Adolescent health

If your family follows a vegan diet––or your child expresses the desire to do so on their own––it’s important for parents to be aware of the nutritional challenges of vegan eating, and how to meet them.

If a child is obese by age 12, it’s nearly a certainty that child will be obese as an adult, with all the complications that brings. While some may be uncomfortable with a child or adolescent having bariatric surgery to facilitate weight loss, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends it in certain situations.

The number of sexually transmitted infections reported in the US reached an all-time high last year. Having an STI can raise a person’s risk of getting HIV or having infertility or pregnancy complications, but STIs are preventable and treatable. Knowing the facts about STIs and testing is the first step.

Talking to a child about a loved one’s illness is not easy, but it’s important to be truthful and not shield a child from the facts. While the specifics will depend on the child, thinking through what to say and how to say it will help parents deal with the situation.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 7% to 8% of children in the US. If you think your child may have ADHD, see your pediatrician, who can take the correct steps toward diagnosis and, if needed, proper treatment and a follow-up plan.

Human papilloma virus (HPV), a common viral infection, has been linked to cancer of the genitals, anus, mouth, and throat, as well as cervical cancer. Yet a survey of US adults found that many people are not aware of this connection.

People who identify as bisexual represent a substantial part of the population, yet research focusing on their health lags. Which health problems are more likely to occur in people who are bisexual and what might help to counter them?

Most children have an occasional headache, but some children get recurrent headaches. These often run in families and may be migraine or tension headaches or might stem from other causes.

Wondering how a teen or young adult can smoothly smoothly transition from seeing a pediatrician to a medical practice that treats adults? Making plans and taking these steps will help.

Reports of severe lung illness experienced by hundreds of people who were using e-cigarettes again raise questions about the safety of vaping. While evidence suggests vaping can help some people stop smoking, potential health risks likely outweigh any benefit.