Today’s teens are experimenting with a wide range of substances, primarily driven by a combination of social pressures, mental health challenges, and the pervasive influence of technology. For healthcare providers and clinicians dedicated to the well-being of children, understanding these trends is crucial for effective intervention and support.

Beating cancer is more than just surviving—it’s about thriving. It’s about embracing a second chance at life. For many cancer survivors, the battle doesn’t end with remission. The long-term effects of treatment, including an increased risk of heart disease, make post-cancer care just as crucial as the initial fight. But there’s some encouraging news: something as simple as walking can profoundly impact survivors’ well-being.

Food brings people together. Whether you gather around the dinner table at Thanksgiving, invite friends over for a home-cooked meal, or experiment with a new recipe, food is a social catalyst. We literally can’t live without it! Nutrition has also been proven to be a critical part of patient care, providing physiological benefits and creating a sense of comfort. A piping hot bowl of chicken noodle soup tastes like heaven when you have a cold.

Nonetheless, nutrition is often overlooked in the clinical setting and in patient education. A balanced diet is typically not the priority of a care plan. Yet, the food is medicine movement has taken off in recent years, raising awareness about the important role food and nutrition have in care management.

Getting kids to brush and floss twice a day can feel as impossible as teaching them microchemistry. They may be teething, and it hurts to brush. They may not want to get ready for bed. They may not grasp why it’s important. But don’t give up. Teaching children to brush and floss early will benefit their oral health and teach them good habits that prevent cavities and tooth decay.

If you were alive in the ‘80s, you probably remember the measles epidemic. Decades later, many of us have forgotten just how sick someone with measles can get. With recent reports in Alaska, Georgia, New York, Rhode Island, and Texas, it’s important to revisit signs and symptoms and refute the disinformation and misinformation campaigns that are causing a decline in vaccination rates and affecting public health.

RSV season is here, and cases are on the rise, particularly among young children and older adults. Dr. Chad Rodgers, chief medical officer for AFMC and practicing pediatrician, recently spoke on AFMC TV about the significant uptick in cases, particularly among those with respiratory complications, such as asthma and COPD. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and prevention strategies is important to ensure patients stay protected from the virus this year.