Playing sports offers plenty of fitness and other developmental benefits for kids, but injuries are common. Every year, more than 2.6 million U.S. children aged 19 and under are treated in the ER for sports- and recreation-related injuries. If your child plays team sports, start by vetting the qualifications of the coaches. A questionnaire-based study… read on >
Parents, if you want to find out whether your teenagers are “juuling” in school, you might consider checking their Twitter accounts. That’s what California researchers did, and after sifting through more than 80,000 tweets, they found almost 1 in 25 detailed using the tiny e-cigarette device during class hours. “We saw posts about using Juul… read on >
Adjusting from being an only child to being a big brother or big sister may be a difficult transition. It is best to talk openly with your child so he or she knows what to expect when the newborn arrives. The Nemours Foundation suggests: Let the older child help decorate the new baby’s room. Allow… read on >
Arguments are a natural part of family life, but constant and recurring battles can be exhausting. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how to keep household bickering to a minimum: Pick your battles. Evaluate which issues really need to become a source of dispute. Allow your child to win an argument sometimes. This shows a… read on >
Backyard fireworks and sparklers are a Fourth of July staple. They can be fun, but also dangerous, health experts warn. Knowing how to set them off safely can prevent a celebration from becoming a tragedy. And the National Safety Council advises everyone to steer clear from all consumer fireworks, and only enjoy fireworks at a… read on >
Prenatal testing and care is a good idea throughout pregnancy to make sure the pregnant woman and the fetus stay healthy. The U.S. National Institutes of Health says these tests are typically prescribed for pregnant women: Glucose challenge screening. This test is given between 24 and 26 weeks of pregnancy, and determines the woman’s risk… read on >
Medicines that protect pets from fleas and ticks may help lower people’s risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, researchers report. “Insect-borne infectious diseases remain primary causes of severe illnesses and fatalities worldwide, and new approaches to preventing outbreaks of these diseases are critically needed,” said researcher Peter Schultz, chief executive officer of Calibr and… read on >
An abscess forms when germs enter the body through an open wound. An abscess often is raised and may feel warm and painful to the touch. The Nemours Foundation advises against popping, pushing, squeezing or touching an abscess. You can apply a warm compress to the area, which may help open and drain the wound.… read on >
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 >
