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Parents & Caregivers

November, 2008

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season just around the corner, this issue of Growing Great Girls has lots of helpful information for busy families on the go.

General Health

News - Only a Quarter of Girls Getting HPV Vaccine A routine vaccine can protect girls from human papillomavirus (HPV) yet, only 1 in 4 is getting the immunization, according to a government survey.

Talking to the Pharmacist
If your child is sick, you'll probably think of countless questions to ask your child's doctor. But how many times have you made a list of questions and concerns to share with your pharmacist?

Cold Sores
Cold sores are small and painful blisters that appear around the mouth, face, or nose. They're very common and, while uncomfortable, usually go away on their own.

Elementary Schoolers

Getting Kids to Give: Lynda's Story
Like many parents, Lynda wanted to help her kids develop a desire to make a difference in the world. When she told her family about an important health issue in Africa, her daughter was inspired to take action.

Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is the most common eye infection affecting kids. Learn more about pinkeye and how to prevent it from spreading.

Tonsils and Tonsillectomies
Not everyone knows what tonsils do in the body or why they may need to be removed. Knowing the facts can help alleviate the fears of both parents and children facing a tonsillectomy.

Teens

For Teens: Fainting
Fainting is pretty common in teens. The good news is that most of the time it's not a sign of something serious.

Your Daughter's First Gynecological Exam
Most doctors recommend that a young woman have her first gynecologic exam when she turns 18 or becomes sexually active, whichever comes first. The idea of having a pelvic exam may make your daughter feel nervous. Here are ways to make her feel more comfortable.

Helping Kids Deal With Conflict
A new poll reveals that kids face conflict often, usually with brothers and sisters. Here's how parents can help kids learn to get along.

Fitness and Nutrition

News - Just Two Cups of Coffee a Day Can Double Miscarriage Risk, Says Study A new study suggests that limiting or nixing caffeine for expectant moms is a must - that as few as two cups of coffee a day can actually double a woman's risk of miscarriage.

Keeping Portions Under Control
Waistlines have been expanding over the last few decades. Part of the problem is what we eat, but another is quantity. Are our plates simply piled too high?

Fitness for Kids Who Don't Like Sports
Team sports can help a child gain self-esteem, coordination, and general fitness, and help them learn how to work with other kids and adults. But some kids aren't natural athletes and they may tell you — directly or indirectly — that they just don't like sports. What then?

Emotions and Behavior

Cutting
Cutting isn't new, but this form of self-injury has been in the spotlight more in recent years. Learn more about it and ways to help a teen who cuts.

News - The Emotional Toll of Obesity Being overweight or obese can significantly affect kids' daily way of life, potentially causing serious physical and psychological problems now and in the future, says a recent study.

Teaching Kids Not to Bully
Whether bullying is physical or verbal, if it's not stopped it can lead to more aggressive antisocial behavior — and interfere with a child's success in school and ability to form and sustain friendships.

Allergies and Asthma

Asthma Diary
Use this weekly diary to record your child's asthma symptoms, peak flows, the amount of medicine taken.

Wheezing and Asthma in Infants
If your infant wheezes while battling a cold, you may be wondering if the problem is asthma. But it's not always clear if a baby has asthma.

Nut and Peanut Allergy
Peanuts are one of the most common allergy-causing foods, and they often find their way into things you wouldn't imagine. Learn the facts on living with a nut or peanut allergy.

Diabetes

How to Give an Insulin Injection
Note: This step-by-step graphic is for educational purposes only. For specific guidance on giving an insulin injection, talk with your doctor.

Carbohydrates, Sugar, and Your Child
Even though they've been blamed for the obesity epidemic in America, carbohydrates are a necessary part of a healthy diet for both kids and adults.

Managing Your Child's Diabetes on Sick Days
Parents need to know about a few extra precautions for keeping blood sugar levels under control on those days. With proper planning and some advice from your child's doctor, you'll be prepared to handle sick days with confidence.

Preschoolers

What's Funny to a Preschooler?
Your preschooler is finding new things funny while developing a better understanding of the world - and is eager to show off new ways to be playful and laugh with you.

Stuttering
Many young kids go through a stage when they stutter. Most cases of stuttering go away by age 5, but some can last longer.

Teaching Your Child How to Use 911
Teaching your child how to use 911 in an emergency could be one of the simplest — and most important — lessons you'll ever share.

Babies and Toddlers

Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures are full-body convulsions caused by high fevers that affect young kids. Although they can be frightening, febrile seizures usually stop on their own and don't cause any other health problems.

News - Breastfeeding Doesn't Increase Kids' Risk of Cavities Breastfeeding (even for a long period of time) does not put infants at risk for early cavities in their baby teeth or decay once their permanent teeth start growing in, researchers have found.

Communication and Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
Your baby is probably saying some first words now, but you might not be able to understand them all. Learn about the many ways your child communicates at this age.

See You Next Month!

We hope you enjoyed this month's Growing Great Girls newsletter. Please forward it on to your friends and family who are raising healthy and strong girls.

Important Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Content last updated November 19, 2008

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