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Stress vs. Clinical Anxiety and How to Spot the Difference
Many factors may be contributing to the rise in anxiety disorders among children and adolescents — the information influx of digital media for one, but also earlier diagnosis. Recognizing the problem is the first step in helping your child if they are indeed suffering from anxiety. Because parents and adult caregivers are often the first to spot signs, knowing what to look out for is crucial.
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As Flu Season Continues, Experts Say ‘Get Your Shot’
Florida is seeing low levels of influenza and influenza-like activity, according to the state’s Department of Health. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting healthcare seeking behavior, however, which may be impacting current trends being reported across the state. Levels remain below those of previous seasons.
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Small changes in sleep habits can reap big rewards
Could sleep (or lack of) be to blame for your child’s behavior at school?
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The benefits of getting involved in team sports
Summer is almost over and it’s already time to start thinking about the new school year! There seems to be many decisions parents are faced with as their child heads back to school- which classroom will he/she be in, what classes will my child be taking, what after-school activities will my child get involved in? While all these questions are important, there is one question that every parent should be asking their kids- “what sport do you want to play this year?”. Team sports can benefit your child in more ways than one: physically, socially, mentally, and behaviorally.
The Physical Benefits
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a study highlighting the benefits that team sports have on children’s physical health. The study was used to compare weight status and the different forms of physical activity among teens. Researchers surveyed over 1,700 high school students and their parents, covering many areas associated with physical health including team sport participation, active commuting, physical education, recreational activity, screen time, diet quality, and demographics. What they found was that when compared with active commuting, such as walking or biking to school, participation in team sports had the strongest association to weight status. It was shown that participating in team sports could help decrease a child’s risk of being overweight or obese. As a result of this study, obesity prevention programs are encouraged to incorporate and increase team sport participation among all students. -
Calling All Teens: Let's get some pep in your step!
Dear teenager,
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What Valentine's Day means to us at the Heart Center
This Tuesday was the annual celebration of our miracle heart kids. This party is not just your ordinary Valentine’s Day party, but is a way for us to be able to celebrate our successes at the Heart Center and honor all of our patients who have fought and conquered the battle against heart defects. To be able to see these kids running around, laughing and playing, who were once struggling with life-threatening conditions, is a blessing that words alone cannot express. The families look forward to celebrating together with the doctors and nurses who have been their support system since the moment they heard the devastating news that their child has a heart defect. The continual appreciation and gratitude of our heart families is an encouragement to our doctors to know that they did a job well done. What a special day to celebrate the little miracles right here in our very own backyard.
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Button batteries: a hidden hazard in your home
Over the past two decades there has been a dramatic increase in the number of children’s emergency room visits due to battery-related injuries. A recent study tracked battery-related ER visits in 100 hospitals across the U.S. and found that over a period of 20 years, the number of these visits had almost doubled. They also found that 84% of these visits were related to button batteries.
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Turkey Dinner on the Lawn? Creative Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in 2020
For many Americans, family gatherings are a holiday tradition. During uncertain times such as these, getting together can provide a significant boost to psychological and social well-being. With some mindfulness and creativity, you can look forward to celebrating the holidays this year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll need to contemplate who will be attending (number of people, ages, where they live, physical distancing), where the event will occur and what it will entail.
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For Down Syndrome Awareness Month, help us beat the myths and prejudice
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, please welcome our guest contributor, Eliana Tardio. Eliana is the mother of two children with Down syndrome. Her advocacy work has been nationally and internationally highlighted. She works as a Family Specialist for the Early Steps program of the State of Florida, and she spreads the word about the benefits of inclusion in several well-known web platforms in both English and Spanish. This article is part of her October Awareness carnival for Down syndrome featured on her personal blog www.elianatardio.com.
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7 Tips to Keep Your Child Safe in the Summer Heat
I have a love/hate relationship with our Florida summers. Is it paradise or punishment? I think that depends.