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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