Croup tends to occur between 3 months and 5 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Most common in autumn and winter, it causes swelling of the voice box and windpipe. This leads to a bark-like cough. Most instances of croup resolve on their own, but occasionally it can lead to complications that…  read on >

Student athletes who specialize in one sport year-round could lose out in academics and other fields, a new study finds. “Today’s students have so many responsibilities and when you add specializing in a sport — with participation in school and club teams, practices, tournaments and lots of travel — there just aren’t enough hours in…  read on >

While recommendations call for adults to exercise for 30 minutes a day, kids need double that amount — yes, 60 minutes of physical play a day. And being active as a family can make it easier for kids to reach this goal. For starters, make it a point to plan family outings that involve exercise,…  read on >

Parents should play an active role in ensuring that their kids develop healthy eating habits to prevent too much weight gain. Excessive weight gain is associated with health issues such as breathing problems, type 2 diabetes, joint pain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases…  read on >

People who party hard in their 20s could wind up paying for it later with a higher risk of heart disease, a new study suggests. Young adults who binge drink are more likely to have heart risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and higher blood sugar levels, researchers found. “They are…  read on >

Getting a nursery ready for a new baby can be a lot of fun, but keep in mind these important considerations to make it a safe haven. For crib safety, choose a new crib that meets the latest standards — stronger crib slats and mattress supports, improved hardware and no drop-side rails. The spacing between…  read on >

For many families, summer means longer days, less routine and more time outside. That’s not all good news, one expert says, because it could jumble a family’s sleeping habits. Even without the rigorous and often hectic school-year schedule, it’s important to ensure that everyone gets enough sleep, according to Dr. Cheryl Tierney, chief of behavior…  read on >

Young American children are being sickened — and even dying — after being poisoned by a drug used to fight opioid addiction, a new report contends. Investigators reported that between 2007 and 2016, more than 11,000 emergency calls were made to U.S. poison control centers after a child or teen was exposed to buprenorphine, a…  read on >

It’s important for children to socialize during their summer holidays, a family medicine and psychiatry expert says. “Kids deserve a break during the summer. They’ve worked hard during the school year and this is their time to relax, but they should continue interacting with their friends and meeting new people,” said Dr. Jin Han. He’s…  read on >