overlooked and forgotten. To truly end child hunger, this is what needs to be done
Exercise for Kids: 5 Tips for Parents
It's no secret that childhood obesity is a major issue in the United States. At the core of the problem is the fact that less than one third of all children ages 6 to 17 get regular vigorous exercise, defined as at least 20 minutes of physical activity that makes them sweat and breathe hard. So what should parents do to get their kids moving more often? Here are 5 tips to get started
Too Much Screen Time for Kids Means Poorer Health
The average American child spends four to five hours a day in front of a screen -- that's roughly one-third of their waking time either in front of a TV or a computer, and all that screen time could be adding up to poor health. Parents should consider the following strategies
Nutrition May Be Key to Helping Control ADHD
The common approach to ADHD is to medicate children with drugs such as Ritalin or Adderall. These stimulants are thought to help improve ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine levels in the brain to increase attention and motivation. For parents who are interested in experimenting with natural alternatives to traditional medication, nutrition may offer some simple solutions
Foods to Reduce Allergy and Asthma Symptoms in Kids
Parents of children with asthma and allergies are all too familiar with doctor's offices, doses of steroids, antibiotics, allergy medications and sometimes even the dreaded emergency room visit. While experts warn that there really are no magic foods that ward off asthma and allergies for all children, new research shows that diets rich in some foods can make a difference
Toddler With Recurring Ear Infections May Benefit From Tubes
Middle ear (between the eardrum and the inner ear) infections are common in young children, and most of these infections are relatively easy to treat. But when a child has more than four ear infections in six months or, as in your child's case, six infections in a year, ear tubes may be the right choice
Prevent and Treat Summer Rashes
Protecting a young child's delicate skin is a year-round responsibility for parents, but it's especially important in the summer months, when so much skin is uncovered and vulnerable to a host of warm-weather rash inducers. Here's ways to prevent and treat the most common summer rashes
No matter how busy your weekday mornings, the whole family can still eat well. All it takes are a few key planning decisions and some smart food choices. Below, our experts' strategies for turning the rushed (or nonexistent!) morning meal into a healthy, enjoyable group activity
7 Nasty Germs That Could Land Your Kid in the Hospital And How to Avoid Them
Nowadays, it's much rarer for young children to be hospitalized for severe infections than it was even a decade ago. Still, almost 2.5 million infants are admitted to the hospital each year due to infections. To protect your child from a surprise hospital stay, watch out for the pathogens most often responsible for pediatric admissions
What Parents Can Do to Keep Kids From Snacking Their Way to Obesity
The news on childhood obesity is almost universally bad, including this latest item: Kids snack three times a day on junk food, accounting for almost one third of their daily calories. Parents do have the power to help protect our children against the health risks of obesity, starting now. Here are three practical steps you can take today
Though No Cure for POTS, Symptoms Can Often Be Effectively Managed
A cure for POTS doesn't exist at this time. Fortunately, teenagers -- a group commonly affected by POTS -- usually grow out of the disorder by the time they reach their early 20s. In the meantime, POTS symptoms can often be effectively managed with a combination of lifestyle and dietary changes, along with medication.
Feeding kids healthy and nutritious meals is not as hard as you might think. The trick is to follow two basic rules. First, serve only quality meals. They won't know what they're missing -- i.e., junk and processed food -- if they never had it. Secondly, give them what they want. Yes, its that simple.
You've packed the bags. You've dog-eared and highlighted the travel guides. With everyone excited for the family vacation, someone getting sick is the last thing you want. Here's how to keep the family healthy while you're away -- plus what to do if sickness does strike.
Help make your little one's sick day a little better with some creative touches you can both feel good about.
At what point is it necessary to call a doctor when my child is not feeling well? Here are four red-flag scenarios in which you should call the doctor
Sunscreen Facts You Need to Know
You know sunscreen is a must whenever you're outside, but sunburn has probably still caught you by surprise at some point. By slathering on sunscreen, you may have thought you were playing it safe, but there's actually more to it than that. Check out these commonly held sunscreen myths, then the facts that will keep your fun in the sun safe.
