Undercooked burgers and unwashed produce are among the foods that can harbor E. coli bacteria and lead to infection and severe diarrhea. Here's how to protect yourself.| kidshealth.org
A person with SAD typically experiences symptoms of depression as winter approaches and daylight hours become shorter.| kidshealth.org
All kids worry at times, and some may do so more than others. But parents can help kids manage it and tackle everyday problems with ease. Find out how.| kidshealth.org
At puberty, guys' bodies begin producing a lot of the hormone testosterone, which causes changes in several parts of the body, including the voice.| kidshealth.org
Teaching kids about their bodies and what is private can help them develop healthy feelings about their bodies in age-appropriate ways.| kidshealth.org
Many parents feel awkward answering kids’ questions about sex. But by giving honest responses, you can help your child have healthy feelings about it.| kidshealth.org
Precocious puberty - when signs of puberty start before age 7 or 8 in girls and age 9 for boys - can be tough for kids. But it can be treated.| kidshealth.org
Skin, hair, and nails form the outer layer of our body and protect everything inside.| kidshealth.org
Seizures are caused by a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. Find out what you need to know about seizures and what to do if your child has one.| kidshealth.org
Raynaud's syndrome makes a person's fingers or toes temporarily feel cold, numb, tingly, or painful.| kidshealth.org
Information on temperatures, symptoms, treatment, and when to call a doctor or seek emergency care if your child has a fever. Learn more here.| kidshealth.org
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells. A hemoglobin test can be done as part of a routine checkup to screen for problems and or because a child isn't feeling well.| kidshealth.org
Anemia happens when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by many things, including dietary problems, medical treatments, and inherited conditions.| kidshealth.org
Genetics is the study of genes, which carry information that gets passed from one generation to the next.| kidshealth.org
A night terror seems similar to a nightmare, but it's far more dramatic. Night terrors can be alarming, but aren't usually cause for concern or a sign of a medical issue.| kidshealth.org
Newborn babies don’t yet have a sense of day and night. They wake often to eat – no matter what time it is.| kidshealth.org
Sleep problems are common in the second half of a baby's first year. It's best to respond to your baby's needs with the right balance of concern and consistency.| kidshealth.org
By this age, your baby should be on the way to having a regular sleep pattern, sleeping longer at night, and taking 2 or 3 naps during the day.| kidshealth.org
At this age, babies generally have their days and nights straightened out. Many infants even "sleep through the night," which means 5 or 6 hours at a time.| kidshealth.org
Nighttime feedings may be a thing of the past, but in this second year of life your tot might be rising for other reasons. Learn more.| kidshealth.org
School-age kids need 9–12 hours of sleep a night. If they don't get it, they may be cranky or moody, hyper, and have behavior problems.| kidshealth.org
Preschoolers sleep about 10 to 13 hours during each 24-hour period, and it's important to help them develop good habits for getting to sleep.| kidshealth.org
A good nap can keep kids from becoming overtired, which not only takes a toll on their moods but might make it harder for them to fall asleep at night.| kidshealth.org
Pulse oximetry, a simple test that measures the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, may give the first clue that there is a heart or lung problem.| kidshealth.org
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in kids. They're easy to treat and usually clear up in a week or so.| kidshealth.org
Constipation is a very common problem among kids, and it usually occurs because a child's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, simple changes can help kids go.| kidshealth.org
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are common and easily treated.| kidshealth.org
Ear infections are common among kids and, often, painful. Find out what causes them and how they're treated.| kidshealth.org
Kids who have hearing loss, or hearing impairment, have trouble hearing or understanding some or all sounds. It’s best to catch hearing problems right away, because treatment is more successful if it starts early.| kidshealth.org
An otolaryngologist, often called an ENT, is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, prevents, and treats diseases and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat.| kidshealth.org
Germs are the microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause disease.| kidshealth.org
Many kids have an allergy. Find out how allergies are diagnosed and how to keep them under control.| kidshealth.org
What kind? How much? How often? Find out how to give this pain medicine.| kidshealth.org
An allergen-specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) blood test helps doctors diagnose some kinds of allergies.| kidshealth.org
A scratch or skin prick test is a common way doctors find out more about a person's allergies.| kidshealth.org
