Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD, is a condition of excessive distractibility and impulsivity. Kids easily are drawn away from their tasks and make quick and sometimes poor judgments. They have difficulty waiting for rewards. You don’t have to be hyperactive to have...

Age, maturity, equipment and supervision play a key role in helping kids participate safely in athletics. Parents can help make these activities a positive experience for children by knowing the causes of sports injuries and how to prevent them. Physical checkups Make sure your child is physically fit...

It’s a scary statistic, but true: by eighth grade, one in five young people has used an inhalant to get high, risking brain damage and death. Young people can get high on more than 1,000 legal, useful, everyday products. Inhalants are chemicals that cause a person to feel "high” after inhaling or...

Giving 'tweens and teens the human papillomavirus vaccine called Gardisil® before they are sexually active and exposed to HPV can cut the risk of cervical cancer by 70 percent, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. With all of the media attention surrounding the vaccine, it is natural...

Before the school buses return to their routes, it is time to start thinking about your child’s back-to-school physical. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a yearly physical for all school-aged children. Many summer camps, schools and sports require that a physical card be updated every two...

It’s common for kids to be concerned about their looks—especially during the ‘tween and teen years. Unfortunately for a growing number of kids, that concern can grow into a weight obsession that can lead to serious physical and psychological complications. Eating disorders most commonly occur between...