Ascariasis is an intestinal infection caused by a parasitic roundworm. While it is the most common human infection caused by worms in the world, ascariasis is not common in the United States. It occurs in varying prevalence worldwide, with far greater frequency in areas with poor sanitation or crowded living conditions. Signs and Symptoms Although [...]
Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) requires immediate medical attention, so it’s important to learn its symptoms — and how they differ from a run-of-the-mill stomachache — so you can seek medical care right away. The symptoms of appendicitis start with a mild fever and pain around the bellybutton, and can be accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or [...]
Sick days are part of being a kid; worrying about childhood illnesses is part of being a parent. You wonder, what’s that weird rash? Does that cough sound worse than before? Am I going to catch this, too? Parents quickly learn from experience all about ear infections, pinkeye, stomach bugs, colds, and the flu. These [...]
More teens are getting their recommended vaccinations, but rates are still below target levels, the CDC reports. There are two recommended vaccines for all teens: One dose of menigococcal meningitis vaccine (MenACWY) One dose of the tetanus/diphtheria/whooping cough vaccine (Tdap) One more vaccine is recommended for girls: three doses of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, [...]
How do you keep a 1-year-old from heading toward the DVD player? What should you do when your preschooler throws a fit? How can you get a teenager to respect your authority? Whatever the age of your child, it’s important to be consistent when it comes to discipline. If parents don’t stick to the rules and consequences [...]
Is this the end of my independence? Fatherhood doesn’t have to spell the end of fun. True, you may not get much sleep or time for yourself during the first few months until your baby starts sleeping through the night. But when the baby sleeps more, you and your partner will have more time for things [...]
When You’re Expecting Pregnant women experience a variety of emotions and life changes. But most first-time dads have their own feelings and concerns to deal with, too. If you feel shocked, panicked, overwhelmed, scared, or like you’re just not ready, you’re not alone. Like any big change, this will require a major adjustment. And if the [...]
Know about 4 diseases that could affect your son or daughter. Then learn how to help protect against them. It’s that time of year again. And since it’s likely that your child will be visiting his or her doctor before school starts, now’s the time to ask about how to help prevent diseases that could [...]
How do you know if your baby was born with cystic fibrosis? Will your doctor tell you the diagnosis as soon as your newborn enters the world, or will you have to wait and watch for signs before you know for sure? What do you need to know about this disease? What Is Cystic Fibrosis? [...]
Each day, 10-year-old Seth asked his mom for more and more lunch money. Yet he seemed skinnier than ever and came home from school hungry. It turned out that Seth was handing his lunch money to a fifth-grader, who was threatening to beat him up if he didn’t pay. Kayla, 13, thought things were going [...]
