All Search Results
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Are Weight-Loss Apps Healthy for Kids?
If you notice your child is gaining weight, you might be tempted to suggest they use one of the many weight-loss apps that track food and exercise. But there are more dangers for kids using these apps than you may realize.
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Childhood Ear Infections: When To See a Doctor
Most children will have at least one ear infection by the time they’re 3 years old. The good news is that most will clear up on their own without any lasting effects.
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Toddler Not Interested in Potty Training? Don’t Panic
Potty training can be a stressful time for parents and kids, and even more so when your child shows no interest in giving up diapers.
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Shaping Lives Through Everyday Victories
When we think of life-shaping experiences, we often recall childhood. We remember our first bicycle ride without training wheels, discovering our favorite foods or that first A on a school assignment — the everyday victories that helped shape our lives. For children and families who face neurologic conditions such as brain, spine and nerve injuries or disorders, life-shaping experiences take on different meanings where every word, step or smile can represent victories. Advances in pediatric neuroscience make these victories possible for children, even those who have not yet been born.
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Alcohol and pregnancy: not a good mix
About three years ago this month, my husband and I were getting ready for our first “mommy and daddy” trip since our son was born. Our son was about 15 months old at the time, and he would be staying with grandparents as we explored Napa Valley, California. During that week, as we were scheduling tours of vineyards and making restaurant reservations, I was feeling a little “funny.” And I had only felt that way once before!
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You can help make miracles happen, too
A few months ago, I had the privilege of attending a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ ceremony honoring children who have suffered illness or injury. During this exuberant celebration, children of all shapes, sizes, and abilities danced down the aisle with their favorite Disney characters to celebrate. Their smiles simply radiated joy. As I grinned and clapped along with them, though, I couldn’t help but think about the life and death struggles that many of these children have faced. With their bald heads from chemotherapy, their scars a reminder of past surgeries, or their IV medications disguised in a Mickey Mouse backpack, the battle was evident. And yet, they kept smiling.
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A second chance at fulfilling a dream: Jillian’s story
What started as a childhood dream is now becoming a reality for Jillian in her lifelong pursuit of becoming a gymnast. She began gymnastics at just 3 years old, and began competing at age 6. Fast forward a few years and Jillian is in high school, dreaming of taking her gymnastics career to the next level and becoming a collegiate athlete. She was having the time of her life- spending countless hours practicing and competing in a sport she loved, surrounded by encouraging friends and family. She was starting to be pursued by various colleges and felt more confident than ever, knowing nothing could get in the way of her dream of becoming a collegiate gymnast.
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What November means to me
In honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month, we would like to share this story written by a mother, whose son was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2007.
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Why I gave up red meat
I am a native of the South. I was born and raised in Central Florida with a family who enjoys its share of sweet tea, mashed potatoes and gravy, and holiday barbecues. My grandfather even used to dry his own beef jerky in the backyard. So you can imagine the quizzical looks and questions I received when I – abruptly – decided to stop eating red meat. Why would you do such a thing? Are you a vegan now? How long will you keep it up? It’s been two and a half years since my last taste of beef, and now I can look back with greater clarity to answer why I made such a snap decision.
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Caring for bumps, bruises and boo-boos
Kids are invincible- or at least they think they are! They fearlessly jump into the air, ride a little too fast on their bikes, and like to play roughly with friends or siblings. It’s all fun and games, until someone gets hurt. Cuts, scrapes, and bruises are a regular occurrence in many family homes and it is important to be prepared when accidents do happen. Minor injuries are inevitable and can be cared for properly with the right tools and education.
The ingredients of a first-aid kit
Walking through the aisles at the pharmacy can be overwhelming and confusing when trying to decide what to include in your family’s at-home first-aid kit. Here are some basic essentials to help care for those future bumps and bruises: Adhesive tape Gauze pads Disposable gloves- for protection or to use as an ice pack Disposable instant cold packs Polysporin antibiotic cream Nonadhesive pads Adhesive bandages in different sizes Tweezers to get debris, dirt and grass out of open woundsKeep these items in a storage box that is easily accessible in case of an emergency. If an item is used, be sure to replace it to be prepared for the next accident.How to treat minor cuts and scrapes
Not only is it important to have the necessities in your first-aid kit, it’s also important to know how to use them! Let’s use this scenario- your child has fallen off his/her bike and you hear screaming and crying outside- now what?