“Sleep is still most perfect… when it is shared with a beloved,” wrote D.H. Lawrence, and most young children would agree. But sometimes those beloved — that is, parents — would rather have some privacy and not be woken by a kicking child all night. So what can you do? Sleep-alone campaign step one: Understanding Before you do anything, be sure you understand why your child wants to sleep with you. It’s most likely simply because they love you and feel most secure snuggled next to you, but before you work to change the habit, be sure that your child…

Recently, a friend asked me about tonsil stones. He has sore throats several times a year, which are instantly relieved by gargling to remove them. When I told him I thought tonsil stones were pretty rare, he asked: “Are you sure about that? My ear, nose, and throat doctor says they’re common as rocks.” (Get it? stones? rocks?) It turns out, my friend and his doctor are on to something. Tonsil stones are surprisingly common and often quite annoying. Here’s what to know and do. What are tonsil stones? Tonsil stones (medical term: tonsilloliths) are small white or yellow deposits…

Concussion is one of the most common injuries to the brain, affecting about two million children and teens every year. It is a particular kind of injury that happens when a blow to the head or somewhere else on the body makes the brain move back and forth within the skull. It’s possible to get a concussion after what might seem like a minor injury, like a forceful push from behind, or a collision between two players in a football or soccer game. What are the signs and symptoms of concussion? Because the injury may not seem that significant from…

Don’t worry. It’s good advice if you can take it. Of course that’s not always easy, especially for health concerns. The truth is: it’s impossible (and ill-advised) to never worry about your health. But are you worrying about the right things? Let’s compare a sampling of common worries to the most common conditions that actually shorten lives. Then we can think about preventing the biggest health threats. Dangerous but rare health threats The comedian John Mulaney says the cartoons he watched as a child gave him the impression that quicksand, anvils falling from the sky, and lit sticks of dynamite…

News flash: What we eat can play a pivotal role in warding off — or treating — disease and enhancing quality of life. You may already believe this, and certainly mounting evidence supports that idea. But on the cluttered shelf of diets claiming top health benefits, which one ranks as the absolute best? That’s a trick question. In fact, there is no single best diet. A good diet for me may be different from what’s best for you. And for either of us, there may be several good choices with no clear winner. How can you choose the right diet…

Trouble staying focused and paying attention are two familiar symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common health issue among children and teens. When ADHD persists through early adulthood and on into middle age, it presents many of the same challenges it does in childhood: it’s hard to stay organized, start projects, stay on task, and meet deadlines. But now life is busier, and often expectations from work and family are even higher. Fortunately, there are lots of strategies that can help you navigate this time in your life. Staying organized Organizational tools are a must for people with…

Do you follow certain social media creators, music artists, actors, athletes, or other famous people? Are you a huge fan of particular fictional characters from a book, TV show, or movie? Perhaps you check in with them daily because you feel a connection, care about them, or just love keeping up with the minutiae of their lives. These one-sided emotional ties to people you don't actually know (or those who don't actually exist) are called parasocial relationships. Like all relationships, they come with risks and benefits, says Arthur C. Brooks, a social scientist, best-selling author, and professor at both the…

It’s an unfortunate reality: all medicines can cause side effects. While there are a few tried-and-true ways to deal with drug side effects, here’s a less common option to consider: adding a second medication. That’s the approach taken with valbenazine (Ingrezza), a drug approved for a condition called tardive dyskinesia that’s caused by certain medicines, most of which are for mental health. Let’s dive into what TD is, how this drug is advertised, and what else to consider if a medicine you take causes TD. What is tardive dyskinesia? Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a condition marked by involuntary movements of…

When you live in a coastal area, preparing early for potential hurricanes is a must. Storms can develop quickly, leaving little time to figure out where you’ll be safe or which items to pack if you have to evacuate. And health care necessities, such as medications or medical equipment, are often overlooked in the scramble. “People might bring their diabetes medication but forget their blood sugar monitor, or bring their hearing aids but forget extra batteries for them,” says Dr. Scott Goldberg, medical director of emergency preparedness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a longtime member of a FEMA task…

The daily bath or shower is a routine for many of us — and for our children, too. But is it really necessary? The short answer is no. Obviously, there are days when washing up makes good sense — like if your child is grimy from a day in the dirt; covered in sweat, paint, or other visible dirt; or had an explosive poop. It’s also a good idea to wash up if your child has spent the day in a pool (the chlorine may be irritating to the skin), a body of water (there could be things in the…