Eat Less or Exercise More?
Kids are overweight, but what's to blame? And what's the cure? ...  > >
Spreading the Medical Word
More hospitals are using the new family-centered rounds, which help parents stay involved in their child's medical decisions...  > >
Don't Leave Car With It
Injuries can happen when infant car seats are used outside of the car: they can fall from counters, shopping carts, tables...  > >
Two Hours Does What?
Whether your child is in grade school or college, video games may be just as bad as TV for their attention spans...  > >
Breastfeeding Cuts Infections
Babies who were breastfed exclusively for four months had a greatly reduced risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections...  > >
Baby Blues
No wonder new mothers are at risk for postpartum depression: MAO-A, an enzyme that can deactivate mood, is skyrocketing...  > >
Cartoons Linked to Child Obesity
Kids say foods taste better when cartoon characters are on the label, possibly adding fuel to the childhood obesity epidemic...  > >
FDA Warning on Vitamin D Dosing
Parents can accidently overdose babies with a dropper of Vitamin D. Too little can be dangerous, but overdoses can be deadly...  > >
Be Careful Surfing for Autism Info
Many sites on autism and its treatments lack good - or any - quality control, so be careful about which you choose to use...  > >
Teens Who Hurt Themselves
The medical community calls it "non-suicidal self-injury" (NSSI); the kids call it "cutting."...  > >
Sunshine and Multiple Sclerosis
Babies born to mothers who had less sun exposure in the first trimester were more likely to develop MS. Why?...  > >
Mozart and Smarts? Unlikely, Study Says
There’s little evidence that exposing your child to Mozart will actually improve his or her intelligence, but it can't hurt....  > >
Drinking at Dillon High and Beyond
Teen drinking is not like on TV. There are real risks, like auto accidents and impaired brain development...  > >
Another Look at Antidepressants for Teens
After the reports of increased suicide rates among teens on antidepressants, a new study offers more data...  > >
The See Food Diet
Research shows that taking serving platters off the table cuts calories 20%; a salad bar by the register gets kids eating it...  > >
Teen Smoking: Talk About It
A simple parent-teen conversation, or several, is the best way to prevent teens from smoking, especially if dad is involved...  > >
Babies Deficient in Vitamin D
Most babies do not meet the crucially important MDR for Vitamin D (400 I.U.), a new study has found...  > >
New Asthma Med Guidelines
The FDA has issued new guidelines regarding the use of certain asthma drugs. Learn why and what they are...  > >
Diet Can Reduce Asthma Risk in Children
What a woman eats when pregnant and breastfeeding can reduce her baby's risk of eczema and asthma...  > >
Your TV Cannot Teach Your Baby
Research shows that educational DVDs don't improve learning in children under two. Babies need interaction to learn...  > >
Birth Hormone Helps Autism
Oxytocin, a hormone thought to encourage mother−infant bonding may help some autistic kids gain social skills...  > >
On the DL: Too Many Kids
It's baseball season. Too many young athletes end up on the disabled list. A few simple steps can reduce the risk...  > >
Know Herbs' Risks
Herbal remedies may be helpful, but they are not without risks, especially during pregnancy...  > >
Overcoming Severe Peanut Allergies
Children can become far less dangerously allergic to peanuts through a process of "immunotherapy" which desensitizes them over time...  > >
Vaccines Don't Cause Autism
Retractions don't happen often in science, but they are part of the process. Changing public perceptions is another matter...  > >
Chickenpox Vaccine Helps After Exposure
The varicella vaccine helps reduce, and may prevent, symptoms even when it is given after exposure to the virus...  > >
Fish Oil May Reduce Psychosis Risk
A small study of young people at risk for developing a psychotic disorder found that taking fish oil may be protective...  > >
SIDS and Serotonin
Babies who died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) had lower levels of serotonin and fewer receptors for it...  > >
Sideline Concussion Test
A simple test of reflexes can help coaches assess whether a player has had a concussion right on the field...  > >
Artificial Pancreas Shows Promise
Used during sleep, the system, which calculates and administers insulin, was far more effective at preventing nighttime hypoglycemia...  > >
Soldiers' Families Under Stress
Kids and caregivers left behind during deployment have to shoulder a heavy burden. A study looks at what can help...  > >
Fetal Sex Revealed by Blood Test
A simple blood test may replace amniocentesis as the best means for determining a baby's sex early in utero...   > >
Autism and Education: What's the Connection?
