Stress is associated with mental health problems and there has been a notable increase in children/teens with mental health difficulties in the last decade. If parents notice mood swings, irritability, anger, changes in sleep or eating patterns, academic struggles or any other change in behavior that worries them, it is important to mention this to their primary caregiver. Mental health problems are not something to be ashamed of as they are most likely a metabolic problem. Early diagnosis can be helpful is getting appropriate therapy and medication.

When only some are vaccinated, illness spreads. When everyone is vaccinated, diseases can’t spread. It helps keep children and their families stay healthy while protecting the others in the community who cannot get vaccinated (called herd immunity).

Put the device down. People of all ages have trouble putting digital devices down. It is hard for all humans to stop something they enjoy. Digital tech is designed to hold our attention, which can lead to resistance when it is time to stop.

Parents should recognize early if there’s a problem with chronic absenteeism and help their children by encouraging attendance, getting enough sleep, streamlining the early morning chaos, schedule trips only during school breaks, don’t keep them home unless truly sick, and seek help early if they suspect mental health issues.

If the decision is made that the child should stay at home the next problem is who can take care of the child. Exposure of unimmunized family members may make them sick. Parents may have difficulty missing work and if unimmunized they may also get sick. There are numerous recommended vaccinations that can prevent both serious viral and bacterial illnesses that can help keep the entire family safe.

Food allergies happen when the body reacts against a harmless protein found in foods. These proteins are called allergens. Food allergy reactions can vary from mild to severe, even life threatening. Healthychildren.org has a helpful discussion about them.

Children under 2 years should not be on low fat diets and after two years the focus should be on replacing unhealthy fats with healthy fats in the correct amount.

Read the labels. Fresh is best. Processed food is risky.

If children drink the recommended amount of cow milk, they are getting most of the protein they need until age 9+.

Positive solutions may include food drives, community gardens and kitchens for cooking, Meals-on-Wheels and food banks.

Make your chart, record your progress and help children with their own charting or journal.

Adults should model their sharing and be sure to mention this sharing. Praise whenever sharing occurs.

Extreme and persistent childhood aggression is a public health concern. It is exciting that the study of genes affecting neurotransmitters can lead to finding the most effective treatment for the individual patient.

Remember family routines are important for all. Eat healthily, exercise as usual and get enough sleep. Put down your phone and enjoy the moment.

It is critical that there is funding for treatment and for research to understand and treat these children.

By Heart Formula has been linked recently to infantile botulism. Stop using it and call your doctor for advice.

Children in the US are dying at a much higher rate than those in similar high-income countries. In the 15 years of study (2007 to 2022) children aged 1 -19 years old were 1.8 (almost 2) times more likely to die than children of other high-income countries.

Pregnant women should avoid activities associated with overheating and if there is a fever over 101 degrees, they should call their doctor. Heat seems to be more dangerous than acetaminophen for the unborn baby.

As long as it is below the recognized “safe” level of 1.5 mg/liter there is great benefit and low risk. In Galveston the amount of fluoride in water naturally is well below the safe level and using dental products such as tooth paste, gels, and mouthwash with fluoride is safe and good for teeth.

Hopefully knowledge about viruses and their vaccines will help making good decisions for preventing disease to insure a long, healthy life.