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Adjusting to Parenthood
Becoming a new parent is exciting. After months of waiting, you finally get to meet your baby. But adjusting to your new life can be difficult. Let's talk about what to expect.
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Ambulance, Emergency Room or Urgent Care?
When your child has a serious medical issue, you need to think fast. Do you need an ambulance? Should you rush your child to the ER? Or would an urgent care clinic be best? Let's learn about your options.
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Antenatal Corticosteroids
We give these drugs to premature babies while they are still in the womb. They speed up the development of the lungs. They help protect against lung disease and other serious problems.
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Aortic Coarctation Balloon Angioplasty
This nonsurgical procedure widens a narrowed aorta. During the procedure, a balloon is inflated inside the narrowed aorta to expand the blood vessel. Widening the aorta will improve blood flow to the body.
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Avoiding Lead Exposure
Lead is a highly toxic metal. It can be found in things like paint, dust, water and soil. Lead can build up in your body and cause a condition we call "lead poisoning." This is especially dangerous for children. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and your family from lead exposure.
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Avoiding The Common Cold
The last thing you need right now is a cold. And if you do have one, you don't want it to spread to the people around you. So here are some things you can do to reduce the spread of colds.
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Bonding With Your Baby
One of the best parts of being a parent is forming a bond with your baby. This bond develops naturally as you spend time together. Your baby learns to trust and love you. And you become very attached to your child.
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Bottle Feeding
You're ready to feed your baby with a bottle. It can be a little tricky at first. Let's go over some tips that will help you and your baby get the hang of it.
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Breastfeeding Benefits
When you give birth, you may hear that breastfeeding is best. It's natural, it's healthy, and it's a great way for you and your baby to bond. Let's learn about why it's so good.
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Car Seat Safety
We all want to keep our children safe in vehicles. So let's talk about car seats. Here's what you need to know to use one correctly.
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Caring for Your Newborn
Bringing your new baby home can be stressful. There's a lot to remember and a lot to do. Let's review some basics of newborn care.
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Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine
Chickenpox is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It results in a rash of small red bumps that form all over the body. Chickenpox spreads easily between people. It can be very serious. But this disease can be prevented with the chickenpox vaccine.
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Choking Prevention (Babies and Children)
Babies and children like to explore the world around them. That includes putting objects in their mouths. This is normal, but it can be dangerous. Here are some tips to keep your child from choking.
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Choosing a Pediatrician
Nothing matters more to you than your child's health. So, let's talk about getting a doctor who's a good fit for your child and you.
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Circumcision (Male, Newborn)
This procedure removes the foreskin. That's a fold of skin covering the tip of the penis. Circumcisions are most often done within one to ten days after your baby's birth.
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CT Scan (Computed Tomography; CAT Scan)
This scan lets doctors see inside your body by taking x-ray images from many angles. These are combined to show clear cross-section slices of parts of your body. A CT scan shows much more than a typical x-ray. It can show cancer and other problems.
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Does My Child Need an Antibiotic?
When your child is sick, you want to help them get better. Many parents may think antibiotics are the way to go. But they aren't always right for your child. Let's take a few minutes to learn more.
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Ear Tube Surgery (Myringotomy)
This minimally-invasive surgical procedure is performed to help treat recurrent ear infections or a build-up of fluid in the middle ear. Small metal or plastic tubes are inserted into the eardrum to drain fluid and to allow air into the middle ear, equalizing pressure between the middle and outer ear. This procedure is most commonly performed on young children.
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Going Back to Work After Childbirth
You've welcomed a baby into your family. You're caring for your baby at home, but soon you'll go back to work. This is a stressful time for parents. Here are some tips to make the transition easier.
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Helping Your Child Sleep Well
A good night's sleep is especially important for children. They need more sleep than adults do. Here are some ways to help them get enough quality sleep at night.
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Helping Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight
It's important to help your child stay at a healthy weight. A good weight reduces the risk of health problems now and later. Here are some tips to guide you.
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Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It spreads easily between people. This disease can be prevented with the hepatitis A vaccine.
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Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. This disease can be prevented with the hepatitis B vaccine. It prompts the body to create antibodies that will protect against the virus.
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Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) Vaccine
Hib disease is a serious illness that usually strikes children under five years old. It is caused by bacteria. This bacteria can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A Hib infection can lead to meningitis, a swelling of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be deadly. Hib disease can be prevented with the Hib vaccine.
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Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
Influenza affects the lungs and is caused by several types of flu viruses. It can be serious, especially for people who are very old or very young. It spreads easily between people. Influenza can be prevented by the flu vaccine.
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Is My Baby Getting Enough Breastmilk?
Breastfeeding can be challenging for mom and baby. Even if baby latches well and feeds often, you may worry that they're getting enough breastmilk. So let's see how much is enough.
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Is Your Home Safe for Children?
Before you bring children into your home, you want to make sure it's a safe place. Here are some things to watch out for.
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Keeping Your Baby Safe From Germs
Your baby is born with an immune system that's still developing. Germs that don't hurt you can make your baby sick. To keep your baby as healthy as possible, let's learn how to avoid spreading germs.
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Managing Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Teens
If your child has type 1 diabetes, you're a key part of their care. It's an important job. You need to know about things like glucose, insulin and healthy diets. At first, this feels overwhelming. But don't worry. You'll quickly become an expert.
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Metabolic Monitoring for Kids Who Take Antipsychotic Drugs
Your child is taking drugs to treat psychosis. They can be life-changing. But they may also cause weight gain. This can lead to diabetes, heart problems and other issues. So we need to track your child's health closely while they take these drugs.
