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.

Genetic factors contribute to the experience of pain. So maybe there is a genetic difference in those third of children having growing pains but it doesn’t make it less real. When a child has severe pain, swelling, fever, a persistent lump in a muscle, is limping, has redness or warmth of the skin over the muscle, it is time to call the doctor.

Lifestyle changes involve healthy diet, increased exercise and weight loss. A gradual weight loss of about 10% body weight can improve liver health in most children.

We have lots of information floating around but what we want is “just the facts”. In today’s climate of political lies and conspirator theories, it is hard to gather the facts.

Influenza vaccines are safe, effective and have been used for decades. Everyone over 6 months is recommended to get vaccinated. Antivirals should be used under medical supervision. If your child has trouble breathing, chest pain, seizures, fever over 104 degrees, call your doctor.

One in six children have a mental health issue. It is important that talking about mental health is a regular part of their growth and development.

If the child is not able to adapt to being without their parent talk to your health care provider for help to make a plan to support both the child and the parent.

Children who eat with their families at least three times a week enjoy improved physical, emotional, social and academic outcomes.

Children are more vulnerable because they breathe more rapidly than adults, inhaling a greater volume of pollutants and the developing brains and bodies are more susceptible to damage from the toxins.

Soon, stool samples may be routine in wellness checks.

Muscle-strengthening activities could include tug-of-war, push-ups, swinging, and tree or rope climbing. Resistance training that involves the use of weight machines, free weights, bands and tubing and even the body’s own weight increases the individual’s muscle strength. This is not recommended for pre-teens and all need trained supervision. Olympic lifting or power lifting is not recommended for children. Check with your pediatrician before starting any strength training exercises.

If a child’s pain continues or worsens over a period of 3-5 hours and if they have fever, severe sore throat or extreme change in appetite or energy level, the parent should call the doctor.

Getting up close helps the baby see your face and early on that is the distance they see well. Having a child-safe mirror in front of the baby during tummy time or on the stroller is fun even if the baby doesn’t know who it is. Playing peekaboo can be fun even as early as 3 months.

Sharing is so much more than who gets to play with the favorite toy. It is a skill that encourages back-and-forth communication. It is a skill that is more than telling others what we want. It is a connection of minds, sharing and reading emotions, seeing situations from someone else’s perspective and using that knowledge to solve problems

The internet is a valuable source of medical information. But please weigh with careful consideration the source and the story the source is telling. healthychildren.org discusses this.

Children exposed to ash should be thoroughly washed. Exposed clothing should be washed. Ash is dangerous.

Only a few foods contain Vitamin D, trout, salmon, tuna, egg yolks but many are fortified such as dairy products, plant based milk, cereals, and baby formulas. The recommended daily amount is 600 IU.