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While a formal diagnosis of autism can only be made by medical professionals, parents are often the first ones to spot symptoms of neurological conditions. That’s what happened with Shirliene Navarro. Just before her son’s first birthday, Shirliene started noticing behaviors that were different from other children his age. Marcello would flap his hands vigorously as if he might fly away or spin in circles but never get dizzy.

Spending time at an amusement park with your kids is a staple of summer fun, especially here in Orlando. But without taking the right precautions, any trip can become memorable for the wrong reasons. From dehydration to sunburn to accidents, amusement parks come with their share of risks. By preparing ahead of time, parents and caregivers can ensure that the entire family has fun and stays healthy.

Babywearing is the practice of carrying a baby close against your body through the use of a sling or similar carrier. When done safely, this practice can be a beneficial choice for both infants and parents. In fact, carrying your baby on your chest or back has been shown to increase the health and happiness of babies, among other positives.

When a child gets the flu, they’re not only sick in bed for a week or more, but the illness also can have serious or life-threatening consequences. During the 2018-2019 season, 138 children died after contracting the flu. Despite the consensus of the medical community, a national survey by Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children found that a shocking number of parents still are skeptical about the safety and effectiveness of the flu shot.

Like adults, children need regular exercise. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids participate in at least one hour of vigorous physical activity a day during most days of the week. Without lots of daily heart-pumping fun, children are at risk of becoming overweight or even obese, which can lead to a host of other health problems. 

If your family already has received their flu shots in preparation for what’s predicted to be another severe flu season, well done: You’re off to a great start. You’ve done your part to keep the virus from unnecessarily spreading. This is so important, as last year’s flu season was the longest we have seen in a decade and 136 children died, many of whom were not vaccinated.

A good routine both on and off the field is vital to the success of any athlete. Kids who play soccer or any other sport know that getting to the top of their game involves working on strength, endurance and agility. Plus, athletes need to focus on nutrition and sleep at home, as well as staying away from drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

Professional athletes know pregame preparation starts well before they step onto the field. From a healthy diet and sleep regimen to a balanced morning ritual, Orlando City Soccer Club player Shane O’Neill has developed some great strategies for game day. It isn’t all about hard work and self-discipline, though. For kids looking to increase their success in sports, O’Neill’s message is a simple one: Relax and enjoy the game.

The arrival of spring brings warmer weather and longer days, which is great news for kids aching to get outside. But spring also brings an increase in allergies due to trees and plants releasing pollen and other particles. Do you have a child who is sneezing, stuffed up, complaining of itchy skin and eyes, or experiencing other symptoms of seasonal allergies? If so, they don’t have to suffer for weeks on end from these common reactions to pollen. Here are some steps you can take to identify, prevent and treat your child’s allergies.

If you’re a parent or caregiver who’s worried about your child’s weight, you’re not alone. The rate of obesity in children has skyrocketed in the United States over the last two decades and is now referred to as an “epidemic.” Today, more than a third of American children fall into the obese category. Due to multiple factors— including poor diets and a lack of exercise—that number is expected to continue increasing.