After more than a year of “pandemic life”, we are all eager to return to some sense of normalcy. Experts now say that fully vaccinated people are safe to travel with some common-sense precautions. The pandemic is not over but as the vaccine rollout continues travel will be safer and more relaxing.

As April is Child Abuse Awareness month, we have discussed Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their proven long-term effects on children and adults. There are many things you can do to minimize the negative impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and to bolster your child’s confidence. In this ACEs article Dr. Beach discusses relationships, discipline, education, when to get help, and to always remember to engage and have fun! [Click title for full article]

There have been dramatic changes in the routine of our lives, family interactions, and the constant presence of electronic devices in all our lives. Some of these changes are very, very good, and some are very, very worrisome. It is very easy for kids to access material that is not intended for them. It is very important that we are aware of what children are doing online. In this Keeping Kids Healthy, Dr. Robinson lists advice for parents and the dangers of the internet. [Click Heading For Full Story]

Como abril es el mes de la concientización sobre el abuso infantil, hemos hablado de las experiencias adversas en la infancia (ACE) y sus efectos comprobados a largo plazo en niños y adultos. ¡Las familias o los hogares no son perfectos! Muchas familias se enfrentan a estos factores de riesgo sin tener la culpa. Los padres y las familias pueden participar en grupos comunitarios para disminuir los factores de riesgo y prevenir el abuso y la negligencia infantil. Este artículo puede ayudarlo a identificar esos factores de riesgo.

As April is Child Abuse Awareness month, we have discussed Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their proven long-term effects on children and adults. Our main goal is to prevent ACEs for the children in our community. We hope these articles can help us work together towards that common goal. Families or homes are not perfect! Many families are confronted with these risk factors through no fault of their own. Parents and families can get involved in community groups to decrease risk factors and prevent child abuse and neglect. This article can help you identify those risk factors. [Click title for full article]

Traumatic events that occur in childhood can lead to levels of stress, “toxic stress,” that have long-term effects. Children are especially prone to physical changes in the brain from toxic stress. The negative effects of toxic stress and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are vast and well documented. When families, physicians, and communities work together, we can help prevent the negative impact of toxic stress and ACEs on our children. [Click title for full article]

Abril es el Mes de la Prevención del Abuso Infantil. Cada semana de abril, planeamos discutir diferentes aspectos de las experiencias adversas de la niñez y explorar las fortalezas en las familias y comunidades que pueden cambiar la vida de los niños al promover un ambiente más acogedor. Nadie tiene la familia "perfecta". Nuestro Equipo de Protección y Seguridad del Paciente de UTMB está comprometido a ayudar a las familias a evitar las consecuencias de las experiencias adversas de la niñez.

No one has the "perfect" family. Our UTMB Patient Safety and Protection Team is committed to helping families avoid the consequences of adverse childhood experiences. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each week in April, we plan to discuss different aspects of adverse childhood experiences and explore the strengths in families and communities that can change children's lives by promoting a more nurturing environment. [Click title for full article]

Infants fall. It happens all the time. Given these real and pervasive dangers, is it any wonder that there is little attention given to safe sitting? Falls from unsafe sitting can result in broken arms, clavicles, or even a fracture to the skull. One good habit is to survey your infant’s environment routinely, looking for unexpected dangers. Vigilance is an essential habit of healthy parenting! (Facts to consider can be found in full article.)

Youth who want to return to physical activities and sports will need to be screened by their primary care pediatrician for heart symptoms. An abnormal screening evaluation requires referral to a pediatric cardiologist for an EKG or possibly additional cardiac tests. UTMB Health Pediatrics Division of Cardiology provides clinical services to children and youth from birth through 21 years of age. Pediatric cardiologists provide most of the necessary cardiac testing in an outpatient setting.

It is important to bring your child to their scheduled well-child visits. Well-child visits should happen regularly throughout childhood, and those first visits can be critical for your child's long-term health. A visit with a pediatrician can go a long way to build your confidence and alleviate stress, which is healthy for you AND your baby! Here is what your health care provider is looking for when you bring your child for their visit.

One in four parents have a child with myopia. Research has shown that working up close such as reading or using a tablet increased the odds of developing myopia. A study found that 48% of children are spending more than 6 hours per day online. This is nearly 500% increase from time spent before the pandemic. Schools, teachers and parents must work together to incorporate eye health strategies to help protect children as they learn online. If a parent has any concerns about their child’s vision they should discuss this with their health care provider.

El virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS) es la causa más común de infección del tracto respiratorio inferior en niños menores de un año. Este virus es más común de octubre a marzo y se transmite por contacto con las gotitas respiratorias al toser y estornudar. El VRS es muy contagioso, pero se puede prevenir tomando precauciones. Como siempre, comuníquese con su pediatra si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la salud de su hijo.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children under one years old. This virus is most common from October to March, and is spread by contact with respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Almost every child will be infected with RSV by the time they reach 2 years old. RSV is highly contagious but it can be prevented by taking precautions. Always consult with your Pediatrician for questions and concerns regarding your child. #rsvawareness

Many people have watched with interest the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and other states. Advocates point to a potential to increase state revenue. But what about our children? Many women assume that cannabis is safe during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to marijuana is associated with academic underachievement, especially in reading and spelling. A decision to avoid marijuana, and a host of other toxins such as tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs before risking pregnancy is a wise choice in planning for the future of your child.

Parece absurdo pensar que las decisiones tomadas por padres bien intencionados puedan considerarse negligencia o abuso. Sin embargo, qué, cuándo y cómo se alimenta a un niño puede tener un impacto tremendo en su salud física y mental. Recuerde que lo que es fácil o eficiente no siempre es lo mejor para su hijo.

En el pasado, aproximadamente un 90% de los papás dijeron que habían usado las nalgadas como una forma de disciplina, en el presente un 50% de los papás todavía dan nalgadas a sus hijos. ¿Por qué ha ido cambiando la ideología relacionada con dar nalgadas, y deberíamos, como sociedad, dejar a un lado los castigos corporales?

Enseñarle a un niño pequeño a dejar el pañal toma tiempo y paciencia. Es importante entender lo que se puede esperar del desarrollo de un niño de esa edad y fijar las metas conforme a esto. Lee mas.

Why has there been a movement against spanking, and should we as a society do away with physical punishment? The practice of spanking appears to be widespread across many cultures, and yet in recent years, 30 countries have outlawed spanking. Research has shown that physical punishment is not more effective than other forms of discipline. Read full Op-Ed.

Toilet training is one of the biggest challenges of parenting a young child! Here are some tips on how to set realistic expectations and make this an important, pleasant milestone for your child. These suggestions are to make the process less stressful.