Researchers in Denmark recently looked into how physical fitness, mental health, and social background affect how well kids aged 10 to 12 do in school. They wanted to see if being active, feeling good, and having a supportive environment make a difference in how kids think and learn. The study focused on a large group of children from all over Denmark. They checked ...
Globally, over 14 million children have never received any vaccines, a troubling trend that's not improving fast enough. Experts point to conflicts, lack of access, and misinformation as major roadblocks. While some progress has been made, the numbers remain alarmingly high. In 2024, fewer children were unvaccinated compared to 2023, but millions still lack protecti...
Over the last 17 years, the health of American kids has been on a downward slope. This isn't just about one or two issues; it's a broad decline across many areas. Experts are raising alarms, pointing to rising obesity, more chronic diseases, and increasing mental health struggles like depression and anxiety. The numbers tell a stark story. Obesity rates have climbed...
Over the past 17 years, the health of children in the U. S. has taken a turn for the worse. Today's kids are more likely to be overweight, suffer from long-term illnesses, and struggle with mental health issues like depression. This isn't just one or two problems; it's a wide range of health concerns affecting children across the country. Experts have known about th...
Kids who are struggling often miss out on good dental care. This is a big problem. Many programs try to help. But what makes them work? A recent study looked at 39 of these programs. It found that the best ones do a few key things. First, they understand the families' lives. They don't just give advice. They listen and adapt. Second, they team up with lots of people...
Kids between 3 and 8 years old are glued to YouTube and YouTube Kids. They see lots of ads for snacks and drinks. These ads can shape what kids want to eat and drink. It's a big deal because many of these ads push unhealthy foods. YouTube is everywhere. Kids watch it on tablets, phones, and computers. It's easy to access, and it's full of fun content. But hidden in ...
A recent meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) under the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took an unexpected turn. Instead of the usual data-driven discussions, the CDC scientists found themselves defending vaccine safety and effectiveness against skeptical queries. The meeting, held over two days, saw new committee me...
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in how children access health care. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was a big deal. It made sure that kids could keep their Medicaid coverage without interruptions. This was a game-changer for many families. It ensured that children had steady access to health services during a time of great...
The FDA has started the process to take away fluoride pills for kids from the market. These pills are different from fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Kids swallow these pills, and they have never been okayed by the FDA. There's worry that swallowing fluoride can mess up the good bacteria in a child's tummy. This is a big deal because a kid's tummy bacteria are still...
Vitamin D is a hot topic in health circles. It is a nutrient that our bodies produce when exposed to sunlight. But what happens when sunlight is scarce? This is a big deal for kids living in places where winter is long and dark. Researchers wanted to find out if giving kids vitamin D supplements during winter could help them avoid getting sick with respiratory infect...