Healthy Children

Even though temper tantrums are part of child development, that doesn't make them any less frustrating.Temper tantrums typically occur between the ages of one and three, and they can happen for a number of reasons. These tantrums are considered a normal part of childhood development and are a sign that your child is upset or frustrated about something. They are also a part of language skills that your child is learning and can occur when your child is hungry, tired, or uncomfortable. When your child isn't able to fully communicate those feelings with you, a tantrum will occur. As your child gets older and language skills start to develop, the tantrums should start to disappear. Even though tantrums are common, it doesn't make them any less frustrating. Fortunately, the American Academy of Pediatrics has come up with eight tips to help handle every tantrum patiently and gracefully: Give your child enough attention, especially while behaving well. During a tantrum, give your child control over little things. Incorporate the tactic of distraction. Choose your battles and accommodate when you can. Know you child's limits. Do not ignore behaviors like biting, kicking, hitting, throwing, etc. Set your child up for success. Give yourself a break when you need it. Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, shares more information on these eight tips for handling your child's temper tantrums.

Does your college-aged child need a separate healthcare plan?If your child is off to college as a freshman, you might have checked off bedding, a laptop, and plenty of Ramen noodles... but what about health care? The Affordable Care Act offers numerous plans for young adults, including college and graduate students. For example, if you have health insurance that extends to family members and your child is under the age of 26, he or she might be able to remain on your plan. What are some ways to help your child negotiate the health care world independently? David Hill, PhD, discusses college health care and how to help your child through the process of health care coverage.

Why are vaccines important for all age groups?Each year, August is celebrated as National Immunization Month, and experts all across the nation discuss the importance of immunization. This includes highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated, as well as encouraging people to take those steps to get vaccinated. Health experts educate adults, college students, pregnant women, and parents on what vaccines you and your child may need. For example, if your child is 18 and going to college in the fall, he or she may have to get certain vaccines in order to live in a dorm room. David Hill, PhD, discusses what National Immunization Month is, and why you and your family members should consider getting vaccinated.

What can you do to help prevent injuries?As your kids grow, their interest in riding bikes, scooters, and skateboards may increase. Even though it's great that your children want to be active, you should consider safety tips before letting them ride on their own. Katherine Roberts, MD, shares how to keep your children safe and injury-free while riding bikes, scooters, and skateboards.

After a long summer, how can you best ease your kids back into the school year?After a few months of play, it might be time to get your children in the mindset of going back to school. Helping your child get back into the swing of school can help influence a positive attitude, confidence, and excitement about learning and socializing. However, the transition can be difficult, even for the kids eager to go back. Katherine Roberts, MD, joins host Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to help your child get into back-to-school mode.

If your child gets hurt, how do you know if you should go to the ER or if a first aid kit will suffice?Accidents happen all the time, but how can you determine if you're dealing with a simple first aid kit fix or a trip to the ER? It seems children are always in need of first aid; relieving pain and preventing infections are a huge priority. So, when should you use your at home first aid kit, and when should you seek professional care? Elizabeth Murray, MD, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss whether you should go to the ER or use your first aid kit for cuts, burns, scratches, and other injuries.

Vacations are fun, but traveling with your children can also be very stressful.Traveling can be an exciting yet stressful time, especially if you have your children involved. Even though you may love visiting new places with your kids, it can present a challenge you weren't expecting. If you allow yourself enough time and planning with these few tips, your vacation can be a fun and relaxing time for the whole family. Traveling by plane: Allow your family extra time to get through security; especially when traveling with younger children. Have children wear shoes and outer layers of clothing that are easy to take off for security screening. Children younger than 12 are no longer required to remove their shoes for routine screenings. Talk to your children about the security screening process before coming to the airport Discuss the fact that it's against the law to make threats such as, "I have a bomb in my bag." Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines. Wash hands frequently, and consider bringing hand-washing gel to prevent illnesses during travel. Consult your pediatrician before flying with a newborn or infant who has chronic heart or lung problems or upper or lower respiratory symptoms. Consult your pediatrician if flying within two weeks of an episode of an ear infection or ear surgery. Travel by car: Most rental car companies can arrange for a car seat if you are unable to bring yours along. However, they may have a limited selection of seats. Check that the seat they provide is appropriate for the size and age of your child, that it appears to be in good condition, and that an instruction manual is provided before accepting it. All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. Set a good example by always wearing a seat belt, even in a taxi. Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute. What are some other survival tips for when you travel? Elizabeth Murray, MD, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how you can travel stress-free this summer.

A PPE (pre-participation physical exam) can catch an abnormal health condition that could potentially increase your child's risk of injury.If your child has sparked an interest in playing sports and plans to play for a school team or a league, you may want to consider getting a pre-participation physical exam (PPE). Typically, a PPE is a requirement before your child is able to play in junior high, high school, college, or professional sports. This helps ensure safety in your athlete's training and competition activities. What does a PPE cover? During the PPE, your physician may examine your child's past medical history (allergies, birth defects, chicken pox, diabetes, etc.), a sports-specific history (any injuries), family history, and an exam of your child's head, thorax, abdomen and genitalia. Neurological, orthopedic, and additional exams may be performed as well (lab work, x-rays, etc.). Why are PPEs so important? Joel Brenner, MD, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss pre-participation physical exams and why they're so important for your child's overall health.

Is it better for your child athlete to focus on one sport or dabble in many different areas of athletics?If your child is interested in athletics, you may be thankful because of all the amazing health benefits that come with being active at such a young age. If he or she is showing an interest in several sports, you may think this is good thing too. But, it can actually backfire. In fact, many parents are turning to sports specialization. Sports specialization is defined as year-round training in one sport, with the exclusion of any other sport. Some believe that sports specialization isn't a good idea, since it involves intense training year-round and usually starts at a young age. Critics also point to psychological stress on your athlete, the increased risk of injury, or an increased risk of burnout/dropout. However, others believe it allows your child a chance to develop many skills (mental and physical) that they can use later in life and allows the potential for school scholarships. If you're interested in sports specialization, when is it safe and appropriate? Joel Brenner, MD, discusses sports specialization and whether or not it's safe for your child.

Childhood obesity is a national health epidemic and doctors are calling for an emergency.According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), obesity leads to shorter life spans, lower quality of life, and numerous chronic medical problems, many of which now begin during childhood. Experts fear that the current generation of children might live shorter lives than their parents due to the long-term effects of obesity. BMI (Body Mass Index) is a way to measure your child's risk for obesity. The rating is based on your child's weight and height. The AAP advises that if a child's BMI is at or above the 85th percentile, he or she falls under the overweight category. This is a risk factor for obesity and other future medical problems. What if your child is already overweight? How can you help prevent more weight gain and the risk of obesity? Cori Cross, MD, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the childhood obesity crisis and how you can prevent and stop obesity in your child.