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…
If your child has school anxiety — maybe they seem stressed about homework and tests, or they’ve recently told you they don’t feel like going to school — you’re not alone. Sometimes, elementary and middle school students face social or academic pressures that can cause negative feelings toward their school environment. “As kids get older,…
If your newborn is fussy and seems uncomfortable, especially after feeding, you might wonder whether they’re sick or just gassy. If it is normal gas, then what’s the best gas relief for babies? “Newborns cry for many reasons, and gas is often one of them,” said Heather M. Felton, M.D., pediatrician with Norton Children’s Medical…
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…