Has your child broken out in welts? It could be a case of the hives. Learn how to soothe itchy bumps and help your child feel better.| kidshealth.org
Find out how to make healthy food choices for your family by reading food labels.| kidshealth.org
Food allergies can cause serious and even deadly reactions in kids, so it's important to know how to feed a child with food allergies and to prevent reactions.| kidshealth.org
Kids with severe allergies can be at risk for a sudden, serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The good news is that when treated properly, anaphylaxis can be managed.| kidshealth.org
Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in our bodies. They’re essential to digestion, blood clotting, and growth, and do many other important things.| kidshealth.org
Most kids battle diarrhea from time to time, so it's important to know what to do to relieve and even prevent it.| kidshealth.org
A dairy-free diet is one that has no animal milk in it or any products made from milk.| kidshealth.org
Some babies are born with the metabolic disorder glactosemia. They must drink soy-based formula instead of breast milk or a cow's milk-based formula.| kidshealth.org
Everyone needs enough healthy food, but many people can't get it all the time. Here are programs that can help.| kidshealth.org
Many things can cause a baby to be born early or with health problems. Some of these things can be controlled, but others can’t. Find out what you can do to have a healthy pregnancy.| kidshealth.org
An X-ray of the tibia and fibula can help find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the lower leg. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, help see if it has healed well.| kidshealth.org
Vitamin D is needed for strong bones, but is hard to come by because it's found in few foods. Here's how to make sure kids get enough vitamin D.| kidshealth.org
Blount disease is a growth disorder that causes the bones of the lower leg to bow outward. This gets worse if it's not treated, so early diagnosis is very important.| kidshealth.org
Methamphetamines are dangerous stimulants that speed up a person's heart rate and bodily functions. When used in large doses, meth can kill.| kidshealth.org
Kids with disabilities may quality for services to help with learning. Here is a guide to getting the help your child needs.| kidshealth.org
Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child.| kidshealth.org
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) — also called speech therapists — are licensed professionals who diagnose and treat disorders that affect speech and interfere with communication. Speech therapists can work in schools, hospitals, or specialty clinics.| kidshealth.org
Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They help them develop, regain, and improve skills needed for daily working and living.| kidshealth.org
Find out what this well-child visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the second year.| kidshealth.org
Find out what this well-child visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 18 months.| kidshealth.org
Many scientific studies have shown that there is no link between vaccines — or any of their ingredients — and autism.| kidshealth.org
If you think that your child might have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it’s important get an evaluation. Kids with ASD need extra help, and the earlier treatment starts, the better.| kidshealth.org
As your child moves toward adulthood, learn the tools you need to make the transition as smooth as possible. This 6-step checklist can help.| kidshealth.org
When your child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, there's a lot to learn. This 7-step checklist can help you find the best path forward.| kidshealth.org
Having a plan for the future can help your big kid reach his or her full potential. Follow this 8-step checklist to help your child succeed during the elementary school years.| kidshealth.org
KidsHealth is the #1 most-trusted source for physician-reviewed information and advice on children's health and parenting issues. For parents, kids, teens, and educators, in English and in Spanish.| kidshealth.org
Almost all infants are fussy at times. But some are very fussy because they have an allergy to the protein in cow's milk, which is the basis for most commercial baby formulas.| kidshealth.org
Babies should not have honey if they're younger than 1 year old. Here's why.| kidshealth.org
Many kids have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night. Here's how to help them sleep better.| kidshealth.org
Teens with insomnia have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Here’s how parents can help.| kidshealth.org
Delayed sleep-wake phase affects a teen's internal clock. This means they go to sleep later and wake up later than they should, which can lead to trouble functioning during the day and at school.| kidshealth.org
Caffeine is in many foods and drinks, but it's wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids. Here's why.| kidshealth.org
The KidsHealth parents site offers advice on children's health, behavior, and growth —from before birth through the teen years.| kidshealth.org
Always supervise young kids in the bath to keep them safe. Here are other bathroom water safety tips.| kidshealth.org
