As stigmas surrounding mental health issues have eased, more U.S. college students are seeking help for emotional problems, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data from the Healthy Minds Study, an annual online survey involving more than 150,000 students from 196 campuses. In 2017, 36 percent of students were diagnosed with mental health issues, compared…  read on >

It is common and perfectly natural for a young child to feel some separation anxiety when a guardian isn’t nearby, Harvard Medical School experts say. But if separation anxiety is strong enough to interfere with normal activities such as school and friendships, it may be cause for psychological counseling, the school says. In cases of…  read on >

Kids with summer birthdays, especially those who spend long hours playing on smartphones and tablets, might be at greater risk for vision problems, a new study suggests. Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is on the rise worldwide. It’s what eye doctors call a refractive error, meaning the eyes can’t focus light properly. The result: Close objects…  read on >

A newborn can bring a sense of fulfillment to your life … and an equal amount of stress over everything from baby’s health to your own parenting skills. A few simple strategies can help both mom and dad relax. First, expect to feel many different, often contradictory emotions. You might go from pure bliss as…  read on >

More than 3 million older Americans are now raising their grandchildren as their own, even as they struggle with health problems and financial stresses, a new survey shows. Not only that, the children they take in are more likely to be troubled as they struggle to adjust to new lives, the researchers found. Still, these…  read on >

Caffeine-laden energy drinks are popular, but they might make your blood vessels less efficient, a small study suggests. These drinks — sold as Monster and Red Bull, to name two — have been linked to heart, nerve and stomach problems, researchers say. “A lot of young kids use energy drinks when they exercise, a time…  read on >

Childhood memories of good connections with your parents can benefit your physical and mental health, according to new research. The study found that older adults with fond recollections of early relationships with their parents were more likely to have better health, fewer chronic illnesses and a lower risk of depression. Researchers analyzed two databases that…  read on >

The American Academy of Pediatrics is strengthening its recommendation to ban spanking and other forms of corporal punishment, citing new research that says that type of discipline can affect normal brain development. Harsh verbal punishment, such as shaming or humiliation, is also a threat to children, the AAP says in an updated policy statement. “The…  read on >

While a fever generally is not something to be overly concerned about, some cases require a doctor’s intervention, the Nemours Foundation says. Triggers of may fever include an infection, overdressing (particularly newborns) and immunizations. A high fever should be treated without delay to prevent discomfort and possible dehydration, Nemours says. If — despite a fever…  read on >