Ten questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician for your family
Selecting a pediatrician is an important decision and one that parents shouldn’t take lightly. Pediatricians specialize in caring for children from birth until young adulthood, so families maintain a relationship with their pediatrician (and their practice) for years. Your pediatrician will quickly become your partner and advisor when caring for your child. Your pediatrician will ... Read More about Ten questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician for your family
It’s American Heart Month: Test your knowledge of congenital heart defects
Each year, about 1 percent of all babies are born with a congenital heart defect (CHD). This makes CHDs the most common type of birth defect in the United States. But how much do you know about congenital heart defects? Test your knowledge by taking our True/False quiz. True or False? A congenital heart defect ... Read More about It’s American Heart Month: Test your knowledge of congenital heart defects
HPV vaccine: What families should know
Nearly 42 million Americans are currently infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), and most adults will be infected at least once in their lives. For most, HPV goes away on its own. If it doesn’t, it can lead to certain cancers. HPV can be transmitted sexually or by nonpenetrative skin-to-skin contact. Often, HPV does not have signs or symptoms, ... Read More about HPV vaccine: What families should know
Surgery during COVID-19: Answers for parents
Any time a child needs surgery, safety is a natural concern. With COVID-19, many parents are feeling more concerned than ever. “As a parent myself, one of the scariest things about this pandemic is that you’re often having to make decisions based on incomplete information, says Dr. Prathima Nandivada, an attending surgeon in the Department ... Read More about Surgery during COVID-19: Answers for parents
Getting COVID-19 vaccines to medically fragile children
As COVID-19 vaccines slowly roll out, should children who need complex care or have serious medical conditions be vaccinated? We asked experts around Boston Children’s Hospital, and their resounding answer is: Yes, if they are age 16 or older. Boston Children’s is actively planning to make vaccination happen for as many patients as possible, as ... Read More about Getting COVID-19 vaccines to medically fragile children
Talking with your child about loss and death
The death toll from COVID-19 has recently surpassed more than 400,000 in the United States and continues to climb. This means that thousands of children have lost someone close to them — a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, a family friend, or even a parent. Some children have lost more than one loved one. Talking ... Read More about Talking with your child about loss and death
Chronic headaches in kids: How a psychologist can help your child cope
For many young people, the pain of chronic daily headaches can be compounded by the concern that providers aren’t taking them seriously. Defined as headaches that occur at least 15 days per month for six months or more, chronic daily headaches can be so difficult to manage that some patients may feel that their pain ... Read More about Chronic headaches in kids: How a psychologist can help your child cope
Answers for parents whose baby is born with brachial plexus injury
Between one and three of every 1,000 babies is born with brachial plexus birth injury. The injury, which may be minor or severe, can impair movement and sensation in a baby’s arm. Because brachial plexus injuries take place during birth, usually without warning, the news leaves many new parents at a loss for what to ... Read More about Answers for parents whose baby is born with brachial plexus injury
Returning to sports after having COVID-19
Mikey LaCroix, age 23, competes in snowboard cross for the U.S. Snowboard Team. In late 2020, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had mild symptoms including a low-grade fever, chills, and loss of smell and taste that lasted about two weeks. Before returning to the slopes after his illness, Mikey had to go through specific ... Read More about Returning to sports after having COVID-19
Facing up to masks: Six reasons to stay the course
It’s now been almost a year since many businesses shuttered, schools closed, and Zoom calls became a way of life for many of us. Among the changes: face masks, designed to help prevent the spread the virus that causes COVID-19. If you’re experiencing so-called mask exhaustion, you’re not alone. One recent survey found that half ... Read More about Facing up to masks: Six reasons to stay the course