Children's Health News & Features
- U.S. Measles Cases in 2024 Already Surpass Last Year’s Total
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.
- Spring Measles Outbreak: Is It Safe to Travel to Florida?
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.
- Measles Control So Far in 2024: ‘Not Off to a Great Start’
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.
- Wegovy for Obesity in Kids?
There are many obesity treatments approved for kids. But aside from bariatric surgery, clinicians have few tools as effective as semaglutide.
- Study Finds Link Between Teen Substance Use and Mental Health
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.
- Measles Warning Signs Growing: How Concerned Should We Be?
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.
- More Kids Under Age 4 Have Severe Obesity: Study
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.
- U.S. Task Force Takes on Rising BMIs Among Kids
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.
- Q&A: ‘White Lung’ Pneumonia – What You Need to Know
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.
- As Child Melatonin Use Soars, Experts Urge Caution
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.
- Walmart Adds Early Morning ‘Sensory-Friendly’ Hours in Stores
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.
- More Parents Turning to Acupuncture for Kids' Pain, Anxiety
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.
- Is Childhood Obesity a National Public Health Emergency?
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.
- No End in Sight for Amoxicillin Shortage
September 22, 2023 — As respiratory virus season approaches, the shortage of amoxicillin that began last fall still hasn’t been resolved.
- 3D-Printed Meds Customize the Exact Dose for Sick Children
September 7, 2023 — Researchers hope to enhance pediatric care by printing tablets in child-friendly doses, shapes, and flavors.
- Kids Are Learning, Even When They're Not Paying Attention
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.
- More Children Missing Developmental Milestones: Survey
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.
- Children’s Headaches Could Be Caused by Eye Problems
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.
- Weight-Control Surgery Surging Among Children, Teens, Report Says
May 30, 2023 — More children and teenagers are getting surgical procedures to lose weight, according to a report published in JAMA Pediatrics on Tuesday.
- Rare Disease Families Advocate For Change
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.
- Melatonin Gummies More Potent Than Labels Indicate: Analysis
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.
- Sleep and Behavioral Problems in Kids: Common Bedfellows
April 24, 2023 — Sleep problems during the transition from childhood to adolescence could lead to later psychiatric and behavioral symptoms.
- Thousands of New Viruses Found in Baby Diapers
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.
- Longer Mealtimes Help Kids Eat More Fruits and Veggies
April 19, 2023 — A new study suggest that even slightly longer meals -- even 10 minutes longer -- can promote healthy eating in kids.
- Childhood PFAS Exposure Could Impact Disease Risk: Study
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.
- Pediatric Mental Health Tops 2023 List of Safety Concerns
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.
- Young Kids Skipping Fruits, Veggies at Worrying Rate
March 8, 2023 — Half of young kids in the U.S. don't eat vegetables daily, a new report says.
- ‘Forever Chemicals’ Disrupt Biological Processes in Children: Study
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.
- Q&A: Maybe Kids Don’t Need to Lose Weight
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.
- Kids’ Fever Meds Are Often Overused: Poll
February 21, 2023 — Many parents are giving children fever-reducing medication when it’s not recommended, a new poll shows.
- Finding Comfort and Meaning After a Child’s Suicide
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..
- Children’s BMI Dropped After School Meals Became Healthier
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.
- IVF-Conceived Children Show Strong Developmental Performance
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.
- Surgeon General Says 13-Year-Olds Shouldn't Be on Social Media
January 30, 2023 — The U.S. Surgeon General says 13 years old is too young to begin using social media.
- FDA Asks Manufacturers to Reduce Lead In Baby Foods
January 25, 2023 — The FDA is asking baby food manufacturers to reduce the amount of lead in products by 25%.
- Lead Exposure Is Still a Problem for Kids, and the Pandemic Has Made It Worse
Even low levels of lead exposure can lower cognitive performance, cause learning difficulties, and prompt behavior issues. And we’ve stopped testing for it.
- For Trans Kids, Bathroom Choice Matters
Bathroom bans put trans kids’ health at risk. A doctor explains why it matters where kids pee.
- A lot of children are about to be born in Ukraine. Will the war affect them for life?
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?
- Talking About Your Child’s SMA Needs at School
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.
- Treatment for Pompe Disease
Learn about treatments that will help manage your child's Pompe disease.
- Diagnosing 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.
- The Genetic Roots of Pompe Disease
Learn about the genetics of Pompe disease. People who have it inherit a mutated gene from each of their parents.
- Our Lives With Pompe Disease
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.
- Sepsis in Children
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.
- Helping Your Child With Central Precocious Puberty
If your child has central precocious puberty, they’ll need plenty of support from you. Learn the best ways to give that support.
- Mom’s Warning About RSV Is Personal
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).
- 'Sesame Street' Welcomes a Foster Child Character
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.
- This Spirited Toddler Has Rare Brittle Bone Disease
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.
- Talk to Your College-Bound Teen About Meningitis
Worried about meningitis outbreaks on college campuses? Get tips on what your college-bound kid needs to know to stay safe.