Autism appears to be more common among the children of the well−educated. But is this just the result of more frequent diagnosis? ...   > >
Better Relationships Prevent Weight Gain
When teenagers receive help with social skills and have happier peer relations, their weight tends to stabilize....   > >
Kids' Mental Health Needs
A new survey of children 15 and under offers a picture of their mental health and where treatment is lagging...   > >
Are Daycare and Asthma Related?
Daycare may actually lower the risk of developing asthma even though it may raise the risk of infection...   > >
Expectations Can Hurt Teens
Parents' expectations of adolescent rebelliousness or risky behavior can help create a self−fulfilling prophecy...   > >
Diabetes In Pregnancy
Preventing or controlling high blood sugar during pregnancy makes a big difference in the health of mother and baby...   > >
Preterm Birth And Autism
Are premature babies at a greater risk for autism? Complications affecting brain development are the biggest risk factors...  > >
Smoker at Home Risky for Kids
Laws protect people from cigarette smoke in the workplace and public areas. But what about the home? Secondhand smoke affects smaller children far more than adults...  > >
Parents Help Teen Drivers
Parents who set rules and monitor their teens' activities can seriously reduce the risk that their teen will be involved in an accident as a passenger or driver...  > >
Bilrubin Tests For Newborns
It doesn't happen often, but when a newborn has jaundice and high bilirubin levels that don't gradually recede, there is a chance of kernicterus, a devastating neurobiological disorder...  > >
Good Daycare Is An Escape Route
Daycare that offers children living in poverty a chance to learn school-readiness skills and exposure to adult role models helps them keep pace with their wealthier peers...  > >
Of Earaches And Antibiotics
Two major pediatrics societies have set policies recommending watchful waiting over immediate antibiotic treatment for many, if not most, of children's earaches. Parents can help...  > >
Bullies and Victims at Risk
Victims of bullying as well as bullies themselves are at risk for mental health problems. In some cases, bullying may itself be a sign of an underlying mental health issue...  > >
Bedtime Rituals Help Kids Sleep
A bedtime routine that includes a bath and quiet activity such as rocking or reading can help babies and toddlers fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer...  > >
Even Toddlers Get The Blues
Depression is not something one sees often in toddlers, but it does exist. It’s useful to intervene early, before depressive patterns become ingrained...  > >
Teens and Rx Medication
Prescription medication sharing is a growing problem among adolescents. Whether it is antidepressants or drugs for ADHD or allergies, their use can often cause serious side effects...  > >
No Place Like Home
Premature infants face a variety of medical challenges. But when it comes to helping them become “school−ready,” the home environment is incredibly important...  > >
So Easy, A Child Can Do It
Children as young as 9 years old can learn and apply CPR effectively, raising the possibility of in−school training and a new corps of kids who can save lives...  > >
A New Look At Colic
Sleepless, frazzled parents take heart: a recent study suggests that colic may be caused by abnormal levels of bacteria. The finding paves the way for new treatments...  > >
Kids and Cholesterol
Overweight kids mean that levels of fats in their blood are skyrocketing as well. Much can be done to prevent heart problems later. Are at−risk kids being screened early enough?...  > >
Doctors and Parents Unite!
