Preschooler
Do Bike Helmets Work?
When children topple off a bike, helmets can save their brains -- cutting the risk of head injury by 80%. But some helmeted children still get brain damage. Why? One study has found that those who wea…
Could Childhood Obesity be a Genetic Disorder? Yes!
The July issue of Pediatrics reports convincing evidence (from an investigation of twins growing up in different environments) that up to 80% of the variation in body fat between children is genetic a…
Fast Facts about Rotaviruses
Rotaviruses are the leading cause of both routine vomiting and diarrheal illnesses and of severe, life-threatening diarrhea in every country in the world. Click here to read more about rotaviruses. (m…
Don’t use that vaccine!
A public health advisory issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics now warns against giving children rotavirus vaccine because it might cause a rare condition called intussusception. (more…)…
Healthy Eating, Part III – The five greatest motivators for preschool children to eat healthy foods
Let's get practical with my five greatest motivators for preschool children to eat healthy foods. (more…)…
Fast Facts about Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis can occur at any age, but 95 percent of cases are in children under 5 years old. Boys are more likely to get it than girls. (more…)…
Fast Facts about Sun and our Eyes
One of the great wonders of the human body is the ability of damaged cells to be repaired or replaced. Red blood cells, for instance, live for about 120 days. Each day, about 1% of your red blood cell…
Fast Facts about Febrile Seizures
Some children have seizures or convulsions when they have fevers. Febrile seizures occur in 3% to 5% of otherwise healthy children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Toddlers are the most commo…
Fast Facts about the DTaP Vaccine
The DTaP vaccine is a newer version of the older DPT vaccine. DTaP is designed to immunize against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. (more…)…
Fast Facts about the Chickenpox Vaccine
Chicken pox is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus. It is usually a mild infection, and not life-threatening. Although children with this virus may be miserable for several days, and miss a week of s…
Tips for Weaning your Child from a Bedtime Bottle
When a toddler or preschooler is still using a bottle to go to sleep, there are two patterns that must be overcome. First, she has chosen the bottle as her special comfort object to help her with the …
Fast Facts about Bed Wetting
Contrary to popular opinion, bed wetting is a very common problem. It affects somewhere between five and six million children. (more…)…