Children's Health and Parenting + Original Articles
Can children be too clean? Some researchers say yes, and believe that an overemphasis on hygiene could be to blame for the rise in allergies among kids today.
When it comes to living a clean lifestyle, it's important to recognize that not all germs are created equal, according to a study presented at the Excellence in Paediatrics conference in Madrid in November 2012. The researchers—who are affiliated with the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene—explain the difference.
Did you know some of the best fixes for flu-related symptoms can be found right in your home?
If you're down with the flu and want some relief, you might not need to go to the drug store to find it. Some of the best natural remedies for influenza are right in your own home.
Influenza is a viral illness that doesn't respond to antibiotics. If you see your doctor very soon after you become ill, she might be able to give you an anti-viral medication to reduce the virus's impact and shorten the amount of time you're sick.
Your teen's "high" may be as close as your medicine cabinet.
Most households have them: cough and cold medications we've purchased to help our kids (and ourselves) feel better when a common cold or flu hits.
Many of us keep painkillers that were prescribed for an ailment we had but no longer need on a daily basis; the same goes for sleep aids and anti-anxiety drugs.
If meningitis strikes in your community or at your child's school, you'll want to know these tips by heart.
Outbreaks of meningitis most often occur in late winter and early spring. While viral meningitis is generally less dangerous than bacterial, it still requires medical attention to identify the source of infection. Some types of meningitis are much more serious than others.
Emotional support and opportunities for achievement are important for children with this learning disorder. Here's how you can help.
According to the National Institute of Child and Human Development, as many as 15 percent of Americans have major troubles with reading. A large portion of this population copes with a learning disability known as dyslexia.
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia can take many forms; however, the primary characteristic in those coping with the disorder is a difficulty reading.
Two dietitians offer advice to help you steer your kids toward healthy food choices.
Proper nutrition makes bodies grow, brains work efficiently and gives kids the energy they need to be, well...kids! But as any well-intentioned parent knows, getting tweens (kids ages 8 to 11) to make healthy food choices can be a challenge.
Taking an active role in your child's nutrition may be more important than ever, since our children are part of the first generation in modern history not expected to live as long as their parents because of their weight and health.
You're good to the environment. You recycle, you reduce, you reuse. What else can you do? These six small ideas can make a big impact.
Each day, the average family of four uses 400 gallons of water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Yet there are so many easy ways to be prudent in our choices and cut back on waste in our daily lives.
While you already recycle, reduce, and reuse, there's more you can do—especially when it comes to conserving water.
Dentists are urging parents to say "so long" to sippy cups for their children.
And you thought sugar was the only cavity culprit!
When used incorrectly, sippy cups can—and increasingly do—contribute to tooth decay. Dentists say they are treating a growing number of toddlers for cavities and believe sippy cups are partly to blame.
If you're pregnant, you may be wondering if it makes sense to store your baby's cord blood. Here are the pros and cons.
Historically, obstetricians have discarded babies' umbilical cord as medical waste. However, there's a growing trend to store umbilical cord blood because it contains hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells, similar to those in bone marrow.
Stem cells are the building blocks for organ tissue, blood, and immune system cells, and may have a role in treating numerous medical conditions.
Abby Braithwaite speaks about the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome and helps to dispel the stigmas.
Meet Abby Braithwaite, the mother of two young children. Her oldest, Adara, now six, was just 12 hours old when Abby and her husband David learned she had been born with an extra 21st chromosome. Also known as Trisomy 21, the condition affects 1 in 691 live births and is the most commonly recognized genetic cause of intellectual disability.
Communities are required by law to deliver safe water to residents. Yet, illnesses caused by water contamination are still fairly commonplace. What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
Water is one of the most abundant substances on earth and may be the most important. Human beings can't survive more than three to five days without it. Deprived of fluids the body's cells and organs rapidly deteriorate. As the saying goes: where there is water, there is life.
When you decide to breastfeed, everyone has an opinion. But you can manage intrusions and unsolicited advice without losing your cool.
It wasn't long ago in the U.S. that breastfeeding simply wasn't done. In the '50s and '60s, the thinking was that formula was superior to the food Mother Nature provides. But today, the culture has changed, and breast milk is widely regarded as the best source of food for babies.
If you've ever woken in a state of alarm and felt your heart pounding in your chest, you know how frightening a nighttime panic attack can be. Here's how to zero in on the cause so you can sleep more soundly.
If you've ever woken up in a complete panic, you know what a frightening experience it can be. Your breathing quickens, your heart feels like it is beating so hard it might come out of your chest, and you feel irrationally afraid.
"I see this sort of thing all the time," says Carl Bazil, MD, director of the Epilepsy Sleep Division of the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.
From installing carpets to ensuring doors open outward, learn how to reduce the risk of injury.
Basic home safety is important for everyone, but especially for people with epilepsy. The unpredictable nature of the disease means that seizures may occur at any time, putting epileptics at high risk of injury from falls or loss of balance.
Here are 10 simple tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe at home:
1.
How much activity should your overweight pet engage in? What does a diet look like for a dog or a cat? Veterinarian Rich Goldstein answers these questions and more.
If your dog or cat seems to be putting on weight, he's certainly in good company. Many Americans and their pets are feeling the effects of eating larger portions and getting less exercise.
Pet Obesity
"In dogs and cats, obesity is becoming the fastest growing health issue," according to Richard S.
It's fine for chicken to thaw on the counter. Every last morsel of a meal should be finished. We debunk these myths and more so that you can teach the truth to your family.
Your parents probably were right about most things, but there's a good chance they got a few things wrong when it came to feeding their family.
Here's a rundown of some common parental refrains at mealtime, along with up-to-date information that will allow you to avoid making the same mistakes with your brood.
Promising treatments on the horizon may help improve the cognitive abilities of those with Down syndrome.
People with Down syndrome exhibit mild to moderate learning disabilities that are caused by an extra 21st chromosome. While in the past it was believed not much could be done to address the cognitive problems associated with this condition, this fact has changed recently.
Arthritis doesn’t just affect adults. Many children have this chronic condition, too.
Arthritis is a condition usually associated with older adults, but it can affect children as well. In fact, roughly 300,000 children in the U.S. have arthritis or some other rheumatic condition. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis without a known cause), formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, describes a group of about 100 conditions that affect children ages 17 and younger.
When choosing a new physician, consider credentials, bedside manner, and whether or not she participates in your insurance plan.
Long gone are the days when one doctor handled your medical needs for most of your life. Today, health care often requires a collaborative approach, with multiple doctors sharing patients and working together in large practices. It's not unusual for four or more doctors to care for the same patient.
While most individuals with Down syndrome enjoy happy, fulfilling lives, much misinformation surrounds this genetic condition.
While many people with Down syndrome are active participants in the educational, vocational, social, and recreational activities of their communities, much misinformation exists about this genetic disorder.
To help set the record straight, Cevallos dispels some common Down syndrome myths and facts.
If your child has a food allergy, her risk of suffering a reaction may increase as she gets older. Here's why.
The pre-school and kindergarten years were difficult times for your child with food allergies. But as your child grows, so may her risk of having a serious food allergic reaction.
It's not because the problem worsens as a child ages, but rather that...
Expecting a new addition to the family? These tips will help ensure your newest bundle of joy doesn’t send your firstborn into a tailspin.
The gift of a new family member may feel more like the booby prize to your firstborn, so don't be surprised if number one greets the new baby with anger instead of adoration. To help your child adjust to life with a younger sibling, QualityHealth enlisted the expertise of Roni Cohen Leiderman, PhD, Dean of the Mailman Segal Center for Human Development at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
There are steps you can take to avoid contracting this serious illness. Here's what you need to know.
This potentially fatal disease has been cropping up all over the country, especially in places where people congregate or live in close proximity to each other (college dormitories and military barracks).
What causes a meningitis outbreak and how can you protect yourself and your family?
Meningitis is a disease that causes inflammation or swelling of the meninges, the protective lining that covers the brain and spinal cord.
This approach may help improve language comprehension, social behaviors, and motor skills in children with autism.
A host of therapies are available for people with autism, and music is one that is gaining attention. Used as a complementary therapy to early educational intervention, it can be a valuable tool in advancing the skills and decreasing the isolation of the autistic child.
Oral health is key. Make sure your brushing is bringing the best results.
"In our office, we often put a toothbrush in a patient's hand and ask him to show us how [he] brush[es] [his] teeth," explains Ted Sherwin, DDS, FAGD, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. "Having a good tooth brushing technique is that important.
Hormone-free meat from humanely-raised animals has surprising benefits.
Meat (love it or leave it) has a good source of protein and iron—nutrients your body needs. All plant and animal cells contain protein, but the amount and the quality varies widely among various foods. Meats such as roast beef, turkey, and chicken breast are considered complete proteins because they contain all nine of the essential amino acids required by the human body to synthesize hormones and enzymes and build, maintain, and repair body tissue.
A new study finds carcinogens in rice. Is there enough detected to cause widespread concern?
Consumer Reports tested rice products and found that more than five dozen rice and rice products contained some level of inorganic arsenic—a carcinogen, according to Reuters.
"The risks associated with long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic include higher rates of some cancers and heart disease," explains Alison Massey, RD, CDE, of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.
Far from a tame activity, doing the wash presents a plethora of potential allergy triggers.
A three-year laundry study conducted by scientists from the Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit in Scotland revealed that people who hung up damp clothes to dry inside their homes were releasing excess moisture into the air. In damper and more humid climates, this can encourage mold growth and dust mites.
From a lazy eye to a speech disorder, it's not too late to address that issue that's been with you since you were a kid. Learn how.
If you were told you'd "grow out of" or "learn to deal with" a childhood condition that impacted your life (but are still dealing with it), it's not too late to make a change. A number of grownups successfully address their "kid stuff" during their 20s, 30s, and well into their later years.
Incorporating these tips into how you eat, shop, and store food will reduce the likelihood of food-borne illnesses in your home.
Avoiding food-borne illnesses requires a few basic skills and some common sense about how to shop for, store, and prepare your foods-and how to clean up after yourself.
The basics—Certain rules apply to all foods
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water not only before you handle food, but after touching meat, eggs or dirty fruits and vegetables and of course, after you use the bathroom.
This risky behavior affects teens nationwide. Find out how and what to do.
Teenagers in Los Angeles who send sexually explicit text messages are seven times more likely as those who don't to be sexually active, according to a recent survey. The study, reported by Reuters Health, found that the young people who "sexted"" also were more likely to practice risky sex behaviors.
What are the key health risks you need to be aware of after a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy?
In the aftermath of a violent storm such as Hurricane Sandy, it's more important than ever to remain on full alert. Potential dangers can lurk everywhere from your roof to your kitchen. Here's how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Food Poisoning Power outages can result in refrigerators and freezers being filled with spoiled food.
Kids bring home more than just homework. Here's how to deal with the germs and the bugs.
Most families know that back-to-school time also means back-to-doctor time. That's because, when kids crowd onto school busses and into classrooms, they're exposed to lots of new germs. Here are some of the most common ailments:
1) The common cold. On average, children catch between six and eight colds per year and each time, they spend a week or two with a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, chest congestion sneezing, and mild aches and pains.
In the wake of Sandy, be aware of the psychological impact such a disaster can bring.
Manmade and natural disasters certainly test our resilience. In just the last decade or so, we've experienced terrorist attacks, major hurricanes, wars, and now, superstorm Sandy.
Relief efforts for Sandy are in the early stages, and professionals and volunteers are focusing on restoring basic services and fulfilling victims' needs for food, safety, and medical care.
If used incorrectly, one luxury car feature could do permanent damage to your skin.
If you crank up your car seat heater, you should take note of a study published in the Archives of Dermatology that reveals a downside to this luxury feature. Doctors have discovered that car seat heaters can mark your skin—for life.
Erythema ab igne (aka EAI) is a condition caused by chronic exposure to infrared radiation.
Treat your hair to healthy solutions that really work and save money when you make your own treatments.
Did you know that the following contents typically found in your kitchen could help your hair?
Apple Cider Vinegar
An excellent clarifying solution, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can be diluted in water and applied to hair after conditioning.
Have you experienced these? Some are notable but harmless and others could require medical treatment.
For some people, the wee hours are anything but restful. Here's a rundown of some of the wackiest sleep-related behaviors that can occur, and what to do about them:
1. Sleepeating
Imagine waking in the morning and discovering that you had raided the fridge—maybe more than once.
You probably visit public restrooms, the bank, or a coffee shop nearly every day. Disinfect and prevent the spread of germs and illnesses with these simple tips.
Are you doing all you can to avoid the spread of germs? Follow these common sense rules and tips to protect yourself from making the most bacteria-filled mistakes while out on the town.
Mistake # 1: Don't sneeze into your own hands and then touch something others will touch.
With around 18,000 new cases this year, health experts are calling the outbreak the most serious in 50 years. Here's how to protect your family.
It can start insidiously, with nothing more than symptoms of a cold. But if the diagnosis turns out to be whooping cough, it's a serious and sometimes life-threatening illness.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is increasingly common in the United States, with frequent and troublesome outbreaks.
You do them every day, but what's the real deal behind these bodily functions?
The human body is a fascinating machine capable of accomplishing complex tasks ranging from the physical, running a marathon; to the intellectual, solving math proofs; to the emotional, maintaining deep personal connections with others.
No other creature on the planet is able to achieve what humans can, and yet it is some of the simpler, more innocuous actions that are the most captivating.
An estimated 750,000 Americans get sepsis each year and 28 and 50 percent will die from the infection. Who's at risk for sepsis, and what can be done to prevent it?
An estimated 750,000 Americans get sepsis each year—and 28 and 50 percent of these people will die from the infection.
What's more, the number of patients being treated for sepsis has increased at an increasingly staggering cost—$17 billion dollars a year—due to a prolonged hospital stay to treat the condition.
You see generics and store brands at your supermarket and you may wonder if those products measure up. Here's the scoop.
Generic products, or store brands, often taste the same, are made with the same ingredients, and cost less. Sometimes generic products are even made by the same company that makes the brand name products. What's not to like?
Generic, store brand, and premium store-brand food products that mimic popular name brand foods can be found in all large supermarkets.
A morning shower to shake off grogginess or a sleep-inducing shower before bed? Our experts weigh in.
Do you have a favorite time of day to shower, or do you grab the opportunity whenever it arises?
Lots of people feel they don't come to full alertness until after a morning shower, but if you have trouble falling asleep at night, you may want to put off your daily cleansing ritual until evening.
An infectious disease specialist interprets the latest statistics and provides tips for talking to youngsters about the disease.
All parents want to keep their children safe. Child advocates and health experts say having frank discussions about sex is a pivotal component. It's especially relevant for adolescents and young adults who are-or may soon become-sexually active to receive information about the health risks associated with intercourse.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines. What are the pros and cons of these recommendations?
Next time you take your toddler to the pediatrician, there's a chance you may be told she needs to undergo a cholesterol (or lipid) test. Screening children as young as 2 for high cholesterol may seem extreme and unnecessary to you-and it seems extreme and unnecessary to some doctors as well-but evidence shows that this "adult" disease begins in childhood.
It's so hard to give up your furry family member due to serious allergies. Make sure your pet goes to the right home.
No one wants to give up a pet, but if you're at risk for having a life-threatening allergic reaction, this decision may be inevitable. It's difficult to make this sacrifice, but you can take some of the bite out of the situation by finding the best new environment your animal will thrive.
There's something very satisfying about crisp, crunchy textures. These tasty bites will fulfill your yearn to crunch.
1. Roasted Edamame
You may be familiar with edamame from Japanese restaurants, where they're often served steamed. But these immature soybeans really shine when laid out on a pan, spritzed with oil, salted, and roasted until crispy. You'll never believe these addictive little poppers are loaded with not only vitamins and minerals, but also fiber and a hefty dose of protein.
Keeping your hands clean is key, but using hand sanitizer isn't always the best option.
Staying health may be as simple as keeping your hands clean. In fact, experts say remembering to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly is the single most important way to stay health. Researchers estimate that routine hand washing is so effective it could prevent a million deaths per year since about 80 percent of infections are spread through hand contact.
It's enough to make your skin crawl. They're teeming with bacteria and viruses, and you probably touched at least one of them today.
Pesky germs lurk on common surfaces, just waiting to make you sick. While no area is free of germs, there are heavily trafficked spots that can especially crawl with bacteria and viruses. But even less-traveled areas can also rate high on the germy scale.
Dangers can lurk anywhere from the ball game to the dentist's office. Here's how to protect yourself.
Here are five common settings where food allergies and other allergens can put you at risk. Use these tips to help you navigate through each situation safely:
1. Picnic in the Park
Your family picnic at the local park can quickly take a turn for the worst if you have food allergies.
Researchers have found that pets, often the cause of bothersome allergy symptoms, can play a vital role in preventing childhood asthma.
You'll do whatever it takes in order to protect your infant's respiratory health, but choosing to get rid of the beloved family pet can be a very difficult decision. Dogs and cats are a common trigger for childhood allergies and asthma, so many new parents prefer to avoid this risk.
Soothe your stomach with these simple solutions.
"Nausea is a symptom, and you can't treat symptoms effectively unless you know the basis for the symptom," says Steven Lamm, MD, author of No Guts, No Glory (Basic Health Publications). Common causes include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and mal-digestion.
If you drive or ride in a car, read this. And share it with those you love.
It can happen to anyone. All it takes is a nano-second of distraction for a collision to occur. You didn't see it coming or perhaps he didn't notice you in time. And though it may sound like the stuff of suburban legend, statistics show that most traffic accidents occur close to home.
Some of the biggest threats to your pet's health and safety could already be in your home and yard.
Here are five common household items that seem harmless, but could be very dangerous if ingested by a dog or a cat:
1. Yard Treatments: While cocoa mulch can be good for your lawn, this sweet smelling item, made from cocoa bean shells, can be toxic to animals.
Looking to add more summer fun in the great outdoors? Be sure to bring these items with you when you spend the night al fresco.
Why should kids in summer camp have all the fun? If you're looking for a refreshing change in your routine, one that may give you better rest and a happier outlook, you should consider spending a night or two out under the stars communing with nature.
For your best digestive health, there are additional nutrients that can help.
Foods, nutrients, and lifestyle habits are important factors that keep you and your digestive system healthy.
Here's a list of foods and nutrients and their role in the digestive system:
Getting Your Fill of Fiber
First and foremost, you need to consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day, says Lisa Schnepp, RD, Major Health Partners in Shelbyville, Indiana, affiliated with Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
You hear something's good for you, and tomorrow you hear it's bad. Here's how to solve the puzzle when it comes to health claims.
One day aspirin is good for you; the next day's report says it's linked to some sort of rare disease. If you follow medical news closely, it's not that surprising to find contradictory or conflicting information during the same week's news. Trying to stay on top of medical information—and use it to improve your health—can be quite challenging.
Vitamin D is essential for your health, and most of us don't get enough. But is it safe to increase your dose through sunshine?
There are drawbacks from getting vitamin D from foods and from the sun. So which one is has lesser consequences?
Scientists agree that sufficient vitamin D is needed for you to maintain good health, and the primary source of vitamin D occurs when your skin is exposed to the sun's UV rays.
What are the risks on both sides? And what are the latest findings?
Pregnancy can be wonderful and exciting. But if you have asthma, you may wonder if it's safe for you to continue using your asthma medications without putting your unborn child at risk for birth defects.
Exploring the Risk of Birth Defects
The latest medical guidelines recommend that women should continue taking their asthma medications to control their condition throughout their entire pregnancy.
It's used to everything from trucks to generators, but it's now clear diesel fumes are tied to cancer. What can you do about it?
In 1988, the International Association for Cancer Research (IARC) classified diesel exhaust as a "probable carcinogen to humans." In 2012, it stopped hedging its bets and dropped the "probable."
A large study by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found an increase in the risk of death from lung cancer among underground miners exposed to diesel fumes.
What are the cutting-edge options for speech, behavioral, and development treatments?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development that affects about 1 in 88 children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Though scientist can't be sure what causes autism, much evidence points to genetics and problems with the function, interaction, and mutation of certain genes.
It can happen in an instant. Learn how to prevent accidental poisoning and get key tips on what to do in an emergency.
It can happen in an instant. You dash to answer the phone or the door and you come back to find your child has swallowed something potentially poisonous. In fact, most childhood poisonings happen when a parent or caregiver is home but gets distracted for one reason or another.
This may make you think twice about consuming the canned items in your pantry.
How many cans are in your pantry? If you're like many Americans, there's a good chance you've got a supply of canned soup, fruit, beans, tuna, and tomato sauce on your shelves. You might even buy your coffee grounds in a can. However, these canned products may have high BPA levels.
The support you need can be just a click away, but first it's essential to find trustworthy advice.
If you've ever googled diabetes in search of useful information on the right diet, drugs, and exercise to help manage your diabetes, you know how overwhelming it can be to plow through scores of websites. After spending hours online, you may come away wondering if what you've read actually is beneficial to your health.
It can result from a car accident or even a bad fall. Here's what you should know.
Every year, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of these cases are concussions or other mild forms of TBI in babies, preschool-aged children, older teenagers, and elderly adults.
Here's how to find helpful resources and know the right questions to ask.
If you have a child with disabilities who is nearing adulthood, you have a lot of plans to make. Not only do you need help right now to ensure your child's adulthood is as fulfilling and independent as possible, but you also need to plan for your child's future, and one that might not include you.
If you've ever experienced a piercing headache from drinking or eating something cold, you'll want to know why it happens and how to prevent it.
Picture this: You're outside with the kids on a hot summer day. All you can think about is cooling down—so you reach for an ice cold drink or an ice cream. But the refreshment is short lived due to the piercing headache associated with "brain freeze.
Being there for your kids and grandkids is likely high on your list of priorities. Here's how to do it.
Let's face it—men are notorious for avoiding the doctor and neglecting their health. Still, even though this may be true for most, it doesn't mean it has to be true for you.
As a male, there are specific aspects of your health that you need to be cognizant of.
Three key points should be considered when discussing death with children.
Losing a loved one—or beloved pet—is one of the hardest parts of life, but death is a particularly tough concept for young children to understand. It can be confusing and frightening. Grieving is a process, and children take their cues from you.
"Neighborhood Olympics" is just one of our fun suggestions for keeping kids active.
The vision of children spending summer break splashing in the lake or playing outdoors for hours seems to have been replaced by a more common scene: school-aged kids lounging in air conditioning and glued to a screen for much of their vacation. Of course, staying active over the summer isn't just a nostalgic ideal.
Women over 50 are among a growing population preoccupied with weight loss and body image.
When we think about eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, we usually think of young women and teenage girls. Health officials are now looking at an entirely different age group as a growing concern. It turns out, when it comes to eating disorders, all women (and men) are at risk.
As kids grow and change, so, too, do their physical and emotional needs. Here's a look at children's health by the numbers.
Colds, sniffles, and the occasional upset tummy don't always warrant a trip to the pediatrician. Being exposed to germs—especially in school and day care—is an ordinary part of childhood and it helps strengthen the immune system. In order to ensure the health and well-being of your child, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you make sure your child gets her annual checkups and receives her immunizations at the correct time.
Take a look at five surprising causes for this common irritating skin condition.
You may know it's easy to develop contact dermatitis from common allergens like perfumes, detergents, and—of course—poison ivy, but this skin condition can occur from other causes too.
Contact dermatitis can manifest itself in different ways, including a dry and itchy rash, blistered skin, or even hyperpigmentation that can last for months.
If your loved one suffers from scary sleep disturbances, here are facts you should know.
If your child or loved one suffers from frequent scary sleep disturbances, here's how to tell whether the problem is night terrors or nightmares and what you can do about them.
Night Terrors
Also known as sleep terrors, these are more common in children than adults.
If you want to sleep well at night and be alert during the day, when's the best time to wash up? Our expert weighs in.
Do you have a favorite time of day to shower, or do you grab the opportunity whenever it arises? Lots of people feel they don't come to full alertness until after a morning shower, but if you have trouble falling asleep at night, you may want to put off your daily cleansing ritual until evening.
Copper, aluminum, ceramic, and more. It's time to take a closer look at the pots and pans you're using each day.
You may spend lots of time looking for the most flavorful, nutritious foods to feed your family, but have you given any thought to the type of cookware you're preparing them?
Get acquainted with what professional chefs use and learn the benefits as well as the risks that come with these tools.
Not an early bird? Take a look at these benefits before you roll over and go back to sleep.
Exercising in the morning is proven to be the most effective for helping you develop a fitness habit, making sure it's part of your busy schedule, and for creating maximum physiologic effects. But how do you keep yourself motivated when it's oh-so-easy to stay in bed?
Mike Ceja, ACE certified personal trainer at Lloyd Athletic Club in Portland, OR says, "I train clients all day, but all my biggest fitness buffs train in the morning.
Is raw dairy a cure-all or a danger to be avoided? When it comes to this heated debate, both sides are passionate.
If you've heard anything about raw milk and other kinds of raw dairy products, you may be tempted to try them. Raw milk is milk in its most natural state, straight from the cow or any mammal that produces milk for its young. It does not go through pasteurization, the process of heating food to a particular temperature for a certain length of time to get rid of disease-causing microbes, and it can be used to make cheese, butter, and other dairy foods.
These serious issues require medical attention. Here's how to recognize the problem and get it addressed.
Adolescence is a time of great personal change.
Teens may get a bad rap for being rebellious, moody, and self-conscious, but that's actually not the case for the majority of youngsters. However, their sometimes erratic behavior can be difficult to interpret.
This bacterial skin condition is becoming more common. Here's how to detect and treat it.
Impetigo stems from the streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria, which normally lives on skin without causing a problem. However, when these bacteria enter the epidermis through an insect bite, cut, or scrape, it can cause an infection.
Impetigo is most common in children, though it can occur in adults.
Don't dine out at a restaurant that hurts your bank account and your waistline. Eat in with these recipes that are light on your diet and on your wallet.
Sure, we'd all love to be able to take our families out to a gourmet dinner night after night. The truth is, in these tough financial times, cutting corners is paramount. But fear not. Just because you're streamlining costs doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste—or your waist.
As the average life span continues to increase, more people are requiring caregivers in their later years. Here's a look at the trend by the numbers.
The golden years aren't always as shiny and gilded as they're meant to be. And as Americans live longer, the sobering truth is that many will need long-term care at some point.
Unfortunately, such care is very expensive, and it's usually not covered by public programs—at least until one's savings are basically exhausted.
With the right treatment, most individuals with epilepsy can live normal, happy lives. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.
Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder, produces seizures that can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Individuals with this medical condition can experience symptoms that range from convulsions to blank staring to jerking movements in the arms and legs.
Planning for your retirement is exciting—and perhaps a bit intimidating. Here's what to consider.
Here's what to consider as you think about your retirement:
Retirement
At what age do you want to retire? Delaying retirement-even just a few years-provides an opportunity for your nest egg to grow and can make a significant financial difference.
You know the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is? We might want to apply this truism to the idea that using antibacterial cleaners reduces the spread of illness.
Hundreds of antibacterial products promise to keep you safe from harmful microbes. However, there's little or no data to demonstrate these products are better at protecting you. In fact, they may actually pose health risks.
We have more than 100 species of bacteria living on our skin.
Dealing with a vegetarian in a household of carnivores can be challenging, but rest assured, everyone can co-exist peacefully.
If you're part of a traditional meat-and-potatoes family, it may come as a surprise or outright shock when one of your children announces his or her attention to become a vegetarian. Multiple questions may swirl through your mind: What am I supposed to cook for her if not beef, chicken, or even fish? Do I need to make separate meals for everyone? Does this mean the end of family dinners?
Your first step is to ascertain exactly what kinds of foods your child is giving up.
As many as 25 percent of teens suffer from a form of anxiety. Use these tips to help your child cope.
As many as one-quarter of teens ages 13 to 18 have met the criteria for an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), the most common anxiety disorder, is characterized by general chronic worrying, nervousness, or tension.
Scientists are at work on a vaccine that would prevent the development of cancer cells in the body. Get the update.
Vaccines have virtually eliminated many deadly or debilitating diseases, and scientists are trying to replicate this success by developing effective cancer vaccines.
Cancer begins when something alters the process of DNA sequencing within genes, which blocks the instructions that tell a cell to produce a normal version of itself.
Your body creates vitamin D by synthesizing UV rays. But that doesn't mean skimping on sunscreen. There are safer ways.
An estimated one third of Americans aren't getting enough vitamin D—an essential compound that keeps your bones and immune system healthy. Recent studies also link vitamin D to lowering blood pressure, reducing cancer risks, warding off osteoporosis, and even preserving memory.
You don't have to become antisocial to minimize incidental allergy triggers.
When guests come to visit they will bring with them an array of allergy triggers. Household allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold can easily stick on clothes, hair, and skin.
However, you don't have to become antisocial or send your guests packing in order to steer clear of these household allergens.
While some heart murmurs are minor, others may signify a serious health issue. Here are the facts.
The sound of blood flowing through your heart (lub-dub, lub-dub) is normally soft and quiet. Occasionally, an extra sound-a "murmur"-may accompany your heartbeat. Usually, this noise is harmless: an "innocent murmur." If it's accompanied by other signs, though, it may be an "abnormal murmur.
There's a lot of misinformation and fear surrounding autism. Here are just the facts about autism and obesity for expecting moms and the children themselves.
Autism is one of several neurological, developmental disorders. Children generally show signs of autism by the time they are three, and estimates of the prevalence of autism range from 1 in 91 children to 1 in 150. Children with autism suffer from delayed or disordered language development and have trouble communicating, forming relationships, and controlling their behavior.
Diabetes plus high cholesterol can present unique challenges. Address your double diagnosis.
Even on their own, diabetes and high cholesterol are serious health issues. But together, they can spell trouble. "Diabetes already puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease," says Haidar Yassin, MD, of SUNY Downstate Medical Center of Brooklyn, New York.
Here are some of the exciting developments on the near horizon of diabetes treatment options.
Having diabetes is no walk in the park, but living with the disorder really does get easier all the time. Just 10 years ago, testing the blood sugar took several long minutes. Insulin pumps were unheard of. And the concept of an artificial pancreas was almost unthinkable.
When it comes to asthma inhalers, there are two distinct types to know.
Most asthma inhalers will either give you long-term control to manage your condition or short-term relief to address presenting symptoms.
Long-Term and Short-Term Medication Types
Many asthmatics need a combination of both types of medicine as part of their overall asthma management strategy.
These unsightly growths are harmless, but they can be painful and highly contagious. Here's how to treat them.
Common warts are growths that appear on your hands and fingers (as well as other areas) when the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infects the top layer of the skin. They're generally harmless, though quite contagious. And they typically go away on their own sooner or later.
Here are the essentials to consider when deciding if your little one should be vaccinated.
In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccination for chicken pox. Before then, chicken pox was an almost universal childhood illness, uncomfortable but generally not severe. Recovering from childhood chicken pox helps people develop natural immunity against developing shingles (a related illness) as adults.
Here's how to prep when you welcome someone who is prone to cough, sneeze, itch, and even have an asthma attack because of your pet.
If you're a dog or cat owner, there's no avoiding pet dander, saliva, and urine that could appear on your floors, fabrics, and furniture. Although you often can't see these allergens, the animal proteins they contain are enough to spark an immune system response in people who are allergic to pets.
From entrées and desserts to sodas and sides, Americans are supersizing. Learn how to choose healthier portions.
If you think that plate of spaghetti is much bigger than it was when you were a child, you're probably right: Portion size has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. The result? A dramatic rise in the number of overweight and obese Americans. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted several studies and found alarming changes in the number of calories people consume now compared with what they ate 20 years ago.
Follow these easy tips to make exercise part of your daily routine.
Let's face it: We live in an inactive nation where obesity has become a growing epidemic. More than one-third of American adults meet the criterion for obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The good news is that it's never too late and never too hard to get in shape.
Headaches are among the most common pain symptoms in the world. Learn about the different types of headaches and what causes them.
At one time or another, nearly everyone has had a headache. In fact, 70 percent of people have had at least one in the past year. What's more, roughly 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, a condition that costs U.S. companies billions of dollars in lost productivity annually.
Psoriasis can be frustrating, painful, even embarrassing. Follow these tips to keep flare-ups at bay.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as many as 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis—a chronic, non-contagious skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells.
For most people, skin cells take about one month to move from the lowest skin layer to the outermost layer, where they die and flake off.
Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day for your family, but lunch is important too, not to mention snacks. Here are essential nutrition tips from a top expert.
For nutrition advice, QualityHealth consulted Sally Kuzemchak, RD and real mom nutrition blogger. "Eating healthier really doesn't take more time. It's a mindset. A great place to start is to read labels and know what's in your food."
Your child will concentrate better in the classroom, and be less prone to sugar cravings later, if you refuel him in the a.
Mornings are hectic. This checklist has quick and easy ideas you can start incorporating into your routine to day.
Feeling rushed and crazy is not a good way to start the day.
Mornings are the family's launching pad. It's important to send kids to school feeling calm and ready. They'll perform better, feel happier, and have more confidence to face the day's challenges.
For students, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can present a host of unique challenges and opportunities.
Inattention. Hyperactivity. Impulsivity. Distractibility. These are just some of the characteristics that can make it difficult for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to succeed in school, according to experts. What's more, contending with the many misperceptions surrounding the disorder can be a challenge.
About 90 percent of the more than 25 million U.S. children and adults affected by diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Find out more about this growing epidemic, from risk factors to treatment options.
Diabetes is a lifelong metabolic disorder that affects more than 25 million U.S. children and adults—about 90 percent of whom suffer from type 2 diabetes. The bodies of those affected by the disease either can't produce enough insulin or have cells that ignore the insulin.
Skin cancer rates are likely to increase in the coming years. Find out how behavioral and dietary changes can reduce your risk.
One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime, and many health experts believe that percentage will increase in coming decades. With global warming on the rise, people are increasingly being exposed to stronger ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which forms free radicals, damages healthy cells, and increases the risk for skin cancer.
Everyone needs vitamin D for good health, but a debate continues to burn in the medical community over the best ways to get this important nutrient.
The National Institutes of Health recommend 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D per day. One cup of vitamin D-fortified milk provides 100 units, while 3 ounces of oil-based tuna provides another 200 units. But is it wise to soak up UV rays to get vitamin D? The debate is so hot that the Skin Cancer Foundation has called it The D Dilemma.
Can't get a good night's sleep? Follow these easy guidelines.
If you can't seem to get a good night's sleep, you're not alone-more than 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems, according to the National Institutes of Health. The good news is, many of these issues can be solved by simply changing your daily routine and creating a better sleep environment.
Follow these tips to help reduce the likelihood of a manic episode.
One of the best ways to manage bipolar disorder is to prevent manic episodes before they start. Although that's not always doable, it is possible to identify triggers that may lead to mood disturbances. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of a manic episode:
Stick to a daily routine
Schedule meals at a regular time, make exercise a part of your daily schedule, and practice relaxation techniques each night before bed.
When it comes to bipolar disorder, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here, we debunk the biggest myths surrounding the disease.
It's believed that more than 5 million American adults have bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
But while most people are familiar with the term "bipolar disorder," several myths about the condition still abound.
1.
Who says losing weight has to be hard? These effortless activities can help rev your metabolism and melt the pounds away.
Actor Pete Postlethwaite once said: "I exercise every morning without fail. One eyelid goes up and the other follows." That quote may seem nonsensical, but the sentiment actually makes some sense. Take a closer look at your daily routine, and you'll find plenty of opportunities for easy calorie-burning activities—no gym required.
Stuck at home with a cold? Find comfort with these soothing foods.
You can't seem to fight off that nasty cold or flu, and you're stuck at home for several days. The good news? There are certain foods that can help soothe your symptoms. Although you may not feel like cooking or eating anything right now, these simple treats are easy to prepare and may even get you back to health more quickly.
There are plenty of effective ways to let these uninvited guests know they're not welcome.
Estimates suggest that between 6 and 11 million infestations of lice occur each year in the United States, mostly in children between the ages of 3 and 11. It's a common, childhood problem that has nothing to do with hygiene and eventually plagues most schools and day care centers.
A national study suggests that kids with ADHD have double the chance of being overweight. Find out why.
American kids are getting heavier. In 1980, just 7 percent of children aged 6 to 11 were overweight, but that number had risen to 16 percent by 2002, according to the journal Pediatrics. And the number of overweight teens more than tripled, going from 5 to 16 percent in the same time period.
Knowing the symptoms of the different types of skin cancer and where to look for them on your body could save your life.
Skin cancer can affect any area of your body exposed to sun, including the scalp. And believe it or not, it can even crop up in lesser-exposed areas like the palms of your hands, between your toes, even on your genitals. According to experts, cancerous skin lesions can appear suddenly or develop slowly, and the American Cancer Society advises that people see their doctors immediately if they see any of the following symptoms.
Want to enjoy the festivities without piling on the pounds? Check out our top eight tips.
It starts with Halloween and plastic pumpkins full of sugary treats, then continues through Thanksgiving weekend, with plentiful mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, pies, and leftover turkey sandwiches. And don't forget December: office parties, cookie exchanges, and that food-filled week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Public places are magnets for germs that cause the flu, viruses, and other illnesses. But that doesn't mean you have to stay home to avoid being exposed. Learn where the germs roam so you can take the right precautions.
Whenever you head out to the mall, the supermarket, or a restaurant, you're putting yourself at risk for getting sick thanks to sick people who go out when they shouldn't. It opens you up to their germs when they cough, sneeze, or touch communal surfaces along their way.
Learn important strategies to help your child flourish in the classroom and beyond.
Have you ever wondered why some children always make the honor roll and others seem to struggle? The difference, according to the Harvard Family Research Project, may be family involvement. As the researchers found, family engagement promotes educational success for children of all ages.
Allergens can attack almost anywhere, including your own home. Follow these tips to reduce your risk.
Sitting in your living room shouldn't give you hives. Relaxing in your bathtub shouldn't make you sneeze. And cooking dinner shouldn't make your eyes and nose itch. If you find yourself in any of these situations, you may be allergic to your home. According to the American Academy of Family Doctors, allergies are overreactions to things that don't cause problems for most people, and these things are known as allergens.
Nutrition labels can be deceiving. Learn how to cut though the hype and make healthier choices.
If the nutrition label reads "zero grams trans fat" it must be healthy, right? Wrong! As it turns out, federal regulations allow labels to read "zero grams trans fat" as long as a product contains less than 0.5 grams of the artery-clogging fat per serving.
Are your feelings of discomfort just shyness, or a sign of a more serious health condition? Here's how to tell the difference.
Imagine this: A woman hates to stand in line at the grocery store—not because she's impatient, but because she's afraid that everyone is watching her. As she approaches the clerk, she becomes anxious and self-conscious. Her heart begins to race, her face turns red, and she begins to sweat.
With these six easy tips, you can transform your refrigerator and your health.
When you run to your fridge for a midnight snack, what do you grab? Leftover takeout? Ice cream? Pizza? If so, your fridge may be in need of an extreme makeover.
As most of us know, we are what we eat, and the best way to change the way we eat, look, and feel is by changing what we keep in our kitchens.
Get the top eight signs, and learn how to break the cycle.
Perfectionists often believe that doing everything right can win them success, acceptance, even love. But sadly, their seemingly flawless behavior can actually undermine their efforts. According to counselors at the University of Illinois, the desire to be perfect can rob people of their sense of personal satisfaction, preventing them from achieving as much as those with more realistic goals.
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection.
For healthy individuals, influenza, commonly known as flu, lasts only seven to 10 days. But its symptoms can be severe from extreme fatigue and fever to body aches, chills, and more. Fortunately, the virus can be prevented and its symptoms suppressed.
Care for your child with confidence with these 10 tips.
Taking your child to the hospital for treatment can be a confusing and emotionally taxing experience. And as a parent, you're required to serve a dual role, as both loving family member and patient advocate.
"Parents are an integral part of their child's health-care team, even in the hospital," says Karen Bergan, parent leader and chairwoman of the Family Advisory Council at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian.
How sick is too sick for work? Follow our cold and flu guidelines.
Everybody knows what it's like to wake up with a cold. You feel groggy, congested, and exhausted. In a perfect world, you could sleep the day away. But with bills to pay and bosses to please, how do you know when to stay home? Follow our cold and flu guidelines.
Millions of women and girls are affected by ADHD, but they're rarely diagnosed. Learn how to spot the symptoms.
When most people hear the term "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" (ADHD), it conjures images of children, usually boys. And there's some data to support that: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, experts estimate that, of the 3 to 5 percent of school-age children affected by ADHD, the majority of them are boys.
Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a challenge, but these tips can make it easier.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can present any number of challenges for adults, from keeping focused to maintaining healthy relationships. The good news is, there are several steps you can take to make living with ADHD easier. Try the following seven tips to help manage your condition.
Keeping cool on hot summer days isn't only a matter a comfort—it's vital for good health and even survival.
A little fun in the sun is one thing, but when it could put you at risk for heat stroke, it's time to take some precautions. That's the message from the Pennsylvania Medical Society and experts all across the country, who warn both adults and children alike that heat stroke is a potentially deadly illness to be avoided—even if it means sacrificing a day at the beach.
10 back-to-school tips.
For nearly nine million American children, going back to school presents questions beyond what to wear or bring. Are there peanuts in that birthday treat from a classmate? Will running in gym class trigger asthma? Could a bee sting during recess cause anaphylactic shock?
Despite all the things confronting them, you can take steps to ensure your kids don't fall prey to schoolhouse allergies and asthma.
Follow these tips to minimize your chances of catching the flu this year.
For some of us, getting the flu each year seems almost inevitable. Even if we get a vaccination, it isn't a guarantee that we won't get sick.
We may feel run down due to our busy schedules, and that's when the flu swoops in, preying on our weakened state.
Understand your choices for better decision-making.
It goes without saying that those of us who see our aging parents' needs change want for them exactly what we would want for ourselves. Quite simply, we want them to have the right care at the right time in the right place. But wanting it and knowing what it means specifically for our moms or dads, understanding what our options are, and knowing where to find reliable information on each option isn't at all simple.
Are you thinking about getting a flu vaccination this year? Learn about the risks and rewards.
Each fall, medical professionals encourage us to get flu shots in order to lessen our chances of coming down with influenza. For some of us, the flu vaccine can provide protection, or decrease the severity of the illness if we do get sick.
But the flu shot isn't necessarily the right choice for everyone.
These friendly bacteria can do wonders for your digestive system. Learn how your body can start reaping the benefits.
The literal translation of the word probiotics is "for life." But just what are probiotics, how are they helpful in maintaining digestive health, and how can they be included in daily diets?
Probiotics Defined
The normal human digestive tract contains over 1,000 types of bacteria that reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and help promote a healthy digestive system.
As many as 15 million Americans suffer from some form of eczema. Here, 13 tips to help ease your symptoms.
Eczema is a remarkably common skin condition, affecting some 15 million people in the United States.
While not dangerous or contagious, the condition (also known as atopic dermatitis) is incurable and uncomfortable, usually causing red, swollen, and itchy skin.
How to keep allergies and asthma from traveling with you.
When vacations kick into high gear, allergies and asthma often follow suit. The good news? "There are steps you can take to minimize your symptoms," said Dr. Richard W. Weber, an academy leader and allergist in Denver, Colo. He recommends following these tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:
Consider visiting your allergist or immunologist for a physical if you're planning to go on a long vacation.
Your pet is an important member of your family. But along with the happiness your furry friend brings is great deal of responsibility, on your part, to keep your cat or dog in tip-top shape.
Richard S. Goldstein, Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and owner of Mobile Vet Squad in Westchester County, NY introduces some of the key areas that you'll need to consider when adopting a pet. This includes ensuring proper nutrition, keeping her skin and coat clean and pest-free, and taking steps to prevent serious illnesses.
So you're ready to adopt a pet? Before you open your home to a furry friend, find out exactly what you need to have in place.
Are You a Dog Lover or a Cat Lover?
Both kinds of animals have great benefits. Dogs can be quite affectionate but are high maintenance. Cats may demand less attention and are more independent.
Regardless of which one you prefer, Dr. Goldstein, Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and owner of Mobile Vet Squad in Westchester County, NY, says that it's important to understand that when you take home a new pet, you're making a long-term commitment.
Approximately two-thirds of adults watch TV in the hour before they go to bed. If you have ongoing sleep problems, ask yourself if you're one of them.
Watching the tube before bed may seem like a good way to wind down for the evening to help you relax and fall asleep. And according to Dr. Helene M. Emsellem, author of Snooze...Or Lose, this may be true. But only if you watch TV for a very short period of time, keeping the sound low, and viewing something that's nonviolent and non-stimulating.
Sugar, butter, and cream may be one celebrity chef's go-to ingredients, but that doesn't mean you should follow in her footsteps. You can still recreate the cuisine of the Queen of Southern Cooking without doing damage to your health. Let a team of experts show you how.
Now that Paula Deen's been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it's time for her followers to rethink adding all that butter, cream, and sugar to food to make it taste good.
It's certainly possible to switch out high-fat, high-cholesterol ingredients for more healthful ones, nutrition experts say.
Persevering through trying times may have long-term benefits, new research suggests. What can you reap from life's difficulties?
Martin Luther King, Jr. said the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. King, of course, was speaking of adversity and the power to overcome it.
While some flu treatments may help your little one feel better, others could be downright dangerous. Here’s important advice from a pediatrics expert.
Scratchy throat. Dry cough. Feverish one minute. Cold and shaking the next. Achy head. Achy body. Achy bones. If your child is complaining of these symptoms, she may have the flu.
Influenza, or the flu as it's commonly known, is a virus that infects the respiratory system and makes anyone who catches it feel absolutely miserable.
Watching your weight or looking to up your nutrients? Smoothies are a delicious and easy way to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Try some of these.
The beauty of smoothies is that they can be customized and made out of almost anything you have in your produce bin.
If you're watching your weight:
Use in-season fruit.
Whether fresh or frozen, fruit that's being grown tends to be sweeter than its out-of-season counterparts, meaning you don't need to add extra sugar or honey.
Food manufacturers use both natural and synthetic preservatives to extend the life of many of the food products we eat. Government regulations limit the use of some of them. Here’s why.
Preservatives keep food products fresh long enough for them to get from the factory to the supermarket and eventually find a place on your dining table. They do this by slowing down the natural breakdown of fats, delaying the ripening process of fresh foods, and destroying or slowing down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that would otherwise grow on food.
Do you suffer from sinus troubles? Dandruff? Sore throat? Diarrhea? Apple cider vinegar could alleviate all of these conditions.
Often used in salad dressings, apple cider vinegar could also be of use to you as a natural remedy. It is reported to help ease a sore throat, relieve sinus congestion, calm intestinal troubles, and rid your scalp of dandruff. Also, if you have diabetes, apple cider vinegar could even help keep your blood sugar balanced.
While some disobedience is a normal part of a child's development, overly troubling behavior is not. Watch out for these signs.
As any parent can attest, certain stages of children's developmental process include periods where they are especially difficult, such as the so-called terrible twos. However, sometimes children exhibit troubling behavior that's beyond what we'd normally expected at that age and stage of development.
Balancing office and home life can create conflicts between demands and stress from both sides. But there may also be healthy benefits to working outside the home.
Several recent studies have demonstrated that working, especially part time, provides mental health benefits for women.
A study in the December 2011 issue of the Journal of Family Psychology examined several aspects of well being in mothers who worked part time compared to those who worked full time or not at all.
Almond butter. Sweet potatoes. Avocados. Jicama. Keeping foods like these on hand will help your child look at healthy eating as less of a chore and more of a choice.
Want your kids to start enjoying the healthy meals and snacks you prepare for them? You may need to rethink your grocery shopping list. If you're buying the same items week in and week out, your child may be bored with your cooking. Switch things up a bit, nutrition experts suggest, by buying the makings for meals kids will love despite the fact that the meals are healthy.
Recent tests of arsenic levels in some popular apple juice brands have many parents restricting their kids' consumption or even banning this staple entirely from their homes. Overreaction or justified behavior?
Arsenic, a naturally occurring chemical has two forms-organic and inorganic. Organic arsenic which is found in our air and water supply, passes through the body quickly and according to the FDA, causes no harm. Inorganic arsenic is more worrisome because it gets into the food supply via the use of pesticides, as an additive in poultry feed and from well water.
Success in the classroom starts at home. Here's how to ensure your child is physically and emotionally prepared to take on the school day.
There's no disputing the importance of a good education. What often gets overlooked, however, is what parents can do at home to help their children succeed in the classroom.
School-aged children spend nearly as much time in the classroom as they do in their homes.
The dietary choices you make during breakfast can set your course for the rest of the day. Let this go-to guide help you bring a wholesome cereal selection to the table each morning.
It's been said time and again: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And cereal is a great morning choice, right? Well, not necessarily. The grocery store is filled with a barrage of cereal selections, and many are downright unhealthy. So how can you determine if the cereal's worthy of a place in your cart or if it should go right back on the shelf? Take a look at the label:
If sugar is the first ingredient on the list, put it back on the shelf.
Up to10 percent of children under 18 suffer from migraines, but many go undiagnosed. Here are the migraine symptoms children most often experience.
Migraines aren't just for adults. In fact, approximately 10 percent of children suffer from them too and countless more go undiagnosed. That's because migraines often look different in children than they do in adults.
The Migraine Research Foundation defines migraine as a neurological disease with head pain and associated symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to touch, sound, light, and odors, abdominal pain, and mood changes.
If you have a "sweet tooth," research suggests this preference could actually affect your personality. But does it make you sweeter or does it make you sour?
"You are what you eat." A platitude used by parents and high school health teachers alike. And a new report published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has added credence to this adage.
Research conducted by psychologists at the North Dakota State University in Fargo suggests that individuals who regularly eat sweets are more likely to help another person in need.
Rich in color, flavor, and nutrients, these versatile vegetables star in a variety of international cuisines. Here's a bushel of ways to add them to your diet.
Whether eaten raw with your favorite dip, jarred and pickled, or cooked up as part of a savory dinner entrée, peppers deserve a place at your table. By far, the most popular variety of pepper eaten in the U.S. is the bell pepper. Here's a guide to the differences between these bell peppers:
Green Peppers
The least expensive of the bell peppers and the least sweet, this pepper is picked before achieving full ripeness.
Get the experts' take on this much debated matter of the heart.
Should you or shouldn't you? That's the big question when it comes to cholesterol screening for children and adolescents, and the answer seems far from clear.
In 2007, the United States Preventive Task Force (USPTF), an independent panel of experts, established screening guidelines for lipid abnormalities in children.
If your child has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you might feel concerned about how to help her manage and monitor her blood sugar daily. But there are things you can do to make it easier for you, her, and the whole family.
As a parent, you probably thought that you could protect your child from harm if you made sure that she ate right, got enough sleep, and was up to date on all the recommended vaccinations. But everything changed the day your child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Sharing doesn't come easy to kids but some simple tactics can help make it bearable, and even fun, for your little one.
If you've ever found yourself screaming "Share!" or insisting that your child give his playmate a toy, you're in good company. Sometimes it can seem impossible to get kids to act unselfishly. Yet research shows that even young toddlers show a willingness to share.
Here are recommendations that will keep your child's brown bag from spoiling, and possibly making her sick.
Parents are becoming increasingly concerned about the foods school cafeterias serve, which tend to be high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, and offer very little nutritional value. As a result, many parents are beginning to send their kids to school with a packed lunch.
The keys to picking the perfect nighttime snack are to practice portion control and combine two essential types of foods.
If you feel like you need a little something in your stomach before you turn in for the night, you're far from alone. It's a good idea to make sure your appetite is satisfied before shutting the light, as you don't want hunger pangs waking you in the middle of the night.
Children have a strong radar for change, and if they don't know what's going on, they can easily become anxious and disturbed. Difficult as it may be, the best thing you can do is communicate information about your condition, and how it affects them, in a way that helps put their minds at ease.
When your arthritis pain flares up, your family life is disrupted and everyone is affected. Children may overhear conversations or simply notice a change in routine, and suspect that something is very wrong. On bad days, you may need to rely on family members, friends, or neighbors to do things with your children or grandchildren that you would normally do yourself.
What's one thing you never want to leave home without? A first-aid kit. When scrapes, stings, bumps, and boo-boos happen, make sure you have what you need to treat the injury right away.
What's one thing you never want to leave home without? A first-aid kit. When scrapes, stings, bumps, and boo-boos happen, make sure you have what you need to treat the injury right away.
The American Red Cross offers a complete line of kits you can slip in your pocket, pack in your purse, or stow in the trunk of your car.
The debate rages on as to whether social networking sites isolate people or contribute to global connectedness. One new study's results offer an interesting perspective.
Much has been made of the social, emotional, and intellectual implications of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Some studies suggest that they can contribute to depressive symptoms while others feel they foster a sense of a global community.
Violent video games have been blamed for school shootings, increases in bullying, and violence towards women. What do the experts have to say?
If you have kids—boys especially—you likely have video games. According to the Entertainment Software Association, 72 percent of U.S. homes play computer or video games. In 2010 consumers spent $25.1 billion on video games.
Though not all video games have violent content those that do have caused concern: Violent video games have been blamed for school shootings, increases in bullying, and violence towards women.
There are many known benefits to using mouthwash, but if yours has too much of this common ingredient, this daily routine can reverse the health of your teeth and gums.
Four out of five dentists may recommend you use it, but have you ever wondered how mouthwash affects your mouth?
Many brands tout the bacteria and bad breath (also known as halitosis) eliminating benefits of their products. The secret ingredient? Alcohol.
Learn how to keep the food you buy fresh and safe to eat.
If your kitchen cabinets hold cans dating back to the last century and your freezer is home to unrecognizable lumps of ice-coated leftovers, you may be due for a crash course on food storage. Knowing where and how to store food is tricky. Some produce thrives in the refrigerator, while other types wilt and lose flavor.
Most men cite becoming a dad as one of the best moments of their lives. That said, research shows that fatherhood has a definite sexual downside. Read on to find out what it is and how to avoid it.
Becoming a dad has a definite sexual downside, research shows. Fatherhood causes a drop in testosterone, according to the study, which was reported in The New York Times.
Researchers measured the testosterone levels of single men at the age of 21, and again some years later.
If antibiotics are making you nauseated, eating the right foods and staying away from the wrong ones can help you feel better.
If antibiotics are making you nauseated, eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help you feel better.
When you take antibiotics to kill the bacteria that are causing an infection, the drug has a "take no prisoners" effect on your body: It wipes out all bacteria, good and bad.
When you don't get enough sleep, it becomes difficult to focus your attention and manage your emotions. You lose perspective. It is as if you become a different person than who you are when you are well rested.
No one knows exactly why we are designed to sleep, but just about everyone knows what happens when we don't.
If you are one of the estimated 50 to 70 million Americans who suffer from chronic sleep loss, you are probably feeling the consequences right now.
Food safety issues make headlines far too often. Here's how to help ensure you're feeding your family safe, high-quality food.
Food safety issues make headlines far too often. Even "healthy" foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats have been connected with serious illnesses caused by contamination with bacteria, parasites, and chemicals. This has many Americans wondering, "What's safe to eat?" The answer may depend on the quality of the foods you choose and whether or not you follow common sense safety-precautions.
Like supplements, fortified foods offer insurance against the health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies. But are they an ideal replacement?
Fortified foods provide an alternative source of nutrients for people who don't consume enough of the foods that naturally supply those nutrients. Like supplements, fortified foods offer insurance against the health problems associated with nutritional deficiencies.
This drugstore staple is often overlooked in our search for the best health and beauty aids. But there are some good reasons to add this affordable compound to your shopping cart.
This drugstore staple is often overlooked in our search for the best health and beauty aids. But there are some good reasons to add this affordable compound to your shopping cart.
Epsom Salt—or magnesium sulfate—is a pure mineral compound and essential electrolyte that many of us need more of in our diet.
How do you define a healthy snack? Low-fat? Low-calorie? Low-carb? Foods that fit into those categories may be good choices, but a better approach might be to choose snacks that are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
How do you define a healthy snack? Low-fat? Low-calorie? Low-carb? Foods that fit into those categories may be good choices, but a better approach might be to choose snacks that are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Snacks are healthy when they fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet without adding excess calories.
Starchy foods are essential for energy, and fatty foods can make you feel fuller. But there are a host of health complications that can ensue if you consume too much of both. Learn how eating the right combination of foods can help your digestive system function at its best.
Did you know that your gut contains 500 species of bacteria and that altogether, they weigh about three pounds? These bacteria play a critical role in digestion and other important health-related functions. Eating the wrong foods can throw off the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria and cause a host of digestive (and other) health problems.
A study conducted at the University of Hawaii's animal science department of 106 pet owners found that almost a third experienced grief that lasted six months or more after their pet's death. Twelve percent reported that their grief caused major disruptions in their lives.
For many of us, a pet is a valued member of the family. In honor of the love, support, companionship and acceptance they show us, we celebrate their birthdays, buy them gifts, and provide top-notch medical care. We brag about their accomplishments, keep photos of them on our desks, and add their names to the holiday cards we send.
The best way to boost your bones, besides weight-bearing exercise, is to take in enough of the substances that strengthen and build your skeleton. Here's a rundown of the top nutrients you need for a fit frame.
Your bones are the foundation of your body supporting you throughout your life. Just as you need to take care of your major organs, you need to tend to your bones in order to maintain optimal health. The best way to boost your bones, besides weight-bearing exercise, is to take in enough of the substances that strengthen and build your skeleton.
While cancer treatments continue to become more effective and targeted, the number of people diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. Understand the high-level trends and how they could affect you.
Cancer has become a serious personal and public health problem. The mortality rate of cancer has declined over the past several decades due to advances in treatment. At the same time, the number of people diagnosed with cancer is on the rise. While humans have always faced cancer, it's become increasingly prevalent over the past century.
While the process of teething can be painful, there are steps you can take to soothe your baby's sore gums and help her be more comfortable.
If your baby's gums are red and swollen and she's drooling or crying more than usual, there's a good chance she's teething. Although it can differ from child to child, most children will start teething around six months old, as new teeth start pushing their way through the gums.
Unfortunately, no matter where you plan to travel, your food allergies will always be with you. So don't just plan your vacation itinerary, plan on ways you can stay safe on your trip, too.
Unfortunately, no matter where you plan to travel, your food allergies will always be with you. So don't just plan your vacation itinerary, plan on ways you can stay safe on your trip, too. Whether you're heading to the beach, the countryside, or the mountains, be mindful that you could come on contact with your allergens.
Too little iron in the body can affect many body functions, but most physical signs and symptoms don't show up until iron deficiency anemia occurs.
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that results from too little iron in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause of anemia in the U.S.
The condition is usually caused by blood loss, diet, or an inability of your body to absorb enough iron from food.
It's imperative to communicate effectively with your teen about the dangers of texting and driving. But how to get the message through? Here's what to do.
It only takes five seconds to read a text-enough time to veer into a lane of opposing traffic or hit a child chasing a ball with deadly consequences. For teens, especially, texting can be irresistible. It enables them to be constantly connected to their friends and is their main form of communication.
The typical smartphone user checks his phone an average of 34 times per day. What’s more, many people who compulsively check their cellphones are unaware that they are doing it.
If you haven't done it yourself, you've certainly seen it: A group of people at a social gathering who, instead of conversing with each other, are pecking away at their cell phones.
While this situation may sound strange, it's actually very common. A recent study in the journal Personal and Ubiquitous Computing found that the typical smartphone user checked their phone an average of 34 times per day.
Whether you have a newly developed scar or you're trying to stop a wound from turning into a prominent scar, there are ways you can minimize its appearance.
We all have scars, whether they're extremely noticeable or barely visible. Scars can result from simple accidents like getting too close to an iron or from bad habits like picking at pimples. Whether you have a newly developed scar or you're trying to stop a wound from turning into a prominent scar, there are ways you can minimize its appearance.
Here are tips for working through grief in a healthy way when it involves an entire community.
Everyone handles personal grief in an individual way, processing it at a different pace as they struggle to cope. But nationwide grief following a horrific tragedy such as the events of 9/11 is anything but private.
National grief and mourning like what gripped the country after 9/11 is different from grief experienced on a personal scale.
You love your cat with all your heart, but if you suffer from pet allergies, the object of your affection could cause episodes of sneezing, coughing, itching, and wheezing. If the misery is more than you can bear, know that you can take action.
You love your cat with all your heart, but if you suffer from pet allergies, the object of your affection could cause episodes of sneezing, coughing, itching, and wheezing. If the misery is more than you can bear, know that you can take action.
Best Approaches to Treat Cat Allergies
If you won't consider parting with your pet but don't want to suffer indefinitely, that's okay.
You know it does, but do you know how and why smoking is one of the greatest health risks out there? Understanding what's behind the risk might help you or a loved one give them up for good.
There's no question about it: smoking causes cancer. In fact, smoking is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Roughly 22 percent of cancer deaths in women, and 45 percent in men, are directly attributable to personal smoking habits.
Researchers have found a link between musical training in childhood and mental acuity in old age. Here's how to add music to your family's life.
Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta now believe there is a link between musical training in childhood and mental acuity in old age.
To date there's been quite a bit of research exploring the cognitive benefits of musical activity and children but this is the first study to explore whether those benefits extend across a lifetime.
Strong parenting and emotional well-being are closely connected. Dr. Gerald Newmark, author of the book "How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children," offers his top child-rearing strategies.
"For reasons having to do with the peculiarities of our civilization, we pay a great deal of attention to our scholastic educations, which are formal and supervised, and we devote much less public thought to our emotional educations, which are unsupervised and haphazard.
The cool, crisp days of autumn can be a refreshing treat after a hot, humid summer. Yet with the change of season also comes an increased risk of illness that can lead to fall asthma.
The cool, crisp days of autumn can be a refreshing treat after a hot, humid summer. Yet with the change of season also comes an increased risk of illness that can lead to fall asthma.
It's no coincidence that many asthmatics visit the emergency room in the fall and early winter.
Learn about the most common causes, plus get tips on how to fix this common problem.
What causes tooth sensitivity in the first place? Common triggers include a cavity or crack in the tooth, but it might also be due to the erosion of tooth enamel.
If you frequently get that "zing" feeling while biting into something sweet, cold, hot, or sour, you could have sensitive teeth.
When you have food allergies, organizing your kitchen and other food storage areas isn't just convenient—it's essential.
Everyone can benefit from having a well-organized home. But when you have food allergies, organizing your kitchen and other food storage areas isn't just convenient—it's essential. An organized fridge and pantry can make it easier to locate your safe foods and can save you from making life-threatening mistakes.
If you're craving sugar, the problem may be more serious than merely trying to satisfy an occasional sweet tooth. You may be addicted to sugar.
If you're craving sugar, the problem may be more serious than merely trying to satisfy an occasional sweet tooth. You may be addicted to sugar.
Researchers at Princeton University conducted several laboratory studies on rats and found that when the rats were given too much sugar, they suffered from withdrawal.
One study found that support groups improved cancer survivors' mood, pain, symptom control, and social functioning. Here's what to consider in order to find a support group that works for you.
Having cancer is scary, overwhelming, and can leave you feeling isolated, despite the dedicated attention of your cancer care team and the love of your family and friends. That's why many patients turn to support groups.
In a support group, patients can share their cancer experiences and frustrations.
A number of possible factors can make you more susceptible to having an asthma attack at night. Read on to find out what they are and what you can do about them.
If you battle your worst asthma symptoms at night and wake up many mornings still feeling tired and out of sorts, you could have nocturnal asthma. As the name implies, this is when asthma strikes at night causing shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and/or chest pressure.
Genetically modified (GM) or engineered, foods have been scientifically altered to develop more desirable traits. These traits might include better resistance to destructive insects in the field, or increased nutritional value.
You have the right to know what's in the food products you buy, but you can't know if it's not on the label.
Genetically modified (GM) or engineered, foods have been scientifically altered to develop more desirable traits. These traits might include better resistance to destructive insects in the field, or increased nutritional value.
New research reveals possible reasons why some folks sweat the small stuff and others go with the flow.
Life is full of ups and downs. Some of us handle the downs better than others. Now, researchers are investigating whether a difficult childhood could impact how adults react to stress.
Of course not all downs are created equally. Losing a job, for example, is a much bigger downer than feeling disappointed when a friend doesn't promptly return a call.
While acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic garner most of the attention, Reiki quietly benefits patients in its own gentle way.
Complementary and alternative healing practices are becoming mainstream as people search for ways to support health naturally. While acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic garner most of the attention, Reiki quietly benefits patients in its own gentle way.
Hula-hooping isn't just for kids anymore. Fitness experts say it can provide boot camp-quality exercise.
Wish you could play like a child again? Then hula-hooping might be the perfect workout for you. It's not just kids' stuff, though. Hula-hooping provides boot camp-quality exercise.
Hula-hoops have been popular since they were invented in the 1950s.
Everyone copes with loss in his or her own way. If you've lost a child, you can find a multitude of organizations, books, blogs, and support groups to help you. Behind them all, you'll find parents who have also suffered the same loss.
Nothing can compare to the pain and anguish parents experience following the death of a child. The organization, Bereaved Parents of the U.S., attempts to describe this indescribable loss.
"Bereaved parents do not 'get over' the death of our children nor 'snap out of it' as the outside world seems to think we can or should.
Set an alarm. Use a fancy glass. Hang a sign on your fridge. These are just a few ways to ensure you get your daily dose of H20.
If there is one magical elixir that can help promote good health, it's water. Here's how to make sure you get enough each day.
1. Set goals. For instance, first thing in the morning, fill a large pitcher with eight cups of water and set a goal to finish it by the end of the day.
If you're living with a sleepwalker, here's what you should know before your child takes his next nighttime stroll.
Encountering a sleepwalker can be a bit bizarre. Like the classic horror film, Night of the Living Dead where zombie-like figures walk around scaring ordinary folks, sleepwalkers appear awake but aren't. Their unusual behavior can be upsetting to parents and siblings but most incidences of sleep walking are benign and generally cease during adolescence.
More than a snuggle buddy, a body-length pillow can improve your bedtime posture and help you get a better night's sleep by relieving common aches and pains that are keeping you awake.
Have you hugged your pillow lately? More than a snuggle buddy, a body-length pillow can improve your bedtime posture and help you get a better night's sleep by relieving common aches and pains that are keeping you awake.
If you're pregnant, or suffer from arthritis, back pain, or sore muscles resulting from an injury or pain after surgery, a full-length body pillow can provide support to your entire body and help keep your spine aligned while you sleep.
That red, painful-to-the-touch burn on your overly sun-exposed skin can be a big problem. You thought you did everything you could to prevent sunburn, but apparently it wasn't enough. The good news is that it's temporary and treatable.
That red, painful-to-the-touch burn on your overly sun-exposed skin can be a big problem—especially if you're an avid beach-goer or a lover of the outdoors. You thought you did everything you could to prevent sunburn, but apparently it wasn't enough.
It's estimated that more than 400,000 families in the U.S. have a child with Asperger Syndrome. The disorder affects more boys than girls and is most often diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9. Here's what you should know about this common disorder.
Asperger syndrome (AS) is a neurobiological disorder that is part of a group of conditions known as autism spectrum disorders. The disorder was named after Hans Asperger, a Viennese pediatrician, who, in 1940, first described a set of behavior patterns, such as impaired social skills, the inability to communicate effectively with others, and poor coordination, that he found in some of his patients.
Strawberries get an A+ rating as a healthy snack. Here's why.
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but strawberries appear to be just as potent when it comes to fighting disease.
In fact, research suggests that the scarlet fruit is a true nutritional blockbuster. Strawberries contain abundant amounts of a naturally occurring flavonoid called fisetin; it's found in lesser quantities in other fruits.
BPA is used in the production of some hard plastics and the plastic-like linings of many metal cans used to package foods and beverages. Since BPA leaches out of the plastic and into the contents of the can when exposed to heat, there is wide concern about its toxic effect.
Although canned foods rarely make it to any "top ten" list of great-tasting or especially nutritious foods, the only real concern has ever been the loss of certain nutrients during the canning process and over time. All that changed when toxic chemicals were found in the food.
There are you, peacefully dozing off, and then, whoa! Your body does a sudden jerk and you're awake again. For the most part, these body spasms are considered normal. But sometimes they're not.
There are you, peacefully dozing off, and then, whoa! Your body does a sudden jerk and you're awake again. For the most part, these body spasms are considered normal. But sometimes they're not. Hypnic jerks, or sleep starts, are normal leg, arm, or full-body twitches that occur just as you're about to fall asleep.
You've heard they do. You've heard they don't. So, what are the experts saying about the real risk?
Cell phones have become ubiquitous worldwide, even in developing countries, so the very thought they might cause harm is hard to believe. While the data on a possible link between cell phone use and cancer has been inconsistent-and definitely controversial-the evidence is finally starting to accumulate.
There's always something to eat at the airport, especially if you're at one of the larger "hub" airports. Unfortunately, where there are more food vendors, there are more opportunities for unhealthy options and food safety violations.
Eating at airports, especially when you're in a hurry, is pretty much the nutritional equivalent of eating at a truck stop. But the problem is not just finding and choosing healthier foods or piecing together something that resembles a balanced meal. It's also about finding food that's safe to eat.
Tempted to sleep out in a hammock on a warm summer night? Or take a hammock nap in the late afternoon? It may turn out to be the best sleep you ever got.
Tempted to sleep out in a hammock on a warm summer night? Or take a hammock nap in the late afternoon? It may turn out to be the best sleep you ever got.
If you're a parent, you know that rocking a baby is the best way to get him to sleep. If you have a grandmother, you may have seen how quickly she falls asleep in a rocking chair.
Why should you make your own baby food? Let's see, it's generally more nutritious, less costly, and it takes hardly any effort to get started.
Food, glorious food! If your baby is sitting up on her own—and grabbing for your snacks—it may be time to introduce solids. Between the ages of 4 to 6 months, most babies are developmentally ready to get their first taste of big kid food!
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What is it about these rays that makes them so harmful? And how can you tell if you're taking the proper safety precautions?
We all require some sun exposure. In fact, it's the body's primary source of vitamin D. But the problem lies in repeated, unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. What is it about these rays, though, that makes them so harmful? And how can you tell if you're taking the proper safety precautions?
UVA Rays: Think "A" for Aging
UVA wavelengths deeply penetrate the dermis and subcutaneous layers of your skin.
Volunteering can be one of the most enriching and satisfying experiences of your life. Here's how to get started.
A popular option for people young and old is to volunteer. Not only are you doing something good for the community, volunteering has been shown to be good for your mental and physical health. But perhaps you've never offered your time and skills before and aren't sure what to expect.
Summer is here and the living is easy, unless you're the parent of a toddler, that is. Since little ones love exploring with their hands and their mouths, there are some extra safety hazards you should be aware of before releasing your child into the wild.
Keep your little one safe in the fresh air and sunshine with these six essential tips:
1. Use Sun Sense
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that more than two million non-melanoma skin cancers are diagnosed annually. Before heading out the door, the AAD recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
For a growing number of families (couples and singles, too), personal chefs are becoming as common and indispensable as housekeepers. They're the answer to "What's for dinner?"
The benefits of sitting down to a home-cooked meal with family are well established: Better nutrition, closer bonding, and even better behavior and school performance. The challenge is how to get it on the table while juggling work and kids' schedules.
Keeping safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days. Here are practical steps you can take to minimize exposure.
Keeping children safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days.
The current offender: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used to make plastic clear and hard. It also keeps bacteria from contaminating foods and prevents cans from rusting.
Drinking plenty of water is among the best things you can do for your health. Switching from a disposable water bottle to a reusable one is among the best things you can do for the planet.
Drinking plenty of water is among the best things you can do for your health. Switching from a disposable to reusable water bottle is among the best things you can do for the planet. How do you choose the best water bottle? Check out our tips before you go shopping.
Have you ever grappled with the unexpected side effects from a medication? It's important to pinpoint the cause of these surprising reactions. Here's the right way to know if it's a true drug allergy.
When you end up grappling with unexpected side effects from your medication, such as a rash, nausea, or stomach distress, you might think you're allergic to the drug. However, most of the time, the reaction is caused by a drug sensitivity and not a true allergy.
You're wheezing, coughing, and short of breath, but could it really be asthma? Learn how doctors go about diagnosing this chronic condition.
You're wheezing, coughing, and short of breath—could it really be asthma? If your doctor suspects that you have this chronic condition, you'll need to undergo some testing to find out if this chronic condition is the cause of your distress.
Your...
When you apply sunscreens that say "broad spectrum," "sweat-resistant," or "SPF 100," are you truly getting the protection you paid for? These new sunscreen regulations can help you make the right choice to protect yourself.
Broad-spectrum. Sweat-resistant. Sunblock. SPF 100. What do all of these terms really mean?
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped up to clearly define what makes an effective sunscreen. And manufacturers are being held accountable to these new standards.
Taking an active role in your treatment is essential to receiving the care you need and deserve. Here's how you can guarantee a quality doctor's visit every time you enter the office.
Taking an active role in your treatment is essential to receiving the care you need and deserve. Julie Silver, M.D., Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and author of What Helped Me Get Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope and After Cancer Treatment: Heal Faster, Stronger, Better weighs in on how you can guarantee a quality doctor's visit every time you enter the office.
Researchers at the University College Cork have developed a new device to detect three major types of food allergies in children, within seconds.
A new tool developed by researchers from University College Cork may be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to diagnosing your child's food allergies.
New Way to Diagnose Food Allergies in Children
The Irish scientists have created a special "calculator" that allows you to input some important data to instantly identify if your child has an allergy to milk, eggs, and peanuts, which are three of the most common food allergies in kids.
Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Although dietary fiber is probably best known as a remedy to prevent or relieve constipation, it also provides other important health benefits as well, including lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb.
Most of us have some kind of birthmark, whether it's a tiny spot no one ever sees or a prominent port-wine stain. But very few of us know the facts about these marks and if they carry any associated risks. Here are some birthmark FAQs and clarifications of common misconceptions.
Most of us have some kind of birthmark, whether it's a tiny spot no one ever sees or a prominent port-wine stain. But very few of us know the facts about these marks and if they carry any associated risks. Here are some birthmark FAQs and clarifications of common misconceptions.
Should you throw out a container of yogurt if you notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it? Well, it all depends on these factors.
You take a container of yogurt from your refrigerator and notice that the date on the package is a few days beyond the date you're planning on eating it. Should you throw it out?
Well, it all depends on the type of date stamped on the container and how well the product was handled, according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Giving a little bit of your self can make an enormous difference in the life of a sick child. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Volunteering can be powerful. If you're open to it, you'll wind up learning new skills, making new friends, and even changing lives—yours as well as someone else's.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Volunteer Your Time
If you love babies and have time to give, hospitals with neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are often in need of "cuddlers.
Here's what researchers know about this mysterious chemical messenger that appears to have such a profound and direct effect on one's ability to lose weight.
Your stomach produces a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates your appetite and encourages you to eat. That's a good thing for some people, not so good for others. Here's what researchers know about this mysterious chemical messenger that appears to have such a profound and direct effect on one's ability to lose weight.
Although a few short nights can make us cranky and irritable, generally our mood returns to normal once we've resumed our regular sleeping routine. For individuals who struggle with depression, however, insomnia can be a chronic problem.
Although a few short nights can make us cranky and irritable, generally our mood returns to normal once we've resumed our regular sleeping routine. For individuals who struggle with depression, however, insomnia can be a chronic problem.
The symptoms of depression and insomnia overlap and there's a direct relationship between the two.
What and how you eat could be hazardous to your health.
When Canadian physician Kevin Patterson worked as doctor at the Canadian Combat Surgical Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan, he came to realize that the Afghans he treated had very different body types from the Canadians he typically cared for back in his homeland.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. So, when fresh air and sunshine beckons your family outside to play, be sure to pack sunscreen along with your diapers, snacks, and other essentials. Here's all you need to know.
Sunshine warms our bodies, improves our mood and even gives us vitamin D—especially beneficial for strong bones and a healthy immune system. But the bright light has a dark side, too.
Too much sun damages our skin and causes premature wrinkling, spotting, and can cause skin cancer, the most serious of which is melanoma.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new icon that it hopes will make choosing nutritious foods easier for Americans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a new icon that it hopes will make choosing healthful foods easier for all Americans. The icon, which replaces the old food pyramid, is a colorful graphic image of a plate divided into separate sections and is intended to provide a visual reminder of the appropriate balance between the different food groups.
Raising more than one? Multiples have special health concerns.
In the U.S. the rate of twin births increased by 70 percent between 1980 and 2004 and the rate of higher-order multiples (triplets or more) increased four-fold between 1980 and 1998. More recent statistics indicate the rapid rise may be slowing.
Deborah Ann Mulligan, MD is the director of the Institute for Child Health Policy and a professor of pediatrics at the Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Having children is an exciting, rewarding experience for most parents. For women suffering from depression, however, parenting is especially difficult and untreated depression can have long-lasting effects on their children.
Having children is an exciting, rewarding experience for most parents. For women suffering from depression, however, parenting is especially difficult and untreated depression can have long-lasting effects on their children.
You've probably heard of post-partum blues, in which new mothers experience mood swings and feelings of sadness shortly after birth.
Here's how to prepare delicious food that works for the diabetic in your life and doesn't leave anyone feeling deprived.
As the family chef, you get to choose the menu and exercise a certain amount of control over what everyone else eats. But if your spouse or significant other gets diagnosed with diabetes, you may suddenly need to modify your menus and shopping choices.
A new study finds that teens with dogs log more exercise per week as compared to their canine-free counterparts.
Dogs have long been called man's best friend due to their loyalty and companionship. Now, a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests they're worth their wagging tails as a weight-loss tool for inactive teens.
The study found that teenagers with dogs may log an additional 15 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week.
Did you know that basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of cancer in America? It can ravage your skin and even cause disfiguration if not treated properly. Be sure you know how to detect and deal with signs of this skin cancer.
Did you know that basal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of cancer in America? Hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with it every year and while highly treatable, it can ravage your skin and even cause disfiguration if not treated properly.
When a parent makes her own child ill in order to receive sympathy and attention from health-care professionals, it is one of the most harmful forms of child abuse.
Making one's own child ill in order to receive sympathy and attention from health-care professionals is a rare psychiatric disorder known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy that impacts an estimated two in 100,000 children.
Considered one of the most harmful forms of child abuse, Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSP) was named for Baron von Munchausen, an 18th-century German dignitary with a reputation for fabricating the truth.
Camping is a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and convene with nature. But if you suffer from allergies, heading out to the wilderness can expose you to a series of dangers. Here's how to stay healthy.
Camping is a perfect opportunity to get away for a few days and convene with nature. But if you suffer from allergies, heading out to the wilderness can expose you to a series of dangers. Here's how to stay healthy.
Camping with Allergies
While activities such as hiking in the woods, sleeping under the stars, and toasting marshmallows over the open fire can be enjoyable, they can also expose you to series of allergy triggers, such as pollen, mold, stinging insects, and poison ivy.
Some parents are rightfully concerned about the consequences of kids carrying too heavy backpacks. Here's what you can do.
"Common sense tells you that having a 30- or 40-pound backpack isn't good for kids," says Ben W. Kittredge, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Commonwealth Orthopaedics in Alexandria, Virginia. He explains that a too heavy load could stress the vertebra and cause pain.
The importance of sleep can't be over stated. But in our 24/7 society, many children have trouble drifting off. Melatonin works as a sleep-aid for many adults, so is it a good option for kids, too?
The importance of sleep can't be over stated. Sleep matters... a lot. But in our 24/7 society, life is hectic and many children have trouble drifting off.
Well-rested kids are better behaved at home and perform better in school. Tired kids have difficulty problem solving, staying focused, and just plain coping.
The importance of a nutritious breakfast can't be overstated and that means you might need to get creative.
Do your kids jump-start their day with a heaping helping of carbs followed by a dose of high fructose corn syrup? Do they refuse cereal that isn't sugar coated? Or do they skip breakfast all together feeling too rushed or tired to send anything down the hatch? If their morning routine has you concerned, read on for insight and advice to get your picky eaters heading for healthy food before darting out the door.
Experts warn that our national eating habits come at a price. Here, a guide to healthy eating on the go.
In today's fast-paced world, most Americans rely on fast food every now and again. But for many U.S. citizens, these foods are more than just an occasional indulgence--at least 25 percent eat from popular chain restaurants every day, according to Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation.
What precautions should you consider when it comes to these radiation risks?
Last month's report published in the British Medical Journal may be giving x-ray technicians and doctors reason to hesitate before ordering diagnostic radiation. The recent study of children in The United Kingdom (England and Wales) examined childhood cancer risks associated with exposure to x-rays and ultrasound scans both in utero and early infancy (age zero to 100 days)
In the study, Preetha Rajaraman, PhD, of the U.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its recommendations for car seats. Here's why and what you need to know to keep your little ones safe in the car.
Traveling by car just got safer for your most precious cargo. As of March 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has officially changed its position regarding car seats. Parents are now strongly advised to keep children in rear-facing seats until they are at least two years old.
Twenty-five percent of people with diabetes don't even know they have it and that means they're not getting the treatment they need or taking the important steps necessary to keep the disease in check.
Considering that there are 7 million undiagnosed diabetics in the United States and about 1.9 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed each year, it's likely that someone you know has the disease. In fact, you or a family member could be at risk for developing diabetes.
The evidence is overwhelming that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps prevent cancer. Cruciferous vegetables, in particular, deliver compounds that help prevent the transformation of normal cells into cancer.
When former president George H.W. Bush publicly proclaimed his dislike of broccoli, he wasn't doing himself any favors. This ubiquitous vegetable is part of a family of vegetables that is a veritable powerhouse when it comes to cancer prevention.
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, which is part of the cabbage family.
It's a great cause. If you'd like to get involved in finding a cure, raising awareness about the disease, or simply learning more about diabetes, here are some ways you can help out.
Chances are that even if you're not diabetic, you have a friend or relative who is. Some 285 million people worldwide have the disease, and that figure is expected to jump to 438 million by 2030, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), as reported on MedicalNewsToday.
There are many reasons to take on this challenge, and mental acuity is probably at the bottom of the list. But that doesn't diminish the brain benefits it can confer.
It's no secret that knowing a second language brings multiple benefits. You're able to get around more easily if you visit a country in which that language is spoken, you can communicate with friends and family who speak that language, and you might even have an advantage in the job market.
The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey.
When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.
Sample these dozen healthy ideas that will help your family lead a healthier life for the long haul.
Parents may hold the key to turning the nation's obesity problem around, suggest the findings of a new study conducted by GfK MRI, a leading media and consumer market research company. Five thousand children aged 6-11 were surveyed as part of the 2010 American Kids Study and found that parental impact and behavior greatly influences their kids' attitudes toward food and nutrition.
Clostridium difficile (more commonly known as C. diff) is a serious bacterium that can wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing a range of ailments from severe diarrhea to life-threatening colon inflammation.
You may not be familiar with its name but, clostridium difficile-more commonly known as C. diff-is a serious bacterium that can wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing a range of ailments from severe diarrhea to life-threatening colon inflammation.
When it comes to kids and secondhand smoke, is there a safe level? And what does secondhand smoke affect?
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We know that smoking puts us at risk for countless health problems, especially cancer and heart disease. Despite the overwhelming evidence, many parents continue to smoke. In addition to compromising their own health, smoking parents put their children at risk for serious health issues by exposing them to secondhand smoke.
Your teen's daily consumption of what seems like a bottomless pit of sugar might seem harmless now, but that very behavior can put her heart at risk later on in life. Thankfully, you can put a stop to this.
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Teenagers who eat too much sugar may be putting their hearts at risk. A new study found that teens who consume a lot of sugary foods and beverages are more likely to have an increased risk of heart disease later in life.
While it's true that as kids get older you have less influence on them as parents, don't discount your role in modeling good (and bad) behavior. While what you say to them may sometimes fall on deaf ears, what you do will certainly be noticed.
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While it's true that as kids get older you have less influence on them as parents, don't discount your role in modeling good (and bad) behavior. While what you say to them may sometimes fall on deaf ears, what you do will certainly be noticed.
Getting the support and help you need from school can be an overwhelming experience. Here's where to start.
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If you have a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you are all too familiar with the inattention, impulsivity, and high-energy level symptomatic of the condition.
What to expect when you're expecting your little one to get out of diapers and onto the potty.
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The memorable first word. The adorable first step. The gleaming first tooth.
Unlike other firsts in your precious little one's life, the first time he uses the toilet isn't really a milestone at all.
Recall the days of your childhood. Does it involve you drinking a half pint of milk each day at school? If so, it can have a tremendous impact on whether or not you're at risk for colon cancer.
Children who drink milk every day at school may have a decreased risk of getting colon cancer later in life, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers reported that those who consumed milk at school on a daily basis had a 30 percent lower risk of developing this cancer than those who didn't.
It's never fun when your child has to stay home sick, but here are some interesting findings about when it might be better to build up immunity. And a cheat sheet for when they need to be home.
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"Mommy, I don't feel good."
No parent wants to hear these words, especially first thing in the morning. If you're not sure if your child is sick enough to warrant staying home from school or daycare, you're not alone.
All-you-can-eat buffets. Unlimited soda refills. Burgers the size of ball fields. When it comes to food, America serves it up. It's no wonder one-third of our children and two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese. Here's what you need to know to help your family eat better.
In an effort to improve the overall health of our nation, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released new dietary guidelines (January 2011). The revised guidelines place a stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity.
What's the story behind the crunchy snack that's good for your heart?
Nuts about nuts? Good for you! They make everything from brownies to cookies taste better, they're delicious in stir-fries, and they add texture and crunch to salads. Best of all, nuts are good for your cardiovascular health, so feel free to work them into your daily meal plan.
If you live near a busy roadway and find yourself short of breath or constantly wheezing, your address could be to blame.
If you live near a busy roadway and find yourself short of breath or constantly wheezing, your address could be to blame. In fact, researchers now believe that there's a strong link between daily exposure to steady streams of traffic and allergic asthma.
It might be difficult to imagine anything good coming out of the dreadful flu. But researchers have discovered that early exposure to the influenza virus may heighten the immune system's ability to prevent asthma later in life.
It might be difficult to imagine anything good coming out of the dreadful flu. But researchers have discovered that when babies are exposed to the influenza virus early on, their immune systems become strong and activate enough immune response to prevent asthma later in life.
America is the land of the free and home of the brave. But when it comes to hygiene, we also tend to be the home of the over-obsessed. Here's how to remain fresh and clean without going overboard.
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America is the land of the free and home of the brave. But when it comes to hygiene, we also tend to be the home of the over-obsessed. Americans tend to overdo bathing, hair washing, and teeth brush, resulting with dry skin, dry hair, and bleeding or receding gums.
If you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update from the National Cancer Institute.
In 2001, the National Cancer Institute began producing the NCI Cancer Trends Progress Report. Since then, it has updated it annually. The Report gives us an overall summary on the incidence and mortality of different types of cancer.
So, if you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update (2009/2010)
Death rates for prostate, lung, breast, and colorectal cancers (the four most common types) continue to decline.
Germs thrive in saliva, mucous, stomach acids, and other body fluids. Regardless of how good you are about personal hygiene when you're sick, chances are you're going to spew a few germs.
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You're finally feeling better after that nasty flu or cold, and the last thing you want is to get sick again or infect someone else. Therefore, it's time to do a serious assessment of the five main areas where you and your "bug" hung out together.
Here are 10-plus-one ways to keep your family moving when it's too cold to play outside.
Winter may be well underway but that doesn't mean your family has to stay cooped up inside in front of the TV.
In 2008, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established guidelines. For children age 6 and up and adolescents, one hour or more of moderate or vigorous aerobic physical activity a day, including vigorous intensity physical activity at least three days a week are recommended by the HHS.
It's nothing to sneeze at. Millions of kids suffer from allergies and asthma. Here are some of the reasons why.
These days you're more than likely acquainted with a child who has allergies. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 3 million children under 18 had a food allergy in 2007—an 18 percent increase since 1997.
When food replaces personal relationships or when overeating is a response to stress or depression, a potentially life-threatening situation can occur.
When food replaces personal relationships or when overeating is a response to stress or depression, a potentially life-threatening situation can occur.
"We all engage in over eating at times," says Melissa Katz, Psy.D, a clinical psychologist who specializes in eating disorders.
ER visits for concussions are on the rise but that's not all, research shows concussion risks, and symptoms, differ for girls and boys.
All sports have injury risks but contact sports are the riskiest, especially football, soccer, basketball, and hockey. With 7.2 million male and female high school athletes, ER visits for concussions have more than doubled from 1997 to 2007.
Big Deal or Minor Head Injury?
According to Mark Halstead, MD, a pediatric sports injury specialist and assistant professor or pediatrics and orthopedics at Washington University in St.
Packed with protein and fiber, but low in fat, this pantry must-have delivers a lot of nutrition at an affordable price.
Legumes, or beans, may just be nature's wonder food. Loaded with protein and fiber, they deliver a hefty dose of nutrition at a cheap price.
They're versatile—you can boil, stew, puree, roast, or pan-fry them—and for people who choose to or need to avoid animal products, they can be a great entrée alternative.
Adopt these 10 simple healthy habits now and give your family's wellness a boost.
This year, instead of the usual (work out more; eat less), consider what you can do to make your family healthier and happier.
Pediatrician Ari Brown, MD, says the new year is an ideal time to take a step back and evaluate where your family is going.
The National Eating Disorders Association estimates that about 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from eating disorders.
It's the rare child who doesn't turn up his nose at certain foods, or who goes through stages of eating only a limited number of foods. While most picky eaters outgrow this behavior, some children carry it into adulthood. Mental health experts are beginning to recognize picky eating as a serious eating disorder.
Understand the scary truth behind diabulimia, the diabetic eating disorder.
It can seem like a win-win situation for a young woman who's concerned about her weight and wants to lose pounds quickly. But the end result of diabulimia, a condition in which a diabetic purposely does not take the necessary insulin so that weight loss will result, is the loss of good health.
When it comes to mercury exposure from fish, what do you need to know to make the healthiest choices?
According to a Swedish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the benefits of eating fish may outweigh the potential negative impact of mercury exposure from fish.
The study analyzed responses from more than 900 Swedish adults about the amount of fish in their diet and then examined the subjects' red blood cells for levels of mercury and selenium.
Learning what's behind school anxiety is the first step toward correcting the problem.
Unlike separation anxiety, school anxiety does not diminish at school arrival. Judith Kaufman, PhD, professor and Director of School Psychology Training at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey says school anxiety is fairly common and can be triggered by a single issue or a combination of factors.
When it comes to treating your child's persistent cough, one effective treatment option might already be in your kitchen cabinet.
According to research from the Pennsylvania State University, a single dose of buckwheat honey before bed decreases cough severity and improves sleep for children over 12 months of age. Researchers randomly administered honey, dextromethorphan (the active ingredient found in many over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications), and no treatment to 105 children with persistent coughs.
Could half the country be diabetic in 10 years? Here are changes you can make now to keep this scary prediction from becoming reality.
Half of Americans will have Type 2 diabetes by 2020, according to a current forecast. This comes from a newly released report by United Health Group's Center for Reform and Modernization.
It's a scary figure to consider, since diabetes is a devastating and potentially deadly disease.
You brush your teeth first thing every day, then probably savor a piping hot cup of coffee. But do you also make your asthma control steps an essential part of your morning too?
You brush your teeth first thing every day, then probably savor a piping hot cup of coffee. But do you also make your asthma control steps an essential part of your morning?
Starting a Morning Routine
Staying on top of your asthma takes hard work and diligence, but if you integrate your control steps into your day, it doesn't have to be overwhelming.
The infant mind could be the "most powerful learning machine in the universe."
As you gaze lovingly at your beautiful baby, you know in your heart that there's a lot more in that little head than meets the eye. In fact, you're quite sure she's brilliant.
Are these parental perceptions just a figment of an adoring parent's imagination, or is your baby's brain really hard at work? Is your baby actually thinking?
You'll be happy to know that babies do think-probably more than we give them credit for.
The main problem may be that parents don't recognize the symptoms of stress in their kids.
According to the APA's Stress in America report (Jan. 2010), more than two-thirds (69 percent) of parents of teens and tweens say that their stress has slight or no impact on their children. But the kids disagree: only 14 percent of them say their parent's stress doesn't affect them.
Here are tips to help your child identify stress and strategies to cope with it. Try adopting them yourself--they work for adults.
If your child is stressed, you probably are, too. Chronic stress that isn't managed can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Here are some tips to help your child identify stress and strategies to cope with it. Try adopting them yourself-they work for adults.
They're not much bigger than your iPod and they can make managing your diabetes much easier than it used to be. So learning all about blood glucose meters and insulin pumps is crucial to good diabetes management.
If you're wondering which pump or meter is best for you, here are some facts to consider, from Devon Carlson, MS, RD, of the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia Medical Center in New York City and Rita Louard, MD, of the Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.
The disease kills about one in every 10 patients but the results of a new study could change the way they are treated and improve survival rates.
Though relatively rare-affecting less than 2 percent of the adolescent population-anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening illness with a high mortality rate. Patients with the condition believe they are fat, and use food restriction and exercise to maintain dangerously low body weights.
Eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables can feel a bit daunting, especially for busy families on the go. The good news is that it's a lot easier than you might imagine.
Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients that keep you healthy and help prevent cancer. Furthermore, since obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer, a diet that emphasizes plant-based foods helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Here are a few tips for adding healthy fruits and vegetables to your diet:
Learn what a serving looks like.
Does he like to arrange toys by size or color or count the same object over and over again? Some children like order and find routines comforting. But when these behaviors start interfering with daily life, there may be reason to worry.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that may first appear as strange or odd behaviors. In children, the onset typically occurs between the ages of 8 and 13 and is rarely diagnosed in preschoolers.
People with OCD are distressed by constant, unwanted thoughts or impulses (obsessions).
If you've lost access to insurance, you may be wondering how you'll survive. Is there a way to get good health care even if your finances are unstable?
The cost of health insurance is scary, but having no health insurance can be downright terrifying. If you've lost access to insurance, you may be wondering how you'll survive. If you or a family member has a pre-existing condition, covering the costs of all of the prescription drugs and doctor's visits you need may seem impossible.
While seven out of 10 children are improperly restrained, using child safety seats the right way could reduce fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers ages 1 through 4.
Car seats can be complicated.
According to research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seven out of 10 children are improperly restrained, putting them at risk for serious injury or death in a crash. Sadly, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14.
Parenting certainly has challenges. So when a parent has a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, it adds another whole dimension to the family dynamics.
Parenting certainly has challenges. So when a parent has a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, it adds another whole dimension to the family dynamics.
Bipolar Disorder can cause stress, guilt, anger, helplessness, and a range of other emotions, on top of the disease's signature manic and depressive mood swings.
Growing evidence supports the theory that it is possible to be overweight and healthy, provided the individual is also fit.
Don't judge a book by its cover has long been the counsel of school teachers, but a growing body of evidence suggests the expression may apply to people, too. Overweight adults, it turns out can be healthy.
One example is research published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) which followed 2,600 adults (60 and over) for 12 years to observe the link between weight, fitness, and mortality.
Increases in accidental overdoses of over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs are one of the fastest-rising causes of accidental death in the U.S.
Whether you reach for prescription pills on a daily basis or take an over-the-counter remedy for a persistent cough or occasional headache, there are risks associated with all medications especially when they are combined with other medications.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), increases in accidental overdoses of over-the-counter, prescription, and illegal drugs are one of the fastest-rising causes of accidental death in the United States.
Most babies' misshapen heads round out within the first few weeks after birth, but some do not and require intervention.
It's the rare newborn who arrives with a perfectly-formed head. Any new parent can attest to that! Soft and fuzzy, yes. Round and symmetrical-hardly ever, especially in infants born vaginally. The head is pliable by design. The flexible structure enables movement through the narrow birth canal.
This hygienic practice gently flushes the nasal cavity in order to remove excess mucus and debris from the sinuses.
The cold and flu season is upon us, and with it comes the annoying, and sometimes debilitating, symptoms of the common cold. One treatment for congestion is nasal irrigation.
This hygienic practice flushes the nasal cavity in order to remove excess mucus and debris from the sinuses.
You can often treat simple strains and sprains yourself in the comfort of your home, as long as you've ruled out a broken bone.
Each year, more than 3.5 million children experience sports-related injuries, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). While some of these do require medical care, you can often treat simple strains and sprains yourself in the comfort of your home, as long as you've ruled out a broken bone.
While a high percentage of U.S. parents admit to regularly spanking their children, this practice is actually illegal in 24 countries. What's in the best interest of kids?
To spank or not to spank... that is the question. The answer, it turns out, can be as complex as the reasons for doing it.
For several generations spanking has been a topic of controversy in this country but studies show more than half of all U.S. parents condone spanking as a regular form of punishment.
Here is choking first aid that everyone should know.
No one thinks it will happen to them, but choking is a concern for everyone. Babies and young children are especially susceptible to the danger, since they have smaller teeth and narrower airways than adults, as well as a tendency to put objects in their mouth.
The news that your child has cancer can be overwhelming. Here's where to start.
Perhaps the only thing more devastating and frightening than discovering you have cancer is learning that your child has cancer. The news can be overwhelming. Here's where to start.
It may help to know that more children than ever are surviving childhood cancers.
When one of your children is critically ill, his sibling may need some extra love and attention, too.
When a Child is Critically Ill
It can be scary and overwhelming to cope with the uncertainty of a very sick child, both for you as the parents and also for your healthy child. However, there are things you can do to help yourself and your healthy child make it through this difficult time.
On average 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. populations gets the flu and more than 200, 000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. How to avoid and treat the flu.
Protecting your children from the flu will be a little less painful this year. That's because, the 2010-2011 flu vaccine is the only one you need.
Unlike last year when the H1N1 (swine flu) shot was given in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine, this year's protection is all in one.
Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease of the old, is turning up more often than ever before in younger people, but there is some good news.
Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease of older people, is turning up more often than ever in the young and rising obesity rates among teens is why.
Some 154,000 people under the age of 20 now have diabetes in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It may be too late for you to eliminate your milk protein allergies, but one study says it might not be too late for your newborn baby.
Are you allergic to milk? It may be too late to change this fate, but according to researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel, it could be possible to help eliminate this danger for your newborn baby with one simple step .
Milk Protein Allergy
Milk allergies are particularly common among children.
If your teenager seems depressed, the problem could be in the bedroom.
Experts say children ages 10 to 17 need approximately 9 hours of sleep each night. But after-school activities, homework, television and online distractions make getting this much rest challenging for many.
It hardly seems fair that the hormonal changes associated with puberty exacerbate the problem since biologically adolescents are driven to go to sleep later and sleep longer.
8 tips to help your teens get their Z's.
Knowing what good sleep entails is important. Sleep deprivation can contribute to teen depression.
Help your teen develop good sleep habits with these recommendations:
Help your teen make sleep a priority. Encourage him to focus on establishing healthy sleep patterns by keeping consistent sleeping and waking times.
Playing hide and seek isn't just fun for young children, it's good for their brains. Though toddlers develop cognitively at a faster pace than infants, brain development is an ongoing process that begins before birth.
Playing hide and seek isn't just fun for young children, it's good for their brains!
That's because interactive play stimulates neurons (brain cells) which fosters the best possible cognitive development.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) play is so important that in 2006 it was recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.
We asked parents of children with asthma to give us their best asthma-care tips. From freezing your pillows to sharing a written action plan with your school, moms responded with creative, take-charge solutions.
On Facebook, we asked parents of children with asthma to give us their best asthma-care tips. From freezing your pillows to sharing a written action plan with your school, moms responded with creative, take-charge solutions:
Roll Up Windows Drive with your windows up, not down.
Contact lenses may seem harmless, but many children today end up in the emergency room because they don't perform important maintenance steps.
A study conducted by researchers from the US Food and Drug Administration reveals that almost a quarter of all emergency room visits caused by medical devices can be traced back to complications caused by contact lenses. These findings were included in the American Academy of Pediatric journal, Pediatrics, in September of 2010.
Congenital cardiovascular defects, ranging from mild to severe, occur in about one percent of all live births, or approximately eight out of every 1,000 births, and are the most common congenital malformation in newborns.
A congenital heart defect occurs when the heart or blood vessels near the heart don't develop normally before birth.
Congenital cardiovascular defects, ranging from mild to severe, occur in about one percent of all live births, or approximately eight out of every 1,000 births, and are the most common congenital malformation in newborns.
There are some simple steps you can take to make sure you don't become a walking biohazard, regardless of the state of the public bathroom you find yourself in.
What You Can Catch, If Anything? There are a few misconceptions surrounding public restrooms and bacteria. Bacteria thrives in wet, moist environments-making sinks, faucet knobs, and flushers prime for the spread of germs. So, yes, it is very possible to get sick from visiting the restroom at your local fast food joint.
Did you know that if your child was born by caesarean section, she could be at increased risk for celiac disease?
While this autoimmune disease used to be rare, a growing number of children today suffer from the condition, and researchers believe that increases in C-section deliveries in recent years could be one of several possible explanations for this trend.
What is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease is a digestive condition that causes the small intestine to be unable to process gluten (a protein contained in wheat products).
Tics are common in childhood. When they continue and occur in conjunction with other repetitive patterns, they could be signs of a condition called Tourette Syndrome.
Tics are common in childhood. Does your child blink his eyes, wave his arms or jerk his head repeatedly? When these behaviors continue for long periods of time and occur in conjunction with other repetitive verbal and physical patterns, they may be signs of a condition called Tourette Syndrome.
If your child had leukemia, would you know it?
This is one of the most common types of cancers affecting children today and with early detection, the cure rate is also very high. Many children with leukemia who get prompt and appropriate treatment are able to overcome their cancer and go on to live long and healthy lives.
Antidepressants are one of the first lines of treatment for depression. While antidepressants are invaluable for many depression sufferers, they’re not always the best choice for some people.
Antidepressants are one the first lines of treatment for depression. While antidepressants are invaluable for many depression sufferers, they're not always the best choice for some people.
Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
In 2004, a well-publicized study linked an increase in thoughts of suicides, or suicide attempts, to young people taking antidepressants.
Headaches are quite common among school-age children and adolescents and school-related stress can set them off.
Each school year brings many opportunities for learning and making new friends for your child. But if he suffers from school-related stress, it may also mean coping with frequent headaches.
Kids and Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are quite common among school-age children and adolescents.
The most common type of cancer in the United States is also widely misunderstood. Take action to keep you and your family safe from skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, but it's also widely misunderstood. Exposing the myths and taking action can go a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe.
There are two types of skin cancer: non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) and melanoma.
Fall can come with pleasures like football, apple picking, or going back to school. But it can also mean asthma symptoms so severe that hospitals report record-high ER visits in September.
As summer draws to a close, you're probably looking forward to familiar fall pleasures such as apple picking, watching football, and of course, going back to school. But for many people, asthma symptoms worsen in September. In fact, many hospitals report record-high ER visits in September due to asthma.
It can be hard to determine if your child is attempting to delay lights out during bed time or if she is in serious pain. Read on to see when you should worry about your child's aches and pain.
Dealing with your child's body aches can be a real pain! When they occur at bedtime-as is often the case-it's understandable for well meaning parents to write it off as yet another feeble attempt to delay lights out.
As many as one third of all young children experience benign limb pain.
Puberty often surprises parents and young girls and can be exciting at times, but what if it comes to 2nd and 3rd graders?
The arrival of puberty often surprises parents and children but it's especially shocking when it happens to 2nd and 3rd graders. Breast development—the first stage of puberty—normally begins in girls around 10 years of age but a new study published in the journal Pediatrics (August 2010), indicates that being overweight, obese, or exposed to certain chemicals may be affecting development.
For years, sleep researchers have tried to figure out exactly why we dream and what our dreams really mean. Theories abound, but none are proven. Dreams are recognized as a form of thinking, however, and at one time or another, most of us have had to deal with some pretty disturbing thoughts.
For years, sleep researchers have tried to figure out exactly why we dream and what our dreams really mean. Theories abound, but none are proven. Dreams are recognized as a form of thinking, however, and, at one time or another, most of us have had to deal with some pretty disturbing thoughts.
Sleep disorders are also commonly reported in adults with ADHD. Brain researchers are working hard to find out why.
There are more than 70 different types of sleep disorders, Harvard experts say, and up to half of all children diagnosed with ADHD suffer from at least one of them. Sleep disorders are also commonly reported in adults with ADHD. Brain researchers are working hard to find out why.
Here, how each form of education performs when trying to fight teen pregnancy and STDs.
The statistics are sobering. Three in 10 girls get pregnant at least once by the age of 20. Six in 10 teens who say they've had sex wish they'd waited, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Furthermore, teens have the highest rate of sexually transmitted diseases among sexually active Americans.
It can be difficult to deal with a child with ADHD. And although stimulants cannot cure ADHD, they can certainly help control behavior. But are these stimulants actually harming your child?
For the last 20 years, the diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-and the use of the drug Ritalin for its treatment-have been steadily on the rise. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) estimated 5 million children (ages 3 to 17), or 8 percent of that population, were diagnosed with ADHD.
Sudden infant death syndrome. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. A seemingly healthy baby dies suddenly without explanation--leaving the family stricken with grief and confusion. See how you can prevent this tragedy.
It's every parent's worst nightmare. A seemingly healthy baby dies suddenly—without recognizable cause or explanation—leaving the family stricken with grief, loss, and confusion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is the leading cause of death among infants ages 1 to 12 months, with the majority of deaths occurring between the ages of 2 and 4 months.
Bittersweet about your kids going back to school after a long summer? Helping them stay healthy and safe for school will ease the transition.
Your kids have finally figured out how to keep themselves busy during those long, lazy afternoons and you haven't had enough of those leisurely nights without homework. It seems like just when you've all gotten used to the laid back pace of summer, the hectic school year returns.
Babies fall, toddlers trip over whatever is in their way, preschoolers climb where they shouldn't, and older kids fall off bikes. Despite attempts to keep them safe, accidents still happen. Thankfully, most head injuries are minor. Here is how you can assess the injury and keep your little one sound.
Babies inevitably fall learning to walk. Unsteady toddlers, in a hurry to explore their world, trip over (or bump into) whatever's in their way. Preschoolers climb where they shouldn't. Older kids collide on soccer fields and fall off bikes. And, despite your best attempts to keep them safe, accidents happen too.
Recent findings by the US Environmental Protection Agency found that air inside the home may be more polluted than outdoor air, because of toxins contained in common cleaning solutions.
Warning: cleaning a dirty house may be hazardous to your health. If you typically reach for the strongest cleanser you can find to stop the spread of flu and other contagious illnesses, you may want to consider recent findings by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Does your child panic when he gets a splinter? The good news is that you don't have to have a surgeon's steady hands to remove one. You just need to know what techniques will be the most successful for the situation at hand (or foot).
Does your child panic when he gets a splinter? The good news is that you don't have to have a surgeon's steady hands to successful remove one. You just need to know what techniques will be the most successful for the situation at hand (or foot).
Splinter Removal Techniques
Here are some simple, but effective, ways to remove a splinter at home:
Soak the skin on the affected area in a bowl of warm water for several minutes.
While the danger of swallowing small objects certainly exists for young kids, food, from hot dogs and candies to certain fruits and raw vegetables, is one of the biggest choking risks for kids.
While the danger of swallowing small objects certainly exists for young kids, food-—from hot dogs and candies to certain fruits and raw vegetables—is one of the biggest choking risks for kids.
When Foods are Choking Hazards People of all ages can be at risk for choking on food, but children under the age of 5 are especially susceptible.
New Harvard Study shows a potential link between pesticide exposure in children and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but more research is still needed.
As a result of growing concern about the impact of pesticides on the central nervous system in children, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health recently took a closer look. Their findings were published in the May 2010 issue of Pediatrics journal.
Think that only new moms can get depression after childbirth? New research says it's not that simple.
Do you think that only women are at risk for postpartum depression? If so, you may be surprised to know that one in 10 men in the United States is likely to experience depression that's related to new fatherhood, according to a meta-analysis of studies on this topic, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in May 2010.
Learn when to be alarmed about your child's misbehavior and if it can be linked to a mental health illness.
Your normally calm and complacent child suddenly begins experiencing extreme mood swings and starts getting in trouble at school. This causes you to wonder: Is this a typical part of her childhood development or could it be a sign of something more?
The Scope of Mental Illness Affecting Children
The term mental illness encompasses a wide array of issues ranging from emotional, behavioral, and eating disorders to attention deficit, hyperactivity, and panic/anxiety challenges.
How new moms can rev up an appetite for romance.
The only thing an exhausted new mother wants to do when she's lucky enough to fall into bed is sleep. Husbands may be okay with the no-sex routine for awhile—they're exhausted, too—but then they start wondering whether they've been permanently displaced by an tiny intruder whose needs must be met 24/7 and who seems to know just when Mom and Dad are trying to have a little alone time.
Though they look disturbing and make your child uncomfortable, childhood rashes are very common and can be caused by a number of factors. The good news is that many of them are easy to treat and won’t put your child in any danger.
Though they make look disturbing and make your child uncomfortable, childhood rashes are very common and can be caused by a number of factors. The good news is that many of them are easy to treat and won't put your child in any danger.
Common Rashes
Most rashes can be addressed at home, although a few types could require a trip to your pediatrician.
Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat—unless they're contaminated with dirt, pesticides, or harmful bacteria. So before you take your first bite, make sure you follow these six steps.
Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods you can eat—unless they're contaminated with dirt or harmful bacteria. Since foodborne illnesses have sometimes been linked to fresh produce, it's important to wash what you eat.
The first rule for washing fresh produce is to wash your own hands.
When your child sings along with her favorite song, she’s probably enjoying herself a great deal as she exercises her vocal chords. But did you know that engaging in music can also help make her smarter, calmer, and happier, too?
When your child sings along with her favorite song, she's probably enjoying herself a great deal as she exercises her vocal chords. But did you know that engaging in music can also help make her smarter, calmer, and happier, too?
Music Benefits are Widespread
The positive impact that music can have on kids' intelligence, achievements, and even mood, is becoming increasingly recognized.
You may think of diabetes as a disease that mainly affects adults. But did you know that a growing number of children are also being diagnosed with this condition?
There are two type of diabetes that can impact young people. The first, called Type 1 Diabetes, is an immune system disorder that causes the pancreas to stop producing the insulin needed to process food and turn it into energy. The second, called Type 2 Diabetes, occurs when the pancreas produces decreasing amounts of insulin and is unable to efficiently use what does exist.
You know the saying, "Milk does the body good." But do you know how this fact can best translate into your own child's meals and snacks?
Calcium is essential for building strong and healthy bones. Yet despite those essential health benefits, studies show that the majority of children today don't get enough calcium-rich foods on a regular basis.
The Need for Calcium
Whatever your child's age and stage, you need to be aware of her calcium needs for healthy bones and teeth.
Mononucleosis, also known as the kissing disease, can be easily confused with other common childhood illnesses.
Your child is tired, achy, and complains of a sore throat. You think she's coming down with a cold, or maybe the flu. Chances are you're right, but there's also a chance she could have a condition called mononucleosis (also known as "mono").
What is Mononucleosis? You may know mononucleosis as the "kissing disease.
All you want is a healthy baby. Here, how to prevent diabetes-related birth defects.
If you're a woman with diabetes and would love to be a mom some day, here's good news: diabetic women can give birth to a beautiful, healthy baby.Careful planning, however, is crucial. High blood sugar in a mother can harm a developing fetus, and since most of the vital organs, like the brain, heart and spine, are formed in the first month after conception, before a woman even knows she is pregnant, it's important to get levels under control before even trying to conceive.
Most of the time, a bloody nose is just a messy nuisance. Occasionally, however it can signal more serious medical conditions.
Nosebleeds are common, messy, and sometimes scary-but how serious are they? Fortunately, most of the time a bloody nose is just a nuisance. Occasionally, however it can signal more serious medical conditions.
The formal medical names for a nosebleed is epistaxis or nasal hemorrhage.
You know the saying, "Milk does the body good." But do you know just how this fact can best translate into your own child's meals and snacks?
You know the saying, "Milk does the body good." But do you know just how this fact can best translate into your own child's meals and snacks?
Calcium is essential for building strong and healthy bones. Yet despite that essential health benefits, studies show that the majority of children don't get enough calcium rich foods on a regular basis.
If you've recently learned that your child has autism, you may feel overwhelmed by this diagnosis and wonder if there’s any cure. And while this is a controversial topic, some people believe that the answer may be yes, thanks to recent research efforts exploring this very question.
If you've recently learned that your child has autism, you may feel overwhelmed by this diagnosis and wonder if there's any cure. And while this is a controversial topic, some people believe that the answer may be yes, thanks to recent research efforts exploring this very question.
You've probably heard the tragic story: a young and seemingly healthy student athlete suddenly drops dead on the playing field. Every year, close to 100 young lives are lost in this way, and cardiac arrest is usually to blame.
You've probably heard the tragic story: a young and seemingly healthy student athlete suddenly drops dead on the playing field. Every year, close to 100 young lives are lost in this way, and cardiac arrest is usually to blame.
The Need for Screening Young Athletes
When you learn about such an untimely death, it probably strikes fear into your own heart and makes you wonder if your child is safe.
Got a child with a peanut allergy? If so, you know all too well the serious risks that go along with it. While this condition can be life threatening, researchers have recently discovered that it might be successfully treated in some cases. Find out how.
Got a child with a peanut allergy? If so, you know all too well the serious risks that go along with it. While this condition can be life threatening, researchers have recently discovered that it might be successfully treated in some cases. Find out how.
Research suggests that your TV-viewing habit can be a deadly pastime.
Americans watch more than five hours of television per day on average, according to a 2008 study conducted by the Neilsen Company. While you may have your weekly "must-watch" show , you may consider doing something else with those 25+ hours that you usually spend plopped in front of the television.
In an ideal world, you would have a balanced dinner on the table every night—and your child would eat every bite. But despite your best attempts, life often gets in the way, and your child ends up missing some important nutrients. That's when multivitamins may be needed to help fill in the gaps.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it's always ideal for your child to meet her nutritional requirements through the things she eats and drinks. To this end, it's essential to offer a variety of lean proteins, calcium rich foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
You may be surprised to learn that some of your favorite athletes and celebrities have a condition called Tourette Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations.
You may be surprised to learn that some of your favorite athletes and celebrities have a condition called Tourette Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations.
Tourette Syndrome is rare (fewer than 200,000 Americans have a severe case) and it usually strikes children between seven and ten.
Flip through any fashion magazine and you're sure to find an array of beautiful, thin, celebrities gracing the glossy pages. But while they may be pretty to look at, do you worry about what message such idealized images are sending to your child or teen?
Flip through any fashion magazine and you're sure to find an array of beautiful, thin, celebrities gracing the glossy pages. But while they may be pretty to look at, do you worry about what message such idealized images are sending to your child or teen?
The fact is that many children and adolescents use these celebrities to measure their own body shape and appearance.
Research reveals three genetic mutations are in brain cells of people who stutter.
Roughly 3 million people in the United States stutter, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Scientists have been looking for the cause of stuttering for thousands of years, and the condition has been considered a longtime medical mystery.
If you’re committed to sticking to a healthy diet, don’t let the current economic climate throw you off course. There are plenty of ways to watch your waistline, health, and budget at the same time.
So you think eating healthy means emptying your pockets on grass-fed meat and organic vegetables. Well, think again. There are many ways to work around a budget and still be able to provide your family with wholesome cuisine.
Jeff Yeager, author of The Ultimate Cheapskate's Roadmap to True Riches, says he tries to only spend $1 per pound on food.
Popularized by cable TV, hoarding has become a well-known occurrence. Here, forensic psychologist Debra Warner examines this phenomenon in part 2 of her weekly series.
As stated in last week's article, hoarding has to do with being compelled to collect things or failing to get rid of a reasonable number of certain objects. Even when storage becomes a problem, hoarding tendencies leave the sufferer with the inability to fix the problem and often effects social interactions with loved ones and others.
Did you know that your teenager's weight today could affect her risk of getting multiple sclerosis, or MS, later in life?
Did you know that your teenager's weight today could affect her risk of getting multiple sclerosis, or MS, later in life? That's the message from a study that was conducted by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.
The scientists looked at women who had MS to understand how their weight as a teenage correlated with developing this disease in adulthood.
You can teach your child empathy. But you might be surprised by exactly how this quality is passed on, and also what it means for your youngster's well being.
Many researchers believe that babies are born with a natural instinct for empathy, but as they grow, this trait needs to be reinforced at home and in school in order for it to continue to develop appropriately.
Taking a Closer Look
To better understand how empathy works and what other attributes that seem to go along with it, scientists from the University of Michigan took a closer look at the behaviors and traits of middle-school children who participate in athletics regularly.
If you ever worry that your child might be abusing prescription drugs, you're certainly not alone. But the dangers may be more real than you think.
Do you worry that your child could be sneaking some of your prescription medications; perhaps thinking it'll give her more energy or help curb her appetite? If so, before she knows it, she may be in over her head in a cycle of drug abuse. The fact is that using prescription and over-the-counter drugs for nonmedical reasons is a growing problem among teens today and it can lead to a host of serious consequences, including addiction.
If your child is the victim of a bully at school or in your neighborhood, did you realize that the effects may be taking a toll not just on his psyche but also on his health, too? For years parents have told kids who were bullied to stand up for themselves and fight back. But now the experts recognize that this advice may not be enough to help children at the mercy of their peers.
For years parents have told kids who were bullied to stand up for themselves and fight back. But now the experts recognize that this advice may not be enough to help children at the mercy of their peers. As a result, the victims of bullying may end up suffering a variety of ill effects later in life.
As the weather heats up, so will your child's desire for ice cream and other fattening treats. But you don’t have to forgo his balanced diet in order to incorporate some appealing foods and drinks. The key is to help your family choose wisely from an array of yummy and nutritious things to eat.
DIY Healthy Kids Snacks
When it's hot outside and your little one is very active, you may find he has a hankering for popsicles and other frozen treats. While many of the items on display in the supermarket aisles can be high in sugar and low in nutrients, you can make your own desserts that look just as appealing and are good for him, too.
If your child had an eating disorder, you would like to think that you would recognize the signs, but unfortunately, that isn't always the case.
If your child had an eating disorder, you would like to think that you would recognize the signs. And while this sounds like a pretty reasonable assumption, the troubling fact is that some of the most common eating disorders don't follow the expected presentation-result they can often be very challenging for parents to identify.
Did you know that the month in which your child is born could impact how successful he’ll be on the athletic field?
Did you know that the month in which your child is born could impact how successful he'll be on the athletic field? In February of 2010, researchers from the Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation in Australia found that a child's birth date make a big difference in how he plays football, as well as other professional sports.
Several new therapeutic methods exist that are designed to help teens learn healthier ways to cope with emotional stress.
Self-mutilation, better known as cutting, is a problem that affects many teenagers. The behavior is much more common among girls than boys. If you find that your teen has been harming herself, there is help available. Several new therapeutic methods exist that are designed to help teens learn new ways to cope with emotional stress.
Current surveys indicate that approximately seven percent of teens throughout the United States admit to being gang members. Further, approximately 20 percent of teens personally know someone who has been killed or injured by gang members.
Many parents are concerned with the influence that gangs can have on their teenagers. It seems as though gang violence and gang membership have increased over the years. Current surveys indicate that approximately seven percent of teens throughout the United States admit to being gang members.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches patients strategies, and provides tools, for dealing with stress and unhealthy thoughts. Unlike traditional therapy, which can last for years, CBT is generally a short-term treatment.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, became a household word in the 1970s, thanks to the Bob Newhart show, a sitcom starring therapist and his loony cast of patients. Of course, in real life, there's nothing funny about mental illness. However, psychotherapy--especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-is effective for treating depression and other mental health disorders.
Strep throat is a painful condition experienced by most children, but sometimes symptoms aren't limited to the throat.
When your child has strep throat (an infection caused by the Streptococcus bacteria), you probably assume that the symptoms will be limited to the throat area. However, there's been much debate in recent years about whether this illness can also lead patients to experience a range of obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Do you believe that high cholesterol is a condition that only affects adults? If so, you might be surprised to know that the problem can actually start quite young.
Do you believe that high cholesterol is a condition that only affects adults? If so, you might be surprised to know that the problem can actually start quite young. In fact, in January of 2010, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one out of every five teens has elevated cholesterol levels.
If you try to make sure your child eats a balanced diet but feel like you’re always fighting a losing battle, new legislation that would ban junk food at school might make your ears perk up.
Do you try to make sure your child eats a balanced diet but feel like you're always fighting a losing battle? If so, then you may be interested in learning about some new legislation that would ban junk food at school. This could be an important step toward improving your child's nutrition, while and securing his health and wellbeing, too.
Help your kids enjoy the year's spookiest night without sacrificing nutrition.
For children, October 31 is one of the most eagerly anticipated nights of the year. And is it any wonder? Not only is Halloween an excuse to dress up in scary costumes; it's also an opportunity to snatch up massive amounts of sugary treats.
According to the National Confectioner's Association, 93 percent of U.
Did you know that encouraging your child to go outside to play can be a step towards helping her do better in school?
Did you know that encouraging your child to go outside to play can be a step towards helping her do better in school? Researchers have found that children who are more physically active actually perform better academically. Wonder why this is the case? There are several reasons why physical fitness and school performance seem to relate.
Many children hate to go to bed; however, when your child's late nights leave him lacking enough z's, this can put him at risk for a number of health problems, ranging from being overweight to having trouble sitting still to an inability to concentrate in school.
Does your child have trouble falling asleep at night? If so, he certainly isn't alone. Many children hate to go to bed; however, when his late nights leave him lacking enough z's, this can put him at risk for a number of health problems, ranging from being overweight to having trouble sitting still to an inability to concentrate in school.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 67.5 percent of individuals released from state detention facilities are arrested again within three years. The reason for the repeat behavior is that offenders often lack appropriate strategies for coping with problems in some or all of these areas: employment, substance abuse, marital or family counseling, social activity, emotional support, attitude changes, and education.
With rising rates of juvenile delinquency among conduct disordered youth, juvenile detention facilities are experiencing increasing populations while offenders struggle with recidivism. Recidivism refers to the tendency of offenders, after release from detainment to relapse into criminal behavior and return to prison.
When you think of strokes, you probably think it only happens to adults. In fact, pediatric stroke also exists and it’s important to know the signs of this serious condition in case your child is at risk.
When you think of strokes, you probably think it only happens to adults. In fact, pediatric stroke also exists and it's important to know the signs of this serious condition in case your child is at risk.
Pediatric Stroke
While pediatric stroke is rare, it does happen, affecting about 3 in every 100,000 children every year.
Did you know that your teenager’s weight today could affect her risk of getting multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life?
Did you know that your teenager's weight today could affect her risk of getting multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life? That's the upshot from a study that was conducted by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.
Scientists looked at women who had MS to understand how their weight as a teenager correlated with developing this disease in adulthood.
While some of these untimely losses are caused by serious conditions such as cancer, birth defects and other illnesses, other deaths are accidental in nature and in many cases could have been prevented with some extra effort.
Every year, babies and children tragically lose their lives from illness, injuries and accidents. The following list of 10 common causes of death for children will give you the information necessary to help prevent your own youngsters from becoming a statistic.
If your child is suffering from the discomfort of an upset stomach, making him feel better as quickly as possible is your priority.
If your child is suffering from the discomfort of an upset stomach, making him feel better as quickly as possible is your priority. An upset stomach, or indigestion, often occurs when your child eats something that doesn't agree with him. Eating too much, or too fast, can also cause upset stomach symptoms.
Electrical pollution from cell phones and WiFi known as "electrosmog" is hazardous to our health, according to recent research.
Electrosmog is invisible pollution in the form of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) resulting from the use of wireless technology such as cell phones, cordless phones, wireless networks, and mobile/cellular phone masts, towers and transmitters. Just as smog from car exhaust and manufacturing pollution has been shown to cause health problems, recent studies show that electrosmog is hazardous to our health.
Many parents wonder: How safe are the vaccines that are being recommended? Further, vaccine safety issues extend beyond this timely issue to incorporate the regular immunizations given to children at various intervals.
Vaccine safety for children has long been a controversial topic. Whether you're worried about vaccines for childhood illnesses like polio, mumps, measles and chicken pox or those used to combat seasonal flu dangers, there's a lot to think about before your child has his next injection.
You probably know that fiber is important to your health. But did you know that this is true for your children, too? Everyone needs to eat an adequate amount of fiber to keep their bodies and digestion functioning at their very best. But the recommended amount for best results can vary, depending on age and gender, too.
Dietary fiber is a substance contained in plants, grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts, and is necessary for a number of important functions that contribute to good health. For instance, eating enough fiber is essential for reducing your child's risk of certain cancers, heading off heart diseases, preventing blood sugar swings and even helping maintain a healthy weight.
Vodka, duct tape, and baking soda are just some of the bizarre home cures that really work.
If you are a do-it-yourself person and don't want to always rely on a doctor to cure your health issues, you may be in luck. You can use duct tape, baking soda, and an assortment of other bizarre home cures, depending on your ailment, to improve your health.
Anxiety and depression symptoms often go hand in hand in adolescents. Yet when it comes to addressing these issues, it's best to consider them as two distinct diagnoses that may just happen to co-exist.
Does your child seem overly anxious or depressed? If so, these are two serious conditions that are important to take seriously.
Anxiety and depression symptoms often go hand in hand in children and adolescents. Yet when it comes to addressing these issues in young patients, the latest research suggests that rather than treating both problems as one illness, it's best to consider them as two distinct diagnoses that may just happen to co-exist.
If you have a child who has been diagnosed with autism and also suffers from food allergies, you may wonder if there’s any relationship between these two serious conditions.
If you have a child who has been diagnosed with autism and also suffers from food allergies, you may wonder if there's any relationship between these two serious conditions. In fact, some research does indicate that a link between food allergies and autism exists, yet the findings aren't consistent and exactly how the two topics relate seems to be a subject of great debate.
If your little one has a canker sore, seeing him in pain may be frustrating. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to help it heal faster.
The Facts about Canker Sores
A canker sore is an ulcer inside the mouth or lip. It's usually a raw white or yellow spot with a reddish border, and it may sting when it comes into contact with something that has a high acidity level such as orange juice or ketchup, or something salty like potato chips or pretzels.
Being a parent is the most important job a man can have, but the job of a father is never done.
You've probably already discovered the innumerable joys of parenthood. But did you know that in addition to all of the benefits you get from your child, you're also giving some important gifts back simply by being a good father?
What is a Good Father?
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The three leading causes of death in young people are accidents, homicides, and suicide. Find out about the underlying health causes and how these deaths can be prevented.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the three leading causes of death in young people, ages 15 - 24, are (in order) car accidents, homicides, and suicide. Addressing the health problems underlying these causes can be an important step in preventing these unnecessary deaths.
How one's parents can have a direct effect on a child's behavior—including his outlook on the world around him.
There is a great deal of discussion among parents and parenting experts regarding parenting styles. A parenting style is a general description of how a particular parent interacts with his or her children. Parenting styles are made up of two major components that act together.
Got kids? Then you've also got a house full of germs. With the current concern that exists about the seasonal and H1N1 flu, you may be eager for things you can do to keep your family illness-free.
Flu Prevention at its Best
Staying well this winter may be easier than you think. You don't have to hide indoors or avoid going out in public places. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that regardless of your child's age, one of the most important disease prevention steps you can take is to teach her proper hand washing technique and make sure that she regularly visits the sink.
The thought of talking to your teenager about sex might make you both uncomfortable, but this talk could very well prevent your child from taking dangerous risks.
If you're the parent of a tween or teen, have you talked to your youngster yet about sex? If not, it may be time to start, since what you say can make a significant difference. The fact is that sexually active teens who don't know how to protect themselves can be at risk for a host of negative health and mental health effects.
If you're worried about your child's weight, you may already know that a few extra pounds of baby fat on your toddler can increase over the next few years to become a full-blown weight problem. Since overweight kids often grow up to become overweight adults, the sooner you make some changes at home, the less likely your child is to suffer this fate.
If you're worried about your child's weight, you may already know that a few extra pounds of baby fat on your toddler can increase over the next few years to become a full-blown weight problem. And because overweight kids often grow up to become overweight adults, the sooner you make some changes at home, the less likely your child is to suffer this fate.
Postpartum depression is a common, and troublesome, occurrence. Psychologist Debra Warner explores the issue in her weekly column.
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time in a woman's life. For many women however, pregnancy is marked by a struggle with depression. Research estimates that nearly 20 percent of pregnant women contend with depressive symptoms. Warning signs of depression can be especially difficult to spot during pregnancy because some of them resemble normal issues experienced by expectant mothers.
The risk of suicide increases directly with the number of times a child or adolescent moves, says a recent study.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in teens are depression, substance abuse, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors.
Autistic Disorder (Autism) and Asperger's Disorder (Asperger's) are both part of the subgroup known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders. But critical differences exist.
Children with Asperger's differ from those with Autism in several ways. One major area of difference is verbal communication. Children with Asperger's usually exhibit normal language development. They score much higher on verbal performance intelligence tests.
With child food allergy rates higher than ever before, it's essential that school personnel know how to protect your child from exposure to anything that could cause him harm.
Most parents of a child with food allergies find that they have to rely on the teachers and other school staff to help prevent their child from coming into contact with any allergens that could cause a reaction. The key, then, is trusting that they are trained to care fore your child right and keep him well when he's out of your sight.
Is your child hypersensitive to tastes, sounds, smells and textures? If so, he could have a condition called Sensory Processing Disorder—a common problem affecting many young people today.
The Basics of Sensory Processing Disorder
The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation estimates that one in every 20 children is grappling with a variety of sensory symptoms that interfere with their daily functioning.
These children find that the world can be too loud, too busy and too full of tactile sensations that make them feel overwhelmed.
How much of a cause for concern is it when children lie?
Parents are often concerned when their children lie. And while it is important to teach children the value of truthfulness, it is perhaps equally imperative to remember that lying among young children is normal. Parents need to be no more concerned about lying than they would be about any other behavior that they want to discourage children from committing.
While pretend playmates used to be viewed as a sign of a troubled child, experts now believe that the occurrence isn't only common; but it's quite healthy, too.
Does your child have an imaginary friend? If so, you'll be glad to know that this is a common occurrence that can actually be quite positive, according to a study published in the journal Development Psychology in 2004.
Imaginary Friends are Common
Psychologists from the University of Washington and the University of Oregon who explored this topic found that imaginary friends are far more prevalent than many experts would've expected.
Almost five percent of all American children are diagnosed with this disruptive disorder.
Conduct disorder is a disruptive behavioral disorder that occurs in approximately five percent of children and adolescents. The condition is characterized by aggressive or destructive behavior. For example, children with conduct disorder may physically harm other people or animals.
A diagnosis of diabetes is tough on the whole family. Here, effective strategies for learning to cope.
One day your family is clicking along as usual. The next day, without any warning, you're in the hospital with your child. You've just been told he has type 1 diabetes, and you're overwhelmed learning how to give insulin injections, manage hypoglycemia and cook a whole new way.
Most toddlers are naturally on the move. Use these exercises to get the most out of their desire to run, climb, and balance.
When you think of exercising, you might picture a gym with its rows of treadmills, stair climbing machines, and free weights. Or perhaps you think of someone running or swimming laps. Chances are you don't envision balancing on a curb or a log, tossing a beach ball, or lying on your back while kicking your legs in the air.
Advice from the medical experts: Ready, set, play!
Whether your child has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or has had it for awhile, chances are that your anxiety level rises when he's on the soccer field, up at bat, or dribbling around the basketball court. You worry that your child's blood sugar will drop too low without his being aware of it, or that he didn't have a big enough pre-game snack, or that he might not be drinking enough water.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) youth face distinct challenges both in school and out. It is important for parents and educators to understand the high levels of stress that LGBT youth feel and to be able to recognize warning signs associated with that stress.
In school, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) youth express concern for their safety. Over two thirds of LGBT youth, report feeling unsafe because of their sexual orientation and nearly half feel threatened due to their gender expression.
Think that your children will only eat what isn't good for them? With a little extra planning, your kids can get the nutrients they need--and the yummy taste they crave.
Top 8 Healthy Snacks and Treats
Please review the following suggestions, which are adapted from the American Dietetic Association's website, for simple recipes you can make together. Better yet, when it comes to helping to fill your child's daily quota of protein, calcium, fiber and other essential nutrients, these recipes are sure to make the grade.
If your child is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, even the slightest exposure can put him at risk for a potentially life-threatening reaction—making the safety of his environment critical.
Nut Allergy 101
When you're dealing with a child who has a nut allergy, you probably insist on keeping your kitchen nut free. But what happens when he leaves the confines of your home? Other settings may pose many dangers that are out of your control.
Are you worried that your young child's speech and language may not be clear enough for others to understand him? Fear not. It's actually not unusual for toddlers and elementary school children to need a little extra help with their language and articulation.
Speech Language Therapy
If your child is slow to talk, doesn't string as many words together as you think would be appropriate at his age, or has trouble pronouncing some sounds and words correctly, these are common developmental concerns that can often be addressed with the help of a trained speech and language therapist.
If your child is sick, knowing how to take his temperature properly is the first step to getting him well.
The next time your child has a fever, there's no need to get heated up with concern. The experts say that an elevated temperature in a healthy child is usually nothing to worry about; it's simply the body's way of fighting off germs.
Fever Facts
Although most fevers aren't cause for you to lose your cool, when your child feels warm, you'll want to take her temperature to monitor the situation and know when it's time to call the doctor.
Have you or a loved one survived a life-threatening disease? Are you currently struggling with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, or other health-related condition? Have you gone to extraordinary lengths to help someone in a health crisis? If so, we want to hear from you!
Would you like to inspire thousands by sharing your story? There are no better, more inspiring stories than those that are personal. At QualityHealth, we understand that you, our readers, have your own tales that are both unique and powerful, but most importantly, can serve as an inspiration to others.
You might not have known it when you were young, but according to health experts, Mom was right all along.
Remember all those times your mom told you to go to bed early and eat your veggies? You might not have wanted to admit it back then, but as it turns out, she was right--about almost everything. Here, the 10 best pieces of advice that moms give:
1. Wash your hands Think about everything you touched today--toilets, door handles, telephones.
If your kids often opt for television over playing outside, the consequences could be more severe than you imagine.
Much attention has focused in recent years on the widespread nature of childhood obesity and the health risks that being overweight brings, including elevated blood pressure levels that can increase the risk of having a heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
Could burning calories boost your IQ? While the stereotype of a low-IQ'd "muscle-head" may be true in some cases, studies tend to show the opposite.
Parents and teachers have known for centuries that kids do better in school after they've "gotten their wiggles" out or played hard at recess. The benefits of exercise are undisputed and now, studies show there's scientific evidence to support this age-old parenting wisdom—the link between exercise and brainpower.
Do your children get outside to play for at least an hour a day? If not, they may be missing some important benefits that go along being active, including maintaining a healthy weight.
Kids and Fitness: Key to Combating Obesity
There has been much attention focused lately on the growing problem of obesity in the United States and the need for children to be become more physically fit. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), along with a number of other public health organizations, is working to educate parents and other role models about the importance of preventing childhood obesity by increasing fitness levels.
Whether you're a parent to a baby, toddler, tween, or all three, knowing how much they should be sleeping can be challenging.
Sleep Needs If you wonder how long your child should be sleeping each night in order to feel refreshed, it's important to know that this amount really depends on her age. We've broken down the ages below to get an idea of what the experts recommend for each childhood stage.
Follow our guide to help your child develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
Got a picky eater? If so, you may be concerned your child isn't getting enough nutrients.
The fact is that about 20 percent of children in the United States today are fussy about what they eat. But the goods news is that even if your child falls into this group and eats only a very limited selection of foods, he's likely still getting the vitamins and minerals he needs to grow and be his best.
Find out whether or not circumcision is the right choice for your baby.
If you're expecting a new baby, there are a host of important decisions that you'll be faced with-and if your baby is a boy, you'll need to decide whether or not to circumcise. To help you weigh the facts, we've reviewed the pros and cons of this sometimes controversial procedure.
Recognizing the signs of childhood depression is critical to treatment.
Get the Facts
Childhood depression affects about one out of every 33 younger kids and one in eight adolescents, according to facts provided by the U.S. Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), Yet despite the pervasiveness of the problem, as many as two-third of these young people don't ever receive any treatment.
A go-to guide for keeping your baby safe in your home.
Hidden Dangers
You may not realize it, but electrical outlets, hot water, cleaning supplies and long cords are just a few of the many things that can be hazardous in the tiny hands of a baby. And while you probably don't want to think about all of the risks that exist, not thinking about them can be even riskier.
No two families are exactly alike, but most fit into one of these parenting styles.
What parenting style do you use with your children? There are many variations you can try, and you choices likely depend largely on your personality, beliefs and personal style. For instance, some more traditional parents may raise their families strictly by the book, while those with a more experimental side may prefer a looser approach.
These illnesses will make your stomach turn.
Lice. Ringworm. Pinworm. Scabies. These are four of the grossest childhood illnesses that you’ll encounter. In fact, the names of them alone could be enough to make your stomach turn. But when you see the very graphic conditions up close, you’ll likely end up feeling even worse.
When your child was a newborn, it was easy to track her growth and milestones through frequent pediatrician checkups. But now that she's a tween, the visit format has changed a little.
The Pediatrician's Role
During the toddler and pre-school stage, your doctor was focused on overseeing your child's development. With a tween, this focus continues, but in addition, the pediatrician-patient interaction takes on increased significance.
Sports injuries in kids are common—but they can be avoided.
If your child plays team sports, you probably already know many of the benefits that this experience can bring, such as teaching the importance of working with others toward a common goal, helping to maintain a healthy weight, preventing the risk of serious disease and gaining an improved sense of confidence.
With a handful of tried-and-true tips, you can best manage your child's condition.
You hear all of the time about how important it is for your child to get enough calcium from milk and other dairy products, as it's essential for healthy and strong bones. But if your child has a lactose intolerance—the inability to digest lactose or milk sugars—getting enough calcium can pose quite a challenge.
A family history may make a person more likely to commit suicide. Find out what increases—and decreases—the risks.
Last year nearly eight million Americans considered attempting suicide--many of them young adults. Suicide rates are increasing, and several recent studies have confirmed that there's a family connection.
In a Danish study, a family history of suicide more than doubled the likelihood that a person would commit suicide.
Before you turn to over-the-counter medication to treat your child, find out which risks exist.
When your child is sick with a cold and a cough, you probably want to treat the symptoms and help him or her feel better fast. But before you turn to any over-the-counter medication, it's critical that you check with your pediatrician. According to the latest FDA guidelines, over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are never safe to use in children under two years of age—and may pose a serious risk to children for older children as well.
Learn more about important meningitis prevention and treatment options.
Meningitis is a serious disease that often affects young people, although it can strike at any age. An inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, meningitis is usually caused by a virus but can also be the result of bacteria.
You've heard all about ADHD, but do you know which signs to look for?
Does your child have difficulty sitting for long periods of time and paying attention at school and in other settings? If so, it could be just typical of his behavior, or it could be a sign of attention deficit disorder. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
Sleep apnea doesn't just happen to adults--don't miss these symptoms in your children.
If you're like most parents, you want to be sure that your child gets enough sleep. A good night's sleep is essential to so many aspects of your child's everyday functioning, including physical and mental development, mood and general health.
But for children who suffer from the worrisome symptoms of sleep apnea, no matter how many hours a night they get, it often isn't enough to allow them to be their daytime best.
Flu season is here again--do you know the best ways to prevent your children from getting sick?
Flu season is here again, and with the dangers of Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu) on the rise, preventing your children from getting sick is likely a higher priority than normal. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill or formula that can help keep germs away--but there is an easy strategy you can implement immediately to help keep your children healthy.
Find out how lactose intolerance works, and how it can be managed.
Do you find that whenever your child has milk or other dairy products, a stomachache follows? If this is a reoccurring problem, you may want to learn more about a condition called lactose intolerance. This ailment, which is more common in adults than in children (although it can still occur at a young age), occurs when the body is unable to digest lactose or milk sugar.
Not sure when your child's sickness warrants a visit to the doctor? Our guidelines help you make the best decision.
When it comes to your children's health, you usually know best. Parents seem to have a natural instinct that lets them know when their little ones are just cranky--or when they could be getting sick. But while you can often tell what's wrong with your child, there will undoubtedly be times when the symptoms will leave you feeling uncertain.
No parents ever want to see a child sick with the discomfort of a fever--but knowing how to treat it can be the first line of defense.
The Role of a Fever
When your child has a fever, your first instinct is probably to try to get it to come down right away, but most pediatricians will tell you that a fever isn't always a bad thing and sometimes, it is okay to leave it and let it go away naturally.
On the fence about whether to keep your little one home or not? We have tips to guide your decision.
Your child wakes up in the morning with a runny nose, cough and sore throat, which raises the dreaded question: should you keep him home from school or daycare? Some states have guidelines to advise parents on when it's okay to send a sick child to school and when it's best they remain at home.
We have easy tips to help you effectively treat diaper rash and reduce the odds of reoccurrence.
Finding an angry red rash on your little's one delicate skin while changing his diaper can make you wonder if you've done something wrong. But experts say that rashes are one of the most common ailments affecting children in their first few years of life-and usually aren't cause for concern.
Just because some are more notorious than others, doesn't make these cancers less deadly.
Farrah Fawcett lost her battle to anal cancer in June after a two-year, very public struggle. Her story and the accompanying media coverage raised awareness of this rare type of cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) predicts 5,290 new cases of anal cancer in 2009.
Try some of the best natural flu remedies to stay healthy this season.
Looking for natural flu remedies? Seasonal flu may be taking a backseat to the H1N1 virus with health officials these days, but it's still a concern for you and your family. The flu causes symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, fever, chills, body aches and pains, loss of appetite, and pneumonia.
You go to great lengths to ensure that your child eats well and gets enough sleep, but do you also spend as much time caring for his teeth?
Many parents think that they don't need to worry that much about dental care until their children get their adult teeth-but the experts say that by then, it's often too late. In fact, it's important to start teaching your child good oral health from a very young age.
You’ve probably heard that breastfeeding has many benefits to offer your baby. But did you also know that this practice is good for you, too?
A Healthy Start
There has been much publicity lately about the fact that nursing provides the very healthiest start for your newborn baby. In fact, deciding to nurse is one of the most important decisions about motherhood you will make. This is because the impact of your choice of nutrition can affect everything from how well your baby thrives in infancy to how much he or she weighs later in life.
Tanning addiction can cause serious health issues. Will teens be banned in order to protect them? Find out here.
Does your teen visit a tanning salon to keep a golden glow year round? If so, he or she is not alone. In 2003, more than one quarter of teens between 15 and 18 visited a salon. Tanning bed use is increasing in teens, especially girls. So is the incidence of skin cancer.
How can you treat your little one's cold while keeping her safe at the same time?
When your baby is coughing, sneezing and suffering with a runny or stuffy nose from a cold, you are probably eager to do anything you can to relieve the symptoms and help him or her feel better fast. But the experts today stress the importance of avoiding infant cold medications, since the latest research shows that they can be harmful for babies and young children.
Get the basics on this common childhood ailment so that you and your little one can rest easier.
If you have a young child, chances are you go to great lengths to try to protect him from germs and illnesses, but despite your best efforts, you may not be able to prevent occasional ear infections. Ear infections are one of the most common childhood ailments, and most youngsters will experience at least one ear infection before the age of 2.
Can you keep your kids safe from insects without harming their health?
You want to keep your kids safe from bugs and the illnesses they can transmit, yet you may worry that using repellents to keep insects away can also come with its own set of risks. To this end, it can help to know how the medical community weighs in.
The experts recommend that parents do use bug spray on their children, but most stress that safe insect repellent use means following some important guidelines on what to buy and how to apply.
A look at pregnancy and neonatal lupus. Get information and tips on how to have a healthier pregnancy.
If you have lupus, you may be worried about how it will affect your baby and whether your baby will develop neonatal lupus erythematosus, commonly referred to as neonatal lupus. This rare condition affects about one to three percent of infants born to women who have systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome and Raynaud's phenomenon.
Did you know that what they drink is just as important as when or how?
You want to make sure that your children eat right, but when you are planning their meals, you may not realize that making smart beverage choices, and making sure they drink them often enough to prevent dehydration, is essential for good health, too.
Prevent Thirst
If your child asks for a drink or complains of being thirsty, he or she could be partially dehydrated, the experts say.
With a little planning, your child can spend time outdoors and still play it safe.
You want to keep your kids safe from bugs and the illnesses they can transmit, yet you may worry that using repellents to keep insects away can also come with its own set of risks. To this end, it can help to know how the medical community weighs in.
The experts recommend that parents do use bug spray on their children, but most stress that safe insect repellent use means following some important guidelines on what to buy and how to apply.
Telling the difference between a cold or the flu is difficult—but our guide makes it possible.
Every fall or winter, your child probably comes down with the same type of symptoms: sneezing, coughing, aching bones and a fever. And each time you may be left wondering if it is a cold or flu. Telling the difference can be very hard to do.
The Similarities
A cold and the flu (also known as influenza) can present themselves in almost the same way.
Study shows that bullying is a predictor of psychotic symptoms in adolescence and of long-term mental health problems.
If you're worried about the effects bullying may have on your child, the results of a recent study suggest they could be even worse than you suspect. Children who are persistently bullied are more likely to develop psychotic symptoms in early adolescence, according to a report in the May issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
If you have a child with asthma whose symptoms aren't well managed, you might want to revisit the treatment strategy to be sure it is in sync with his or her needs.
If you have a child with asthma whose symptoms aren't well managed, you might want to revisit the treatment strategy to be sure it is in sync with his or her needs.
This is because there is growing awareness in the medical community that for some children who are taking inhaled corticosteroids, this medication just isn't doing the trick.
Despite popular belief, raising your child with pets could be the best way to prevent them from developing allergies.
Do you have a baby or young toddler who is at risk for allergies? Perhaps your little one is predisposed to the condition because of a family history of allergies that exists. If so, you may be going to great lengths to avoid your child's exposure to a host of allergens, including pets.
Millions of Americans are affected by migraines. Here, a look at this common neurological disease, from symptoms to treatment.
At some point in their lives, 12 to 28 percent of people will be experience migraines, according to the European Journal of Neurology. What's more, in any given year, this common neurological disease will affect 6 to 15 percent of adult men, 14 to 35 percent of adult women, and approximately 4 to 5 percent of children under 12.
Learn how immunizations work and why it's so important to vaccinate your child.
Vaccinations are some of the most important tools available for preventing disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not only do they protect individuals from developing a potentially serious disease, but they also protect the community by reducing the spread of infectious disease.
If you're a parent of an asthmatic child, you probably have many concerns about your youngster’s well-being. Here, all the information you need to keep her breathing easily.
Asthma currently affects approximately 6.8 million children in the United States and is one of the leading reasons that kids are admitted to the hospital, since when childhood asthma isn’t well managed, it can lead to all sorts of health complications.
There are important precautions you can take throughout the course of your day to help keep you and your family safe from Swine Flu.
Turn on the news these days and you will likely hear about the dangers of swine flu. And if you are like most parents today, it's likely you are quite worried about the threat this illness poses to you and your family. But you don't have to hide away, or miss school or work, in order to stay safe from swine flu.
Does your child have difficulty sitting for long periods of time and paying attention at school and in other settings?
Your child's difficulty to remain still or pay attention for an extended time could be just typical young child's behavior, or it could be a sign of attention deficit disorder. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
ADHD
You've probably heard a lot about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Timing is everything.
If you have a family history of asthma and are thinking of having a baby soon, some experts suggest you do your best to plan the season in which your child will be born in order to reduce the risk of newborn asthma. While this may sound strange at first, the birth timing can actually impact your baby's health status, according to some new research findings.
The symptoms are sometimes hard to decipher between.
If your baby suddenly comes down with a runny nose, dry cough and red eyes, you may wonder if he or she is sick or whether the symptoms could be caused by allergies. Sometimes it can be very difficult to tell the difference, but there are a few telltale signs that can help you determine the cause.
Summer camp can still be fun for your child with JRA. Try these tips.
While research shows that children with juvenile arthritis who go to summer camp improve significantly--and those benefits can last for up to six months--kids just want to have fun. The reality, however, is that juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), commonly called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or JRA, cause your child chronic pain, stiffness, swelling and other symptoms.
It's summertime and the living is easy. But this hottest of seasons can bring with it special health risks, including food poisoning and insect-borne diseases.
It's summertime, and the living is easy. But this hottest of seasons can bring with it special health risks, including sun damage, food poisoning, and insect-borne diseases. Follow these five tips to have your best, healthiest summer yet:
1. Practice good pedicure hygiene.
Here, how to stay healthy (no matter how many germs have invaded your home).
If someone comes in to work coughing and sniffling, you probably take pains to avoid him. You try not to share an elevator, move to another desk if you can, and don't touch the same keyboard he's using. At a family party, an under-the-weather relative might blow you an air kiss rather than offer her customary hug and kiss.
Could your child's asthma diagnosis actually be a mistake? Read on for the latest research.
Could your child's asthma diagnosis actually be a mistake? The latest research reveals that this could indeed be the case, since asthma misdiagnosis is increasingly common among children today. The reason for the confusion is that the symptoms of a childhood asthma attack can be similar to the symptoms of another, less severe, condition called Vocal Chord Dysfunction (VCD), and some medical professionals easily confuse the two.
Read on for five tips on how to manage your career and motherhood--while still leaving some time for yourself.
The words "working" and "mother" are redundant. Parenting is a tough job; tougher still for working mothers juggling responsibilities at home and work. The US Department of Labor says, "Nearly three-quarters of all mothers are in the labor force.
Childhood diabetes — or juvenile diabetes — is a chronic illness that requires special care around the clock. Use these tips to keep your child with diabetes safe at school.
Sending your child with diabetes off to school can be a harrowing experience, especially if she's very young. Most children (along with many adults) wrestle with insulin injections and pumps, blood glucose monitors, and other diabetes tools. Plus, your child may have difficulty recognizing when her symptoms are severe, or when she needs to eat.
There's no better time than now to take control of your family’s health.
Every parent wants to do their best to raise healthy, happy children. More and more, we're discovering that the key is fitness--that winning combination of healthy eating and exercise that keeps our body, mind and spirit working at full capacity.
Learn what steps you can take when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.
The National Mental Health Information Center reports that the number of children and families affected by mental, emotional and behavioral disorders is significant, estimating that one in five children has a mental health disorder that is identifiable and treatable.
Follow these tips to help your kids live a more healthy lifestyle.
As a parent, you have a huge responsibility. And one of your most important undertakings is helping your kids to live in a healthy way. Unfortunately, there are many unhealthy distractions vying for your kids' attention, from an abundance of computer and video games that keep them sedentary for hours to commercials for junk food to the largely fried "kids meals" you'll find at many family restaurants.
See what the studies are showing.
Since Crohn’s is an inflammatory disease of the bowel, it’s often treated with immunosuppresants and anti-inflammatory drugs. As their name suggests, immunosuppressants suppress the immune system and therefore the body’s inflammation response.
No parent wants to take chances when it comes to their child's health. Find out whether you should dismiss your doctor and start shopping around.
Although no doctor is perfect, there's a certain level of professionalism and care every pediatrician should provide. Here, six signs that you and your child aren't getting the care you deserve.
He makes you or your child feel uncomfortable or stupid when you ask questions.
Stay positive when talking with your kids, and let them know that while there are times you’ll be unable to be up and about, your illness isn’t fatal or contagious.
Arthritis affects one in three Americans, many of whom are parents faced with one of the most challenging roles in life. Add a chronic disease like arthritis into the mix and those challenges multiply tenfold.
It can be very difficult to cope with the tough demands of parenting when you’re suffering severe pain or fatigue, or unable to perform simple daily tasks.
Research is finding that it is possible that allergies, like many other diseases and conditions, could have a strong genetic component.
Your probably thankful to your parents for passing on their good looks, intelligence and perseverance. Yet when it comes to allergies, you may not be quite as pleased to find out they could be to blame for giving you their symptoms. But the fact is that allergies are often hereditary, which means they can be passed down from generation to generation within families.
Are your allergies inherited?
You're probably thankful to your parents for passing on their good looks, intelligence and perseverance. Yet when it comes to allergies, you may not be quite as pleased to find out they could be to blame for giving you their symptoms. But the fact is that allergies are often hereditary, which means they can be passed down from generation to generation within families.
The incidence of Crohn’s in children under 16 is increasing. But why?
If your child has Crohn’s disease, he or she is not alone. Approximately 140,000 people under the age of eight are affected this disease. And unfortunately, the incidence of Crohn’s in children under 16 is increasing. In fact, teens are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease than any other age group; about sixteen out of every 100,000 teens will be diagnosed with Crohn’s.
Here's what you need to know about this crucial topic.
Are you pregnant and feeling confused, afraid, sad, stressed or depressed? According to the American Pregnancy Association, 10 to 20 percent of women will struggle with some symptoms of depression during pregnancy. And of those women, a quarter to half will suffer from severe depression.
If your child has asthma, you know how important it is to have the right medication on hand and to be able to help him or her to use it correctly for the most effective results.
If your child has asthma, you know how important it is to have the right medication on hand and to be able to help him or her to use it correctly for the most effective results.
The Right Treatment is Essential
Today, the American Lung Association estimates that as 6.
Does your child with asthma spend more time in front of the television, computer screen or favorite video games than the latest recommended guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics?
If so, you are part of a growing trend, according to a new survey that looked at the habits of asthmatic children and found that the majority of them who live in urban areas exceed the two hour limit each day that AAP suggests parents implement.
More Urban Children Stay Indoors
The survey, which was conducted to measure the habits of 226 children with asthma living in Rochester, NY, found that three-quarters of them spend more than an hour a day beyond AAP’s recommendations.
Type 1 diabetic children are found to be lacking Vitamin D. So it is more important than ever to ensure they take their vitamins, get some sun, and eat some fish.
Type 1 diabetes confronts children and their parents with a number of questions and concerns. What is this going to mean for my child's health? What are the long term effects of the disease? What can be done to prevent some of these complications? Is there anything besides insulin that is lacking in the child's body?
Your child has every opportunity to live a long and fulfilling life, it’s important to learn how to manage the disease.
Wish you could get your allergies under control once and for all? If so, getting regular shots to desensitize or "turn off" your reaction to various allergy triggers may be a worthwhile treatment option to explore.
Wish you could get your allergies under control for once and for all? If so, getting regular shots to desensitize or “turn off” your reaction to various allergy triggers shots may be a worthwhile treatment option to explore. Some of the latest studies find that in addition to controlling allergies, this treatment method can even prevent asthma from developing in some patients.
Learn how to address the largest threats to your child's health.
In the 2008 National Poll on Children's Health adults ranked obesity as the number one health concern. For this poll conducted by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital adults rated 20 health concerns for children in their communities along the following criteria: Big problem; somewhat of a problem; not much of a problem; and not a problem at all.
Choosing organic products for your little one isn’t about being chic or getting a green award. It's simply another way to keep her safe and healthy.
Choosing organic products for your little one isn’t about being chic or getting a green award. It’s simply another way to keep her safe and healthy. Babies and toddlers take in more pesticides than adults do; opting for organic products can significantly reduce their exposure.
If your child is one of the many who suffers from juvenile arthritis today, did you know that helping him stay active can be an important part of managing his condition?
Arthritis among children can take many forms but the most common type is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Young patients diagnosed with this, or with the host of other types of arthritis that exist, often experience swelling, tenderness and pain in one or more joints, making it difficult to move, especially in the mornings.
In 2008 at least six infants in China died and 300,000 other babies became ill after drinking milk that contained melamine. Traces of the chemical were found in infant formula, milk powder and soy products exported from China.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) came under fire after initially hiding the fact that melamine was found in infant formula sold in this country. Eventually, the extent of the problem became apparent: Melamine was present in 90 per cent of the infant formula on the market, including brands from Enfamil, Mead Johnson and Nestlé.
An Olympic medalist's story gives hope to parents and children impacted by ADHD.
Achieving extraordinary success in any field requires dedication, discipline and intense focus. So how did Michael Phelps, a kid with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reach the pinnacle of Olympic success?
At nine years old Michael was diagnosed with ADHD.
If you suffer from severe allergy symptoms and taking medication doesn't seem to help you feel better, it may be time to turn to the experts to undergo some allergy testing. This can be a valuable way to find out exactly what your biggest triggers are and to determine how best to avoid them.
Who Needs Allergy Tests
When medication doesn’t do enough to relieve your runny nose, frequent sneezing and itchy eyes and throat, you may need to seek the advice of an allergist, who can do some strategic testing to find out exactly what is making you sick.
The human genome was successfully mapped in April 2003, a relatively short time ago. In the wake of the map’s completion, we have learned much about the link between genes and disease, but research is still in a nascent stage—our genome is composed of 3 billion base pairs and 30,000 genes, after all.
For years, scientists suspected that heart disease had a genetic component, making observations like people with a parent who developed coronary artery disease before the age of 55 faced a much greater risk of becoming afflicted with it themselves. Now the evidence written in our genes is coming to light on an almost daily basis.
Children learn what they live. Here are tips on how to teach your children well.
We all want our kids to grow up eating nutritiously, getting plenty of exercise, and having a good outlook on life. How can you make that happen? Live healthfully yourself! You are a powerful influence on your children. If they see you "walking the talk" instead of just telling them what they should do, there's a great chance they'll grow up copying your good behaviors.
Many of those who think they have a food allergy are, in fact, really suffering from a food intolerance or sensitivity, which can sometimes look very similar to food allergies but actually occurs in a different way.
Have you experienced a negative reaction from something you ate? If so, you may wonder if you have a food allergy. A food allergy can be a serious condition that causes a host of symptoms that will make you feel miserable. But the good news is that food allergies are not nearly as common as most people think.
If you are allergic to peanuts, you know how crucial it is to steer clear of anything even vaguely in the nut family. Otherwise, you can be putting yourself and your health at great risk.
Peanut allergy is the most common food allergy in the United States, affecting 1.5 million people, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. And while some people only experience mild symptoms, others suffer much more serious consequences.
Getting quality shut-eye may benefit you more than you ever thought.
To sleep provides more than a chance to dream. Scientists are waking up to the fact that the right amount of shut-eye restores bones, gives the brain a much-needed break from the daily grind, and prevents a whole host of maladies, including heart disease.
Follow these guidelines to solve the multivitamin mystery.
You probably know that taking a multivitamin can be good for your health, but do you know which one is right for you? According to Dr. Ann G. Kulze, author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss and Lifelong Vitality, "there is perhaps no area of wellness that evokes more confusion and questions amongst consumers than what supplements they should or should not take.
Your home is the perfect place to build a foundation of healthy food choices, ongoing physical activity, and regular blood glucose testing.
Sir Edward Coke is credited with the famous phrase "et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium" or "A man's home is his castle." Hundreds of years later, we can apply that same principle to diabetes care. Your home is your diabetes castle, a place where you can feel safe and secure in the knowledge, support, and supplies you have to successfully manage your condition.
Learn how to ensure a prosperous future for your child.
You Are Not Alone
We all know that being a parent means overseeing and planning for our children's health, welfare, safety and happiness, both now and into the future. But being a parent of a child with special needs means all that and so much more.
Learn more about the important role that genes play in the disease.
How did I get diabetes? Why did I get it? If I have diabetes, what are the chances that my children will get it, too? If you've been recently diagnosed with diabetes, these questions are probably cascading through your mind, and the fear of the unknown might be setting in.
Not feeling yourself? Your eating habits could be the reason.
We all have them at times-days when life really tests us. Your car gets a flat on the way to work, you flub an important report, you can't help your child with his math homework, and to top it all off, you burn dinner. Your mood? Lower than this week's stock market, and understandably so.
When is a cough more than just a cough?
When you cough, you probably assume you're sick. But did you know that coughing, instead of hurting your body, actually helps it heal and protect itself? This is because coughing is a reflex that keeps your throat and airways clear. In other words, it's working to prevent sickness.
Stress and asthma...is there a connection?
If you've been under a lot of stress lately, you may feel your asthma symptoms kicking in with increased frequency. The fact is that challenges at work and home can be difficult to manage even without any health conditions to complicate things, but when you suffer from asthma, you can find yourself feeling even more overwhelmed and leaving you out of breath more easily.
Sweet tooth or addiction? Find out for yourself.
There's nothing wrong with the occasional post-dinner sweet. In fact, some studies suggest that, in moderation, chocolate can be beneficial. One study conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) found that the natural nitric oxide in coca can help lower blood pressure and aide in overall heart function.
It's essential for your health, but are you meeting your daily needs?
Something we all remember from childhood is our mom, our doctor, and even our teachers telling us to eat more fiber. But how many of us really knew what they were talking about? Dietary fiber refers to carbohydrates that cannot be digested, which means that when consumed, they fill you up and provide you with energy.
When is an "emergency" worthy of a trip to the emergency room?
When it comes to children, this question is more easily answered. If a child becomes ill or falls and may have broken a bone, we tend to err on the side of caution. But what about us? The rules become blurry when an adult has food poisoning or twists an ankle.
These heartwarming stories may leave you believing in miracles.
We all know the story of Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol-the sickly son of Bob Cratchit who is miraculously cured of his illness at the end of the story. As inspirational as fictional stories like this may be, there's nothing like the real thing.
Give your loved ones a head start on their New Years resolutions by offering gifts that will help keep them fit and healthy all year ‘round.
If you were a child who often got gifts of socks and underwear, giving or receiving healthy holiday gifts may not sound much more exciting. Fortunately, these five gifts are not only good for the person receiving them, but they're better than tube socks.
Ear infections are very common in children. Here, a guide to their symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
Ear infections are common, especially in children. In fact, about 75 percent of all children will probably have an infection before they turn three, according to National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Older children will probably complain of ear pain and small children who cannot speak well are likely to pull or rub their ear.
Early steps in childhood to keep cholesterol low can help reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke later in life.
High cholesterol is often thought of as an adult's health concern. However, research shows that parents may need to start thinking about the cholesterol levels of their children. In fact, it's now believed that coronary artery disease, which is caused by a buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the arteries and leads to heart disease and stroke, begins in childhood.
For many parents, sending their children to camp is a nerve-wracking experience. Follow our guide to help keep your kids safe.
For millions of kids, summer camp is a great adventure, filled with exciting opportunities and new places to explore. Approximately 10 million U.S. children attend overnight or day camps every year, according the American Camp Association, and in most cases, they suffer no more than a mild sunburn or a skinned knee.
Find out what the statistics about teen pregnancy means for you and your teenager.
It may seem as though stories about teen pregnancy--both fictional and real--are everywhere. First, there was the news about a Massachusetts high school where 17 girls under the age of 18 had become pregnant on purpose. Then, it was news that Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, was expecting a baby with her boyfriend.
You might not have known it when you were young, but according to health experts, Mom was right all along.
Remember all those times your mom told you to go to bed early and eat your veggies? You might not have wanted to admit it back then, but as it turns out, she was right--about almost everything. Here, the 10 best pieces of advice that moms give:
1. Wash your hands.
Some parents may find names like Emily and Ethan too commonplace, but they might want to think twice before choosing one of these monikers.
What's in a name? Some experts believe that everything from social acceptance to financial success is determined, in part, by the names we're given at birth. And many of today's parents are rejecting popular baby names in favor of more unusual monikers.
Caring for a child with autism can be stressful, but these tips may help you keep perspective.
Parents who have autistic children face unique challenges in raising their kids. Beyond knowing what medications and what types of intervention are most helpful, parents must understand the best ways to interact with their child, and how to incorporate the disease into their everyday lives.
Follow these guidelines to help protect your children--and ensure your own peace of mind.
For many parents, leaving their children with a babysitter for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. After all, most of us have heard a few harrowing stories about shaken babies, sitter abuse, or neglectful nannies.
But while such concerns are valid, cases like these represent only a small fraction of babysitter problems.
These potential health hazards can cause a perfect summer day to turn tragic.
Summer is traditionally a time for sand, surf, and fun in the sun. But unfortunately, some of the season's activities can put both adults and children at risk for serious accidents, from broken bones to heatstroke and even drowning. How can you protect your family from these potential perils? Read on as we reveal the four deadliest dangers of summer—and what you can do to keep from being a victim.
Here, we reveal some little-known facts about what to expect when you're expecting.
When you're pregnant, almost everyone is eager to offer advice and a blueprint of what to expect during this monumental time. But moms-to-be may find that some aspects of pregnancy are rarely discussed. Here, we disclose some of pregnancy's best-kept secrets
Morning sickness isn't limited to the morning.
Find out how you can protect your teen or pre-teen against infection.
As a parent, you probably want to protect your child from illness and injury whenever possible. One way to do that is to make sure they are properly vaccinated. You may have thought the days of vaccines ended when your child started kindergarten, but as medicine evolves, more and more vaccines are available for kids between the ages of 11 and 18.
Youth sports can offer tremendous opportunities for friendship, fitness, and positive development--if parents practice good sportsmanship.
Many of us have heard horror stories about the terrible behavior exhibited by the parents of young athletes. Perhaps the most shocking incident occurred in 2000, when Thomas Junta of Massachusetts beat the coach of his young son's hockey game to death following a dispute over several on-ice infractions during the game.
Knowing the symptoms of bacterial meningitis could mean the difference between life and death.
Headache, vomiting, fever, fatigue--to most people, these symptoms might sound a lot like the flu. But in some cases, they could indicate a much more serious condition: bacterial meningitis. According to the American College Health Association, meningococcal disease, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, strikes 1,400 to 3,000 Americans each year, many of whom are young adults, adolescents, and children.
A highly contagious childhood illness, chicken pox can make your child uncomfortable for about a week. Here, some ways to ease the itching.
It's a moment many parents probably dread: Your child comes home from school complaining about itchy red bumps. It's the first sign of chicken pox. Although chicken pox is a very common (and relatively uncomplicated) illness, it is still important to make your child as comfortable as possible and to watch out for possible signs of complications.
Follow these tips to help protect your children from this degenerative bone disease.
Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become less dense and more prone to fractures, is often thought of as an older person's disease. But experts are beginning to refer to this degenerative condition as a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences.
Thinking of relocating with your children? Steer clear of these cities.
Choosing when, or whether, to have children is one of the most challenging decisions many couples face. In trying to figure out if they're ready to start a family, they'll need to weigh several important questions: Do we have enough money to provide for...
Gruesome accidents and injuries run rampant on Independence Day. Find out how to keep your family safe.
Fourth of July is a time for picnics, parades, and of course, patriotism. But for many Americans, the holiday may end very differently than it began--with a terrifying trip to the emergency room. In addition to common culprits like fireworks and grilling, Independence Day injuries often arise from seemingly safe sources, such as foods, drinks, and fun in the sun.
'Tis the season for allergies. Learn how keep them from spoiling your holiday fun.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year," legendary singer Andy Williams and many others after him have crooned about the holiday season. Well, it may not be so wonderful if you're a seasonal allergy sufferer. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), three out of four adults experience an increase of allergy attacks including headaches, eye irritation and sinus congestion during the period from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.
Snacking at the movies may not be as innocent as it seems.
A movie theater provides a place to cool off when the temperatures spike in summer and a shelter from the cold during winter, but perhaps most importantly, it allows us an escape from the daily grind, if only for a few hours. Since childhood, many of...
Here are a few of the most common myths concerning food, and the truths or fictions behind them. What you read will surprise you.
Urban legends have long been a part of American culture. We've all heard about George Washington chopping down the cherry tree, the hitch hiker who vanished, and the gang members who strike when a car flashes its lights at them. Tall-tales and exaggerations are common—and legends about food are no exception.
The best present you can give Dad is the gift of health. Get inspired with these unique ideas.
Every Father's Day brings the same old conundrum: What should you get the dad in your life? He has enough ties to fill a walk-in closet and so many coffee cups he could start his own diner. This year, why not encourage him to adopt a healthier lifestyle? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a lack of exercise and nutritious meals is responsible for approximately 400,000 deaths in the United States each year.
Summer beach vacations may be an American tradition, but take heed--some of the country's most popular destinations may be hazardous to your health.
Do you remember looking forward to trips to the beach as a child: the anticipation of splashing in the salty water, building sand castles, and running up and down the shoreline?
Unfortunately, the sandy shores that you remember from your childhood may now be a contaminated hotspot.
Here, eight foods that are definitely not a part of a balanced breakfast.
You'd probably think twice about having an ice cream sundae for breakfast, but it's doubtful you'd question having a bacon and egg sandwich with hash browns to start your day. For many, breakfast is a forgotten meal. While there's plenty of evidence to show that eating breakfast everyday is good for your health and your weight, the bad news is, if you start your day off with the wrong meal, you may be destined for a midday crash.
Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy your golden years? Avoid these destinations at all costs.
When you're looking for a location to retire, you probably have a long list of criteria: prices you can afford, proximity to your children, and a climate that's just right. After all, this is where you're going to live out your golden years. But all too often, retirees overlook several important factors—and wind up making the wrong move.
Want to fall off the weight-control wagon? Just a few of these fattening foods are all it takes.
You watch your weight. You cut back on snacks. You even hit the gym twice a week. But no matter how hard you try, the pounds come creeping back. The culprit? It could be one of these inflationary foods. Each is so fattening that just the occasional indulgence could result in major weight gain--even if you do everything else right.
These nine foods simply aren't fair to your diet.
A day at the fair conjures up ideas of friends, family, fun...and very possibly, fried foods. Although the fair has much to offer in the way of rides and activities, the truth is, many people come mostly for the food. Some stands may offer healthy choices, but they're often overshadowed by the seemingly endless supply of funnel cakes and corn dogs.
Autism affects one out of every 150 births. What role do vaccines actually play in the prevalence of this disorder? Get the facts now.
Since 1998, when the British medical journal The Lancet published a study connecting the use of vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, with a spike in the diagnoses of autism, a debate has waged over the validity of such a hypothesis.
Men, women, and children can all develop a bladder infection. Here, a look at the condition, from symptoms to treatments.
Uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone. A frequent urge to urinate. A burning feeling in the bladder or urethra. If you've had a urinary tract infection (UTI) before, you're all too familiar with these painful symptoms. The good news is that most UTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics-and drinking cranberry juice may even help prevent them in the first place.
One in five orthodontic patients is an adult, proving you're never too old for braces. Learn more about the latest teeth-straightening options.
They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and nothing is quite as attractive as a confident smile. But millions of adults have dental problems that weren't addressed during their childhood--something that can make them self-conscious and reluctant to smile.
Sexually transmitted diseases can be hard to spot; in fact, some may have no symptoms at all. Here, how to pinpoint and prevent the three most common offenders.
You've been in a monogamous relationship for years. You and your partner have discussed your sexual histories. And you go to the doctor for regular checkups. There's no way you could be carrying or spreading a sexually transmitted disease, right? Well, not so fast.
Nearly six million people live with diabetes, but are unaware that they have the condition. Could you be one of them?
While the exact cause of diabetes remains unknown, both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, appear to play major roles. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
Find out why more and more women are turning to cosmetic surgery to regain their pre-pregnancy figures.
For many women, there's no greater thrill than having a baby. The act of childbirth signifies a new stage in their lives, and the arrival of their little one is a source of great joy. But some new moms find that pregnancy affects their bodies in unexpected, and unwanted, ways.
Will getting the flu shot prevent you from getting sick? Find out here.
Many people may think the flu is not a serious disease and that it's just an inconvenient illness, like the common cold. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that every year as many as 36,000 people die from the flu. Most of them are older than 65, which is why people in this age group are strongly encouraged to get a flu shot.
Wasps, honeybees, and yellow jackets are some of the more notorious stinging pests, and they result in approximately 100 deaths per year.
The summer is full of promises of relaxation and good times. But along with the barbecues, theme parks, and vacations come insects and all the irritations that they bring. Generally, insect bites are harmless, resulting in no more than an annoying itch that lasts for a few days.
Learn how to cope with poison ivy, poison oak, and other notorious summer rashes.
Rashes resulting from exposure to poison ivy, oak, and sumac can give anyone the summertime blues. In fact, approximately 50 million people suffer from the itch and discomfort associated with these types of poisonous vegetation each year. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to identify and avoid these irritants and protect your skin.
Simple screw-ups are a part of life, but in medicine, these mistakes can be fatal. Learn how to protect yourself.
Doctor mistakes can mean the difference between life and death, and sadly, these errors are all too common. According to a study by the Institute of Medicine, medical mistakes in hospitals alone are the eighth-leading cause of death in the United States, exceeding those by car accidents, breast cancer, and AIDS.
Germs tend to lurk in the most unexpected places. Learn what you can do to protect yourself.
You may want to think twice about how you store your toothbrush, where you set your purse, and how often you replace your mascara. Research shows that billions of germs could be lurking in these hot spots—and making you and your family sick. Here, uncover top five secret hiding spots for germs, and learn what you can do to keep bacteria at bay.
These critters could be doing their owners more harm than good.
Pets provide us with abundant amusement and unconditional companionship. What's more, studies show that they can even benefit our overall health. Research from the University of Buffalo suggests that pets can help reduce their owners' blood pressure and regulate their heart rate in times of stress.
Learn more about this increasingly common disorder, from risk factors to potential treatments.
Autism affects one out of every 150 births, according to the Autism Society of America. While some experts point to a variety of factors, such as vaccines or environment, to explain these startling statistics, others attribute the recent influx of cases to changes in diagnostic criteria.
Consider these factors to help determine which contraceptive method is right for you.
With the invention of birth control pills in the 1960s, women suddenly had unprecedented control over their reproductive schedules. Today, many couples are opting to delay starting a family, and some are ruling out parenthood completely. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the type of birth control you choose depends on your lifestyle and needs.
Barack Obama said that as president, he'd make big changes to health care. Will it help your family?
When Barack Obama was running for president, he promised change for this country. Among those changes were large reforms to health care. So, now that he's been elected, what does that mean for you?
The answer depends on many factors, including whether you currently have insurance, whether you have children, whether you're covered by a government plan like Medicare or Medicaid, and if you've been diagnosed with an illness like cancer.
Could your teenager contract meningitis at camp, in the classroom, or at the college dorm? Here, what you can do to reduce your child's risks.
It's every parent's worst nightmare: Their teenager returns home from camp or college with a fever, headache, and stiff neck—symptoms that sound a lot like the flu. But as it turns out, their son or daughter is suffering from a much scarier illness, meningitis.
Tutoring. Soccer practice. Student council. Piano lessons. Today's kids are master multitaskers. But are all these activities putting too much pressure on your child?
Every parent wants his or her child to excel academically, athletically, socially--you name it. And it's only natural that we want our children to be given opportunities that we might not have had. But with all of the activities today's kids are juggling, some children may be taking on as many responsibilities as adults.
No parent wants to take chances when it comes to their child's health. Find out whether you should dismiss your doctor and start shopping around.
Raising a child can be both exciting and overwhelming. Parents usually have tons of questions about their children's health, and their pediatricians can be an invaluable resource for advice and medical care. But what happens when you start having second thoughts about the doctor you've chosen? According to experts, the relationship you have with your pediatrician is essential to your child's health and well-being.
Today's high-tech reproductive options help couples achieve their dreams of having a baby.
For many couples, having a baby is the ultimate act of emotional fulfillment. Their little bundle of joy is an affirmation of life, and their new role as parents is the beginning of a uniquely rewarding journey. Even the physical pain associated with childbirth is usually viewed as a labor of love.
When it comes to decision-making, relationships, and even health, intuition may be one of the greatest tools to have.
Do you trust your gut instead of rationalizing your way through problems? Are you likely to stick with your first instincts about people rather than waiting to make character judgments? Do you ever question the beliefs of others because you had a hunch that you were right? If you answered yes to two or more of the above, chances are, you're an intuitive person.
Getting children clean may seem like an impossible task at times, but teaching good hygiene while they're young will start a lifetime of healthy habits.
At times, it seems like toddlers are just trying to get dirty. They're out playing in the mud, sailing toy boats in the toilet bowl, and feeding themselves but getting food everywhere except in their mouths. How can you possibly get them clean and teach them to keep themselves clean?
You must act as the example, experts say.
When children are introduced to the water at a young age, it sets the stage for them to become confident swimmers.
Some parents take their toddlers to swim lessons because the children are naturally drawn to the water. They love to splash and play in the tub, and when the weather is warm outside, they may spend hours in the backyard wading pool. Other parents may bring their children to swim lessons for the opposite reason: to make their children feel more at home in the water.
Babies grow and develop faster in the first year of their lives than during any other time. What to expect during those initial 12 months.
The first thing everyone wants to know when a baby is born (other than what's his name?) is how much he weighed and how big he was. You're certainly going to want to continue charting his growth after that initial weigh-in. What's more notable are the developmental milestones that infants achieve in their first year of life.
Your child has a runny nose and bad cough. You want her to feel better, but is it OK to give her cold medicine?
Cough and cold medicines for kids under the age of 2 have been pulled from drugstore shelves, and experts continue to debate whether the medicines should be given to children younger than 6 or 11 years old. But your son or daughter has a cold now you don't have time to wait for pediatricians and government officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reach a consensus.
Babies' skin is especially sensitive to the sun's harsh rays. Here are ways you can protect your little one.
You want to take your baby outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, but you also want to be sure you protect him from sunburn. Follow these guidelines, whether you're taking your child to the beach or out for a stroll in the park.
For starters, infants younger than 6 months old should not be exposed to strong, direct sunlight, according to experts.
Do your infant's cries mean she's tired, hungry, sick, or just fussy? Here's how to decipher her needs.
When bringing a newborn baby home, you expect certain things: dirty diapers, warm bottles, late-night and early-morning awakenings. But you might not be prepared for the crying. How do you know how much crying is normal? And when is it a sign of something more serious?
Many babies have a fussy period between 6 p.
Drug-resistant bacteria, like MRSA, are hard to treat once they develop. Fortunately, you can take these steps to protect yourself.
It's frightening to think that a child could contract a deadly drug-resistant staph infection while hospitalized. Or that an otherwise healthy person could pick up Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) through skin contact. Until recently, the superbug phenomenon was limited primarily to hospitals, affecting the infirmed and otherwise immuno-compromised almost exclusively.
Drug-resistant bacteria are becoming a global health crisis. How did this happen?
Infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics are emerging as one of the biggest public-health concerns of recent years. So-called superbugs were initially a problem unique to hospitals and clinics, but now cases are being reported among otherwise healthy people throughout the community.
Keep these tips in mind to find the right nursery or day-care center for your child.
No one can care for your child the same way that you do, but there are many care providers who can offer a safe, comfortable atmosphere for kids. The key, of course, is finding the right provider for your child.
As a parent, keep in mind that you aren't just looking for a babysitter to stay next to your kids while they watch TV and become couch potatoes.
Everyone worries from time to time, but too much worrying can affect your health. Here, 10 ways to stop stressing.
Did you forget to turn off the lights? Weren't you supposed to call your friend? What ever happened to your high-school yearbook? For many of us, worrying just seems like a natural part of our daily lives. But experts warn that too much worrying can affect your emotional and physical health.
Bedtime doesn't have to be a fight.
It's an age-old struggle: Adults try to put their little ones to bed, but their kids seem determined to thwart the routine at every turn. Children try to avoid bedtime for a variety of reasons; they may have separation anxiety, be fearful of the dark, experience nightmares, or simply don't want to take time out for something as mundane as sleep.
Want to lower your chances of sniffling your way through the season? Follow these simple tips.
Sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and congestion are just some of the symptoms that characterize the common cold. Also known as acute viral nasopharyngitis or acute coryza, the condition is so common, in fact, that it results in 75 to 100 million U.S.
How important is weight in determining good health?
It's no secret that being fat and out of shape is a health hazard. But what if you're overweight and still physically fit? Does the fact that you're active eliminate the health risks of those extra pounds? And what if your best friend is a skinny couch potato? Which one of you is healthier? As it turns out, the "fat but fit" debate is a longstanding source of controversy among experts.
Your baby's brain development depends on early sensory experiences.
As a new mom, you want your baby to be smart and curious as she grows up. Is there anything you can do now to increase her capacity for learning?
Scientists say there is. A baby's environment has a big impact on how her brain will be wired, and the activities you do will spark the foundation for learning.
There are many simple ways that parents can help kids get their weight under control.
Parents can help control their children's weight by fixing their lunches as often as possible and keeping tabs on their eating habits at school, nutritionists say.
In fact, kids who have lunches prepared by their parents are 25 percent less likely to be overweight than children whose lunches aren't prepared at home.
Plan ahead to properly transition your baby from breast milk to formula.
Deciding when to stop breastfeeding your baby is a very personal decision, and it varies by mother. Some babies make the transition more easily than others. After your baby has switched to formula, another question will surface: When is it OK to introduce cow's milk?
Because the choices surrounding breast-feeding and supplementing with formula are very personal ones, pediatricians and doctors usually preface their answers by stating that everyone is different.
Bonding before birth is important for both mom and baby. Here's why.
You may not have seen your baby yet, but it's likely that you've already formed a relationship with her. Many new moms say they first feel that connection with their baby when they feel the first kick or see their baby on an ultrasound.
In addition, your baby has probably already begun forming a relationship with you, too, and will be able to recognize your voice and start trusting you.
The first weeks after your baby is born can be exhausting. Find out how to take care of your baby and yourself.
It seems like there's so much to do when your newborn baby first comes home. You've got to learn how to care for the baby, handle sleep disruptions, and adjust to life with a bigger family. You want to make sure your baby is healthy and happy, but don't forget to look out for your own health and happiness.
Foster your baby's curiosity now to improve her intelligence and creativity as she grows.
If life with your child sometimes feels like an action-adventure movie, as she crawls from the living room to the dining room and then up the stairs, consider yourself lucky. All that non-stop excitement means she's exercising her body and her mind.
The curious 8-month-old baby who crawls all over the floor and up the stairs will one day become the curious 12-year-old who opens an encyclopedia to read all about India or learn more about algebra.
Babies need to practice crawling, reaching, and grabbing to improve control over their movements.
Does your child like to bang on pots and pans? Can he spend hours pouring water from bucket to bucket? Is he always clapping his hands and wiggling his fingers? If so, he's enhancing his fine motor skills, according to child-development specialists. You probably thought he was just playing.
Follow these steps to help protect your baby and to give you peace of mind.
When a new baby comes into your home, suddenly, many common household items seem like dangerous traps. Now you have to worry about locking toilet lids, covering electrical outlets, blocking off stairs, and securing cabinets.
It may seem like a daunting task, but if you take childproofing one step at a time, it's a pretty simple process.
Want to soothe your pinkeye symptoms, or stop conjunctivitis before it starts? Check out our survival guide.
Redness, swelling, itching, irritation. These are just some of the symptoms of conjunctivitis, an eye ailment that affects millions of adults and children at any given time, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Also known as pinkeye, the condition refers to an inflammation of the conjuctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the eye's white portion.
Our expert weighs in on when and how to think about estate planning.
Q: I keep hearing about the need to have an estate plan. I'm fairly young, with two small children. Isn't estate planning for those nearing retirement and advanced age?
A: Contrary to popular belief, estate planning isn't just important for the elderly; it's a necessity for people of all ages, and as a parent, it's especially crucial for you.
To keep your family out of harm's way, follow these simple guidelines.
December is the time of year for decorations, houseguests, and lots of parties. But along with fun and festivities, it can also bring about potential hazards. Follow these tips for a safe holiday season:
Keep trees fresh.
Choose a fresh Christmas tree, and secure it in a sturdy stand.
Learn how to keep your child from getting sick without going overboard.
As a new parent, you're nervous that your newborn might catch a cold or, worse, chickenpox or influenza. You're constantly trying to sanitize and disinfect everything from the pacifier to stuffed animals. If this sounds familiar, you're fighting the war on germs—something parents everywhere have been doing for years.
The demand for organic food continues to grow every year. But is it worth the extra green?
The organic food movement got its start in the 1960s, when increasing environmental awareness and concern about pesticides sparked a new demand for "green" products. Over the past 20 years, the market has grown exponentially, as more and more consumers are seeking safer, more eco-friendly food alternatives.
With a little patience and a few smart strategies, you can help boost your child's self-esteem.
Some of the signs of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) are easy to spot: inattention, hyperactivity, inappropriate behavior, an inability to focus. But the condition can have longer-lasting psychological effects, most notably a loss of self-esteem.
According to experts, most Americans aren't washing their hands the right way. Learn how to clean up your act.
If you're like most Americans, your parents constantly reminded you to wash your hands as a child. And by the time you got older, the habit was firmly ingrained. But according to the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), most adults aren't washing their hands the right way.
Follow these steps to make the holiday season easier for you and a loved one who lives far away.
If you're caring for an elderly parent or loved one who lives far away, you're not alone. According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately 7 million adults are long-distance caregivers. And perhaps at no time is the challenge of long-distance caregiving greater than when you can't be there for the holidays.
No matter how far away you live, these strategies can help you improve the time spent with an aging loved one.
An estimated 6.9 million Americans are struggling to care for an aging parent or loved one who lives far away, according to Caring from a Distance (CFAD), an independent, nonprofit organization created by men and women who personally struggled with the anguish, stress, and frustration of long-distance care.
According to some researchers, a four-legged friend can add years to your life.
It's no secret that people rely on their pets for love, companionship, and a sense of security. After all, the iconic American family traditionally includes a mom and dad, 2.5 kids, and a pet of some kind. But as it turns out, the benefits of having a pet go far beyond camaraderie and protection; a four-legged friend can actually boost your health and, according to some researchers, lengthen your life by about seven years.
What's under that bow? Find out if the gifts you're giving this year are naughty or nice.
When shopping for children's toys this holiday season, you may have to pay attention to more than just wish lists and price tags. Dangerous levels of lead in paint and toys that contain toxic chemicals have forced Mattel, Fisher-Price, Disney, and other companies to recall some of their most popular children's products.
