Child & Teen Health Archive

Articles

COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens: What we do — and don't — know

Every day, more and more adults are getting vaccinated against COVID-19, helping us build toward herd immunity. But what about children and teens? What is the status of research on the vaccines in these groups, and when might vaccines be available for them?

A rocky childhood could be bad for your heart

Childhood trauma may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, but making lifestyle changes can help you stay healthy.

Traumatic childhood experiences may have a lasting effect on your heart health.

A review published online Dec. 2, 2020, by JAMA Cardiology found that adults who had multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — like being neglected; suffering physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; or witnessing violence at home — had double the risk of cardiovascular disease and an early death compared with people who didn't face any ACEs at all.

Edibles and children: Poison center calls rise

As more states have legalized the use of marijuana and products derived from it, more children are being exposed. Children can't be trusted not to eat appealing-looking food items they may find, so it's up to adults to take precautions and make sure edibles are stored where children can't find them.

School reopening? What parents need to know and can do

While some children have been attending school in-person throughout the pandemic, most have been learning remotely, or in a hybrid model. As more schools reopen for in-person learning, parents can ask key questions about their school district’s plans and help their children prepare to go back.

New school guidelines around COVID-19: What parents need to know

After nearly a year of the pandemic, parents want their children to go back to school, but no one wants students or teachers to get sick with COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidelines for how schools can accomplish in-person learning safely.

Returning to sports and physical activity after COVID-19: What parents need to know

Most children and teens who have COVID-19 recover completely, but rarely there can be damage to a child’s heart muscle, and the stress of exercise on a damaged heart could lead to a serious condition. Here’s what parents need to know about recent guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics for children returning to physical activity after COVID-19.

Heavy metals in baby food? What parents should know and do

Worrisome levels of arsenic, lead, and other elements called heavy metals that can harm the developing brain are found in some commercial baby foods, according to a recent report. Here’s what parents should know and can do to protect young children.

Need to revisit screen time?

Restrictions caused by the pandemic have led both adults and children to spend a lot of time on screens. It’s not great for adults, and it’s more of a concern for kids because too much screen time has effects on behavior, learning, and mood. So, what steps can parents take to change this?

New dietary guidelines: Any changes for infants, children, and teens?

The US Department of Agriculture has published its periodically updated dietary guidelines, and for the first time advice for babies and toddlers is included. It's never too early to start instilling good eating habits in kids, and awareness of what children should and shouldn't eat is one way parents can get their kids on the right track.

Executive function in children: Why it matters and how to help

Although executive function skills begin to develop in the first year of life, the time at which children reach these milestones varies. Some children experience challenges or delays related to their executive function skills, but these skills can be improved through evidence-based interventions.

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