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A Touching Portrait of a Mother and Her Teenage Son Sharing a Warm Hug Outdoors, Highlighting Their Close and Loving Relationship.

SAFETY & PREVENTION

The HPV Vaccine: Safety, Benefits, and Common Questions From Parents

Every year, 13 million Americans — including teenagers — contract HPV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly every sexually active person will get an HPV infection at some point in their life. Most infections clear up, but some persist and develop into cancer. The HPV vaccine can prevent this, yet many parents remain uncertain about whether or not to vaccinate their children. For some, it’s fear of side effects. For others, it’s concerns about why it needs to be given so young, and even the implication of saying yes. If you’re a parent trying to make the best decision for your child, here are answers to the most common questions and concerns about the HPV vaccine. What is HPV? HPV (human papillomavirus) is a group of viruses transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Some strains of HPV cause warts, and […]

Little kids pretending to be a doctor. Shot of a cute little girl with a stethoscope examining her brother. Children playing doctors.

Creating Heart-Healthy Habits Starts in Childhood

You might think cholesterol and heart disease are only adult concerns, but research shows cardiovascular disease begins in childhood. Many teens have unhealthy cholesterol levels, meaning their good cholesterol is too low or their bad cholesterol is too high. And the risk increases dramatically with weight — with obese teens being affected at a rate of 43%. Since childhood obesity rates are significantly higher than in previous generations, more kids are developing abnormal cholesterol levels early. And obesity doesn’t just affect cholesterol — it increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. Ready to make a real difference in your child’s heart health? Here are four simple habits you can start today. 1. Get Moving Every Day Being active at a young age can help lay the groundwork for being physically active as an adult. But how much exercise is recommended for children? Healthy kids should get […]

Mother and father are speaking with a genetic counselor about prenatal testing.

PREGNANCY

Understanding Prenatal Genetic Counseling

Prenatal genetic counseling and preconception (the time period and care that happens prior to pregnancy) genetic counseling and testing offer ways to gain further information and education that can help patients and families make informed decisions about their pregnancy and for preconception planning. There are many testing options available nowadays with different benefits, risks, and limitations. This article lays the foundation for essential questions you may have, such as: However, it’s important to keep in mind that genetic counseling and genetic testing are voluntary — it’s your choice. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reaffirmed in January 2026 that, “After pretest counseling, every patient has the right to pursue or decline prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing.” So, keep the communication open with your OB/GYN, or maternal-fetal medicine doctors, about the types of testing you’re comfortable with and what the information means (and what it doesn’t). […]

Child taking piece of sugar substitute with tongs in restaurant

NUTRITION

Are Artificial Sweeteners Safe for Kids? What Parents Should Know

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids ages 2–18 consume about six teaspoons of sugar per day. According to most sources, kids in America are consuming at least three times that amount. Added sugar — the kind that’s put in sweetened drinks, flavored yogurts, and even healthy low-fat packaged foods to make them taste better — is also upping kids’ consumption, and there are more than 60 terms for added sugar approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). One way many consumers try to lower their use of sugar, both regular and added, is to use artificial sweeteners (also called sugar substitutes). Regardless of intent, most Americans consume some form of an artificial sweeter daily. That’s because sugar substitutes are used in a variety of packaged products from pudding and candy to desserts and syrups. Reducing added sugar is a benefit of artificial sweeteners, but parents need […]

Two little girls are having a water break on the running track at athletics club. One girl is standing with her hands on hips, the other is taking a big gulp of water from bottle.

YOUTH SPORTS

Nutrition, Hydration, and Recovery for Young Athletes

Supporting a growing athlete starts with understanding one key principle: performance nutrition isn’t about exotic supplements or complicated meal plans. The good news for parents of young athletes is that fueling your competitor is simply about eating the right balance of quality foods for the right activity — from training to post workout recovery to the big game. While athletes do need strategic nutrition to support their performance, the foundation is the same balanced, wholesome eating that benefits everyone in your family. Sports nutrition is really just smart, consistent healthy eating — with a few key timing adjustments. Building Blocks of Sports Nutrition Carbohydrates: The Primary Energy Source for Young Athletes Carbohydrates are found in foods like pasta, rice, bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. They are the body’s preferred source of energy during a workout. During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into sugar and used immediately for energy, while […]

Teenage girl sitting on the floor and scrolling social media on a smartphone.

PARENTING

Navigating Social Media with Kids and Teens

As the world changes and technology develops, kids have more and more access to the internet and social media. In fact, 50% of 11-year-olds have a cell phone and upwards of 90% of 14-year-olds have one. It can be incredibly challenging to figure out how to navigate tech, especially when many parents of teens didn’t even have social media to use at that age. But there’s no opting out of dealing with social media for teens. As a parent, you may have read some of the recent books and articles about the dangers of creating anxiety or affecting teen mental health by allowing kids to have phones. The data is pretty clear that kids who have increasing use of social media, especially Snapchat, tend to have higher levels of depression and anxiety. Parents are looking for answers to understand, and somehow remedy: How does social media affect mental health? Still, […]

Teen girl and her orthopedic surgeon smile together for a photo in a hospital clinic room.

