Pediatric Health

MADERA, Calif. – Pediatricians at Valley Children’s Hospital are urgently reminding parents of the important role of the vitamin K shot given shortly after birth. It’s one of the simplest, safest and most effective ways to prevent severe and potentially life-threatening bleeding in newborns, experts…

Silhouette of little girl holding parent hand at sunset.

Unseasonable Heat Wave Poses Extra Risk for Children, Doctors Say

March 17, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – With an unusual early-season heat wave gripping central California this week, health experts are warning parents to be vigilant, saying children’s bodies haven’t had time to adjust to the sudden spike in temperatures. The National Weather Service (NWS)…

An ultrasound is used on a patient at Warner Women's Healthcare.

Fewer Pregnant Women Getting Early Prenatal Care; Experts Say Don’t Wait

March 6, 2026

FRESNO, Calif. – A quarter of pregnant women in the United States are delaying prenatal care or forgoing it completely, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From 2021 to 2024, the rate of women beginning…

Mother holding tiny baby foot with measles rash

Measles Cases Exceed 1,100 Nationwide; How To Check if Your Child Is Vaccinated

February 27, 2026

ATLANTA – Measles cases have surpassed 1,100 in the United States so far in 2026, putting the country on pace to exceed totals from a record-setting 2025. The total – 1,136 as of February 27 – is four times higher than…

Curly hair toddler girl enjoying and drinking milk.

Whole, Low-Fat or Plant-Based? Making Sense of Milk for Kids

February 19, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – Breast milk and infant formula are the primary sources of nutrition for newborns and infants. But what happens once your infant becomes a toddler? Should dairy milk or milk alternatives play a major role in their diet after…

What Are the Best Ways to Protect Kids From Walking Pneumonia?

February 6, 2026

MADERA, Calif. – An uptick in cases of mycoplasma pneumonia – also known as “walking pneumonia” and “atypical pneumonia” – is prompting physicians to urge parents to watch for symptoms and take precautions to limit its spread. The illness is a…

These New Laws Could Have an Impact on Your Child’s Health in 2026

January 16, 2026

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A slate of new laws taking effect in 2026 will bring big changes to children’s health in California, altering school nutrition standards, access to support services and more. Below are some of the new laws that have…

Sick little girl with flu symptoms standing outdoors.

As Flu Cases Climb, Doctors Say There’s Still Time for Kids to Get Vaccinated

January 6, 2026

(Updated on January 12, 2026) MADERA, Calif. – As flu cases surge across the country, pediatricians at Valley Children’s say it’s not too late for kids to get their flu shot to protect them during the peak of the season. The…

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If My Young Child Has RSV or the Flu, Should I Take Them to the Emergency Department?

November 25, 2025

MADERA, Calif. – As respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza begin to pick up during the winter months, parents often wonder when to take a sick child to the emergency department and when it’s safe to manage…

Little boy sitting next to mother and looking at arm while pediatrician putting adhesive bandage on after injection

Medical Experts Push Back After CDC Webpage Links Autism and Vaccines

November 20, 2025

NEW YORK – In response to a change in position from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the relationship between vaccines and autism, medical experts are assuring parents that decades of research show no connection between the two.…