Is My Teen Using Drugs or Alcohol?
Is My Teen Using Drugs or Alcohol?

Article at a Glance

  • You can tell normal teen behavior from signs of substance abuse by looking for larger patterns and supporting evidence.
  • Many of the signs aren’t a sure sign of substance abuse, but they are behaviors that parents should monitor closely.
  • If you think your child is using drugs, educate yourself and look for additional help.
AAP Encourages Parents To Read To Their Children From Infancy
AAP Encourages Parents To Read To Their Children From Infancy

Article at a Glance

  • New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages pediatricians to advise parents on the importance of reading to their children.
  • Studies show that reading together is vital to fostering healthy brain development and helps prepare children for later academic and career success.
  • Books help create a nurturing parent-child relationship where children can develop important cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills.
Dieting at a Young Age Can Lead to Obesity, Alcohol Abuse, and Eating Disorders
Dieting at a Young Age Can Lead to Obesity, Alcohol Abuse, and Eating Disorders

Article at a Glance

  • The younger a girl starts to diet, the more likely she is to have an eating disorder, to be obese or overweight, or to have problems with alcohol abuse.
  • Parents should avoid using diets as a way to help their children manage their weight.
  • Parents should instead focus on helping their daughters foster a positive body image and teaching them how to make healthy choices.
Teaching Children How to Cope with Anxiety
Teaching Children How to Cope with Anxiety

Article at a Glance

  • Anxiety is a normal part of life, but becomes a problem if it persists or starts to interfere with day-to-day life.
  • Some types of anxiety are a normal part of child development.
  • Help your child learn how to cope with anxiety by allowing them to talk and teaching them relaxation techniques.
Ask the Nurse: How can I protect my child from sunburns?

Question: How can I protect my child from sunburns? Answer: Kids love to spend time outdoors year round, so it is always important to protect our children from skin damage that could potentially lead to skin cancer. To keep kids safe in the sun, follow these tips. A child under 6 months: Infants have thinner … Continue reading “Ask the Nurse: How can I protect my child from sunburns?”

Are You Using Your Inhaler Correctly?

Although many people use their inhaler on a daily basis, did you know that many of them aren’t using it properly? Inhalers are used to deliver medication directly to the inflammation in the lungs instead of having it travel through the bloodstream. But if you are using the inhaler incorrectly, you aren’t getting the right … Continue reading “Are You Using Your Inhaler Correctly?”

Back-to-School Checklist
Back-to-School Checklist

Article at a Glance

  • Make sure your child is up-to-date on immunizations.
  • Notify your school of any special medical needs.
  • Plan ahead for healthy lunches.
  • Set a schedule that allows for a healthy amount of sleep, nutritious meals, and time for homework and play.
Ask the Nurse: What’s the best way to prevent bug bites this summer?

Question: What’s the best way to prevent bug bites this summer? Answer: As I work alongside with Dr. Liu many parents are asking how to stay bug free this summer. Here are some tips that will make this summer more enjoyable: 1. When gathering in areas where there are mosquitoes, biting flies, or ticks, it … Continue reading “Ask the Nurse: What’s the best way to prevent bug bites this summer?”

What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Article at a Glance

  • Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a virus that causes blisters in the mouth and a rash on the hands, feet, and bottom.
  • In milder cases, it can be hard to tell if your child has HFMD.
  • Most cases can be treated at home with pain medication and plenty of fluids.
According to Study Early Sun Exposure Increases Risk of Melanoma
According to Study Early Sun Exposure Increases Risk of Melanoma

Article at a Glance

  • Sun exposure throughout a person’s life can contribute to non-melanoma skin cancers, but melanoma is strongly tied to sun exposure that occurs during our early years.
  • Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
  • Parents should be extra careful to protect their children from sun exposure early in life.

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