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Is genetic testing right for my child?
Angelina Jolie shared publicly last month her decision to have a preventive double mastectomy after genetic testing revealed that, due to a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, she carried an 87% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of developing ovarian cancer. Jolie identifies her mother’s decade-long struggle with ovarian cancer and death from that disease six years ago as one of the primary influences behind her decision.
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A handwritten note: a small gesture that speaks volumes
Last night, as it became clear that bedtime was just around the corner, my daughter started to cry. At three and a half, it is her life’s mission to negotiate or manipulate her way out of naptime and bedtime. Every day. Every night. It is exhausting.
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Essential oils for children
You may have heard of a new trend popping up in the parenting community: using essential oils to treat a variety of illnesses or to promote general good health in children.
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Blessed with tiny treasures: Carson and Kendall’s story
Written by Heather Shields
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Should I bank my baby's cord blood?
This post was originally published in August 2013
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Emerging from the darkness of her son's devastating illness: One Mother's story
By Donna Jones
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Why Teens Need the HPV Vaccine—Now
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes at least 26,000 cases of cancer every year in the United States: about 18,000 in women and 8,000 in men. In 2006 a vaccine was licensed to prevent most of these cancers as well as venereal warts. First recommended for girls, the victims of more HPV-related cancers, the HPV vaccine was soon recommended for boys as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV immunization for all preteens between the ages of 11 and 12 years, prior to any risk of exposure.
The reality of HPV immunization in the U.S.
About 80% of us will contract HPV in our lives. Fortunately, most HPV infection is cleared by the immune system without long-term consequences. The unfortunate few go on to develop devastating disease. Sadly, the immunization rate of U.S. teens against HPV is very low. By 2013 less than half of all teens had received even one dose of an HPV vaccine. Currently, only 24% of preteens aged 11 to 12 years of age have begun the series.Why are vaccination rates so low?
HPV is difficult for parents to think about because it is mostly transmitted by some form of sexual contact. However, as much as we don’t want to think about our youngsters becoming sexual beings, they will. It is actually our goal as parents to have our children grow up and have families. Thus, acknowledging that our children may at some time in their lives contract HPV is our responsibility. -
Why Teens Need the HPV Vaccine Now
Human papillomavirus causes at least 26,000 cases of cancer every year in the United States: about 18,000 in women and 8,000 in men. In 2006 a vaccine was licensed to prevent most of these cancers as well as venereal warts. First recommended for girls, the victims of more HPV-related cancers, the HPV vaccine was soon recommended for boys as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV immunization for all preteens between the ages of 11 and 12 years, prior to any risk of exposure.
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Should You Teach Your Baby Sign Language?
How many times have you wished your baby could tell you what’s wrong instead of crying and leaving you to guess? Baby Sign Language allows babies as young as 6 months old to communicate their needs instead of crying.
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Pain Relief: Is TENS Right for Your Child?
Relieving your child’s pain doesn’t always mean taking medicine or having surgery. Simple TENS units, which have become more popular in recent years, offer a safe, noninvasive alternative for many kids.