THURSDAY, Aug. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Chance Ammirata was a vaper for almost two years. But three weeks ago, the 18-year-old began to have trouble breathing. “I would say my chest felt like it was collapsing and tightening up, and I couldn’t breathe,” he told CBS News. After going to the emergency room, doctors…  read on >

There’s good and bad news in a new report on tuberculosis rates among American children and teens: Overall, the number of cases have fallen by nearly half, but they still remain much higher among minorities than whites. Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial lung disease, is potentially fatal, but it is preventable and curable in children and…  read on >

Forty percent of U.S. parents say they would likely find a new doctor if their child’s primary care provider sees families who refuse childhood vaccines, a nationwide poll finds. And three in 10 say their child’s primary care provider should not treat youngsters whose parents refuse all vaccines. Those are key findings of the latest…  read on >

Sometimes it’s obvious when older parents need outside help — like when they’re having difficulty managing numerous chronic illnesses or losing mobility and unable to maneuver well even at home. But mental problems may not be as easy to spot. For instance, is Dad’s forgetfulness — his misplacing house keys or missing appointments — normal…  read on >

Planning for your children’s return to school this fall should include thinking about how to pack healthy lunches that they’ll enjoy. Try to include children in the process of creating their lunches, including buying food and packing (or helping pack) their lunches. This lets them make their own choices and helps them learn about nutrition,…  read on >

Healthy kids do better in school — something parents need to think about as they prepare for a new academic year. “As a parent and grandparent, I know that back-to-school time is a busy time. Yet, I encourage parents and students to be mindful of some health essentials to add to your to-do lists,” said…  read on >

A staph infection is caused by bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose. Though usually minor, staph infections can become deadly if the germs invade the bloodstream or bones, says Mayo Clinic. Serious staph infections have a range of possible symptoms, including fever, nausea or joint swelling. As a rule of thumb,…  read on >

Ferris wheels and roller coasters are summer staples for many. Unfortunately, more than 30,000 emergency room visits in 2016 were linked to amusement parks and carnivals, says the University of Michigan. The school encourages parents to: Speak up if park employees are exhibiting unsafe behaviors. Only let your child ride if the child meets height…  read on >

Breastfeeding is a unique experience for every mother. As you begin, your baby’s actions will cue your body to make milk, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are concerned about this process, talk to a doctor or lactation consultant. Over time, your breasts may leak. Some mothers find it helpful to…  read on >

Bingeing on social media isn’t good for any teen, but new research has pinpointed three ways in which hours spent on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook may harm the mental health of young girls in particular. “Almost all of the influence of social media on mental health could be explained by the three mechanisms examined…  read on >