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Worried About Your Child’s Weight? Here's How to Prevent Obesity
If you’re a parent or caregiver who’s worried about your child’s weight, you’re not alone. The rate of obesity in children has skyrocketed in the United States over the last two decades and is now referred to as an “epidemic.” Today, more than a third of American children fall into the obese category. Due to multiple factors— including poor diets and a lack of exercise—that number is expected to continue increasing.
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How My Son’s Cancer Battle Has Shaped Our Family
A couple months after Nathan’s second birthday, we noticed he was limping. At first, we thought he’d maybe hurt his leg while playing with his older brother. Still, he didn’t really complain of pain, so we didn’t think much of it. But one night while he was lying on my lap, I noticed a trail of lumps behind both his ears. The combination of symptoms led us to visit his pediatrician. Nathan’s X-rays came back normal, but later that afternoon, we returned to discuss his bloodwork results.
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How to Prevent Concussions in School Sports
While teamwork, hard work and fun are all important aspects of school sports, the focus also should be on safety. It’s up to coaches, families and medical practitioners to work together to ensure that athletic programs are committed to injury prevention and protocol — especially when it comes to concussions and other brain injuries.
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Your Helicopter Parenting May Actually Be Hurting Your Child
As parents, we always want what is best for our children. But sometimes we need to take a step back and let our kids make their own decisions. It’s still possible to provide love, support and safety while allowing them to struggle and learn new skills on their own.
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How to Avoid Common — and Painful — Ear Infections
Ear infections are one of the most common medical conditions among young children. But that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Whether your child is experiencing their first ear infection or has been suffering from chronic ear infections for years, it’s vital to understand their causes and symptoms. Why? Untreated ear infections not only can lead to greater and prolonged pain, but also potential hearing loss.
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They Look Alike, So How Can I Tell if It’s Asthma or Allergies?
Asthma and allergies are two of the leading causes of chronic illness in children, and the number children experiencing those conditions is increasing due to a range of potential factors. Although asthma and allergies can interact, as well as share common symptoms—including coughing and shortness of breath—it’s important to understand the difference between them. Still, asthma and allergies present in different ways in different age groups. So it’s best to consult with your pediatrician or an allergist if symptoms do arise.
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Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Obesity
A lot has been written over many decades about the damaging effects of obesity on children and adolescents. In a recent pediatrics study, researchers found that despite nearly three decades of trying to raise awareness, the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States continues to worsen. Overall, the study shows that 1 out of every 5 children nationwide are obese, and the rate increases with age. By the time teens reach 16 to 19 years old, more than 40 percent struggle with obesity. This is a national health crisis because of the effects obesity can have as the child grows into adulthood.
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Ruby Makes a Difference with the Teen Leadership Council
Having a chronic disease, with frequent hospital visits, is always challenging. Particularly for teenagers who can feel isolated from their peers during their illness. For Ruby, it was no different. At the age of 16, she came to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children with a diagnosis of gastroparesis and severe dysmotility of the GI tract. In other words, her digestive system didn’t properly move food from the stomach to the small intestine.
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Tips for Spring Break Safety
After making it through the bleak winter months, spring break is a much-needed time to relax and enjoy the (hopefully) warm and sunny weather. Despite the excitement this vacation brings, traditional spring break trips and activities also can be dangerous or even deadly. Whether your family is going on vacation, headed to the beach or enjoying the great outdoors from your backyard, here are some tips to keep your children safe during spring break.
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Recognizing and Treating Your Child’s Congenital Heart Defect
Learning that your baby has a congenital heart defect can be scary, and while health challenges can exist, the outlook for most children is positive. Although congenital heart defects are serious, most types of the disease can be treated, allowing your child to live a productive and fulfilling life.
