Health and Safety Information

Taking Care of Your Baby’s Teeth

February 14, 2022 – Healthy teeth and gums are an integral part of a child's overall health. While most parents know the importance of good oral hygiene, many are unsure how soon they should be concerned about their children's teeth. The Nicklaus Children's Pediatric Dental Services team gives a few tips that can help new parents be conscious of their child's oral health right from the start.

All About Hypothyroidism

January 19, 2022 – January is National Thyroid Awareness Month. Since hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid gland medical condition in children and impacts one out of every 1,250 kids in the United States, that makes it a perfect time to raise awareness about hypothyroidism. Dr. Joshua Tarkoff, pediatric endocrinologist, informs parents what they should be on the lookout for.

With Rising Rates of Diabetes, National Diabetes Awareness Month Is More Important Than Ever

November 22, 2021 – November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, which provides us an opportunity to share information about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This year, diabetes awareness is more important than ever, because diabetes rates are rising among children and adolescents. Dr. Adriana Carrillo-Iregui, pediatric endocrinologist, shares the reason for the increase in pediatric diabetes and how parents can help to prevent it.

Halloween Safety Tips: Updated for 2021 and COVID-19

October 18, 2021 – Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. As COVID-19 continues to spread, it is important to keep Halloween traditions safe by wearing appropriate face coverings or masks and remaining physically distant from others. Here are a few tips and ideas that you can follow to have a safe Halloween with your children this year.

Kids Flu Center: Prevention and Care Tips for the 2021-2022 Flu Season

September 29, 2021 – Visit our flu page for helpful tips on preventing the spread of the flu virus and view our symptoms checker. Remember, antivirals are more effective if started within the first 48 hours - seek medical care at the sign of symptoms. For your convenience, our pediatric urgent care centers are available in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach county.

Gaining a Better Understanding of PCOS

September 20, 2021 – Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common but poorly understood disease that impacts many teenagers and young women during their reproductive years. PCOS can be overlooked, as it can present differently in adolescents. The term PCOS is a term for a variety of symptoms associated with common hormone changes. Learn more on identifying and treating the different types of PCOS.

Hurricane Preparation

August 13, 2021 – As hurricane season approaches, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and SafeKids Miami-Dade would like to remind families that keeping safety both before and after the storm has passed is essential. Remember to stay informed and make sure to observe hurricane watches and warning as these will allow for best planning.

Firework Safety Tips for the 4th of July Holiday Weekend

June 28, 2021 – It is important to remind families to keep safety a priority this Independence Day. Fireworks, including sparklers, can cause severe burns and scars. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, more than 3,000 children are sent to the emergency room each year due to fireworks. Follow these safety tips to prepare for the Fourth of July holiday.

Car Seat Safety

June 25, 2021 – As families hit the road for travel or even a trip to the grocery store, adhering to proper safety restraint guidelines should be at the top of everyone’s checklist. Many parents are surprised to learn that they are putting their children at risk when restraining them in the car because they forget to ensure that the restraining device is age and weight appropriate and installed correctly.

Put an End to Hot Car Deaths

June 24, 2021 – Every 8 days, across the United States, a child dies while unattended in a hot car. It only takes a few minutes for a car to heat up and become deadly to a child inside. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and SafeKids have teamed up to launch the “Please Don’t Leave Me” campaign which will provide parents and caregivers across South Florida with helpful tips in an effort to prevent these tragedies.

Keeping Kids Safe During Social Distancing

June 22, 2021 – To most kids, the current situation feels like freedom; they are physically out of school making it challenging to focus on schoolwork with all the distractions of being at home.

Scoliosis and Treatment for Children and Teens

June 18, 2021 – Scoliosis affects millions of children in the U.S. each year. Unfortunately, many of us are not aware of the signs and symptoms of scoliosis or how to treat it. The Center for Spinal Disorders at Nicklaus Children's Hospital has provided an overview of scoliosis and its different treatment methods. Their goal is to offer compassionate and comprehensive care to each child.

Communication and Feeding Difficulties: Does My Child Have Autism Spectrum Disorder?

April 14, 2021 – Why is my child not communicating? Why are mealtimes such a battle? These are some of the questions that speech-language therapists are asked when first meeting families seeking therapy for a young child. Sometimes, it is not just a lack of “speech” or difficulties eating that are the focus of our evaluation. Sometimes we are the first to tell parents or caregivers that the child has what we call “red flags for autism.”

Top Warning Signs That Your Child May Have Sleep Apnea

March 16, 2021 – Most people think of obstructive sleep apnea as a condition that impacts adults. Although obstructive sleep apnea is less common in children, it is still a risk that parents should be aware of. Between 1 and 5 percent of children are affected by it, and that it may be underdiagnosed. Dr. Sandeep P. Dave, pediatric otolaryngologist, compiled a list of sleep apnea warning signs for parents to be on the lookout for.

Injury Prevention and Performance for Young Athletes

February 17, 2021 – Christian Gerstenkorn, lead athletic trainer with the Sports Health Program at Nicklaus Children's, provides an overview on ways to prevent injuries and maintain performance in youth sports.

Important Vaccines for Children with Diabetes

January 20, 2021 – Children with diabetes are more likely to experience complications from the flu that can lead to hospitalization. They also need extra protection against pneumonia and meningitis.

The Mediterranean Diet Meets a Western Tradition: Thanksgiving!

November 23, 2020 – A healthy dietary pattern is linked to good health. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with positive health outcomes, but what do we do when the holidays come? Do we take a break from healthy eating? Do we skip the festivities? The answer is neither. In this article, I will show you how you can have a healthy delicious Thanksgiving meal following Mediterranean diet recommendations.

Celebrating Thanksgiving Safely

November 17, 2020 – The holidays are important traditions for adults and children alike. This year, because of COVID-19, the way we are used to celebrating will look a little different.

Kids & Immunization: What you should know about vaccinations

September 30, 2020 – Keeping children up-to-date on their immunizations is important for both their health and the health of our community. In recent years, we have seen pediatric outbreaks of diseases for which vaccines are available, and part of CDC-recommended vaccinations such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Fall Flavors

September 25, 2020 – Hello fall, or is it “beautiful skin”? It may not be a coincidence that fall fruits and vegetables are rich in carotenes, the antioxidants that protect our skin, eyesight, and help regulate the immune system. After all, summer days are all about fun in the sun. Exposure to UV rays in sunlight is known to cause premature aging of the skin, sun damage, skin cancer, eye problems and weakens the immune system. The beginning of fall also marks the beginning of the U.S. 2020 - 2021 influenza season, a peak time for immune responses.

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