Asthma and Allergies Can Run in Families
I'm afraid my 18-month-old twins are going to develop asthma and/or allergies. My husband and his father have asthma, and my mother and I both have seasonal allergies. What are some signs of asthma or allergies in children this young?
My 14-year-old granddaughter has just completed her third injection of the Gardasil vaccine. I know it's designed to protect her from cervical cancer caused by a virus. But men can get the virus, too. Should my grandson also get the vaccine?
Salivary Gland Stones Rare But Not Unheard of in Children
My 8-year-old daughter has had intermittent pain underneath her tongue for nearly two years. Her doctor suspects salivary gland stones but cannot see them and tells me they are not common in children. What are salivary gland stones and how are they treated?
The Threat of Childhood Obesity
William Dietz, a medical doctor and pediatrics expert who directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, discusses the nation's problems with childhood obesity and what parents can do to encourage healthy choices by their children
Tick-Borne Disease Risk Peaks in Spring and Summer
Lyme disease is by far the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. Between 20,000 and 30,000 cases have been reported in most of the past several years, and health officials suspect many more go unreported. The incidence is highest in New England, the Mid-Atlantic states, and Wisconsin.
Are Carbonated Drinks Bad for Bones?
Do carbonated drinks leach calcium from bones? Does this increase the risk for osteoporosis? Can drinking soda make a diagnosed case of osteoporosis worse?
Secrets to Breathing Better With Allergies
Warmer weather triggers trees, flowers and grasses to bloom, beckons kids back outside and sets off seasonal allergy suffering. Pollens, which have been dormant all winter, are abundant from spring to fall. These irritants gang up with existing indoor allergens and bully your child's immune system, causing itchy, watery eyes, runny noses, sniffling, sneezing and coughing. Try these tips for keeping allergens to a minimum
Relationship Between RSV and Asthma in Children Unclear
My 3-month old has just gotten over RSV, and our pediatrician says we now need to watch for asthma as she gets older. How are these two conditions related?
Get the Lead Out: The Less Exposure to This Toxic Metal the Better
While lead is useful, it's also a poison that at sufficient levels can damage any organ in the body, including the brain. Several studies have raised concern that lead exposure may pose mental health risks, even at levels not previously considered dangerous.
Nutrition May Be Key to Helping Control ADHD
The most common traditional approach to ADHD is to medicate children with Ritalin or Adderall. And while medication may be helpful in curbing children's symptoms, they also have side effects such as aggression, stunted growth, and depression. For parents interested in experimenting with natural alternatives to traditional medication, nutrition may offer some simple solutions.
Healthy Eating at Disney World is Possible
Whenever I told someone we were going to Disney World, the immediate reaction was: 'You'll have nothing to eat. All they have there is fast food, and lots of it.' Luckily, we stayed at a suite about 10 minutes away from the parks, rented a car, and went to Whole Foods Market at least three times during our one-week stay. However, Disney World is not without healthy options ...
Is the Inside of Your Car Making You Sick?
Far too many of us treat our cars like second homes. When was the last time you really gave your car a thorough cleaning on the inside? Germs run rampant all around us, including in our automobiles. Fortunately, there's much you can do to keep those pesky lil' microbes in check. Here are some tips from the country's leading germ experts on how to sanitize your ride's interior.
The trick to getting children to try new foods that are also healthy for them is to create situations where they can discover that pleasure on their own. Here, three ways to lead your child to the table without making him eat
Food allergies are a very common concern among parents -- and with good reason. Even though the rise in allergies is very real, parents often blame food for mild symptoms that are actually caused by something else. To avoid a misdiagnosis by Dr. Mom (or Dr. Dad), here are common symptoms of exposure to nonfood allergens, plus a quick guide to the three methods of testing for true food allergies
Should My Baby Get the Rotavirus Vaccine?
My infant daughter was vaccinated against the rotavirus infection virus that causes diarrhea. I just learned that this vaccine should not be given to babies. Do I need to worry?
