Recognizing the signs of depression in kids and teens
December 26th 2019As the rate of suicide climbs, the ability to access shows like 13 Reasons Why without parental supervision grows, and social media pushes an impossible quest for perfection, it has become more important than ever for parents, caregivers, and educators to have a good understanding of what depression is and what the signs are.
Negative obesity trend seen in kids in WIC program
December 20th 2019A recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a positive outcome in the battle against childhood obesity. The number of children and toddlers who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) have shown a downward trend in obesity prevalence from 2010 to 2016.
Advocate for removal of toxic heavy metals in baby foods
December 19th 2019As advocates for child health, PNPs should actively support the Healthy Babies Bright Futures recommendations to create public health policies that ensure food safety and the removal of toxic heavy metals from infant and toddler food supplies. In fact, our advocacy should go beyond the infant food supply to all foods, to protect the health and well-being of all individuals regardless of age. Toxic metals should not be a part of anyone’s daily dietary intake.
8 advocates speak out for early introduction of Big Eight allergenic foods
December 18th 2019With a vast potential for benefit, studies show this benefit is likely and of no risk at all, and the analysis overwhelmingly favors a universal recommendation for the early introduction of the Big Eight allergenic foods to infants. It should come as no surprise, then, that despite the measured AAP recommendation, numerous experts and institutions advocate this very approach. Here's what 8 have to say.
Camps lack necessary anaphylaxis preparedness
December 13th 2019Bug bites, sunburn, and homesickness are the worst things that parents likely expect to happen to their children when they send them off to summer camp. However, a new study in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice indicates that camp may not be prepared to recognize and treat anaphylaxis caused by food allergies.
7 anxiety disorders: Stimuli and fears
December 12th 2019Because appropriate early treatment of anxiety disorders is key to either preventing or reducing a negative impact on a child's life, it's important for the clinician to diagnose the correct disorder by identifying the "threat" and feared stimuli. Here's a look at 7 types of anxiety disorders and their common behaviors.
Focus flu shot vaccine discussions on parents who waffle
December 11th 2019Discussing vaccination against influenza can go a few different ways. For parents who are either unconcerned with the influenza immunization or who had children who received it in previous seasons but still got influenza, a targeted, evidence-based patient education supported by the influenza immunization and hospitalization data could turn the tide.
Genetic link ties ADHD risk to maternal age
December 5th 2019A new study reveals that mothers who are aged younger than 20 years when their first child is born were more likely to have a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and researchers suggest maternal age and other genetic factors may be the cause.
How social media responds to suicidal messages
December 3rd 2019What if someone is posting suicidal messages or something disturbing on social media? Some social media sites also have a process to report suicidal content and get help for the person posting the message. Each offers different options on how to respond. Here's how 6 of the most popular ones do it.
Addressing the mental health care gap in primary care
November 26th 2019Why is there a gap in the mental health training of general pediatricians? This is a question that brings about a wide spectrum of opinions and likely just as many emotions from clinicians. Although there is no single answer to this question, the lack of appropriate training in mental health remains an issue in the training of pediatricians.