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![]() Eyeballing a child to determine a healthy weight and height can be difficult, but objective measurements can be helpful. Making sense of your child's health numbersDr. Jennifer Shu, CNNHealth's Living Well expert doctor, is a pediatrician, mother of two and co-author of "Food Fights: Winning the Nutritional Challenges of Parenthood Armed With Insight, Humor, and a Bottle of Ketchup."
Many children tell me they think they are overweight, while parents believe their children are just right, or perhaps too thin. This is where numbers come in handy - objective measurements, including a child’s weight, height and body mass index, or BMI are useful tools when talking to families about a child’s size. While factors such as body frame and muscle composition may make a person’s BMI higher or lower than expected, these measurements are generally more accurate than eyeballing a child to see if he or she is over- or underweight. So, what do all these numbers mean? Weight and height are self-explanatory. BMI, a calculation that takes into consideration the height and weight, is a fairly good reflection of a person’s body fat. HPV vaccine for boysJennifer Shu. M.D., CNNHealth's Living Well expert doctor is a practicing pediatrician and mom of two.
As a pediatrician and a mother, I am not surprised by this recommendation. In fact, several parents of my male patients have already requested this vaccine as their sons enter young adulthood. Here are some reasons why:
Having seen the serious effects that HPV infection can have on an individual, I advise my own patients and family members to receive the vaccine when they are the right age. Parents with questions about HPV infections and vaccines can talk with their child’s pediatrician for more information. Is it OK to take antidepressants while breast-feeding?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Mondays, it's pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. Asked by Eliza from Indiana I recently had my first baby and just learned I have OCD. My doctor put me on a very low dose of antidepressant and my symptoms are much better. I am breast-feeding my son and don't want to use formula but am worried about side effects. What problems should I look for? Will a bleach bath help a child's eczema?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Mondays, it's pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. Asked by LaDonna, via e-mail
My grandson is suffering with eczema. Over-the-counter creams aren't working. His skin has been getting worse for the past three weeks. I've heard that bleach baths can help. Is it safe to give him a bleach bath?
Why is my urine red?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Mondays, it's pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. I notice the color of my urine has gone from looking like champagne to looking like cranberry juice in three days. Should I be concerned? I am not on any medications. How do we prevent kidney stones in kids?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Mondays, it's pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. Question asked by Aaron from California: My 12-year-old daughter was found to have calcium oxalate crystals in her urine. The doctor said to watch out for kidney stones, which happen to run in our family. What should we do to prevent my daughter from developing stones? What are Mongolian spots?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Mondays, it's pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. Question asked by C.C. from Atlanta: My newborn son has blue birthmarks on his back. The doctor called them Mongolian spots (but we are not Asian) and said they are found in darker skinned babies and not to worry. Our other kids didn't have them. What are they? Will they go away? Rabies shots needed for bat exposure?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Mondays, it's pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. Question asked by Dan from South Carolina: During a recent family trip to the mountains, our kids, who were sleeping in the attic, were awakened by a bat flying around the room. We called our doctor, who told us to go to the emergency room, where the kids got the rabies vaccine and immune globulin. Was that really necessary? Is it too early to get the flu vaccine?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Mondays, it's pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. Question: My doctor's office started offering this season's flu vaccine in early August. Should I get it now or wait until closer to flu season? Can melatonin prevent jet lag?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Mondays, it's pediatrician Dr. Jennifer Shu. Question asked by Ken from Palm Springs, California: I'm about to travel to the other side of the world for a week and have to work the day after I get back. I've heard melatonin can help prevent jet lag when I return and would rather take that than medicine. What else can I do? |
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. ![]() ![]() |
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