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Pediatric health Archive

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How to respond to tantrums

Children's tantrums always seem to happen at the worst possible times. Take a breath and try this 3-point strategy for calming everyone down.

Do adults really need tetanus booster shots?

Can childhood tetanus vaccinations offer sufficient protection during adulthood without regular booster shots? Although a new study posits this, the CDC continues to recommend booster shots every 10 years.

Think your baby is allergic to cow’s milk?

Babies who show certain digestive symptoms may be incorrectly diagnosed with cow’s milk allergy and put on special diets, although this allergy is uncommon.

Testing for dementia

If you or someone else suspects early signs of memory loss, here's how you can find out if there's a problem.

There's no cure for dementia, and you cannot substantially reverse its effects, but there are ways to possibly slow its progression. But first, you need to know if you — or a loved one — may have a memory disorder. "Unfortunately, there is not one single test that confirms dementia while you are alive," says Dr. Julie Brody Magid, clinical director of the Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital Memory Disorders Assessment Clinic. "The testing process is multilayered and takes many things into consideration. Going through this evaluation may help identify memory problems before they get worse."

Know the symptoms

Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, problem-solving difficulties, and language issues. Behavior and emotions also can be affected. Symptoms are often subtle early on, and then get progressively worse. They can increasingly interfere with daily life tasks, like remembering to attend appointments, take medication, or pay bills. People also may have trouble preparing meals or driving safely.

7 tips for going outside safely with your children during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, getting yourself and your children outside helps with both physical and mental health. Be smart and do it safely by following these tips.

7 common causes of forgetfulness

Memory slips are aggravating, frustrating, and sometimes worrisome. When they happen more than they should, they can trigger fears of looming dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. But there are some treatable causes of forgetfulness.

Always worried about your health? You may be dealing with health anxiety disorder

Health anxiety can interfere with your life, but it's highly treatable.


 Image: © XiXinXing/Getty Images

You spend hours on the Internet researching health information. When you get a scratchy throat you automatically think cancer — not a cold. And even when medical tests come back showing that you're healthy, it doesn't make you feel better. In the back of your mind you still feel like something is wrong.

If this sounds like you or a loved one, it may be health anxiety.

Keeping teens home and away from friends during COVID-19

It may be difficult to impress on your teenage children the importance of staying home and not socializing with their friends during this pandemic, but as parents, you are going to have to convince them. Here are some helpful tools and ideas.

Not a staycation: Isolating at home affects our mental health (and what to do)

As the COVID-19 crisis keeps us at home for longer and longer, it’s important to acknowledge that this situation is having negative effects on everyone’s mental health. Here’s how parents and families can take care of themselves in ways that go beyond normal self-care strategies.

Kids fighting nonstop? How to manage during school closures

Siblings are not used to spending so much time with each other, so if your children are fighting more during the pandemic-related school closures, here are some tips to help you manage their behavior.

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