Topic: Children’s Health

measles
May 7 2019

What should you do to protect your family from the measles?

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Almost 20 years ago, measles was declared to have been eliminated in the U.S., but the disease has returned with a vengeance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest report of confirmed measles cases noted 704 cases in 22 states, an increase of 78 cases since the previous week’s count. Children under 5... Read More

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rare disease
Feb 12 2019

Strategies to help you get the right diagnosis for a rare disease

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards finding the right treatment. But for people living with a rare or complex disease, getting that diagnosis can be a long, frustrating process that delays treatment. Depending on which disease you face, getting a definitive diagnosis can take from 7 to 10 years. And though approximately... Read More

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childhood cancer
Aug 28 2018

6 facts you should know about childhood cancer

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

Unless a family member or friend has been diagnosed with childhood cancer, you may not know much about the topic. These 6 key facts can help you learn more. Childhood cancer is relatively rare: Approximately 10, 270 children under the age of 15 were diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2017 according to statistics... Read More

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Siblings are doing his homework for elementary school.
May 1 2018

Six Questions to Ask When Choosing a Therapist for your Child

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

If you’ve noticed symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns in your child or teen, making an appointment with a therapist can be the first step towards figuring out the underlying cause of these changes in behavior and helping your child manage symptoms that can interfere with his or her life at home... Read More

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when is it time to look for a new doctor
Dec 5 2017

How Do You Know it’s Time to Look for a New Doctor?

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn

There are many different reasons people decide it’s time to switch to a new doctor, whether it’s your primary care doctor, a specialist, or your child’s pediatrician. And while you might feel hesitant to end your relationship, especially if you’ve been seeing the doctor for a long time, sometimes switching to a new doctor is... Read More

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health insurance for college students
Sep 12 2017

What you and your college student need to know about health insurance

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

Health insurance may not be at the top of the list of things that you’re thinking about as you send your children off to college, but it should be. Access to care is important whether your child is living with a chronic medical problem like asthma or diabetes, a mental health condition like anxiety, ADHD,... Read More

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mental health
Aug 22 2017

How you can support your college student’s mental health

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn

The number of college students living with mental health issues has grown substantially in recent years. A report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State found that over a five-year period, data gathered from 139 U.S. colleges and universities showed a 30% increase in the use of on-campus counseling services compared to... Read More

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Medication errors can harm young children
Dec 13 2016

Medication errors: 4 steps to protect your children

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

As cold and flu season ramps up, parents and caregivers will be measuring out a range of liquid medicines—from pain and fever relievers to antibiotics—to give to their young children. But how sure are you that the dose you’re giving your children is accurate? A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics highlights how often... Read More

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mental health
Oct 18 2016

Why parents may not have a say in medical decisions for their young adult children

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

When your young adult children reach the age of 18 or 19, you might be surprised to learn that you no longer have access to their medical information, even if they’re still on your health insurance plan or live with you. Once your child reaches legal adulthood (18 in most states, 19 in two states),... Read More

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healthy sleep for children
Sep 20 2016

Healthy sleep: Are your children getting enough?

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn

With the school year underway, making sure your children get enough healthy sleep each night is a priority. Inadequate or poor quality sleep can affect your child’s mood, ability to learn, and overall health and well-being. Building a healthy sleep routine can help make sure your child gets the right amount of good quality rest... Read More

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