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Parents & Caregivers
August, 2008
Goodbye, lazy summer fun; hello, school days! We've got some articles to help you and your kids gear up for a great new school year.
General Health
Back to School
Whether the summer was jam-packed with activities or filled with complaints about having nothing to do, kids of all ages can a hard time making the transition from pool to school.
A Directory of Medical Tests
Sometimes, doctors need to order tests to evaluate a child's health or to understand what's causing an illness. Here are some common ones.
Q&A: What Does "High-Risk" Pregnancy Mean?
Some women are at risk for having a high-risk pregnancy. What is that and what does it mean?
Teens
For Teens: Jamming the Traffic
Congestion, nighttime, and construction zone driving are tricky driving conditions that can turn the freedom of the open road into the claustrophobia of the dotted-line asphalt jungle.
Q&A: Is My Daughter Too Concerned With Her Looks?
Kids can seem to become obsessed about their appearance once the teen years start. What's normal?
For Teens: Ingrown Toenails
A toenail is ingrown when it begins to break through and grow into the soft skin of the toe. Find out more about ingrown toenails in this article.
Emotions and Behavior
For Teens: 5 Ways to Fight Depression
It's important to take action against depression - it doesn't just go away on its own. In addition to getting professional help, here are 5 ways to feel better.
News - Many Kids and Teens Exposed to "Unwanted" Online Porn
A new study takes a look at how often kids and teens are being exposed to Internet pornography and whether they're seeking it out or just happen to catch inappropriate material while online.
Leaving Your Child Home Alone
There are likely to be times when you have to leave your child home alone. With some planning - and trial runs with you nearby - you can approach these situations with confidence.
Fitness and Nutrition
Q&A: How Much Exercising Is Too Much?
Over-exercising, often associated with eating disorders, can lead to tissue, bone, cartilage, and muscle damage.
Vegetarian Eating
There are many types of vegetarian diets. The two most common are lacto-ovo, which includes eggs and milk products, but not meat, and vegan, which doesn't include any form of animal products.
Fish Facts for Nursing and Pregnant Moms and Women Who May Become Pregnant (PDF - 148KB)
Women who are nursing, pregnant or who may become pregnant should steer clear of fish with high levels of mercury. But eliminating all fish will rob you of important omega-3 fatty acids. Follow these tips to help you reap the benefits of eating fish without the dangers of mercury.
Allergies and Asthma
Ozone, Air Quality, and Asthma
Ground-level ozone and other air pollutants can trigger worsening symptoms and asthma flare-ups. Here are ways to minimize your child's exposure.
Egg Allergy Cut and Carry
Eggs and egg products are used in many of the foods kids eat. Here's how to spot them on a food label.
Can Kids and Teens With Asthma Play Sports?
You might remember a time when kids who had asthma were discouraged from playing sports and told to take it easy. That's no longer the case.
Diabetes
Definition: Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body doesn't respond as well to the insulin that the pancreas is making and glucose is less able to enter the cells.
Other Diseases That Are More Common in People With Type 1 Diabetes
Kids and teens with type 1 diabetes have a greater risk for certain other autoimmune disorders, such as thyroid disease, celiac disease, and Addison's disease. Learn more about these autoimmune disorders in this article for parents.
Diabetes: Dealing With Feelings
When your child is first diagnosed with diabetes, you may spend a lot of time thinking about its physical effects. But many emotional issues surround a diabetes diagnosis, too.
See You Next Month!
We hope you enjoyed this month's Growing Great Girls newsletter. Please forward it on to your friends and family who are raising healthy and strong girls.
Important Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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Content last updated August 25, 2008
