A hectic holiday pace not only tires you out, it makes it easier to pick up an infection. Reducing stress, getting enough sleep and healthy eating are among the things you can do to stay healthy if you’re traveling over the holidays, one expert suggests. Stress levels can rise at this time of year, so… read on >
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all kids get the annual flu shot. Each year, up to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, the academy says. Here’s the group’s list of things to know about the flu shot: The flu vaccine is recommended for… read on >
When trying to choose the perfect toys for kids this holiday, consider the age of the child first, a leading pediatricians’ group says. Buying toys that are too advanced can be not only frustrating for kids, but also dangerous, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). When children receive age-appropriate toys they are more… read on >
With a hectic holiday schedule, exercise often falls by the wayside. But finding ways to sneak in activity will help you avoid weight gain and ease some of the stress this season can bring, according to University of Maryland researchers. First, don’t give up cardio exercise just because you don’t have time to do your… read on >
Overweight children often become obese adults, with attendant problems such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. But a new study suggests there are “critical windows” where that path to weight gain can be changed. The study, involving more than 2,700 Finnish adults, found what many studies have shown before: Childhood body mass index, or BMI,… read on >
As time gets tight for holiday gift-buying, you might have an urge to grab whatever’s still on the shelf. But when it comes to toys, keep safety in mind, health experts say. The first step is to check the age recommendation on the toy’s label. “Parents often think their child will ‘grow into’ a toy,… read on >
Faced with hectic holiday schedules, parents often ask family and friends to pitch in and babysit their children. But many parents fail to provide critical information about what to do in an emergency, a new survey finds. Less than half of parents with children aged 5 and under posted emergency contact information, such as parents’… read on >
Colorful lights and candles can make the holidays sparkle, but child safety should be a priority when decking the halls or trimming a tree, a leading pediatricians’ group says. Christmas trees adorn many homes during the holidays but they can pose fire and other safety hazards if certain precautions aren’t taken, the American Academy of… read on >
There’s little doubt that gift giving has become a central focus of the holiday season, but as a parent you can still rein in kids’ expectations when it comes to presents. One popular rhyme suggests giving kids a maximum of four gifts: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.… read on >
Experiencing trauma as a child or teen apparently makes you more susceptible to heart disease. A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) says that people who were abused, bullied, witnessed violence or had other traumatic experiences when they were children or teens are at increased risk for heart disease. The AHA based… read on >
