When children become teenagers, hormonal changes shift their circadian rhythm – they get tired later. Because schools usually don't adapt to their new natural sleep cycle, they often sleep less on weekdays, affecting their memory, emotional well-being, and health. If we want teens to learn and thriv
When a person smokes cannabis, one of the plant's chemicals, THC, passes from the lungs into the bloodstream and then into the brain. If the brain is exposed to a large amount of THC but is still immature, the part responsible for controlling emotions can never reach its full potential. This can hav
If a teenager or child feels persistently sad and moody, affecting the way they do everyday tasks, they may fall under a depressive spiral that goes beyond a short-term, situational depression. Here are a few signs to help you figure out whether a child or teenager is depressed. Disclaimer: This i
What did you actually do when you were 16? School, homework, sports club, the first boyfriend or girlfriend, of course. Maybe the first beer. With today's guest Ann-Selina it was a bit different. When all her friends were doing all these typical teenage things, Ann-Selina beat blood cancer. Awesome,
The menstrual cycle begins between the ages of 9 and 13. It brings physical and hormonal changes into four phases: menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase. This cycle typically lasts 28 days. It affects mood, health and fertility. The experiences are very different. Some have few
Your child’s mental health can’t wait. Prior to the COVID-19 public health emergency, as many as 1 in 6 U.S. children between the ages of 6 and 17 had a treatable mental health disorder. Additional stressors, such as lack of routine and virtual learning, created a surge of anxiety and depression in
Keeping up with kids’ routine medical appointments and vaccines helps protect their health now and for the future. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers kids’ medical needs, including regular check-ups and vaccines. Parents and caregivers, if your child has Medicaid or C
Peace of mind is knowing your child has access to quality vision care. About 1 in 10 preschoolers and 25% of kids in grades K-6 have vision deficiencies. When vision problems go undetected in children, it can lead to impaired development or a misdiagnosed learning disability. Regular comprehensive e
Dentists and doctors recommend children get a dental check-up every 6 months. Preventive and routine care can help maintain good oral health. Tooth decay, one of the most common chronic diseases among children, can negatively affect a child’s physical and social development. Kids and teens up to age
While flu seasons vary in severity, even a mild season puts children at risk – and it is as important as ever to make sure children and their families are protected against preventable diseases like the flu. Young children are at a higher risk for developing serious complications from the flu. In fa
Vaccinations give kids the extra protection they need to stay healthy. With Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), parents can rest easier knowing their kids’ vaccinations and booster shots are covered. Families without health insurance may be eligible for free or low-cost hea
Mental health plays a critical role in the overall health and well-being of children. With Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), children have coverage for mental health services (including behavioral health) necessary to prevent, diagnose, and treat a broad range of mental he
