Not home for the holidays? How you can help inpatient families
There’s nothing like being home for the holidays. But for families with a child in the hospital, being home might be a distant dream. As a friend or family member, you may wonder what you can do to make the holidays a little brighter. For ideas, we turned to those who have been there before ... Read More about Not home for the holidays? How you can help inpatient families
Opioids for acute pain in kids: Four things to know
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Opioid use disorder can include addiction to heroin, as well as to fentanyl and other prescription opioid analgesics. In fact, research suggests that nearly 80 percent of heroin users report using prescription opioids first. It’s ... Read More about Opioids for acute pain in kids: Four things to know
Testicular problems in boys: When is surgery necessary?
Testicular problems can be a source of alarm for parents of boys, but they’re actually quite common. Here, Dr. Erin McNamara, a pediatric urologist in the Department of Urology at Boston Children’s Hospital, explains testicular abnormalities and shares when to consider surgery. Undescended testicles Before a baby boy is born, his testicles form in his ... Read More about Testicular problems in boys: When is surgery necessary?
Finding ways to give thanks for the gift of life
The holiday season is a time for families to count their blessings. But for Elizabeth Molina-Cordero, the meaning of this time of year — and the gratitude she feels — goes much deeper and lasts throughout the year. Five years ago, her son Julian, who is now 7 years old, received the ultimate gift of life ... Read More about Finding ways to give thanks for the gift of life
Take great photos of your kids: Tips from our staff photographer
From holiday photos to first-day-of-school snaps, there’s no shortage of opportunities to take pictures of your kids. The advent of smartphones has made photo sessions less of a chore for parents and children alike — but how to do you make the leap from taking garden-variety pictures to making lasting memories? We sat down with ... Read More about Take great photos of your kids: Tips from our staff photographer
Breast reduction surgery improves quality of life for teens
Bigger isn’t always better — especially when it comes to breast size for some young women. Teenagers with excessively large breasts may suffer from back and neck pain, bra strap grooving on their shoulders, and skin irritation under their breasts. They often also have trouble participating in physical activities and finding clothes that properly fit. Yet ... Read More about Breast reduction surgery improves quality of life for teens
Ski and snowboard safety: Helmet guide
They’re large and they mess up your hair. Nonetheless, more than 80 percent of skiers and snowboarders wore helmets during the 2017-2018 season. The rise in helmet use is welcome news for specialists in sports medicine and traumatic brain injury prevention, says Jessie Oldham, a postdoctoral researcher who focuses on sport-related concussion. Oldham recently shared ... Read More about Ski and snowboard safety: Helmet guide
When to call the doctor about your child’s cough
Come winter, it’s difficult to escape the cacophony of hacking and throat-clearing that accompanies the common cold. Fortunately, most coughs are associated with self-limiting respiratory infections and will clear up on their own with time. But how do you know when a cough is worrisome — and when it’s time to call your pediatrician? We ... Read More about When to call the doctor about your child’s cough
Six ways to keep kids with aerodigestive disorders healthy
There’s probably not an adult or child who hasn’t experienced the stuffy nose and difficulty swallowing associated with an upper respiratory infection. Usually, rest, extra fluids, and time help ease such symptoms until the cold clears up. But for kids with aerodigestive conditions, which already affect the ability to eat and breathe, cold and flu ... Read More about Six ways to keep kids with aerodigestive disorders healthy
Why do kids love “Baby Shark”? A Boston Children’s music therapist explains
Doo doo doo doo doo doo. If you spend any time around young children, you’re likely all too familiar with the ear worm known as “Baby Shark.” With its catchy beat and simple lyrics, the song is such a big hit that it’s broken Billboard’s Top 40 chart. The current World Series champions, the Washington ... Read More about Why do kids love “Baby Shark”? A Boston Children’s music therapist explains