Health and Safety Information

An informed parent can make better decisions about their child's care. Learn about the latest topics in children's health.

Our Latest Posts on Children and Teens Health Topics

Taking Control: Managing the Highs and Lows of Diabetes

July 15, 2026

The diabetes team is proud to provide this educational resource for their patients. The book offers an overview of the disease and detailed guides on how to monitor glucose (blood sugar levels), proper administration of insulin, and how to manage high or low blood sugar episodes in diabetic children.

Download the PDF book (8 MB)

Steps to Help Prevent Drowning in Children

July 02, 2026

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in young children, but with the right precautions, it can be prevented. Let's discuss some key steps to keep your children safe around water.

Jellyfish Stings: Fact vs. Fiction

July 01, 2026

While jellyfish can be found year-round along the South Florida shoreline, they are most common in May through October, with the peak period for jellyfish “blooms” occurring in August and September. Should a jellyfish sting occur, be aware of common treatment myths that, in reality, can worsen the associated discomfort.

Helping Little Ears Overcome Repeated Infections

June 25, 2026

Approximately 25 percent of young children get frequent ear infections. These recurrent events are of concern primarily because they are associated with temporary hearing reduction at a pivotal time in a child’s development. Pediatricians and  ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists can help families learn how to prevent recurring ear infections.

Sargassum Seaweed & Children’s Health: What You Need to Know

June 15, 2026 – A recent development may pose a threat not only to your family’s enjoyment of South Florida's beaches but also the health of you and your children — and that’s Sargassum seaweed.

Scoliosis: The Importance of Early Detection

June 09, 2026

Scoliosis affects 2 to 3 percent of children and often appears quietly during the preteen and teen years—but early detection can make a big difference. Learn the simple signs to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, and the treatments that help kids stay active and confident.

When Should You Worry about Your Child's Headaches?

May 12, 2026

Headaches in children, particularly younger ones, should not be dismissed. Occasionally, recurrent or atypical headaches may signal an underlying medical condition that warrants further evaluation.

Empowering Families Facing a Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) Diagnosis

April 03, 2026 – If you have a child or adult family member with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, or BWS, then you know just how challenging it can be. To provide patients with BWS and their families with medical and emotional support, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital began hosting the Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) Patient & Family Conference.

How to Handle Tantrums: Practical Tips for Managing Meltdowns

March 26, 2026

Tantrums are a normal part of childhood, especially in busy households, and the good news is they usually ease as kids get older, often around age four. When emotions run high, staying calm and responding with patience can make these tough moments much easier to manage.

Baby’s First Bites: When and How to Introduce Solid Foods

March 19, 2026

Parents want their babies to grow up healthy, strong and thriving. It’s no surprise, then, that many of my patients’ parents ask when and how they should begin transitioning their babies to solid foods. While breast milk or formula provides essential nutrition during the first few months of life, it won’t be long before you’ll start introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet.

When Your Child's Pain Isn’t Just Growing Pains

March 18, 2026

Rheumatic diseases may not get the same attention as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, but they affect far more than the joints—often impacting tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles as well. They’re also remarkably common: approximately 300,000 children in the United States are living with a rheumatic disease.

Why Would a Child Need Pediatric Endoscopy and What to Expect

March 16, 2026

If your child’s doctor recommends an endoscopy, it’s completely natural to feel a little anxious. The good news is that endoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that is typically quick and well tolerated by children.

Healthy Hydration Habits for Growing Kids

March 11, 2026

Proper hydration is essential at every stage of life, but it plays an especially important role during childhood and adolescence. As children grow and develop — both physically and mentally — their bodies rely on adequate fluids to support proper function of the circulatory and nervous systems.

Sprains vs. Strains: Decoding Your Child's Injury

February 24, 2026

For active children, sprains and strains are among the most common injuries. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different types of injuries, and understanding the distinction can help parents recognize what may be going on.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Does Your Child Have an Eating Disorder?

February 17, 2026

It’s estimated that 22 percent of children and adolescents worldwide have some form of disordered eating.* Could your child be one of those affected?

How much sleep should my child be getting?

February 09, 2026

Children have different sleep needs than adults. The quality and quantity of their children’s sleep are a common concern for many parents. This concern is well founded, as sleep plays a critical role in their growth and development. In fact, sleep is just as important to a child’s well-being as physical activity and proper nutrition.

Why is My Baby Crying?

February 03, 2026

When it comes to newborn crying, parents face a common dilemma. You know it’s normal — crying is your baby’s first language — yet it’s hard to resist the instinct to soothe right away. The key is learning what each cry means and how to comfort in ways that support both your baby’s well-being and your peace of mind.

The Growing Role of Pediatric Primary Care in Supporting Children’s Mental Health

January 23, 2026

Pediatric clinicians are entrusted with providing parents and caregivers with the latest guidance to support them in raising happy and healthy children. It’s a role we take seriously. To ensure we align with evidence-based best practices, we continuously look to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for updates in clinical care recommendations.

Addressing Behavioral Concerns in Children: What Parents Should Know

August 18, 2025

Many parents today are expressing concerns about their young children's behavior—from acting out to not listening at home or school. Dr. Stephanie Mangels, pediatrician at Nicklaus Children's, provides tips to help navigating children's behavior.

New Nicklaus Children’s Imaging Technology a ‘Game Changer’ for Children with IBD

May 06, 2025 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is at the forefront of adoption of IUS to support the diagnosis and management of IBD. It is the only hospital in Florida and one of only four children’s hospitals nationwide to offer intestinal ultrasound (IUS) for pediatric IBD patients.