Body mass index (BMI) is an easy way to estimate body fat and screen for weight categories that could lead to health issues. For all ages, BMI is based on height and weight measurements. But for kids and teens, BMI is also plotted on gender- and age-based growth charts. Using these charts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pediatricians can compare BMI levels with other children at the same development stage.
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Now, even as life is getting back to normal, many teens are still struggling emotionally. Here’s how to offer the support they need—and when to reach out for additional help.
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While tragedies have always been a part of life, technology has made it easier than ever for kids to learn about bad things that are happening all over the world. If your instinct as a parent is to shelter them from all that’s grim, that’s understandable—but of course it’s impossible.
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About eight in 10 people will eventually be exposed to HPV. It’s one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Often, people don’t even know they have it.
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An angry rampage here, a crying meltdown there—being a kid is quite the emotional roller coaster. But as a parent, how can you tell the difference between what’s normal and what’s not?
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It’s a well-known fact: Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for type 2 diabetes. But what if your little one is at a perfectly healthy weight? Are there other ways to predict if they might develop diabetes as an adult?
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Between therapy, school, and doctor’s visits, families of children with special needs already juggle a lot. Now, there’s an added twist: Many children ages 2 and older must wear cloth face coverings in public.
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Taking your baby to see a doctor is important when your little one is sick. But going to regular well-child visits can be just as important.
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Oozing sores, speckled bumps, and itchy groins might not come up in conversation with other parents. But annoying and embarrassing skin conditions affect many children. It’s time to break the silence about three icky problems and how to solve them.
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There are no ifs, ands, or nuts about it: The number of peanut allergy cases is rising. In fact, current estimates show that nearly 2.5% of U.S. children may be allergic to peanuts. As a parent, it pays to be prepared—here’s what you should know, and how a new treatment can help.
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Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often learn, interact, and behave differently than most. At times, these unique traits can pose challenges in daily life.
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The health effects of childhood obesity stretch years beyond the playground. That’s why it’s so important to catch weight problems early before they become a lifelong issue.
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