Potty training can be a difficult experience for parents and children, but with the right plan in place, it doesn’t have to be. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions for implementing a successful potty-training plan: Give plenty of praise, affection and treats to encourage your child when he or she uses the potty.… read on >
Black children are more than twice as likely as white kids to die from surgery complications in the United States, a new study suggests. Researchers found that black kids more often had risk factors that raised their odds of dying within 30 days of surgery. They were more likely, for example, to need blood transfusions… read on >
Working smoke alarms lower a person’s chances of dying in a home fire by half, according to the National Safety Council. These alarms should be tested monthly. In addition, you should have a fire safety plan for your family, the organization stresses, offering these additional suggestions: Practice home fire drills at least twice a year.… read on >
When is it appropriate to give kids a cellphone? That depends on factors like their maturity level, their ability to follow rules at home and school, and your family’s circumstances, including health and safety issues. For instance, if both parents work outside the home, it’s easier to check in with a child during the day… read on >
As the opioid epidemic continues to grip the United States, the toll on the littlest victims — the children of addicts — is mounting, new research shows. “There are many negative aspects to the opioid crisis, but its effect on children is arguably one of the worst,” said study author Troy Quast, an associate professor… read on >
Severely obese teens who undergo bariatric surgery to lose weight end up lowering their heart disease risk down the road, new research indicates. For the study, researchers tracked 242 adolescents for three years after they had weight-loss surgery. “This is the first large-scale analysis of predictors of change in cardiovascular disease risk factors among adolescents… read on >
The younger teen years are some of the most emotional, physical and difficult years for adolescents. As hormones change and teens go through puberty, they may be self-conscious about their changing bodies and may worry frequently about what others think. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests things parents can do to help… read on >
A common respiratory virus that circulates in winter can pose a serious threat to children, an expert warns. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) “is the most important respiratory virus of infants and young children,” said Dr. Pedro Piedra, a professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology at the Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston. RSV… read on >
A lack of exercise puts kids at risk for very adult problems, like obesity and diabetes. Now there’s also research that links exercise to their cognitive development and achievement in school. Turns out that physical activity gives the young brain needed boosts, according to a study published in Monographs of the Society for Research in… read on >
More than half the parents in the United States start feeding their babies solid foods before they’re 6 months old — the age now recommended by health experts, a new study indicates. Introducing solid foods or new drinks too early could deprive them nutritionally, the researchers warned. Waiting too long can also have negative effects,… read on >
