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What to Do When Your Child Is Being Bullied
Learning that your child is being bullied prompts a range of parental emotions — from anger and fear to sadness and frustration. This emotional response is natural. We raise our kids to be loved, accepted and valued, and seeing them in pain can stir up many feelings. Whether your child has reported or showed signs of bullying, it’s important to sit down with them to calmly talk about this potentially devastating social behavior. Providing a safe and supportive environment, as well as a listening ear, are keys to developing a plan for how to move forward.
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How I Finally Figured Out My Son Had Autism
While a formal diagnosis of autism can only be made by medical professionals, parents are often the first ones to spot symptoms of neurological conditions. That’s what happened with Shirliene Navarro. Just before her son’s first birthday, Shirliene started noticing behaviors that were different from other children his age. Marcello would flap his hands vigorously as if he might fly away or spin in circles but never get dizzy.
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5 Ways Families Can Kick Couch-Time to the Curb and Get Moving
Like adults, children need regular exercise. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids participate in at least one hour of vigorous physical activity a day during most days of the week. Without lots of daily heart-pumping fun, children are at risk of becoming overweight or even obese, which can lead to a host of other health problems.
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The Flu Shot: Your Best Chance Against Influenza, Despite Skepticism
When a child gets the flu, they’re not only sick in bed for a week or more, but the illness also can have serious or life-threatening consequences. During the 2018-2019 season, 138 children died after contracting the flu. Despite the consensus of the medical community, a national survey by Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children found that a shocking number of parents still are skeptical about the safety and effectiveness of the flu shot.
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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.
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OCSC Player Shane O’Neill: From Good Mornings to Game-Winning Goals
Professional athletes know pregame preparation starts well before they step onto the field. From a healthy diet and sleep regimen to a balanced morning ritual, Orlando City Soccer Club player Shane O’Neill has developed some great strategies for game day. It isn’t all about hard work and self-discipline, though. For kids looking to increase their success in sports, O’Neill’s message is a simple one: Relax and enjoy the game.
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Spring Is in the Air and so Are Things that Make Kids Sneeze
The arrival of spring brings warmer weather and longer days, which is great news for kids aching to get outside. But spring also brings an increase in allergies due to trees and plants releasing pollen and other particles. Do you have a child who is sneezing, stuffed up, complaining of itchy skin and eyes, or experiencing other symptoms of seasonal allergies? If so, they don’t have to suffer for weeks on end from these common reactions to pollen. Here are some steps you can take to identify, prevent and treat your child’s allergies.
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5 Ways to Protect Your Child During Flu Season
If your family already has received their flu shots in preparation for what’s predicted to be another severe flu season, well done: You’re off to a great start. You’ve done your part to keep the virus from unnecessarily spreading. This is so important, as last year’s flu season was the longest we have seen in a decade and 136 children died, many of whom were not vaccinated.
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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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The Impact of Music Therapy on Our Pediatric Patients
This blog was written in conjunction with Agnes Hsieh, a board-certified music therapist at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.