Treating Your Child's Fever
Lower your child’s temperature with these easy, at-home treatments.
Head Injuries in Kids
Learn the difference between a mild bump and something more serious.
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Kids
Manage your child’s blood sugar with these nutrition, exercise and lifestyle habits.
Take a Bite Out of Teething
Master the signs and symptoms of teething, how to soothe the pain and how to keep new baby teeth healthy.
Six Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online
With children using tech earlier than ever before, you need to be proactive about security. Learn how here.
Children's Health Topics
Related Videos
Medicine and Children
PAMF pediatrician Kellen Glinder, M.D., addresses questions many parents have about giving children medicine.
Why Childhood Vaccines Matter
Kellen Glinder, M.D., a pediatrician at PAMF's Palo Alto Center, discusses the importance of immunizations for children and the safety of vaccines.
Sleep and Your Child
PAMF pediatrician Elizabeth Copeland, M.D., outlines strategies for helping newborns and children sleep better.
Sunscreen Tips for the Summer
Mills-Peninsula pediatrician Debra Barra-Stevens, M.D., explains the importance of daily sun protection for kids.
Ask an Expert
Francine A. Yep, M.D.
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
My six-year-old niece began to smell strongly of B.O. My sister-in-law mentioned this to their pediatrician who then diagnosed my niece with "precocious puberty." What are the causes and long term affects of this condition?
What a good question with a big answer. Puberty is an important rite of passage for both kids and parents. The average age for puberty is around 11 years old. Precocious puberty is defined as puberty body chang... continue reading about My six-year-old niece began to smell strongly of B.O. My sister-in-law mentioned this to their pediatrician who then diagnosed my niece with "precocious puberty." What are the causes and long term affects of this condition?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My 7-year-old son gets nosebleeds often. What causes them and can they be prevented?
Generally nose bleeds occur because the small blood vessels are shallow within the tissues of the nose. This is normal, but the constantly wetting then drying of the nose can cause the nasal tissue to crack (si... continue reading about My 7-year-old son gets nosebleeds often. What causes them and can they be prevented?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Are commercial smoothies healthy?
Smoothies can be a healthy way to get some of your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables for the day. It really depends on what type of smoothie you order or buy. Most smoothies from the market or a smo... continue reading about Are commercial smoothies healthy?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I chose not to circumcise my son. Now the AAP issued a policy statement that actively endorses circumcision. While my son is only two years old, I worry that I made the wrong decision. Should I have him circumcised now?
As it stands now, the AAP does not actively endorse routine circumcision, but is leaning more in favor of recommending circumcision to expectant parents of boys. Current evidence suggests the medical benefits t... continue reading about I chose not to circumcise my son. Now the AAP issued a policy statement that actively endorses circumcision. While my son is only two years old, I worry that I made the wrong decision. Should I have him circumcised now?
Alexander M. Reyzelman, DPM
Eden Medical Center
My 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with flat feet by our regular doctor. She sometimes complains of pain in her legs. Our doctor said that she will probably outgrow it. If not, what are her treatment options? Is there anything I can do for her now?
The only treatment option for flat feet for a 7-year-old is to consider foot orthotics. Orthotics are a type of a shoe insert that is made from taking an impression cast of the foot. The idea behind using ortho... continue reading about My 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with flat feet by our regular doctor. She sometimes complains of pain in her legs. Our doctor said that she will probably outgrow it. If not, what are her treatment options? Is there anything I can do for her now?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group
Does a girl have to reach a certain weight before her periods begin?
Menarche (the start of a girl's menstrual period) is not dependent upon weight alone but the amount of body fat, height and weight all play a role in determining the start of puberty. A woman's genes and the ag... continue reading about Does a girl have to reach a certain weight before her periods begin?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How old must a child be before a reliable hearing test can be done?
Children can be tested as young as birth with special tests called Auditory Response Brainstem testing (ABR). Other names for this test are: BSER (Brainstem-Evoked Response testing) and AEP (Auditory-Evoked Pot... continue reading about How old must a child be before a reliable hearing test can be done?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My 10-year-old daughter is having trouble with comprehension and focus in school. Do you think that her hearing should be tested?
When a child is struggling in school, especially with comprehension and focus, hearing and vision could be a factor. Children can sometimes do okay in school until the upper elementary grades when the school wo... continue reading about My 10-year-old daughter is having trouble with comprehension and focus in school. Do you think that her hearing should be tested?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?
It may be that your child had a viral intestinal infection that has left her temporarily lactose intolerant. If she is otherwise growing well and has no abdominal pain, flatulence, or diarrhea when on a diet ex... continue reading about My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?
More Resources
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.