Children's Health

Earlier studies have found that children who grow up in houses with a TV on many hours a day learn fewer words than children in households with less TV time.

Turning Down The Background Noise Could Help Toddlers Learn

3:47pm July 21, 2016

by Carolyn Beans

Being surrounded by noisy conversations, radio or TV can make it harder for toddlers to learn new words, researchers say. Quieter conversations didn't affect the learning process.

Taking The Battle Against Lyme Disease Ticks To The Backyard

4:17pm July 20, 2016

by Carolyn Beans

Scientists have tested all sorts of strategies to keep Lyme disease ticks from biting us. One is to make it less likely you'll cross paths with the critters in your yard. Sawdust mulch, anyone?

Zika virus particles (colored purple in this scan) infecting cells. Each particle is about 40 nanometers in diameter.

A Case Of Zika Apparently Spread From A Patient To A Family Caregiver

6:44pm July 18, 2016

by Rob Stein

Federal and Utah health officials are investigating a case that may be the first instance of Zika spreading from one person to another in ways other than via mosquito bites, sex or the placenta.

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Hugo d'Alessandro is pictured with his mother and grandmother. He was diagnosed with cancer when he was 10 years old. Treatment is difficult in Venezuela; his mother says the drugs he needs aren't always available.

Is Venezuela Having A Health Care Crisis? It Depends On Whom You Ask

9:13am July 16, 2016

by Lulu Garcia-Navarro

The government says everything is fine. But doctors and patients tell a different story, citing a lack of the most basic medicines and supplies.

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Anthony Merkerson and Charles Jones, on a visit with StoryCorps in New York City.

From Father To Father, A Few Words Of Wisdom On Raising Kids With Autism

12:08pm July 15, 2016

by NPR Staff

Anthony Merkerson's son was diagnosed with autism. Then, his younger daughter was, too. "It was a heavy load," he says, until he started getting advice from another father farther along the same path.

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Pssssst, kid: If you go to bed early enough, you might still have a bit of time for covert reading before nodding off.

Early Bedtime For Preschoolers Might Help Reduce Obesity Risk Later

1:36pm July 14, 2016

by Carolyn Beans

Little kids who hit the sack early may be less likely to get overtired and fussy in a way that messes with their sleep cycle, researchers say.

For many busy parents, getting dinner on the table is a daily struggle. Here's one time saver: Enlist the kids to help!

What's For Dinner? 10 Strategies To Help Busy Parents Get Food On The Table

2:24pm July 13, 2016

by Carolyn Beans

We asked food experts, parents and nutritionists for their best tips for making weeknight meals happen.

Toddlers need consistent care from a pediatrician to make sure, among other things, that they are hitting developmental milestones and their vaccinations are up-to-date.

Red Tape Leaves Some Low-Income Toddlers Without Health Insurance

6:16pm July 12, 2016

by Michelle Andrews

Despite government policies designed to encourage health coverage for these children, many families are thwarted by confusing rules and regulations, advocacy groups say.

If you're worried, they're worried. Staying calm is one of many techniques parents can use to reduce pain and anxiety about shots.

Parents Can Help Reduce Pain And Anxiety From Vaccinations

2:09pm July 12, 2016

by Laurel Dalrymple

There are plenty of proven techniques that can help parents soothe the sting of the needle. And guess what? A parent's attitude can matter more than the actual pain of the shot.

What An Hour Of Emotion Makes Visible

1:24pm July 08, 2016

by Alix Spiegel

Kim was an accomplished doctor with plenty of friends. But a few pulses from an electromagnet to her brain at age 54 made her reconsider how she sees herself — and the world.