For children, sitting is a normal part of their everyday routine. They may spend a lot of their time engaged in activities such as doing homework, attending classes, or using digital devices. These activities often include prolonged periods of sitting. However, sitting for long periods without taking regular breaks may affect their overall health and wellbeing. Sedentary behaviour is a term that describes activities that are done while sitting or lying down and require very

Concussions are minor brain injuries caused by a movement that makes the brain move back and forth fast, causing the brain to bounce or twist around. This can cause chemical changes in the brain and sometimes make brain cells stretch, which greatly damages them. Concussions are known to cause short-term deficits, and the long-term implications are less defined but still present. This injury can affect how people think, learn, feel, act, and even sleep. It is very important to

Jason Peng If you are a teen or an adult, you have most likely had nights with less than 8 hours, either staying up doing schoolwork or just unable to sleep. This is common among many teens, and there is actually something going on in the body that makes it harder for teens to sleep early. Many teens think that they can get away with just 4 or 5 hours of sleep, but getting less than 8 hours can have significant health effects involving daily life and school. 7 out of 10 high

Photo Credit: Wix Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder, causes by mutations in the CFTR gene. It affects approx. 105,000 people worldwide. Before CFTR modulators were developed to treat cystic fibrosis, patients with CF rarely survived beyond their 20’s. With the advent of these transformative therapies patients with CF live well into their 60’s and 70’s. While CFTR modulators offer hope to 90% of the patients, many still are unable to benefit. About 10% of pati

Imagine a situation where you are a teen driving home from school by yourself, and you see a yellow light a considerable distance away from you. Some would stop and play it safe, but now imagine a situation where 4 of your friends are yelling at you to stop being a wuss and rush through that light. This type of pressure can happen, and motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States for teenagers and the fatal crash rate at night for teen drivers ages

Introduction Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a non-cancerous growth made of abnormal blood vessels. They usually appear in infants shortly after birth. These are also known as “strawberry birthmarks” due to their characteristic bright red colour. Even though they look concerning, most infantile hemangiomas are harmless, and they resolve on their own without any treatment.(1) What Is Infantile Hemangioma? Infantile hemangioma is a type of non-cancerous tumour seen in newborns. It

Introduction Choking is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency that occurs when food or an object blocks the airway, preventing air from entering the lungs. Children 5 years old or younger are at the greatest risk, because they are at a stage where they explore their environment by putting objects into their mouths, while their chewing and swallowing skills are still developing. Common causes of choking in children Certain foods are choking hazards for young ch

When someone you love is facing cancer, joy and fear often sit side by side. One moment you’re bracing for the next update; the next, a small laugh reminds you your heart can still find light. These brief sparks don’t erase the hard parts, but they soften the edges and help you keep going. Even in difficult seasons, noticing one gentle moment can support your resilience.

For many families, infant formula is part of everyday life. It is measured in scoops at midnight, packed into diaper bags, mixed by tired hands, and trusted to nourish a baby during one of the most vulnerable stages of life. That is why any news involving infant formula and botulism can feel frightening. Recently, federal and state health officials began investigating infant botulism cases linked to powdered infant formula. The situation has understandably raised concern amon

What are febrile seizures? Febrile seizures are seizures triggered by a fever greater than or equal to 100.4° F (38° C), and are a common cause of seizures in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. They typically occur when a child has an illness such as the flu, chickenpox, measles, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), or an ear infection. Febrile seizures can be a very alarming experience for parents and caregivers, but they are a very common occurrence in infants

Part 1 of a MedReport series on pediatric radiation therapy, covering what it is, how it works, and what families can expect, by Robyn Warnell, BSN, RN. Introduction A cancer diagnosis is difficult for any family to process. When radiation therapy is part of the treatment plan, it can result in a wave of questions and concerns. What exactly is radiation therapy? Will it hurt? What should families expect? These are reasonable and important questions. Understanding radiat

Julia Wise Finding out that a baby has a congenital abnormality can be a life-changing experience for parents. The most common of these abnormalities is called anencephaly. Babies with anencephaly do not develop parts of the skull and brain needed to support life. Anencephaly is present in approximately 3 in 10,000 pregnancies (1). While there have been some rare cases of babies with anencephaly living past a year, most do not live past 24 hours following birth (2). Accordin

By B.L.Sindhuja . Medical Writer | Pharm.D What Really Occurs Post Partum? Giving birth is not only a memorable event in mother's life , but also a major physiological process that involves many changes in the body. That includes progesterone and estrogen levels drastically drop after childbirth, affecting neurotransmitters that regulate moods and emotions in the brain such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (1). Physiological recovery needs and sleep deprivation cre

A toddler’s first steps are a memorable milestone for parents. Even before a child begins walking, many caregivers wonder how best to support their child’s feet. Do babies need shoes? What types of shoes are most appropriate? How can parents promote healthy development as their child becomes more mobile? Starting in infancy, children’s feet are continuously growing and changing. Footwear plays an important role in this process. Ill-fitting or inappropriate shoes can affect ba

Figure 1: Utilization of the RADO Approach (AI Generated) When your child receives a cancer diagnosis it’s normal to feel helpless watching them struggle with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty, especially when it affects their quality of life. Children with cancer often experience significant anxiety regarding procedures, chemotherapy, pain, appearance changes, and the future. This stress can trigger sleep problems, headaches, stomachaches, and other physical symptoms that inten

Becoming a parent is often described as one of life’s most transformative experiences. The phrase “it takes a village” is frequently used to emphasize the importance of support during this transition—but too often, that village is built around mothers and infants, leaving fathers standing just outside its gates. In the United States, fathers often receive less support from healthcare systems than mothers, limiting their preparation for becoming a father. Although some father

If your child is still wetting the bed, you’re not alone—and more importantly, it’s not their fault. Bedwetting is common, treatable, and almost always temporary. Here’s what parents need to know to help their child with confidence. Bedwetting at night is called nocturnal enuresis and it may continue to occur in older kids and even teens. It happens more often than you probably think, but it can be frustrating and worrisome. Primary enuresis is when a child has always wet t

Extracurricular Activities and Mental Health in Children Positive mental health in children is fundamental in helping children to function well at home, in schools, in peer relationships and in society 2 . Extracurricular activities have been found to improve children's mental health by providing links to peers and community as well as fostering feelings of acceptance and belonging 1 . Definition of Extracurricular Activities Extracurricular activities are defined as activiti

Figure 1. Clinical assessment of tibial torsion in a child: (A) prone examination with the knees flexed to 90°; (B) measurement of the thigh–foot angle (TFA); (C) assessment of the external transmalleolar (tibial) torsion angle (ETT). Rotational deformities are common childhood differences in the way the legs and feet point while standing, walking, or running. Parents often notice intoeing (“pigeon toes”) or out-toeing (feet pointing outward). In most children these patter

Introduction When a child lives with a chronic physical illness, stress becomes part of their everyday life. The influx of doctor visits, medications, ongoing symptoms, and feelings of exclusion from peers can contribute to declines in mental health. Reports of declining mental health among children are not new, but the reasons behind this decline remain unclear. A recent Canadian study offers an important suggestion: long-term stress leaves a biological fingerprint, and that