Shopping for school supplies, completing back-to-school checkups and meeting new teachers are all part of the back-to-school excitement. But for many families, one of the biggest challenges is getting back into a regular bedtime routine. Summer break often means more relaxed bedtime and wake-up schedules. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s guidelines for the recommended…
Acne. Hair growth. Irregular periods. Weight gain. Sounds like the usual issues teen girls deal with during puberty. Maybe — but not always. These also can be symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. When acne, hair growth on the face and body, and weight gain are excessive, this common hormonal disorder could be to blame….
The official start to summer is coming soon; however, the temperatures and humidity levels already have arrived. As we brace for heat waves during the summer, medical experts encourage parents to heed the warning and know the signs of heat exhaustion. “Heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses can be detrimental in children,” said Sandra M. Herr,…
Many warm-weather activities are just around the corner. In an effort to maintain a sun-kissed look, many teens will turn to tanning beds, which can come with an increased risk of developing skin cancer. “A considerable problem with that is many people, especially young people, turn to tanning beds in order to accomplish what they think…
Many families in Louisville and Southern Indiana struggle to provide healthy meals for children. This is due to many factors, including cost, living in a “food desert” — an area where it’s difficult to find affordable fresh food — and being unable to travel to a grocery. Food insecurity has negative effects for a child’s…
If you have tweens or teens, you’ve no doubt noticed things have changed since you were that age. Maybe you talked about puberty and sex with your parents, or maybe they left it to a pamphlet or health class, or didn’t discuss it at all. Today, what’s recommended is more open communication between parents and…
Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together to celebrate the bounty of the season, reconnect and express gratitude for life’s many blessings. It’s much more than turkey, football and parades. Here are some ideas for Thanksgiving traditions you can start doing with your family to keep them healthy and happy beyond the holiday…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it is investigating 805 possible cases of electronic cigarette-related lung disease across 46 states, and one U.S. territory, including Kentucky and Indiana. The CDC confirmed 12 deaths, including one in Indiana. The CDC is cautioning consumers not to use e-cigarettes. If your kids are vaping, what…
Germany had more than 300 drownings in the summer of 2018. The German Lifeguard Association (DLRG), the world’s largest lifeguard organization, issued a warning to parents in response: There is a direct link between being distracted by smartphones and child drowning deaths. Studies show that cell phones are a growing distraction for parents who should be supervising…
This year marks the 11th anniversary of the passing of Max Gilpin, a local high school football player who suffered a heat stroke during a team practice. The community remembers Max’s legacy through the annual Norton Children’s Hospital Splash ‘n’ Dash Walk/Run, which was started in his honor five years ago. Splash ‘n’ Dash raises…
For the first time in eight years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its recommendations for children recovering from concussions, easing restrictions on electronics and physical activity. The AAP is no longer recommending complete removal of electronic devices, such as television, computers and smartphones, following a concussion. In addition, the guidelines support children…
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, a hot and humid day, Max Gilpin’s mother, Michele Crockett, received a phone call just as she was leaving work to pick him up from football practice. The caller said her 15-year-old had passed out on the field and was not moving. “I was not prepared for what I saw…