Child & Teen Health Archive

Articles

Different types of heart murmurs

Ask the doctor

Q. My 2-year-old grandson has a heart murmur. His pediatrician says it's likely nothing serious and will probably disappear when he's older. What causes heart murmurs in children? Are they different than those found in adults?

A. A heart murmur refers to a noise heard through a stethoscope that occurs between the heart's regular beats. Often described as a whooshing sound, murmurs are caused by turbulent blood flow. They can be separated into two categories: functional (also called innocent or benign murmurs) and structural (also known as pathologic murmurs).

How early can you — and should you — diagnose autism?

If a parent thinks a child might have autism, it helps to get a definitive diagnosis as early as possible, since the earlier treatment can begin, the better it is for the child. But at what age can a reliable diagnosis be made?

Keeping children safe around cosmetics

Between 2002 and 2016, over 4,000 children under 5 were treated each year in US emergency departments for cosmetics-related injuries. Take precautions with your cosmetic products to keep children safe.

Why do parents worry about vaccines?

The ongoing measles epidemic spotlights the importance of vaccinations –– and the concerns some parents have about vaccine safety. If you have such concerns, talk to your child’s doctor and learn more about vaccine safety.

HPV vaccine: A vaccine that works, and one all children should get

Human papilloma virus (HPV) causes about 40,000 cases of cancer every year. A long-term study of the HPV vaccine finds it offers protection against many strains of the virus, yet many teens haven’t had this safe, effective vaccine.

Children and gun safety: What to know and do

Regardless of individual feelings about guns and gun ownership, everyone wants their children to be safe. Simple safety steps can prevent accidents involving children and guns.

Infant car seats are for cars only (how not to use an infant car seat)

If you use an infant car seat that detaches from the base, it may be convenient to leave your baby in it even when not in a car, but the American Academy of Pediatrics warns people that these seats should be used only for travel in a vehicle.

The 6 don’ts of caring for your child’s teeth

Tooth decay is linked to a higher risk of many health problems in adulthood, but often families don’t put enough emphasis on proper and consistent dental care. Avoiding these mistakes can help your children get the right start on their oral health.

Public policies to stop kids from drinking sugary drinks

Concern about the amount of sugar in kids’ diets has led the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association to encourage the consideration of steps to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks among children and teens.

5 ways we can help our children succeed

The recent college admission scandal has raised the issue of parents helping their children succeed. Regardless of where (or whether) someone goes to college, parents and other caregivers can help children learn the traits and skills that will help them learn how to find their way in the world.

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