The Rev. Rick Forest, chaplain and bereavement care coordinator at Norton Children’s Hospital, and Clinton Nowicke, Psy.D., clinical pediatric psychologist with Norton Children’s, offer thoughts on how to talk to kids about tragedy in a community. The most important thing is to be there for your children. They look to you for answers and support. If your child…
Bleeding during your first periods may only last a few days and be very light — sometimes as little as a few spots of red or brown blood. If the bleeding lasts more than seven days, you should contact your pediatrician or a pediatric gynecologist. It will take your body some time to get into…
School-age children can face a variety of new challenges regularly, from playground disagreements to social and academic pressures. These experiences may be frustrating for them, but they’re also important opportunities to help build a lifelong skill: emotional resilience. “Think of emotional resilience like every child’s inner toolkit,” said Heather M. Felton, M.D., pediatrician with Norton…
Does my child have strep throat? A scratchy throat doesn’t always mean strep. There are many reasons kids experience throat discomfort, including the flu, COVID-19, seasonal allergies or the common cold. “Assuming you know what the cause of the sore throat is can delay treatment and cause unnecessary worry,” said Patrick K. Hynes, M.D., pediatrician…
Your child has flu symptoms: a dry cough, runny nose and a sore throat. The pediatrician does a flu test, but it’s negative. What do you do when someone has flu symptoms but a negative flu test? “It’s hard watching our kids not feel good,” said Patrick K. Hynes, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical…
Vaccines are a safe and essential part of keeping children healthy. They protect against serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough and polio — and help prevent the spread of disease to others, including babies and people with weakened immune systems. It’s normal for parents to have questions. Here is a guide to clear up common…
When your baby starts to feel warm, it can be anxiety-inducing for parents. Is it “normal” or is it time to visit the emergency room? The truth is: Fever in a newborn is considered a medical emergency. “For babies under 3 months old, a fever isn’t just a sign of illness — it can signal…
As your teenager grows into a young adult, an important life skill you can help them develop is managing their own health care. “From a young age, parents can instill healthy habits like nutrition and exercise, but as a child gets older, teaching them to take ownership over their health care is empowering,” said Heather…
Inhalant abuse has been a deadly problem for generations, but it has received a new boost of exposure through dangerous social media challenges. The “chroming” trend gets its name from metallic spray paint, but other household chemicals can be just as dangerous — nail polish remover, paint thinners, permanent marker, spray deodorant, lighter fluid and…
Getting kids to eat well or exercise doesn’t have to be a daily battle — but it might require a little extra effort from parents when it comes to teaching healthy habits. As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in creating an environment where nutritious eating and regular physical activity become natural parts…
These days, technology is everywhere, and it can be hard to manage appropriate screen time for kids. It gets even more complex when kids need tech for school, to learn a new skill, for work, for reading and other activities. This guide to recommended screen time can help parents set reasonable expectations and make thoughtful…
Feeding your little one can be rewarding and challenging. Rest assured that if you are feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Feeding a baby is a round-the-clock job, but it’s a way for caregivers to bond with the newest member of the family. Remember, every baby is different, so use the following as a guide, not…