ALL BLOGS

Care You Can Trust: Alena’s Story

At 20 weeks into her pregnancy, Valerie, Alena’s mom, received concerning news during a routine ultrasound: the long bones in Alena’s body weren’t measuring as they should. This unexpected finding led to a series of discussions with medical professionals. Two months after Alena’s birth, the diagnosis of Femoral Hypoplasia with Unusual Facies Syndrome (FHUFS) was confirmed. This rare genetic disorder is characterized by underdeveloped femurs, growth restrictions, and distinctive facial features. Alena’s journey with this syndrome has been a complex one, involving a variety of adaptive tools and treatments. “I use a walker, wheelchair, crutches, leg braces, and have a lift in my left shoe,” Alena explains. In an effort to address her growing needs, Alena and her family sought out orthopedic expertise. Alena’s case was referred to Dr. Shawn Standard, a specialist in pediatric orthopedics, who was based in Baltimore at the time. “We started receiving treatment from Dr. […]

Girl with striped shirt and blue headphones poses in front of a white wall.

ALL BLOGS

Strength and Comfort: Makyla’s Story

Makyla’s mom, Myisha, was told during a routine ultrasound that her daughter would be born with a rare and complex condition known as Chondrodysplasia punctata and Conradi-Hunermann. This genetic disorder affects bone and cartilage development, leading to a variety of physical and medical issues. As Makyla grew, her spine began to curve more and more, making it difficult for her to walk long distances without struggling to breathe. “Her spine’s curvature also put pressure on her organs, making it hard for them to function properly,” says Myisha. In 2018, after years of seeking the best possible care, Myisha received a recommendation from another health organization to bring Makyla to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. Nemours Children’s, known for its expertise in treating complex pediatric cases, was the ray of hope they had been searching for. The hospital’s multidisciplinary approach and specialized care offered a new path forward for Makyla. Walking through […]

Pregnant woman catching cold, flu, virus, sitting at home on a couch, blowing nose and being sick.

PREGNANCY

Navigating Cold and Flu Season While Pregnant

Flu season is hitting hard this year, with flu‑related hospitalizations already ranking among the highest seen at this point in the season in more than a decade. For anyone, that’s concerning — but for women who are pregnant, even a mild fever or sore throat can raise understandable worry. Pregnancy changes the way the body responds to infections, and questions like “What can I safely take for a fever while pregnant?” become part of everyday decision‑making. Fortunately, there are proven, safe ways to reduce the risk of severe illness. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the inactivated flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, and Nemours maternal‑fetal medicine experts emphasize that receiving the flu shot is far safer than experiencing the flu itself while expecting. With clear guidance and evidence‑based recommendations, health care teams aim to help expecting parents feel informed, supported, and confident as they navigate […]

Teenage students are standing in the school hallway, all looking at news and social media on their phones.

CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS

Having Tough Conversations with Your Kids About the News

There is so much information constantly flowing into families’ lives about the state of the world, with daily news headlines that have the potential to create distress. Children hear about what’s going on in the world through social media, friends, or adult conversations. But news headlines aren’t always about news; they’re often about what will get the most attention, ranging from uplifting stories to scary events. It’s important that you leave the door open to have conversations with your child about trending news and social media — and other things they may hear about the news. Starting a Discussion About a Current Event It’s often best to start with finding out what your child already knows. You can ask your kids questions to see if they know about a current event. For school-age kids and teens, you can also ask what they have heard at school or on social media. Try […]

PATIENT STORIES

An Unexpected Diagnosis: Angelina’s Story

16-year-old Angelina started experiencing severe stomach pains and spasms, symptoms that arrived suddenly and without warning. As her discomfort grew, so did her family’s concern. Looking for help, Angelina’s mom, Aimee, turned to the expertise of Dr. Gina Amoroso, a close family friend and a trusted pediatrician at Nemours Children’s Health. Dr. Amoroso referred them to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware where they headed straight for the emergency room. From the moment Angelina and her family stepped into Nemours Children’s, they knew they were in capable hands. Aimee recalls, “They were very concerned and diligent in helping to find the cause for her pain. They empathized and worked hard to find the root of the problem.” After a series of tests and examinations, the team discovered Angelina had OHVIRA syndrome, a rare condition characterized by an abnormal uterus and the absence of a second kidney. This rare congenital condition often doesn’t […]

ALL BLOGS

More Than A Comeback: Mercy’s Story

Sometimes it’s the unexpected turns that lead us to the discovery of strength. For 15-year-old Mercy, a student at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, her world was turned upside down during a routine volleyball practice. A simple jump over a track hurdle during conditioning ended in a devastating ACL and meniscus tear, stripping away her identity as an athlete and leaving her with more questions than answers. With a family history of positive experiences at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, Mercy’s mom knew exactly where to turn. Her older brothers had received exceptional care at the hospital, and she had no doubt that Mercy would receive the same level of expertise and compassion. The hospital’s reputation for excellence in pediatric care, combined with its role as the Official Sports Medicine Providers for The Bolles School, made it the ideal choice for Mercy’s care. Upon arriving at Nemours Children’s, Mercy and […]

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