Health &
Wellness Library
Articles, videos and more to keep your family healthy.
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The COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection against serious COVID-19 illness and has played a critical role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. While more than 250 million people in the United States have safely gotten the vaccine, many still feel hesitant about getting the vaccine for themselves or their children.
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COVID‑19 vaccines sent a collective sigh of relief across the country. Even if you have children too young for the vaccine, you likely felt safer about returning to some level of normal activity and life after you got vaccinated. But a new surge of COVID‑19 infections due to the Delta variant has resulted in some fully vaccinated people testing positive for COVID‑19 (called a "breakthrough" infection). That wave of new infections has also left many parents wondering how to keep their children safe.
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As COVID‑19 continues to spread, it's important to take precautions to reduce your family's risk of infection. The best way to keep your family safe is by taking preventive measures such as getting the COVID-19 vaccine if eligible, wearing a mask (if over age 2) and regularly washing hands.
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COVID-19 vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness from COVID‑19. Because protection from your original COVID‑19 vaccine can decrease over time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends booster shots for eligible individuals.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report indicating that children may be at an increased risk for developing diabetes after COVID-19 infection. As more children get COVID-19, parents may be concerned about these recent headlines and potential long-term health effects.
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With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), researchers have been dedicated to learning more about how this new virus spreads, symptoms and possible ways to treat illness. Early data suggest that symptoms of COVID-19 are often respiratory and that children are not at increased risk for severe illness. However, new concerns are being raised about an unusual inflammatory response in children that may be related to coronavirus.
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Due to COVID-19, many children are spending more time at home with their parents. During this pandemic, kids have learned about the risks of being around large groups of people. They’ve followed new rules about wearing a mask, hand washing and social distancing. But now, as schools and activities resume, many children – even those who were once excited to go to school – feel intense separation anxiety about leaving their parents’ side.
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You may have heard about rare COVID-19 vaccine side effects called myocarditis and pericarditis, or heart inflammation. As a parent, it's understandable to have some questions and concerns about this news. You may even wonder if you should delay your child's COVID-19 vaccine.
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As more people get vaccinated, many are hopeful and excited that we’re getting closer to ending the pandemic. However, as you consider the COVID-19 vaccine either for yourself or for your child, you may also have some concerns. There is a lot of misinformation out there – including the myth that the COVID-19 vaccine can cause infertility.
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Since COVID-19 vaccines became available, hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. have gotten vaccinated. But there are still many questions about the vaccines, such as how do they work, are they safe and who should get vaccinated.
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Reports about new strains of the virus that causes COVID‑19 may have you worried or asking questions. What do these variants mean for the pandemic? Are they more dangerous? How can I keep my family healthy?
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More than 6 million children in the U.S. are affected by seasonal allergies or hay fever, and allergy symptoms can spike when pollen counts are high. But during the pandemic, how can parents tell if their child's sniffle or sore throat is simply pollen-related or if it could be a sign of COVID-19?
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While many people think of adults as the ones mainly impacted by COVID-19, children can be affected, too – and may need testing. With the enormous amount of anxiety surrounding COVID-19, kids may feel especially nervous about being tested.
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Due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, there has been a surge in positive COVID‑19 cases across the country. This increased spread of COVID‑19 has affected children as well as emergency rooms.
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As Omicron swept across the country in early 2022, someone you know – or maybe even yourself or a family member – likely became infected with COVID-19. The highly contagious variant caused record numbers of COVID-19 cases, including in children. This leaves many parents wondering if they or their child got COVID-19, are they safe from getting it again?
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One way to help prevent the spread of COVID‑19 is to wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Learn how masks can help prevent the spread of COVID‑19 and see more ways to keep your family safe.
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Getting sick is never convenient, but with virtual visit, seeing a health care provider can be. Virtual visits are a quick and easy way to see a health care provider without needing to visit a doctor's office. See six tips to help you have a successful virtual appointment and get the care you or your family member needs.
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Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. It affects the airways and breathing, which can make a respiratory infection like COVID-19 feel especially concerning. Thankfully, there are ways to keep asthma under control and to help prevent infection from COVID-19.
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Cleaning your hands – either with soap and water or by using hand sanitizer – may seem like a small action, but it’s one that can have a significant impact on your health.
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The COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized for use in children ages 6 months and older. While many parents are excited that their child can get vaccinated, they may also have questions or feel uncertain about getting their child vaccinated.
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On June 15, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 6 months to 4 years old.
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Over the summer, without classmates or schoolwork, many children find themselves a little bored.
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Regular physical activity is an important part of overall health, especially for growing children. Being active not only improves a child's physical health, it also offers cognitive and emotional benefits such as improving attention span and mental well-being.
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During the COVID‑19 pandemic, face masks have played an important role in preventing illness. Wearing a well-fitted mask over your nose and mouth is a simple and effective way to reduce the spread of the virus from person to person.
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On October 29, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized use of the COVID‑19 vaccine in children ages 5-11. On June 17, 2022, the COVID-19 vaccine was also authorized for children under 5.
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The Omicron variant is now the most widespread COVID-19 variant in the U.S. The highly transmissible variant is causing a surge in cases. For many parents, it’s also causing renewed concern about their child’s health.
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In 2020, many Halloween activities were canceled due to COVID-19. This year – thanks to the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone over 12 – many communities are hosting their annual pumpkin walks, fall festivals, trunk-or-treat parties and trick-or-treating events.
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You may have heard about the COVID-19 Mu variant after cases were reported across the U.S., including in North Texas. Variants are versions of a virus that have changed as the virus spreads. Mu is one version of the COVID-19 virus that the World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring as a "variant of interest."
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As viruses spread, they constantly change. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have emerged and spread around the world. Recently, you may have heard a lot about the "Delta" variant, which is now the dominant strain in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Ever try to make a work call with children underfoot? No doubt, this has been a common experience as families stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Many parents have had their hands full as they try to work, manage household chores and perform the job of homeschool teacher.
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Most of the time, eating at home makes it easier to choose healthy options than eating out. However, if you are home all day without a regular schedule, you may find it hard to resist frequent, unhealthy snacks and more difficult to take time out for a nutritious meal.
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As COVID-19 continues to spread, it's important to take steps to keep your family healthy. Wearing a face mask is one way to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19.
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In the past, your child could go to school, even if their nose was stuffed or runny. But as we continue to live in a world with COVID-19, you might be wondering – is it really a cold? Is it safe for my child to go to school? What if they test positive for COVID-19?
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Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body that are important for bone development and strength.