How to Green Your Baby's Nursery
When parents think about safety in the nursery, they tend to think about falls from changing tables, baby getting sandwiched between the rails and mattress, or an infant getting caught up in cords. But the materials used in a nursery can carry a lot of chemicals that are harmful to a child's health. Here's what to look out for and avoid
How much sleep should my kids get each night?
They often seem overtired, and I worry they are more vulnerable to illness.
When Your Child Says 'I don't feel well'
If your child doesn't show the obvious signs of illness (no deep chest cough, vomiting or severe congestion, for example), a few silent symptoms may alert you that she should stay home from school
At what age can a child be diagnosed with asthma
Children cannot be definitively diagnosed with asthma until they're 4 or 5 years old. Kids under 4 are very apt to develop respiratory viral infections that induce wheezing
Moms: Stop Kids Fears Before They Start
Sometimes a small concern can quickly escalate into feelings of real fear. If this sounds familiar, there are steps you can take to avoid making yourself sick with worry -- for your sake and your child's. Check out these strategies for managing fears that come with being the No. 1 caretaker for your child's health.
As difficult as it is to see your baby coughing and sniffling, it's very important not to give cough and cold medicines to children under two years of age since it can cause serious and, in rare instances, potentially life-threatening side effects, including convulsions, rapid heart rate and decreased levels of consciousness. Fortunately, there's still plenty you can do
While your baby may prefer to sleep on his tummy, you really should put him on his back to sleep, because that's the safest position for him. He may not sleep as deeply or as long as when he's on his tummy, but that might be a good thing, and here's why
Kid-friendly Foods That Soothe
When children are under the weather, they usually turn to Mom for comfort. This season, be prepared with tasty treats that do double duty -- they soothe symptoms and help speed up the healing process.
Sick-day Strategies for Keeping Kids Entertained
There are lots of great ways to keep children entertained and distracted when they're home from school with a cold or the flu. Here are 11 comforting and clever ways often used by moms like you to help kids have fun while they recover.
It's just baby fat. But what is the statute of limitations on baby fat? And in light of the increase in childhood obesity, do you need to worry about your child's weight? If you suspect your child is flirting with obesity, get an objective assessment. And, If the results indicate a problem, consider the following strategies to help your child trim down
The next time you're tempted by a bag of potato chips, check to see if your kids are around -- because the old adage 'do as I say, not as I do' doesn't work when it comes to teaching children healthy eating habits. To raise a kid who grows up with healthy eating habits plus loving broccoli and whole grains, consider the following
Teaching Kids to Stop the Spread of Germs
If it seems as if your kids are always picking up germs and getting sick, it's not your imagination. With developing immune systems, packed classrooms and a tendency to taste and touch with abandon, kids are much more likely to catch and spread germs. Try these tricks for teaching kids to stay germ-free. With practice, the habits will become as ingrained as saying please and thank you
Spotting Your Child's Cold and Flu Symptoms at Every Age
When adults get hit with the flu, there's no mistaking it. You're feverish, your head feels stuffed up and you ache everywhere. But with kids, the signs aren't always as easy to detect. Here's your guide to spotting flu symptoms no matter what your child's age, and ways to bring relief.
When to Keep a Sick Child Home
It's cold and flu season, which means plenty of moms are facing that age-old parenting dilemma: Do I send my coughing, sniffly child to school? And if I make the wrong choice, will the school nurse call a few hours later asking me to take him back home? Figuring out when to keep your child home from school and when he's well enough to go back isn't always easy
Michelle Obama Vs. Childhood Obesity
Michelle Obama is focusing on something vital for the future of America -- a healthy next generation. Mike Huckabee is showing sincerity in his commitment to the same cause -- and maturity as a human being, too. However, it looks like the USA has a fat chance for political and social maturity. Anyway, kudos to Mike and Michelle, and may you prosper in your endeavors!
Healthy Snacks for Children: Choices May Surprise You
Deciding what types of snacks to serve your children is important when planning your child's overall diet. In addition to increasing the risk of childhood obesity, snacks that aren't healthy can put kids at risk for poor dental health. Here's the best ways to promote healthy snacking
Making Baby Food: Easier & Healthier Than You Think
Many parents are beginning to make their own baby food in an effort to start their babies off on the right, and healthy, foot. Contrary to popular belief, making your own baby food can be easier than you think.
Make Your Own Healthy Breakfast Cereals
Ask anyone who's ever taken their child to the grocery store and they'll agree: Avoid the cereal aisle. Most children gravitate to the colorful boxes that feature their favorite cartoon mascot promising a tasty -- yet, sugar-filled -- breakfast. However, there is a solution to the cereal dilemma. Here's a guide and some simple breakfast ideas to get you started ...
Parents Influence Kids' Relationship With Food
In today's world of fast and convenient food, many people have disordered eating. The evidence of obesity, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and an obsession with dieting is proof we aren't healthy eaters. The problem is many of the people with unhealthy relationships to food are parents, and that makes them role models for their children.
Preparing Kids - And Yourself - For Their Hospital Visit: 11 Tips
Without thoughtful preparation, your kid's visit to the hospital has the potential to morph into a traumatic experience. Yet some upfront legwork on the part of Mom and Dad can ease a child's anxiety and also set the stage for his or her positive future dealings with the medical world. Here's 11 Helpful Tips ...
Recurring, Frequent Headaches in Child Should Prompt Visit to Doctor
Once or twice each week, my 7-year-old complains that her head hurts. At what point do I need to have her see a doctor, and what could be causing headaches in such a young child?
Some mental-health experts think 'parental alienation' should be an official diagnosis
Parental alienation, highly controversial, is being described as one in which children strongly attach to one parent and reject the other in the false belief that he or she is bad or dangerous
The Lure of an ADHD Treatment Minus the Meds
Supporters say, and the evidence backing them up is increasing, that Neurofeedback therapy can improve a child's ability to focus on tasks that challenge his attention span. While neurofeedback therapy takes weeks and costs thousands of dollars, the prospect of an alternative to years of medication tantalizes parents and therapists alike
In a country where nearly three million students are receiving special education services for a learning disability, many parents are hungry for ways to support their children's learning. The problem many children face is they've lost their zest for learning. Here's a few key steps to reinforce learning
Getting Kids to Eat Their Vegetables
We've all heard of the kid who won't eat anything except chicken fingers and hot dogs -- and maybe you recognize this child well because he or she is yours. Although most children aren't this extreme, many are still not eating as much healthy foods as their parents would like
4 Flu Vaccine Doses for Kids This Fall -- but Where and When
This may go down in history as the most confusing flu season ever, given that a vaccine for the new H1N1 swine flu isn't yet available, but the plain old seasonal flu vaccine is. Talk about a recipe for pandemonium at the pediatrician's office!
Neurofeedback: An ADHD Treatment That Retrains the Brain
A controversial treatment for overcoming attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is getting new respect. Called neurofeedback therapy, it supposedly retrains the brain to produce electrical patterns associated with calm and focus. While the technique is costly, time consuming, and far from proven, its promise is tantalizing.
Nutritious Meals Make Better Grades
Nutrition is important for all of us, especially our children. What children eat does make a difference, especially in school, reports a study published last year in the Journal of School Health, a journal published on behalf of the American School Health Association.
Trick-or-Treat? Conquer Sugar by Offering Kids Sweeter Alternatives
In an age when close to one in five kids in the U.S. is overweight or obese, should we be rethinking our manner of celebrating Halloween, or simply carry on with what we've been doing? The answer appears to lie somewhere in the middle, according to childhood obesity experts ...
Strong Genetic Component May be Associated with Asperger Syndrome
Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects a child's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others. Children with Asperger syndrome typically exhibit social awkwardness and an all-absorbing interest in specific topics. Doctors and researchers don't understand exactly what causes Asperger syndrome, there seems to be a strong genetic component associated with this disorder
Healthy, Natural School Lunch is Easier Than You Think
As you cruise down the supermarket aisles with kids asking for all sorts of junk for their school lunches, it can be difficult to resist the urge to grab those pre-packaged, all-in-one lunch meals. But healthy, homemade lunches that your kids will want to eat are actually easier than you might think.
Newborn Screening Can Identify a Variety of Treatable Conditions
The blood taken from your baby after she's born will be examined to find out if she has any of a variety of treatable conditions. This procedure, called newborn screening, is very important because these conditions can be most effectively treated when they are identified early, before symptoms appear.
Drug-Free Approaches to Managing ADHD
For decades, Ritalin and similar stimulants have reigned over other treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD or ADD. The meds are seemingly tried and true, with numerous studies backing their effectiveness. However, the latest results from the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD found that stimulants' effects wane over time. Here's 9 Drug-Free Approaches to Managing ADHD ...
What Parents Should Know About Swine Flu Shots
The questions I asked at my daughter's well-child doctor visit this week were not happy ones: They were all about what to do if the swine flu pandemic gets much worse this fall and she becomes sick. I left the pediatrician's office just as worried.
A new nationwide survey by the School Nutrition Association says almost 2 out of 3 U.S. schools now offer vegetarian fare for lunch on a regular basis. That's a 40 percent increase since 2003, the first year veggie meals were tallied by the nonprofit group. However, rising prices are hitting districts hard ...
The Huge Health Toll Obesity Takes on Kids
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Vitamin D and Kids: How Much Sun Should They Get to Stay Healthy
Right after I coated my kid with SPF 70 sunscreen and dropped her off at camp this morning, I picked up the newspaper and read: "Millions of Children in U.S. Found to be Lacking Vitamin D." Sunscreen was listed as a main culprit for the deficiency, which can put children at risk of developing high blood pressure, high blood sugar, heart disease, and weak bones. Yikes! ...
Keep Kids Hydrated in Summer Weather
Once summer hits, many kids want to spend all day, every day playing outside. In addition to wearing cool clothing, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, it's important to send kids outdoors with enough water to drink to avoid becoming dehydrated.
How to Use Tylenol So It's Safe for Your Kids
Too much Tylenol can be a very dangerous thing, for kids and adults. So much so that the Food and Drug Administration is considering banning infant Tylenol as part of its efforts to reduce the risk of potentially fatal liver damage. But we parents can take steps on our own to make sure we're using Tylenol safely
Summer Safety: 8 Reasons Kids End up in the ER & How to Prevent It
Summer has arrived. And for all its pleasant, warm-weather pastimes -- pool parties, barbeques, bicycling, and more -- an emergency department near you is feeling the usual seasonal spike in children's unintended injuries. No wonder summer is known in the medical business as trauma season.
How Positive Psychology Can Increase Your Happiness
You can thank your parents -- in part -- for how happy you are; roughly half of human happiness is genetically determined. Another 10 percent comes from your life circumstances, like how happy you are with where you live. according to longtime happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky, a professor of psychology.
Teens Who Think They'll Die Young Take More Risks
Teenagers tend to wildly overestimate the odds of dying young, and teenagers who think they'll be dead before age 35 are far more likely to abuse drugs, attempt suicide, get arrested, or contract HIV. Scientists have known for quite a while that teenagers tend to think that an early death is much more likely than the infinitesimally small risk it really is.
The deer tick (also called the black-legged tick), which can carry and transmit the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. Considered somewhat rare in the mid-1980s, Lyme disease is now the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. About 20,000 cases are reported annually to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
5 Nutrition Facts About Milk & Healthy Kids
Here are five things you should know about your kids and milk.
Insect Repellent Helps Prevent Insect-Borne Diseases - Naturally
Many people are changing their perceptions about mosquitoes - from an itchy annoyance to a potential health risk. Already this year, reports of mosquito-borne encephalitis (West Nile and St. Louis) have been recorded in central Florida and Louisiana. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20,000 confirmed cases of insect-related illnesses in humans are reported each year.
Got Kids? Keep Them Cool This Summer
With June 21 -- summer's official start -- just around the corner, the experts at DANNON Natural Spring Water are offering these tips to help keep your children healthy and hydrated this summer and beyond.
Stress and the Expectant Working Mom
For nearly one million working women who become pregnant each year, juggling stress in the workplace along with stress that comes with being pregnant can be a tall order. First among them is how to work and manage a healthy pregnancy at the same time.