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The 2024-25 flu season was the deadliest flu season for U.S. children in more than a decade, according to September 2025 reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One report included data on the 280 U.S. children who died, and while the authors say that it’s unclear why there were more pediatric deaths than in previous seasons, the best way to protect children from flu is to get them vaccinated. Based on their findings, of the 208 children with vaccine information available, 89% had not been fully vaccinated against flu. Overall, only about half of children in the U.S. got their flu shot last year. Here are some things to know about flu shots and how this year’s flu vaccines are more convenient — and important — for families than ever. When is flu season? The official flu season in the United States typically runs from October […]

Does your child keep getting colds? Runny noses? A cough that just won’t go away? How can you tell if it’s COVID-19, the flu, or RSV? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, even healthy kids get about 6–10 colds each year.  There are a number of different viruses that make the rounds, especially during fall and winter months, and here are some things to watch for when it comes to making decisions about diagnosis, home care, and potential visits to the doctor. What are flu symptoms, COVID symptoms, and RSV symptoms? There is a lot of overlap between symptoms. This means some of the symptoms of flu, COVID, and RSV can appear similar to other respiratory illnesses, up to and including the common cold. It would require a test to confirm a diagnosis for flu, COVID, or RSV. Plus, it’s also possible to have more than one of the […]

People often assume that natural products are harmless or non-addictive. However, natural products can have side effects just like pharmaceuticals. In March 2025, Botanic Tonics’ CEO reported that Feel Free had surpassed a quarter of a billion dollars in annual sales profitability during its third year. According to NielsenIQ data, as of July 2024, Feel Free held the No. 1 spot for eight consecutive quarters in the ‘Shelf Stable Energy & Supplements in Convenience’ category. By August 2025, Botanic Tonics stated it had sold over 129.7 million servings of Feel Free. Yet, despite its commercial success, some users have begun to question the product’s true cost, with some even referring to it as “Feel Trapped” due to concerns over dependency or side effects. What are the ingredients in Feel Free CLASSIC? Unlike pharmaceuticals, natural products like Feel Free aren’t subject to rigorous regulation, leaving consumers uncertain about their actual composition. […]

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month — a time to honor the strength of children and their families navigating the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Alongside doctors and nurses, Child Life Specialists play a vital role in supporting young patients and their families cope with the emotional and developmental impacts of cancer, guiding them through what can be an overwhelming journey. In this Q&A, we had the opportunity to speak with Joli Craver, one of our Child Life Specialists at Nemours Children’s Health, who works in the PLAYERS Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Joli provided valuable insights for friends, classmates, neighbors, and extended family who are looking to offer meaningful support. Whether it’s knowing what to say, how to help, or simply how to be present, her perspective can help you feel more confident in showing up for children with cancer and their families during their most challenging moments. […]

As we turn the calendar page to September, one challenge looms: the arrival of “Asthma Peak Month,” with the third week being “Asthma Peak Week” where asthma triggers are at their highest of the year. This period marks a significant increase in asthma symptoms. Combined with the extra stress and exposures of children heading back to school, understanding why this peak and week happens can help you better prepare your child for the possibility of more asthma attacks. Understanding Asthma Peak Week Asthma peak week, typically the third week of September, marks a critical period when the number of asthma attacks spikes dramatically. Although it affects people of all ages, this phenomenon is particularly notable among children. The transition back into the classroom, for example, exposes kids to a variety of new allergens and irritants (plus viruses), which can trigger or worsen their asthma symptoms. That’s because one of the […]

Back to school season is here, and if you’re like many parents, you’re juggling multiple kids across different age groups. Going back to school can be tough, but not always for the reasons adults might think. While you’re busy checking school bus routes and counting tissue boxes, their concerns are a roller-coaster of worries deep and shallow — from academic pressure to fitting in during the back-to-school dress to impress parade. It’s important to make sure each child is ready for the new year by creating a foundation at home for their social, emotional, mental, and physical wellness. Physical Wellness Tips for School-Aged Kids While academics are crucial, physical wellness plays a significant role in a child’s overall health and ability to learn. Most families schedule their children’s annual physical wellness exam prior to the back-to-school start date. This will cover milestone checkups, form completions, and school requirements. Your pediatrician […]