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What you should know if your child is double-jointed?

As an occupational therapist, I work with kids and their parents who have been told they have joint hypermobility, sometimes known as being “double jointed.” This might make it sound like the child has twice as many joints, but it simply means that a child’s joint is moving past the expected range. Joint hypermobility occurs when the soft tissues that surround and support each joint (also known as connective tissue) stretch more than usual and cause the joint to go beyond the normal range of motion. This can cause pain or discomfort and is often confused with or dismissed as general growing pains. Joint hypermobility is common in childhood, occurring in eight to 39 percent of school-aged children. Girls are generally more hypermobile than boys.

RSV: When Is It Serious for Your Child?

RSV is so common that most children have been infected with it by the time they're 2 years old. The virus can cause complications, especially in infants, that require hospitalization. Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Tell If Your Child Is Dehydrated?

School may have started, but it’s still sweltering outside. For Floridians, cooler weather is not in the cards for quite a while. As after-school activities and recreational sports begin, we must remember that extreme heat can take a toll on a child’s body.

Arsenic in rice: is it safe?

Last week, Consumer Reports issued a warning to consumers regarding potentially harmful levels of arsenic found in rice and rice products. The Food and Drug Administration also released preliminary data from an in-depth study which seemed to be in line with those conclusions. But, don’t run to the pantry to purge your home of your favorite cereal just yet.

What is arsenic?

Is your child over-caffeinated?

Caffeine is the world’s most commonly used nervous system stimulant. It can occur naturally in products such as coffee, chocolate, and tea, or it can be artificially added to beverages such as sodas and energy drinks. Caffeine has been known to energize the body and improve concentration, but it should only be consumed in small doses. Even though caffeine is considered a “safe” substance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in larger doses, it could possibly be dangerous to your child’s health.

Is Sunscreen Safe for Babies?

Few things can bring a smile to your face as quickly as a baby in a bathing suit. With chunky leg rolls exposed and a huge summertime grin on their faces, babies lounging at the beach or the pool are just the cutest. But as you dress your little ones in their beachwear, you may wonder whether you should slather on sunscreen before going out in the sun.

How to Talk to Children When a Loved One Is Seriously Ill

If your family is dealing with the death or serious illness of a loved one, take some time to consider how your children are handling it — and what you can do to help them navigate this confusing, and possibly frightening, time. Children can absorb a great deal, and often imagine the situation to be worse than it is, with studies showing that even preschoolers can be significantly affected. Although discussing a loss with your child won’t make it less painful, you can certainly offer significant support and teach healthy coping skills they will need as they process things. 

20th Annual CMAA Golf Tournament Is Here!

Enjoy a day of golf for a good cause.

For Autism, Early Diagnosis Is Key

As a new parent, you probably pay close attention to when your baby smiles, crawls and says their first word. While each baby’s progression is unique, delays in speech, interaction skills and mobility could raise concerns. 

Is Babywearing Hurting My Child’s Hips?

Babywearing is the practice of carrying a baby close against your body through the use of a sling or similar carrier. When done safely, this practice can be a beneficial choice for both infants and parents. In fact, carrying your baby on your chest or back has been shown to increase the health and happiness of babies, among other positives.