Brushing 2
You know you need to brush your teeth and floss every day. But do you know how to get the most out of it? Even if you think you mastered brushing and flossing in grade school, you may still have a few things to learn.What kind of toothbrush should I b…
Learn MoreChildren and Cancer
What causes cancer in children?When a child develops cancer, everyone has the same question: Why? In most cases, there is no obvious explanation. Cells in the body sometimes make mistakes when copying themselves, and some of those mistakes can turn in…
Learn MoreConstipation in Children
How can I tell whether my child is constipated? Don’t gauge it by how many trips your child makes to the toilet. Some children need to move their bowels twice a day; others go only once every two or three days. Unless four or more days have passed sin…
Learn MoreVomiting
Why do children vomit? Vomiting is the body’s way of expelling material from the stomach, sometimes to get rid of something poisonous. Whatever the cause, your child’s stomach muscles will contract forcefully, and food will come back up through his es…
Learn MoreNits Aren’t Nice
There are things we just don’t talk about in polite company. There are subjects one doesn’t broach at the dinner table. Take bodily vermin, for example. A few months ago, I couldn’t have pictured myself sipping a post-prandial cup of coffee and Sambuc…
Learn MoreAsthma (Teenagers)
What is asthma?Most people associate asthma with sudden fits of coughing and wheezing, but the disease is actually present 24 hours a day. If your teenager has asthma, the tubes that carry air to her lungs are inflamed and may be swollen and clogged w…
Learn MoreTetanus Booster Following Trauma
When should my child get a tetanus booster? It depends on her age. Experts recommend vaccinating your child when she’s 2 months old, with follow-up shots at 4 months, 6 months, after her first birthday, and again around age 5. These initial shots are …
Learn MoreAllergic Reaction: Severe
What is anaphylactic shock? Anaphylactic shock, or anaphylaxis, is one of the scariest health emergencies a parent can face; it occurs when your child has a severe allergic reaction. When that happens, your child’s immune system mistakenly responds to…
Learn MoreCold Sores (Children)
What are cold sores?Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small red blisters that crop up near the lips or on them. More rarely, they sprout on the roof of the mouth. (Some people confuse them with canker sores, which are painful crater-like s…
Learn MoreAutism
What is autism? Autism is a brain disorder that can severely limit a child’s ability to communicate or interact with others. National statistics for how many children are affected by autism don’t yet exist. However, the National Institute for Mental H…
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