A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Symptoms of a concussion tend to appear soon after an injury occurs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. If you or a loved one is playing a team sport and suspect a concussion, the…  read on >

A new test for chlamydia can provide results within 30 minutes, potentially speeding up the start of treatment, researchers say. The rapid test for the sexually transmitted disease (STD) means patients can receive treatment immediately, instead of having to wait for a follow-up appointment. This could help reduce the spread of the disease, according to…  read on >

If you fill your home with plenty of reading material and read often to your kids, you are more likely to raise children with an enthusiasm for reading, the Nemours Foundation says. Nemours suggests how to create a reading-friendly home: Have a wide variety of reading materials readily available, including magazines, books and comic books.…  read on >

Exposure to chemicals found in a wide array of personal care products has been linked to early puberty among girls, a new investigation warns. The issue centers on specific chemicals including phthalates, parabens and phenols. They’re found in an array of products, including perfumes, soaps, shampoos, nail polish, cosmetics, toothpaste, lipstick, hairsprays and skin lotions…  read on >

About 630,000 babies worldwide are born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) each year. They’ll need care averaging $23,000 annually, new research suggests. These children face a range of lifelong problems caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy, according to the research review. “People with FASD often require lifelong and multidimensional services to address their ever-changing…  read on >

There’s an adjustment period for almost every new college student — many young people have struggles balancing independence and a heavy workload. But there are some signs that suggest your young person needs more serious help than a care package from home. Some problems are temporary, like anxiety and stress, which affect huge numbers of…  read on >

If you’re shopping for toys this holiday season, make sure some simple, old-fashioned items are on your list, pediatricians say. In a new report, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is making recommendations on the best toys to buy for babies and young children. The bottom line: The traditional beats the digital. “This report is…  read on >

Women with frontal lobe epilepsy are much more likely to have an increase in seizures during pregnancy than those with focal epilepsy or generalized epilepsy, researchers report. “Physicians need to monitor women with focal epilepsy — especially frontal lobe epilepsy — more closely during pregnancy because maintaining seizure control is particularly challenging for them,” said…  read on >

More than 15 million homes in the United States get their water from private wells, according to federal estimates. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates public drinking water, people with private wells need to check their water themselves, along with other maintenance steps. This is especially important if you’re thinking about having a baby.…  read on >