Back to School

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Whooping cough in kids: Is your child protected?

Pertussis is a highly contagious illness of the respiratory mucous membrane. It’s marked by a series of short, violent coughs sometimes followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like whoop. A type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis causes this infectious disease. The bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line the upper respiratory system. Bordetella pertussis toxins (poisons) damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.

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Back-to-school nutrition tips

A new school year is a perfect time to get you and your kids back into a healthy routine. Kara Gann, Clinical Dietitian at Children's Health℠, shares simple nutrition tips to make sure students are fueling properly for the school day.

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Preventing back-to-school sickness

A new school year brings new classes, new teachers and reunions with friends after summer break. But if you've ever noticed that the school year also brings increased sniffles, coughs and colds, you're not alone.

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Back-to-School anxiety: Ways to help your child cope

A new school year can trigger feelings of anxiety in children of all ages. There are new classes, teachers, friends and pressures, all mixed with the physical changes of growing up. As a parent, you are the first responder in your child's life when they feel anxious. But it can be difficult to know what's a normal amount of nerves and how you can help.

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Tips for transitioning to a new school

A new school year means a change in the life of your child. Some changes may be more significant for children than for others – especially if they are moving to a new school.

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Survival guide: Your young athlete and two-a-day practices

These extra training sessions help to accelerate physical conditioning, skill development and team cohesion. However, athletes can experience increased amounts of physical and psychological stress during these multi-session practices. Troy Smurawa, M.D., is the Director of Pediatric Sports Medicine at the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. He shares tips to help your athlete survive two-a-days and get the most out of each workout.

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Help your child stay motivated in school

It's not news that not all children enjoy school. If your child dreads going to school each day or simply seems uninterested in working hard, their motivation for learning may be an issue.

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7 back-to-school mental health tips

The start of a new school year can be exciting, but it can also make your child feel anxious, especially if last year was rough or if they are entering a new school. While some back-to-school tips are widely known (like getting plenty of sleep and [eating a healthy breakfast), there are other ways to start your child off with a positive mental health outlook for the year ahead.

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How to reset your child's sleep schedule for back-to-school

As summer break comes to an end, one important item that may be missing from your back-to-school checklist is resetting your child's sleep schedule.

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6 tips for healthy school lunches

When asked what a healthy lunch looks like, dietitians at Children's Health remind parents that the best lunch is one that your child will eat. But how do you encourage your child to eat the foods that will power them through the second half of the day, rather than slow them down? Packing tasty, healthy options will help.

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Safety tips for kids walking to school

Walking to school can have many benefits for you and your kids, including spending time outdoors and starting the day with physical activity. Follow these tips to enable kids to walk safely to school.

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Teaching your kids school bus safety rules

School buses are built to get children to school safely – and they do their job very well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a bus than by car.

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7 tips to help your child safely bike to school

For many kids, riding their bike to school is a rite of passage. But even for older children, who may have more experience riding to school, biking can bring risks.

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Managing chronic diseases at school

Children with chronic health conditions – such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or mental or behavioral health conditions – need extra attention at school to stay safe and healthy. With the right treatment plan and support, children with these conditions can flourish at school without putting their health at risk.

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Stress less about tests: 4 ways to deal with test anxiety

Nerves can sometimes be a good thing. In the case of school, a little bit of anxiety can act as a motivator for children to study. However, too much anxiety can lead to poor performance.

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8 common questions about food allergies in children

Allergies are one of the most common health conditions affecting children (age 0-17). Food allergies currently affect 4 - 6% of our youth in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the number of children diagnosed with food allergies is steadily increasing – up 18% in the past decade.

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The importance of life balance for kids

These days, both parents and kids can feel pressure to participate in a variety of activities. The goal of having a well-rounded college application that includes sports, academics, volunteering and work often takes priority over free time and rest.

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How to ask your kids about their day

Going to school or participating in activities gives your child many new and exciting experiences that you, as a parent, can't wait to hear about. Especially in these school-age years, it is important to connect with your child about what is going on in their life, their interests and how they feel.

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Turn your child's screen time into an opportunity for learning

You know too much screen time is not a good thing for your child. But what about when that screen time is used to build skills in math, science and reading? There are a wide variety of educational apps that can keep your child entertained while learning at the same time.

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How can parents help children open up about bullying?

One reason a child might be hesitant to tell a parent about bullying is fear about how a parent will react and fear of receiving unwanted attention at school if their parent intervenes. In this video, Celia Heppner, Psy.D., clinical psychologist at Children's Health, shares strategies for parents to help their children be open in their communication about bullying.

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How can parents give kids confidence to deal with bullying?

Parents often want to know what they can do in their own interactions with their kids to give them the confidence to deal with bullying. In this video, Celia Heppner, Psy.D., clinical psychologist at Children's Health, shares the importance of modeling healthy behaviors for children.

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What are signs of bullying parents can look for?

If your child is being bullied at school, he or she might be hesitant to share that information with you. In this video, Celia Heppner, Psy.D., clinical psychologist at Children's Health, shares signs to look for if you suspect your child is being bullied or teased.

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How can parents talk to their children about bullying?

Parents often want to know the best way to talk to their kids about bullying. In this video, Celia Heppner, Psy.D., clinical psychologist at Children's Health, shares tips for keeping lines of communication open about the topic.

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Concussion recovery: Back in class and back in the game

Concussions are serious injuries that require plenty of time to heal. Limiting physical and mental activities is extremely important in the recovery process.

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The importance of breakfast for kids

For many students and their families, mornings are a race against the clock to get out the door and to school on time – and all too often, kids skip breakfast in the rush. However, research suggests that this habit can lead to decreased focus and learning and have a negative impact on school performance. Kids should eat breakfast every day. Learn what type of breakfast foods can boost your child's brain power.

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Fractured vertebra: More common than you think in young athletes

Your young athlete works hard to be at the top of their game. It can be difficult to know what aches are normal and what pains need a doctor's attention. If your child frequently bends or twists their back during sports and they experience frequent lower back pain, it might be time to ask their doctor about spondylolysis.

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When your child needs accommodations or modifications in school

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), children with disabilities can receive extra support in public schools. This includes children with learning, intellectual or physical disabilities. By law, your child’s school must create, with you, a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines different types of support your child will need in school. These are called accommodations and modifications.

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Healthy strategies for returning to school after a concussion

After a concussion, your child’s brain works hard to heal. Just like an ankle sprain or broken bone, a concussed brain needs time to recover from its injury.

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