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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 […]

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 […]

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 […]