By:  Tyler Hu Introduction Sleep may seem simple, but for newborns and infants, it’s one of the most critical and complex biological processes driving growth and brain development. During sleep, the infant brain builds neural connections, consolidates learning, and releases hormones essential for physical and cognitive maturation. Despite its importance, many parents struggle to understand infant sleep patterns, which can lead to challenges in both care and development. By le

By:  Tyler Hu Introduction A chronic illness can change nearly every part of a young person’s life, from daily routines to friendships to school goals. Conditions such as  asthma , diabetes , cystic fibrosis , and autoimmune diseases  don’t just affect the body; they also shape how children and teens see themselves and their future. But living with a chronic illness does not equate to giving up independence or joy. With strong support, medical guidance, and healthy coping str

By: Toshani Kapoor Introduction Preterm Birth, also known as being born too early, affects millions of families. When a baby is born before 37 weeks, their body may not be fully developed, leading to health challenges at birth and later in life. In 2024, it was estimated that the number of premature births in the United States was around 380,000. This makes it one of the highest rates of premature births in the world. Families and doctors can help each other to make better ou

By Doha Nassif Image credit: pexels l Helena Lopes The bond between a mother and her child is one of the strongest and most genuine connections in all of nature; a relationship built on love, emotion, and, most importantly, health. A mother’s physical and mental well-being is deeply tied to her child’s, shaping their development and future in profound ways that can last a lifetime. That’s why understanding and supporting maternal health isn’t just important; it’s essential fo

By Dija Kamara Phone Addict Children Stock Illustrations — 161 Phone Addict Children Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart — Dreamstime Did you know that the average screen time for kids can range from 2 to 5 hours a day? Yes, it seems like A LOT. But why is this? What has kids so attached to a screen? Understanding the Landscape: The Good, The Challenging Before we dive into strategies, it’s crucial to acknowledge the dual nature of screens in childhood. On the one hand, di

By:  Tyler Hu Topic:   Neonatal Health and Brain Development Introduction Every year, approximately 1 in 10 babies  in the United States is born prematurely (defined as before 37 weeks  of gestation) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). While advances in neonatal care have improved survival rates dramatically, the story doesn’t end at discharge from the NICU. Premature birth can have lasting effects on brain development, influencing learning, behavior, and over