All teens feel sad or moody at times. But when a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer, and when there are other changes in how a teen acts, it could be a sign of depression. Find out what to do.| kidshealth.org
When disasters strike, it's natural for people to want to help. Here are some ways to do that.| kidshealth.org
Talking to kids about puberty is an important job for parents, especially because kids often hear about sex and relationships from unreliable sources. Here are some tips.| kidshealth.org
Lupus is known as an autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system mistakenly works against the body's own tissues.| kidshealth.org
Inflammation is one way the body reacts to infection, injury, or other medical conditions. Many things can cause it.| kidshealth.org
Although it can be unnerving to see, sleepwalking is actually very common in kids. Here's how to keep your young sleepwalker safe.| kidshealth.org
Getting enough sleep can be a problem for children of any age. Here's how to know if your kids get enough sleep.| kidshealth.org
A sleep study (or polysomnogram) helps doctors diagnose sleep problems. It is an overnight test that can record a variety of body functions while a child sleeps.| kidshealth.org
Bedwetting is an issue that millions of families face every night. Most of the time it's not a sign of any deeper medical or emotional issues and kids eventually grow out of it.| kidshealth.org
In Down syndrome, an extra chromosome causes delays in the way a child develops, mentally and physically. But many resources are available to help kids who have it and their families.| kidshealth.org
Cerebral palsy (CP) affects a child's muscle tone, movement, and more. This article explains causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping.| kidshealth.org
Adenoids trap germs, so sometimes they swell while fighting an infection. If they get infected, tonsils and adenoids might be removed in a surgery at the same time.| kidshealth.org
Kids reaching puberty should already know what's going to happen to their bodies. Here are some tips for talking to your daughter about menstruation.| kidshealth.org
The glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release affect almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies.| kidshealth.org
Milk allergy can cause serious reactions. Find out how to keep kids safe.| kidshealth.org
Many kids have lactose intolerance - trouble digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and milk products - which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and gas.| kidshealth.org
Parents might want to make their own infant formula for many reasons. But commercially prepared formula is the best and safest choice. Here's why.| kidshealth.org
Shopping for formula-feeding supplies can be daunting. Here are answers to some common questions about formula feeding.| kidshealth.org
Bow legs is when the legs curve outward at the knees while the feet and ankles touch. Infants and toddlers often have bow legs. It's rarely serious and usually goes away on its own.| kidshealth.org
The immune system, composed of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that protect against germs and microorganisms, is the body's defense against disease.| kidshealth.org
Autism spectrum disorder affects a child's ability to communicate and learn. Early intervention and treatment can help kids improve skills and do their best.| kidshealth.org
Teens need about 8–10 hours of sleep a night, but many don't get it. Keeping these tips in mind can help your teen get a good night’s sleep.| kidshealth.org
Race and the harmful effects of racism are common topics of conversation for some families. Other parents, though, might talk about racism and discrimination with their kids rarely, or not at all.To help put an end to racism, everyone has to take an active role, no matter who they are.| kidshealth.org
Kids and teens who live through a traumatic event can develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learn about PTSD.| kidshealth.org
Weather events like severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can be a lot for kids to handle. Here's how to help children feel less stressed.| kidshealth.org
It’s normal for kids to have nightmares occasionally. You can't completely prevent nightmares, but you can help make them less likely and help your child get back to sleep.| kidshealth.org
News reports are often educational. But when stories are about disturbing topics, parents can find it hard to explain to kids. Here are some guidelines.| kidshealth.org
Behavioral health is medical care that helps manage emotions and behaviors. The main health care providers who work in behavioral health are psychologists and psychiatrists.| kidshealth.org
As much as parents may not like to think about it, the truth is that many kids and teens try alcohol before it is legal for them to drink it. Here's an age-based guide on how to talk to them about it.| kidshealth.org
When you have a child with diabetes, you and your family have a lot to learn, but you don't have to go it alone. Your child's diabetes health care team can help.| kidshealth.org
With all the options out there, choosing a sunscreen for your kids can be tricky. Here's what you need to know.| kidshealth.org