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MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Vaccine
This "combination" vaccine protects against three serious diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. These were once common childhood diseases, and they spread easily. The MMR vaccine can prevent these diseases in children and adults.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
This scan lets doctors see inside your body without using radiation. Instead, MRIs use magnets and radio waves. An MRI shows clear views of your soft tissues. It can show cancer and other problems.
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My Baby Needs Surgery
"Your baby is about to have surgery. It's normal for you to stress about it. But don't let it overwhelm you. Let's talk about how to prepare yourself and your baby.
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PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
This scan lets doctors see inside your body. A PET scan is different from an MRI or a CT scan, because it shows how your organs and systems are working. It can give doctors a clear view of some types of cancer cells, which show up brightly
on a PET scan. It can also help doctors diagnose other disorders throughout your body.
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Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
Pneumococcal disease is an infection. It can be caused by many types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The bacteria can infect the nose, ears, blood and lungs, where it causes pneumonia. It can lead to meningitis, a swelling of the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord. This can be deadly. The PCV13 vaccine can prevent infection.
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Polio Vaccine
Poliomyelitis, commonly called polio, is a contagious disease. It is caused by poliovirus. This virus attacks the nervous system. It destroys nerve cells. It can paralyze muscles, including those used to walk or breathe. It can be fatal. There is no cure for polio, but it is prevented with the polio vaccine.
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Preparing for Emergencies (a Guide for Parents and Caregivers)
A fire, storm or other event can put your family in a tough spot. But with a little planning, you can make sure your family is safe. Here are some tips to help.
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Preparing Your Child for a Blood Test
Blood tests are a routine part of healthcare. But they can be scary for some kids. How should you talk to your child about blood tests? Let's look at that, and a few other things you can do to make blood tests easier.
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Preparing Your Child for a CT Scan
Your child needs to have a CT scan. It's a simple, painless procedure, but it can be scary for kids. So let's learn about how to prepare them for the scan.
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Preparing Your Child for a Hospital Stay
The thought of a hospital stay can be scary for children. They may not understand why they need to go. And not knowing what will happen when they get there makes them nervous. But as a parent, you can help. Here are some simple ways to ease your child's fears.
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Preparing Your Child for a New Baby
You're about to bring a baby into the family. You want to get your child ready for the new arrival. Here are some tips to help your child adjust to the new dynamic.
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Preparing Your Child for an MRI
Your child needs to have an MRI. It's a simple, painless procedure, but it can be scary for kids. So let's learn about how to prepare them.
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Psychosocial Care for Your Child
This care is focused on your child's emotional well-being. It helps them deal with feelings like stress and anxiety. It helps them cope with depression.
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Screen Time and Children
Electronic screens are a part of life for kids of all ages. TVs, computers, and tablets are all around us. But how much is too much? Let's learn more about what's right for your child.
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Should I Give My Child Medicine for a Cough or Cold?
Your child has a cough or cold, and you want to help them feel better. But do they need medicine? Are over-the-counter drugs right for kids? Should you get a prescription? Let's learn about your options.
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Sick Days and Children (a Guide for Parents and Caregivers)
It's a weekday, and your child doesn't feel well. Should you keep them home? Here are some tips to help you make the right call.
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Strep Throat Test
Strep throat is a contagious infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the streptococcus bacteria. It can make your throat feel painful and scratchy. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics. But first, you need a medical test to make sure your sore throat is being caused by the bacteria.
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Substance Abuse Treatment (a Guide for Teens)
You have a substance abuse problem. You feel like it's taking over your life, and you need help. So let's learn about treatment.
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Substance Abuse Treatment for Your Teen (a Guide for Parents)
Your teen has a substance abuse problem. It's time to get help. So let's learn about treatment.
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Surgical Repair of Coarctation of the Aorta
This is a procedure to correct a narrowed aorta. That's the main vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body. In many cases, this surgery is done soon after a baby's birth.
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Taking Your Baby's Temperature
When your baby is sick, you need to watch for fever. But what's the best way to do that? Let's learn how you can take your baby's temperature.
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Talking to Kids About Death
Death is one of the most painful things we deal with. And it may not be easy to find the right words to help a child cope with death. Here are some tips to help.
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The Importance of Hand Washing
One of the best ways you can keep from getting sick is to wash your hands often. Proper hand washing keeps harmful germs you've touched from getting into your eyes, nose and mouth. And, it keeps you from spreading harmful germs to others.
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Tonsillectomy
This routine, outpatient procedure is used to remove the tonsils. These are the large glands at the back of the throat that normally help protect against infection. In some people who have frequent throat and ear infections, removing the tonsils can help reduce the number of infections. People who have very large tonsils may also have them removed so that they can breathe and sleep more easily.
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Traveling With Children
Are you planning a trip with your child? Well, here are some things to keep in mind for a smooth and safe trip.
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Vaccines
These are substances given to you to help protect your body from disease. Vaccines can be made from dead or weakened germs, or from portions of germs. A vaccine introduces your body to a disease in a safe way. It stimulates your body's immune system to protect you against the disease without causing you to become sick.
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Well-Child Doctor Visits
We all know doctor visits are important when your child is sick. But kids should see the doctor regularly when they're well, too. We call these "well-child" visits. Kids are always growing and changing. Well-child visits let the doctor track their development, and find or stop health problems before they become serious issues.
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What Does a Pediatrician Do?
A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the care of children. They care for kids from the time they are born until they reach adulthood. They monitor your child's growth and development. And they provide care when your child is sick.
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Why Children Need to Wash Their Hands
One of the easiest ways to stay healthy is to make sure everyone in your family washes their hands often. Hand washing keeps the harmful germs we touch from getting into our eyes, nose and mouth. And, it keeps us from spreading germs to others. So it's important to teach your kids how to wash their hands the right way.