With 20 percent of students ages 12-18 experiencing bullying and 70 percent of students and school staff having witnessed bullying, it’s important to learn how to help prevent it and what to do if your child falls victim. Bullying can be: Physical. Hitting, pushing,...
From varsity track to travel soccer to peewee baseball, athletes of all ages and sizes have been hard at work getting their game on during this year’s spring sports season. Kids everywhere are on the move: In 2017, 56.5 percent of children ages 6-12 played at least...
Scoliosis is defined as abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It affects 6 million to 9 million people in the U.S., according to Dr. Amer Samdani, chief of surgery at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and an expert on scoliosis. The three main...
Today, children and teens grow up in a world of cellphones and constant online connection. Technology and social media can be a positive way for us to connect. At the same time, the negative effects they can have on developing minds can be dangerous. It is important...
It’s the early afternoon at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and there’s something going around. Symptoms vary, but commonly, patients have reported experiencing uncontrollable smiles or a sudden urge to snuggle. With it come unexpected sounds for a...
If your child or someone you know has autism, chances are good that they’ve exhibited some challenging behaviors at some point and maybe even suffered a so-called “meltdown.” While autism itself doesn’t cause the behaviors, these meltdowns often are the result of...
Because cases of autism have increased tenfold over the last 40 years, it is increasingly common to hear that a child is “on the spectrum.” What exactly does that mean? Envision a rainbow or an umbrella. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder—a group of complex...
During the holidays, everyone is hustling and bustling to purchase and wrap gifts, to make sure their houses are perfectly lit, and to be ready for the festivities. All of this is part of what is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” What about those...
You might normally celebrate the holiday season indoors with your family, but you don't have to let the cold weather prevent you from staying active. Keep your family entertained and energetic during the winter with these outdoor activities to enjoy a healthy, happy...
Bullying is defined as repeated “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children” that involves a “real or perceived power imbalance”—when kids use their physical strength, popularity, or knowledge of embarrassing information to negatively influence others....