Pediatricians can help parents plan a realistic strategy for helping kids lose weight. Make small, gradual changes and keep the health risks and benefits in mind...  > >
Xylitol for Baby’s Teeth
This plant extract prevents bacteria from sticking to children’s teeth and reduces cavities. Now research has found a way to give it to infants and toddlers...  > >
Star Smokers vs. Team Players
Two protective factors help reduce the risk that teens will begin smoking: playing a team sport and viewing fewer movies that show actors smoking...  > >
Colicky Babies, Depressed Dads
Mothers who are depressed while pregnant have a greater likelihood of having a baby with colic, but a new study shows that a father's depression during his partner's pregnancy can affect...  > >
Anxious and Distracted
People who tend to be quite anxious are more easily distracted than those who aren't. For students this means much more work is required to complete school tasks...  > >
Teens Need Doctor Visits
Adolescents are often neglected by the healthcare system, a new study has found. A yearly visit and time alone with their doctor to discuss health issues in confidence without parents...  > >
Obese Moms' Babies At Risk
Obese women pass on insulin resistance −− abnormally high insulin and blood sugar levels −− to their infants in utero. These babies often have high levels of fat...  > >
Young Adults Need More Milk
Teenagers and young adults are not getting enough calcium. Their intake drops off even though their bone mass is due to peak between ages 20 to 30. What can be done?...  > >
Pacifier Use -- What to Know
Pacifiers have been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but do they also cause babies to lose interest in breastfeeding...  > >
Let Them Drink Water
When kids switch from sugar−sweetened beverages to water, this simple change can result in a reduction of 200+ the calories a day. Eventually, pounds follow...  > >
Teens, Screens, And Caffeine
Teenagers are staying up late using the Internet, texting friends, watching videos, and often drinking caffeinated beverages to fuel their electronic nighttime habit. The results are not good...  > >
TV Delays Language Skills
Television interferes with babies' and toddlers' developing language skills in a number of ways. Verbal interactions with parents are reduced by 500 to 1000 words per hour...  > >
Mental Health Agenda Update
In an effort to help prevent mental health issues before they occur, a new report by the National Academy of Sciences seeks to promote resilience, integrated therapies and...  > >
Under The Pre-Natal Sun
Pregnant women who get a reasonable amount of sun and so have good vitamin D levels during the third trimester have children with stronger, bones than those with lower levels. The benefits may last into adulthood...  > >
McDonalds or McFamily?
Families who eat together at home are doing more than just eating. They are instilling healthy food choices in children that carry forward into the teenage years and beyond when fast food...  > >
Teen Vegans, What to Know
Vegetarianism in all its forms can be a very healthy thing. But for some, particularly adolescents, it can be a cover for an eating disorder that is far from healthy. New research looks at the odds...  > >
This Is Your Brain On Fish
Teenage boys who ate plenty of omega 3 fatty acids −− primarily through consumption of fish −− had improved memory and other cognitive skills...  > >
Breastfeeding Combats SIDS
Babies who are breastfed until six months have a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding cut the risk roughly in half...  > >
Don't Try This At Home
Giving children with peanut allergies tiny amounts of peanut protein can help build tolerance over time, according to a new study..  > >
Flat Feet Are Not Bad News
Flat feet used to prompt pediatricians to prescribe orthopedic shoes. Now research suggests that flat-footed kids are no less athletic than those with reasonable arches...  > >
Parents Send Smoke Signals
When parents smoke, their children are three times more likely to start smoking themselves. But if parents quit, the risk of their kids smoking was...  > >
Some Light Mind-Reading
Researchers have developed a light−emitting headband that may soon help children who can't speak or move communicate their preferences..   > >
Look Both Ways and Hang Up
Cell phones present kids with a dangerous distraction when it comes to crossing the street, according to a new study. Limiting kids’ minutes may help...   > >
Cold Remedies Can Hurt Kids
Popular over−the−counter (OTC) cold remedies pose serious risks to small children who are easily overdosed. There are other, safer, methods to ease cold symptoms...   > >