Each year you know it’s coming. The transition from a crisp wind to a warm breeze, green overtaking barren trees, longer days, and kids riding bikes and scooters. Winter takes its exit as spring reawakens the outside world. And with the change of seasons, the familiar growl of lawnmowers everywhere! Each year, up to 4,800 children are injured in lawn mower accidents. And 75 children die each year from lawn mower accidents. The most common injuries from lawn mowers are cuts, usually to the hands or fingers. Lawn mowers can also kick up rocks and sticks that act as projectiles, which can cause eye injuries or cuts. Kids under five years can get burned by coming in contact with the mower. In fact, passengers and bystanders are more likely to be admitted to the hospital than the person operating the mower. Lawn mower-related injuries are the most common reason for traumatic amputations […]

With all of the news and debates about health care these days, you may have heard the term “community health improvement.” You may hear even more buzz about it during Community Health Improvement Week, June 5-11th. Community health improvement essentially means identifying and addressing communities’ health needs in order to improve the health of the community as a whole — not just the health of individuals. So why does that matter to you or your child? Because “community health” involves so many aspects of our lives. These are the kinds of things to consider when it comes to community health improvement: Socioeconomic factors Is affordable transportation available for families to get to and from appointments? Do they have money for copays and medications? Can they afford to the make lifestyle changes — low-salt diet, more fruits and vegetables — that the doctor recommended? What is the state minimum wage? Health […]

A garden is a place of mystery, adventure, collaboration and accomplishment. It’s a place to learn about our environment and where natural, whole foods come from. It’s where children can laugh and play while developing valuable social and cognitive skills for a brighter future. If your child has never been introduced to gardening before, these are just a few reasons to start. Children Who Help in the Garden May Eat More Fruits and Vegetables. Research has shown that children engaged in gardening projects may eat more fruits and vegetables, become more knowledgeable about nutrition, and continue healthy eating habits into adulthood. Gardening can also improve social skills, behavior, academic achievement in math and science, and attitude towards the environment.  With all of these positive outcomes, let’s dig in! Below are some ideas adapted from kidseatright.org to help you and your young one get started. Involve kids in every step of […]

It’s no surprise that the family is the foundation of a child’s well-being. Children who grow up in stable, responsive and nurturing households reap a lifetime of benefits. From infancy to adolescence and across adulthood, these children are healthier, exhibit fewer behavioral problems, use drugs less frequently, perform better in school and on the job, and are less likely to be incarcerated. A growing body of research shows that improving parenting skills can help support a child’s health and development. Encouraging positive interactions between parents and children, especially during the early years of child development when brain development is happening rapidly, can improve children’s physical and emotional health. Parents want to help their children thrive, and we can all play a role in supporting parents in that critical responsibility. There is no wrong door for supporting families and building parenting skills. Providers who care for children – from health care providers […]

Asthma medications. Dietary guidelines for people with diabetes. Vaccination schedules. They’re all things we take for granted when health care providers recommend them, but none of them would be possible without successful clinical trials. Clinical trials are designed to evaluate a new or existing medication, treatment approach, or medical device for patients who have a particular condition, like obesity or heart disease. However, they’re not just about improving treatment options for future patients. On the contrary, people who volunteer to participate in clinical trials often benefit from the enhanced care that comes with being part of an important study. Still, it’s natural to have lots of questions when you’re thinking about enrolling your child in a clinical trial. Here, we’ll try to answer some of those questions. Will my kid be a guinea pig? Not at all. While your child’s participation will help health care providers make more informed treatment […]

An unfamiliar tick-borne virus is making headlines this spring. What is Powassan virus and how worried should we be? Powassan virus is an extremely rare infection transmitted by a tick bite. Powassan can cause fever and vomiting, disorientation, seizures and brain inflammation and swelling. How common is Powassan? To say it is rare is an understatement. Since 2006, only 75 cases have been reported in the U.S., mostly in the Great Lakes region and New York State. One case was reported in Pennsylvania, three in New Jersey and none in Delaware or Maryland. The chances of contracting Powassan virus are about one in 50 million. Is it new? Powassan isn’t new. It was first reported in Canada in 1958. Recently, a toddler in Connecticut became ill with Powassan virus (the first case identified in that state). Reports were featured prominently in national media, raising awareness (and fear) of Powassan. In […]