Children's Health News & Features

March 27, 2024 — It’s not quite the end of March, and the U.S. has already tallied more measles cases this year than were reported in all of 2023.

March 20, 2024 — Each spring, around 30 million people descend on Florida’s beaches, cities, and theme parks for some fun in the sun. But this year as the state gets set for spring break, it’s also wrestling with a measles outbreak that’s leaving many travelers wondering whether it’s still safe to go.

March 14, 2024 — Just over 2 months into 2024, the CDC has already reported 45 cases of measles in 17 jurisdictions across the United States. Here's what to know.

There are many obesity treatments approved for kids. But aside from bariatric surgery, clinicians have few tools as effective as semaglutide.

January 30, 2024 — Teenagers who drink alcohol, or smoke cigarettes or pot are more likely to experience mental health issues than those who don’t regularly use those substances, reports a new study.

January 30, 2024 — Throughout the COVID pandemic, what was happening in Europe foretold what we could expect here stateside. Is the same true for measles? WebMD asked experts just how concerned we should be, and what, if anything, about measles keeps them awake at night.

December 18, 2023 — Severe obesity among preschool-age children from low-income families is on the rise in the U.S., according to a new analysis of federal data.

December 13, 2023 — Given the prevalence of the issue, the task force recommends behavioral interventions that include at least 26 hours of supervised physical activity sessions for up to a year.

December 7, 2023 — Amid an outbreak of pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses in China, parts of Europe and, now, the U.S., experts say to be cautious but calm.

Melatonin supplements are promoted as affordable over-the-counter sleep aids, but the evidence is not clear as their use in children soars and ERs and poison control centers deal with more child cases.

November 8, 2023 — Starting Friday, Walmart stores across the country will institute “sensory friendly” hours to create “a less stimulating environment” from 8 to 10 a.m. every day, the world’s largest retailer said on its website.

October 27, 2023 — Acupuncture is often used to manage pain, digestive issues, emotional conditions, and stress, and parents are beginning to turn to acupuncture as a safe, effective, and holistic way to treat their children’s anxiety and physical ailments.

October 16, 2023 — While medical experts have viewed childhood obesity as an epidemic and a crisis for years, some are now saying it’s time to focus even more attention on the situation, and to do so earlier rather than later.

September 22, 2023 — As respiratory virus season approaches, the shortage of amoxicillin that began last fall still hasn’t been resolved.

September 7, 2023 — Researchers hope to enhance pediatric care by printing tablets in child-friendly doses, shapes, and flavors.

August 2, 2023 — A new study shows that children’s apparent inability to pay attention may actually allow them to outperform adults and retain information that they were told to discard in ways that adults can’t.

July 13, 2023 — Nearly 9 out of every 100 U.S. children are now diagnosed with a developmental disability, according to updated figures from the CDC.

July 10, 2023 — About one-quarter of children in a recent study had one or more new eye-related findings that may have contributed to their headaches, researchers say.

May 30, 2023 — More children and teenagers are getting surgical procedures to lose weight, according to a report published in JAMA Pediatrics on Tuesday.

Kasey and Doug Woleben joined other families to establish the all-volunteer Cure Mito Foundation to help find a cure or treatment for Leigh syndrome.

April 26, 2023 — A new analysis shows that many melatonin gummies contain far more melatonin than their labels indicate. The researchers said the mislabeled products pose a serious risk for teens and children, pointing to recent data that shows young people are increasingly using – and being poisoned by – the lightly regulated supplement.

April 24, 2023 — Sleep problems during the transition from childhood to adolescence could lead to later psychiatric and behavioral symptoms.

April 24, 2023 — The diaper analysis was the first step in a study that aims to identify causes of chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma, eczema, and allergies. The researchers were surprised by the sheer number of viruses that they found.

April 19, 2023 — A new study suggest that even slightly longer meals -- even 10 minutes longer -- can promote healthy eating in kids.

March 20, 2023 — A new study suggests that recent government efforts to limit human exposure to hormone-disrupting “forever chemicals” may miss the mark and not provide much protection.

March 15, 2023 — The pandemic increased anxiety and depression among children; other leading safety concerns include staff shortages, violence in health care facilities, and medication list discrepancies.

March 8, 2023 — Half of young kids in the U.S. don't eat vegetables daily, a new report says.

February 24, 2023 — Exposure to “forever chemicals” widely used in consumer products disrupts important biological processes in children and young adults, a new study says.

February 22, 2023 — New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatricians on childhood obesity have been well received by many. But some experts question whether the recommendations might have unexpected consequences.

February 21, 2023 — Many parents are giving children fever-reducing medication when it’s not recommended, a new poll shows.

February 16, 2023 — In 2020, suicide was the second leading cause of death in youngsters and young adults (ages 10 to 34) and the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S..

February 13, 2023 — The body mass index of school children dropped after the Health, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 improved nutrition standards for school breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, a new study says.

February 7, 2023 — Some previous researchers linked conception via IVF to an increased risk of congenital abnormalities, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, and intellectual disability.

January 30, 2023 — The U.S. Surgeon General says 13 years old is too young to begin using social media.

January 25, 2023 — The FDA is asking baby food manufacturers to reduce the amount of lead in products by 25%.

Even low levels of lead exposure can lower cognitive performance, cause learning difficulties, and prompt behavior issues. And we’ve stopped testing for it.

Bathroom bans put trans kids’ health at risk. A doctor explains why it matters where kids pee.

Some of the most horrific images from the war so far have come from a maternity hospital in Mariupol bombed by Russian troops in mid-March. The upheaval spurs a troubling question: Could the stress and condition of war affect a fetus?

If your child has SMA Type 3, going to school can pose additional challenges. Here’s how to best advocate for them so they can thrive.

Learn about treatments that will help manage your child's Pompe disease.

It isn't always easy to get a diagnosis of Pompe disease. Learn what your doctor will to do determine if you have it.

Learn about the genetics of Pompe disease. People who have it inherit a mutated gene from each of their parents.

The father of a child with Pompe disease shares his family’s experience. Find out what it's like to live with this rare genetic disorder.

Children are very susceptible to sepsis, which is caused by a bacterial infection that can be deadly. Doctors are hoping to cut down on deaths by educating themselves and parents about the symptoms.

If your child has central precocious puberty, they’ll need plenty of support from you. Learn the best ways to give that support.

After a contagious illness sent her baby to intensive care, a New Jersey mom says “keep your mouths/breaths away from a baby's face, hands, and feet” to cut the chances of spreading respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

There’s a new Muppet in town on Sesame Street. Her name is Karli, and she’s a little girl who lives with a foster family.

Three-year-old Byron Baxter has bones that break easily, sometimes with just a wave of his hand, his parents say. But he’s inspiring social media fans with his fighting spirit and cheerfulness in videos and pics his family posts online.

Worried about meningitis outbreaks on college campuses? Get tips on what your college-bound kid needs to know to stay safe.