Pediatric Health

ITASCA, Ill. – The nation’s leading organization of pediatricians has updated its recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza immunizations as families prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season. The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend RSV immunization for…

Pediatricians Encourage Vaccine Checkups as Kindergarten Immunization Rates Slip

August 19, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – As families send children back to school, newly released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows fewer children across the country are entering kindergarten fully vaccinated, a trend pediatricians say underscores the importance of…

What Is an Asthma Action Plan and Why Is It Important?

August 12, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – For parents of children with asthma, knowing what to do when symptoms worsen can make a critical difference. Health experts say one of the most effective tools for managing the condition is an asthma action plan, a personalized…

A pediatrician prepares to administer a vaccine to a young boy.

Amid Conflicting Vaccine Guidance, Valley Children’s Doctor Urges Parents to Follow Pediatricians

August 10, 2026

Conflicting federal childhood vaccine guidance has left parents with questions, but experts at Valley Children’s say families should continue following recommendations from their trusted pediatricians and established medical organizations. Pediatricians emphasize that routine childhood vaccinations remain a safe and effective…

As Temperatures Soar, Doctors Warn of Increased Pregnancy Risks

August 6, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – As triple-digit temperatures soar and wildfire activity threatens air quality across the Central Valley, experts at Valley Children’s are urging pregnant women to take extra precautions against extreme heat and smoke exposure. Health experts say pregnancy increases the…

Why Your Child’s Swimsuit Color Matters More Than You Think

August 5, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Choosing a brightly colored swimsuit for your child may seem like a small decision, but experts say it can play an important role when used in conjunction with other water safety measures. While swimsuit color alone will not…

As Cyclosporiasis Cases Climb, AAP Offers Advice for Parents

July 15, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is urging parents to be aware of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection that can cause prolonged diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms in children. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. According…

Text reads "Ask a Doctor" over a picture of a child drinking milk.

Is Raw Milk Safe for Children to Drink?

July 10, 2026

Raw milk has surged in popularity among some consumers – including families with children – who view it as a more natural alternative to processed foods, despite warnings from major medical organizations about its health risks. Pediatric health experts say pasteurization does…

What Is Newborn Screening and Why Is It Important?

June 10, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Experts say that newborn screening, a routine test performed shortly after birth, remains one of the most important tools in protecting infant health – but what makes it so vital? “Having a baby is one of the most exciting…

Child playing in the pool. Wearing orange life jacket, smiling with thumbs up.

Experts Warn of Drowning Risks Ahead of Holiday Weekend

May 18, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Experts at Valley Children’s are emphasizing the need for families to take proactive steps to keep children safe around pools, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. The push for awareness comes ahead of Memorial Day weekend, when…