Health Blog
Category: Family Caregiving
How to manage when your infant needs surgery
There are many reasons infants may need surgery, from hernia repair and hydrocele surgery to operations for serious conditions like biliary atresia (a defect in the bile ducts that damages the liver) and surgery for congenital problems like heart defects. Of course, learning your baby needs surgery is stressful for any parent or caregiver, but... Read More
What you can do to lower your children’s risk of sports injuries
Every year, more than 45 million children and adolescents in the U.S. play organized sports. The good news is that playing a sport can have positive effects on your child or teen’s physical health and self-esteem and can help them build skills like collaboration, leadership, and perseverance. The less positive news is that sports injuries... Read More
What vaccines do your children need for school?
Back to school time is closer than your kids wish it were. In addition to buying school supplies, new clothes, and books, late summer is the time for a before school check-up so you can get health forms filled out and make sure your child has all the vaccines required by your state. Your pediatrician... Read More
The documents caregivers need to make medical decisions
Nearly one in five adults in the U.S. is caring for another adult with health issues or other needs. If you’re providing care to parents or older relatives, one important part of that support could be making medical decisions on their behalf or helping them make informed medical decisions. The key to better caregiving is... Read More
Answers to common questions about autism spectrum disorder
About 1 in 36 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to a recent report from the CDC and 2.21% of people (or 5,437,988 people) over the age of 18 may be living with ASD according to CDC estimates. If your child, young adult, or you have been diagnosed... Read More
Respiratory infections: When to take your child to the doctor
If you’re the parent of young children, you’re well acquainted with the snotty nose and cough that seems to return each fall and winter. In most cases, your child has caught a cold and will get better with time and perhaps some over-the-counter medicine to help ease symptoms. But there are other respiratory viruses that... Read More
“How can I help family and friends living with depression during the holidays?”
If someone you care about is among the 10% of Americans living with depression, the holidays can become more complicated to navigate. Holidays can be more emotionally difficult and draining for people with depression and other mental health conditions. Parties, family dinners, and celebrations can add to stress, increasing depression symptoms and making it harder... Read More
Back to school: How to support your child’s mental health
Many children have butterflies when heading back to school. Will they like their new teacher? Will their friends be in their class? What if they forget their homework? But beyond these typical worries, some school age children experience higher levels of anxiety and other mental health issues like depression. The disruptions of the pandemic—remote learning,... Read More
How to prepare your college freshman to manage healthcare away from home
If you have a first year college student in your house, you’ve got a busy summer on your hands. There are forms to complete, supplies to buy, bags to pack, and travel plans to make if your child is going away for school. One thing that might not be on your to-do list is helping... Read More
Caregiver tips for doctor’s appointments with older relatives
If you’re a caregiver for an older parent, relative, partner, or friend, one part of your role may be taking the person you care for to doctor’s appointments. There are several steps that can help you be a respectful, effective advocate and supporter for your loved one. These steps also play an important role in... Read More