The adjustment to school can be tough, and many children struggle with big feelings in the afternoons after they come home. This is normal. Here’s why - and here are some tips.

Now that school is starting, many parents start to worry about how to make sure their children stay healthy. This is when the immune boosting companies swoop in. Here’s the real scoop on immunity in children.

Board games are a fun way to help build focus and sportsmanship, to create bonding opportunities with family, and to develop age-appropriate skills which will later help in school.

Immunization is the most effective way to mitigate the severity of flu infection, but there are many misconceptions about the flu vaccine.

Influenza is a viral infection that can be caused by different strains of Influenza virus. Although most people recover without incident, similar to COVID-19, certain groups are higher risk for severe illness (and even death): the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and young children (under age 5y - and especially those under 2y).

Parental favoritism and love are not the same thing. Your child feeling secure and safe enough to express a preference is most likely a reflection of good parenting, not the opposite.

Part of childhood is being exposed to a myriad of illnesses, and developing the immune response that provides protection down the line. Believe it or not, in the first year of school, it is normal to have 6-8 respiratory infections (colds, coughs), 1-2 tummy bugs, and a few other scattered viral infections such as HFM or roseola.

Molluscum is a viral infection that causes flesh colored wart-like bumps on the skin. It is super frustrating, but also quite common.

Heat rash, also called “prickly heat” or “Miliaria,” occurs as a result of sweating. Rather than evaporating, the sweat gets trapped, which leads to blockage and inflammation.

Parechovirus is a virus that most often causes symptoms of the common cold. Parechovirus is a known entity that causes illness in children and vulnerable populations. Most often, it causes common cold symptoms, but in more vulnerable populations, such as newborn babies.

Here are five easy steps to becoming a pro at fixing boo-boos, and a reminder of some things to avoid (that may surprise you!) like hydrogen peroxide, neosporin and air.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (which is endemic in certain parts of Africa). It is related to smallpox (which has been eradicated).

The terminology of drowning is extremely confusing. Terms like “dry drowning,” “near drowning,” “delayed drowning” and “secondary drowning” are often used interchangeably and are ambiguous. In fact, because they are confusing, using these terms is actively discouraged by organizations such as WHO, CDC, and Red Cross. Let’s go through how drowning is actually defined.

In infants, sunburns can become quite severe quite quickly leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Prevention is critically important. Wear the sunscreen, the UPF clothes, and reiterate the importance of avoiding tanning beds. Teach your children and teens good habits, and model them yourself.

I grew up in Malawi, and my father treated people who had vaccine-preventable illnesses, such as Polio. I feel so lucky that I can raise my children in an era with vaccines. Yes, vaccine reactions are a nuisance, but they are often mild and self-limited. Hopefully these tips help you and your child get through them with ease!