It’s that time of year again. Cold and flu season. And with kids returning to normal activities like school, daycare, activities and playdates, cases of all respiratory diseases are up this year. Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, shares tips on differentiating the various illnesses, prevention tips, how to care for symptoms at home and what you…
By John Bradley, M.D. The Food and Drug Administration authorized children as young as 6 months old to get the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines last month. For many parents, the decision meant a long wait was finally over. COVID-19 has caused more than 2 million infections among children ages 6 months to 4 years old and…
When the novel coronavirus pandemic hit, naturally, COVID-19 itself topped the list of global health concerns. However, related issues were catching the attention of the medical and scientific community as well. Among them: the emergence of a new multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children after exposure to the virus. In the United States alone, the Centers…
As several forms of the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine make their way into communities around the globe, the news is abuzz with updates — which, let’s face it, can sometimes be a bit overwhelming and confusing. Among hot topics are allergic reactions, leading to questions and concerns from many. However, “while anaphylaxis can occur after…
by Willough Jenkins, MD As the year turns over to 2021, it is a time for natural reflection, and I suspect many families will be having conversations about the COVID-19 pandemic. It is tempting when discussing the hardships of the pandemic to immediately jump to encouraging children to “look on the bright side” or remind…
The world has learned a great deal about COVID-19 since the pandemic began, but a significant gap remains between what we know and what we need to know to fully prevent, treat and work to defeat this newfound viral foe. Medical and scientific research is the driving force behind progress, and experts from Rady Children’s…
by Maggie Mayo, CCLS, and Carissa Menard, CCLS As we move forward and continue to embrace these difficult times thought the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping our minds occupied and our emotional well-being attended to can be challenging for all of us, including kiddos. As child life specialists, our job is to make the hospital experience less…
by Danni Leonard, CCLS; Marie Osthimer, CCLS; and Joseph Remaley, LCSW While we’re all at home more than we’re used to, it’s more important than ever to keep your kids engaged and active. There are many benefits to exercise, including amplifying concentration, lowering stress and improving health. Below, we’ve outlined a few activities that are…
by Desiree Shapiro, MD COVID-19 has affected all of our lives and challenged us in various ways. How do we support one another and cultivate our resilience amidst the chaos? Here are three C’s to consider incorporating into your daily routine and sharing with your children and family today. Compassion This is a time to…
by Erin Carpenter, CCLS; Aislinn Mooney, CCLS; and Madeline Zinngrabe, CCLS It can be challenging to keep a schedule and routine at home during this uncertain time. You may see regressive or withdrawn behavior when your child is trying to adapt and manage their feelings and changes to their routine. Keeping your child’s environment structured…
Whether you’re 5, 35 or 95, sheltering in place and social distancing can be challenging. With consistent feelings of uncertainty, interruptions to routines and activities, and limitations on seeing friends and family, it’s no wonder reports of effects on mental well-being are on the rise. Recent surveys indicated young adults are feeling more anxious and…
by Lorri Bauer, MS, and Natalie Elms, MA The novel coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented and unsettling event for people of all ages, and for small children, its ever-changing nature and intense media coverage can be hard to comprehend — and even scary. Below are a few guidelines to help keep preschool-age kids calm, informed…