Getting kids to drink water with their school lunches could help keep their weight in check and save the United States billions in obesity-related costs, a new study contends. Researchers calculated the effects of going nationwide with a program piloted in 1,200 New York City schools between 2009 and 2013. Placing water dispensers in school…  read on >

CPR can be performed by sixth graders, a new study suggests. Some states require hands-only CPR training for high school graduation, but teaching younger children has not been a focus of training efforts, the researchers explained. “We were wondering why they need to wait until 12th grade when sixth graders have learned the circulation system…  read on >

FRIDAY, Nov. 10,They’re pickier tenants than you’d think: Bugs are ideally looking for carpeted, airy, ground-floor residences in wealthier neighborhoods, and pets and even filth aren’t really so important. So finds a meticulous new study of the insect life in 50 urban homes in Raleigh, N.C. One surprise: There was a greater diversity of insect…  read on >

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, first developed to help guard against cervical cancer, also seems to protect against a rare, chronic childhood respiratory disease, a new study suggests. It’s believed that the disease — recurrent respiratory papillomatosis — occurs in children when HPV type 6 or 11 spreads from mother to child around the time…  read on >

As if the idea of teen cyberbullying isn’t harrowing enough, a new study warns of a strange twist in which kids anonymously post hurtful messages — to themselves. The worry is that this digital self-harm — like traditional self-harm — may be a harbinger for suicide down the road, the study authors said. In the…  read on >

Caring for a child with cancer can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. The Children’s Oncology Group says the best thing such a parent can do is to accept help from friends and family. The group mentions these benefits of doing so: You will have more energy to take care of your child, spend time with…  read on >

The last place you should fear getting sick is in a doctor’s waiting room. The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines for pediatricians to prevent the spread of germs. The group says all pediatric medical offices should: Equip waiting rooms with alcohol-based hand sanitizers and masks. Put up visual reminders for kids and…  read on >

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, texting: Sometimes it seems today’s young adults are online more often than not. But new research suggests that the amount of time young adults spend on social media doesn’t seem to affect their risk for mental health problems. The finding came from a study of 467 young adults who were asked about…  read on >

Sibling rivalry — the jealousy and competition between your children — can start even before baby number two is born, according to experts at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital of Michigan Medicine. How siblings relate to each other and to parents can change as they go through the stages of childhood. Toddlers starting to assert…  read on >