Nearly 20% of children ages two to 19 years old could be characterized as obese – that’s about 14.7 million children. Recent studies have shown the percentage of obese children and teens is not only rising but is affecting kids earlier in their lives than ever before. The risk for obesity increases when most of an adolescent’s diet includes high-calorie foods, like vending machine snacks, fast…
About 25% of school-age children have a visual impairment. As the start of the school year approaches, many families are busy buying school supplies, scheduling haircuts, and visiting the doctor for an annual physical. It may be a good idea to add another appointment to the list: an eye exam. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends children have their vision screened at least…
Vaccines for infants and children save lives. Globally, it’s estimated that 2 million to 3 million deaths are prevented each year thanks to childhood vaccination efforts. In the U.S., experts estimate childhood vaccines among each birth cohort prevent 20 million illnesses and more than 40,000 deaths. From birth to age two years of age, health officials recommend infants and toddlers receive vaccinations on a…
To Mary Amsbury, a physical education teacher with Comstock Public Schools, February means one thing: time to jump rope. Jumping rope is a staple of the Kids Heart Challenge, a nationwide effort by the American Heart Association to teach children about the importance of their heart health and to raise money for children with special hearts. The week-long event looks different at every…
