Flexibility is usually described as a positive trait in children. They might be able to do party tricks like bend their pinky backwards or always hit a split in gymnastics. But if those skills come with chronic pain, your child could be living with a disability without even knowing it. …
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B’More Inclusive: What is Rare? D.C. and Baltimore families share their journey with rare diseases
When you hear hoof beats, think horses—not zebras. This is what doctors are taught during their training, meaning that the first and more likely diagnosis is the one they should be thinking about. But what about when it really is a zebra? This was the case for Inez Vazquez. Her …
Read More »Help for Back-to-School Anxiety Students and parents may feel anxious at the start of a new school year and that’s OK. Here are some strategies for managing back-to-school anxiety.
It’s normal for students and parents to feel nervous at the start of the new school year. Kids may wonder, ‘Will I like my teacher? Will I make friends? Will I keep up with my studies?’ Parents, too, may echo their kids’ academic and social concerns, as well as feel …
Read More »Are Braces Right for My Child? Answers to questions about pediatric orthodontic care
Orthodontics is not only about making a child’s smile pretty. Although not every child will need braces, having an early assessment can prevent issues such as crowding or breathing obstruction—or future teeth shifts if you manage to adjust the jaw while it’s still growing. Parents naturally will have questions …
Read More »Emotional Safe Spaces Help Children Express Their Big Feelings
Many internet memes have been made about toddlers and their temper tantrums. While the outpouring of oversized emotions can be amusing when viewed from afar, most parents and caregivers simply want to know what they can do to help children express their feelings in less dramatic ways. According to …
Read More »Benefits of Early Diagnosis for Children on the Autism Spectrum How can early diagnosis of ASD and access to care help kids on the spectrum achieve their potential?
During Maya’s* first birthday celebration, her mother knew something was different. “We were singing ‘Happy Birthday,’ and she had such a blank stare. In that moment, I knew something was off,” recalls Elizabeth Chaillou, who perhaps had special insight into typical childhood milestones given that Maya is the youngest …
Read More »Get the Facts About Brain Injuries in Children
The Hearne family was returning home from prekindergarten with their 3-year-old son when the unthinkable happened. A stumble on the sidewalk sent Emmett flying 5 feet from his father’s arms. He landed headfirst on the concrete. Emmett had always been an active child. He loves to climb on play …
Read More »Rare Disease Day: Q&A with Dr. Erika Augustine
A child with a rare disease can feel misunderstood and alone. When it comes to forming a community and making connections, awareness goes a long way. Rare Disease Day was created with that community in mind. Since 2008, it has been a globally-coordinated effort to bolster an international community …
Read More »Heart-Healthy Habits for Kids: Holistic Benefits
In our fourth and final segment of this Heart-Healthy feature, included in the digital edition of our February 2022 issue, we are looking at the holistic benefits of heart health. Holistic Benefits of Heart Health Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle at an early age pays off in the long …
Read More »Heart-Healthy Habits for Kids: Sleep
In the third segment of our Heart-Healthy feature for American Heart Month, included in the digital edition of our February 2022 issue, we look at exercise habits kids can form to maintain good cardiovascular health. Sleep Getting good sleep is necessary for a healthy heart. “You really need a …
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