Pediatric Articles

Using the right tool for the job: When antibiotics do and don’t work December 21, 2015

Although bacteria and viruses can cause similar symptoms, they are more different than a screw and a nail. Bacteria and viruses are different in the way they are structured and reproduce. Viruses have to live within another living cell in order to survive. To reproduce, they hijack the cell by inserting their own genetic material … Continue reading “Using the right tool for the job: When antibiotics do and don’t work”

Posted in Cold and Flu Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged antibiotic resistance, antibiotics

Helping our children succeed by allowing them to fail December 14, 2015

Article at a Glance

When we are overprotective our children grow up without knowing how to handle setbacks and failure.
Self-esteem comes from learning how to handle tough problems and being able to recover after failing.
Children need to have responsibilities and be given the freedom to fail in order to feel real pride in their successes.

Posted in Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged middle childhood, parenting, teens

The Importance of Playing December 7, 2015

Article at a Glance

Play is an important part of child development and helps children develop emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
In recent decades play time has been reduced in school and at home in favor of academics and organized activities.
Simplify your life so that you have enough time in your day to spend unscheduled and unstructured time playing with your child.

Posted in Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles, School | Tagged behavior, development, play, preschoolers, toddlers

Nurturing a healthy body image November 16, 2015

Article at a Glance

Having a healthy body image means you feel comfortable in your own skin and don’t fixate on your imperfections.
When people suffer from a negative body image, it can put them at risk for things like depression, low self-esteem, and eating disorders.
By being a good example, teaching our children how to be media savvy, and focusing on their strengths, we can help them develop a healthy body image.

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Pediatric Articles, Teens | Tagged body image, girls, teens, tweens

Use your head, wear a helmet November 9, 2015

Article at a Glance

Helmets are the best way to protect our children from serious injuries like brain trauma.
Serious accidents can even happen on short trips, so it is important to always wear a helmet.
When shopping for a helmet, look for one that meets Snell, ANSI, or CPSC safety requirements.

Posted in Child Safety, Pediatric Articles | Tagged helmets, middle childhood, safety, summer

Best shoes for beginning walkers November 2, 2015

Article at a Glance

When babies are first learning how to walk, it is better for them to go barefoot or to wear booties.
Shoes should fit well, have non-skid soles, and be lightweight and flexible.
More experienced walkers will need a thicker sole once they start walking outside.

Posted in Infants, Pediatric Articles | Tagged baby equipment, development, toddlers, walking

Deciphering food allergies October 26, 2015

Article at a Glance

A food allergy is when your immune system mistakes a harmless food as a threat and sets off a false alarm.
Food allergy symptoms include things like a runny nose, hives, wheezing, congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, or lightheadedness.
More severe food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, which can lead to a coma or death.
It can be hard to detect a food allergy because the type of reaction and the intensity of the reaction differ from person to person; but there are a number of tests that can test for possible allergies.

Posted in Medical Conditions, Pediatric Articles | Tagged food allergy

Does my child have a technology addiction? October 19, 2015

Article at a Glance

The average American child spends 7 hours a day in front of the TV, computer, phone, tablet, and other electronic devices.
Parents should be concerned if their child’s technology habit is having negative social, emotional, or educational consequences.
Establish "no screen" zones and times in your home.

Posted in Child Behavior, Pediatric Articles, Teens | Tagged addiction, middle childhood, screen time, tweens

Tips on how to make shots easier for kids October 5, 2015

Article at a Glance

Help reduce anxiety beforehand by giving minimal, age-appropriate warnings about the upcoming shot.
During the shot, stay calm and find ways to divert your child's attention with a treat, book, song, or other distraction.
For babies, things like swaddling and sucking can help reduce pain and crying.

Posted in Immunizations, Pediatric Articles | Tagged anxiety, shots

Early developmental factors that can lead to bullying September 21, 2015

Article at a Glance

Recent report identifies parenting behavior, child maltreatment, and excessive TV media as early developmental factors that can contribute to bullying.
Spending time together as a family enjoying frequent and positive parent-child interactions like reading, playing, or sharing meals together can reduce the likelihood of bullying.
If you are worried about your child’s aggression, you can help by modeling good behavior and empathy.

Posted in Child Behavior, Pediatric Articles | Tagged bullying, development, school

Article Types

Archives

Sign up to our Newsletter

Is Your Child Sick?

Stay connected to your children’s health:

Other great ways to connect: