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It’s often difficult for parents to talk with their teens about sex, but it is a vital conversation to have. Just as important as discussing sex itself is talking about how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

From turning door knobs to pushing elevator buttons to sharing toys at a playdate, children are constantly touching items that are covered with germs. And then, when they touch areas like their noses, eyes and mouth, they introduce those germs to their bodies, which can make them sick.  Think of your child picking up germs while touching the handle of a grocery cart, then popping their thumb into their mouth or rubbing their eyes.

A heart murmur is the sound the blood makes as it moves through the heart or blood vessel. It’s what your pediatrician hears when their stethoscope is on your child’s chest. A heart murmur isn’t necessarily bad. In fact, the majority of heart murmurs are classified as innocent — they are simply the result of blood flowing normally. Think of it like listening to water flowing through a garden hose. When the faucet is turned on, the water makes a sound as it moves through the hose. You can tell by that sound that everything is flowing normally, just like the sound of an innocent murmur. If there is a kink in the hose, however, the sound is different. The change in sound alerts your physician that there may be something wrong.

Encouraging active play over screen time helps ensure preschoolers get the movement, stimulation and social development they need. But implementing limited screen time recommendations can prove difficult, especially as many parents find themselves balancing work and parenting with little support.

An easy and fun way for you and your kids to explore and get exercise is riding bicycles together.

Just over nine years ago, I had never heard of a neural tube defect or spina bifida. In fact, nine years ago I would have told you spina bifida was one of the most horrible things to learn your baby would be born with. Spina bifida is a birth defect that makes you feel as though something so terrible is wrong with your baby.

Now that summer break has arrived, families are starting to plan their outdoor activities and summer vacations. With warm weather ahead, it is a good idea to take note of the ways extreme heat can affect children and how to safely enjoy the outdoors.

Summer is the perfect season to get children into the great outdoors. But even on overcast days, applying sunscreen is a must. Sunburns can cause pain, irritation, blisters and even flu-like symptoms — not to mention potentially more serious conditions down the road. Before hitting the beach or bike trail, look for sunscreen that is 30 SPF or higher and has a high percentage of zinc oxide. If your kids will be wading, swimming or sweating, you’ll also want to purchase sunscreen that is water resistant.

Eczema is a skin condition that affects many infants and children. Although its symptoms of dry, itchy and flaky skin are usually mild, eczema can become more than just a nuisance. The more severe forms of this condition can lead to skin infections when bacteria, viruses and other germs enter the body through bleeding and cracking skin.

When a child is sick or injured, the natural reaction of many parents is to immediately go straight to the emergency room. In some cases, though, taking your child to urgent care or even waiting to see a pediatrician may be better suited for the situation. But how do you know which one is the appropriate option?