Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a serious blood disorder that is passed down through families. When children inherit SCD from their parents who have sickle cell trait, the red blood cells form an abnormal crescent (sickled) shape. As a result, the blood doesn't flow well, causing anemia, pain and damage to the internal organs. In the United States, all babies are tested for SCD at birth, which allows them to receive early care and treatment. As a result, most children with SCD in the U.S. will live into adulthood with an opportunity to lead productive lives.
April 21, 2011 | Rachel Cunningham, MPH, Immunization Project
A young mother sits in the pediatrician's office with her child. As the doctor begins to explain the immunizations the child will receive, the mother interrupts and says, "Ok, but not the MMR vaccine. I've heard it causes autism." Despite numerous reassurances and 30 minutes of discussion, the child leaves without receiving the vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
It's a scene that has played out in countless numbers of pediatric offices across the globe. After all, it's just one vaccine, right?
Wrong.
April 19, 2011 | Dr. Will Parsons, director of Pediatric Center for Personal Cancer Genomics and Therapeutics
April 15, 2011 | 1126
Children need to be given nutrition, and it's important to maintain a regular feeding schedule to maintain optimal operation of your child...
You can envision where that might go next, but unfortunately, babies don't come with instructions. Parents are fraught with countless challenges that often arise at 3:00 a.m. Many parents report they experience long periods where a good night's sleep is a forgotten luxury. And that's with 2 parents — single parents I bow deeply in your direction.
April 07, 2011 | Roberta Anding
Americans have a love-hate relationship with carbohydrates.
We believe that carbs make us fat and sluggish, but despite our beliefs, the research reveals we consume carbohydrates in almost record amounts.
So what's the truth about carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates come in two distinct forms: