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Parents & Caregivers
September, 2008
Need some help getting back into the school-year swing? Here are some articles to help you cope with the challenges and changes so many families face this time of year.
General Health
Backpack Safety
As practical as they are, backpacks can strain muscles and joints and may cause back pain if they're too heavy or are used incorrectly. Here's how to help kids find the right backpack.
Reading Milestones
This general outline describes the milestones on the road to reading and the ages at which most kids reach them.
News - With Many Kids Not Getting the Right Care, Parents Can Be Advocates for Kids' Health
It's critical for parents to take an active role in overseeing their child's medical care, especially since a new study reveals that kids who regularly see the doctor get appropriate medical care only 47% of the time.
Elementary Schoolers
Helping Kids Cope With Cliques
With cliques prevalent in middle and high school, most kids encounter them at some point. Here's how parents can help kids maintain confidence and self-respect while negotiating cliques.
Reading Resources
Regardless of your child's age or reading level, almost every community has programs and resources that are helpful.
For Girls: Preparing for Your Period
Lots of girls worry about their period. Find out more in this section of girlshealth.gov especially for girls and their periods.
Teens
Helping Teens Learn to Drive
Parents play an important role in helping teens practice their driving skills and develop confidence behind the wheel.
For Teens: 5 Ways to Shake Shyness
If shyness is putting a hold on your social life, here are 5 ideas that might help.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is treatable, but it can be serious, so it's important to know the symptoms and get prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Fitness & Nutrition
Organic and Other Environmentally Friendly Foods
You've probably noticed the increased quantity and variety of organic foods available in regular grocery stores. Are organic foods healthier and safer for your child? How do they taste?
For Teens: Are Diet Pills Bad for You?
Find out what the experts have to say about those over-the-counter (OTC) weight-loss remedies that sound too good to be true.
Signing Kids Up for Sports
Organized sports can help kids grow in many ways. But first consider your child's personality and developmental level so that being involved in sports is a positive experience.
Emotions and Behavior
Firesetting
Kids often are curious about fire. So it's important for parents to educate them about the dangers of fire and keep them away from matches, lighters, and other fire-starting tools.
For Teens: 5 Ways to Deal With Anxiety
We all get worried or nervous about things. Here are 5 ways to control anxiety.
Sportsmanship
One of the most important goals of kids' sports is helping children develop a sense of good sportsmanship. Find out more in this article.
Allergies and Asthma
News - Keeping Kids' Asthma in Check
This Fall Asthma is behind the annual early-autumn spike in hospitalizations and doctors' visits for the nearly 5 million children and teens in the United States with the chronic lung disease. That's why it's crucial to consistently manage kids' asthma.
For Kids: School and Asthma
If a kid has asthma, he or she needs to know how to handle it at school. Find out more in this article for kids.
Asthma and Teens
The teen years can be rough for kids, and they can be even rougher for teens with asthma. These tips can make parenting a teen with asthma a bit easier.
Diabetes
Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
As a parent, you want to protect your child from everything, which is virtually impossible, of course. But can you prevent your child from getting diabetes?
Treating Type 1 Diabetes
If your child has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the next step is to create a diabetes management plan that allows your child to manage the condition and stay healthy and active.
Definition: Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is a severe life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness.
Babies and Toddlers
News - Some Toddlers at Greater Risk for Iron Deficiency
Certain toddlers are at especially high risk of not getting enough iron (also called iron deficiency, when the body's iron stores have become depleted), according to a new study.
Household Safety: Preventing Injuries From Falling, Climbing, and Grabbing
The potential for a dangerous fall or a tumble into a sharp edge can happen in nearly every area of your home. Read about steps you can take to help prevent your child from getting hurt.
Coping with Breastfeeding Challenges
Some women experience problems with breastfeeding, especially if it is their first time. The good news is that most problems can be overcome with a little help and support.
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.
Content last updated September 22, 2008
