SEARCH

Many new parents are often shocked when the time comes to bring their newborn baby home. They can't believe that the hospital is going to entrust them with such a tiny little human, and oftentimes, they feel incapable of meeting the needs of their new boss. 

To a new parent, caring for an infant can be intimidating, what if I can't stop him from crying, how do I know if she's hungry or just wet, how can I tell if he's too warm or too cold? The questions are plenty, and parents generally do a good job of figuring it out as they go, but while all parents worry, it's completely normal that the...

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” is a common response from parents when they find out their newborn is infected with cytomegalovirus or CMV. CMV is the leading infectious cause of birth defects and neurodevelopmental disabilities in the U.S., but few states screen infants for it.

What Is Cytomegalovirus?

CMV is in the herpes virus family along with the viruses that cause mono, cold sores and chicken pox. It commonly passes by contact between people of all ages and within communities such as households, daycare centers, or schools, and usually causes mild or even no symptoms. More seriously, CMV can...

It's a conversation few of us want to have, but it's imperative to have it. 'It' refers to talking to loved ones, often our aging parents, about their health and medical care, including at the end of life. These are some of the most important topics we should address.

• Knowing medical history: If an elderly parent falls ill and becomes confused or nonresponsive, doctors will turn to family members for information to guide treatment. Having the facts helps ensure the most appropriate care. It's also important for you to know of any diseases that run in your family to guide your own screening and...