Chemotherapy

Numerous medical advances have helped health care professionals manage, lessen, and prevent certain side effects of cancer treatments. But parents whose kids need chemotherapy — one of the most common treatments for childhood cancer — often have many questions and concerns about it. About Chemotherapy Chemotherapy (often just called "chemo") refers to medications that kill actively dividing cells. Unlike healthy cells, cancer cells reproduce continuously because they don't respond to the normal signals that control cell growth. Che

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Explaining Long-Term Illness to a Child

Taking care of a chronically ill child is one of the most draining and difficult tasks a parent can face. Beyond handling physical challenges and medical needs, you'll have to deal with the emotional needs your child may have and the emotional impact that the prolonged illness can have on the entire family. Luckily, this tough balancing act doesn't have to be done alone: support groups, social workers, and family friends often can lend a helping hand. Explaining Long-Term Illness to a Child Honest communication is crucial to

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Camps for Kids With Special Needs

Ah, summer camp. The mosquitoes, the swim races, the friendships, the bug juice, the postcards home. What child wouldn't benefit from the fun and structured freedom camps provide? Kids with special needs are no exception. But the idea can seem challenging to parents and kids alike — how can you be sure that your child will get the attention he or she needs? Will your child be able to participate fully? What about the other kids? Will your child make friends? Will they understand your child's special needs? The good news is that there a

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Birth Defect

Like most expectant parents, you probably alternate between fantasies about a healthy baby and worries that your baby will have a health problem. Or perhaps you've been told through prenatal screening that your baby might be born with a birth defect. Many parents assume that all birth defects are severe or even fatal, but the fact is that many are treatable, often immediately after birth — and sometimes even before the baby is born. It's especially important to know the risk factors involved and how to prevent birth defects. However, i

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Balancing Academics and Serious Illness

When your child has a serious or chronic illness, it's hard to think beyond the next treatment. While health is the first priority, education also is important. You'll want to help your child stay on top of schoolwork as much as possible and plan for when he or she can return to school. Not only does staying connected to school bring academic, cognitive, psychological, and social benefits — it's also your child's legal right. Under federal law, kids with disabilities are entitled to educational support, and your child might qual

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Pediatric Care

You may remember, not too long ago, stepping into the pediatrician's office for your child's very first visit. And you might have been a little nervous as you got to know the person who'd be caring for your little one. But after years of interaction (complete with late-night phone calls, last-minute appointments, and trustworthy advice), your pediatrician probably feels like part of the family. So when the time comes for your child to transition into adult health care, it can be hard to say goodbye. Done abruptly, this change can be

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Sport Physicals

You know that playing sports helps keep kids fit and are a fun way for them to socialize and make friends. But you might not know why the physical kids may have to take at the beginning of their sports season is so important.About Sports PhysicalsIn the sports medicine field, the sports physical exam — or preparticipation physical examination (PPE) — helps determine whether it's safe for kids to participate in a particular sport. Most states actually require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they can start a new sport

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