Patient Education Library

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

As part of that commitment, the AAP publishes expert advice for parents, caregivers, and patients on Pediatric Patient Education. Information can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and many titles also are available in Spanish.

  • Gambling: Not a Safe Thrill

    Many Americans gamble for fun. However, for young people, gambling may become a serious addiction. The chances of a young gambler getting "hooked" are far greater than those of an adult.

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  • Gastroenteritis: When Your Child Needs Hospital Care

    Gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness that causes diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration. It is usually caused by a virus but can also be caused by bacteria or a parasite. Most of the time mild diarrhea and vomiting last for just a few days. However, if symptoms don't go away or they

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  • Gastrointestinal Problems—Autism Toolkit

    Gastrointestinal (GI) problems include constipation, diarrhea, reflux, vomiting, belly pain, and feeding problems. Some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have GI problems. These symptoms can add stress to the child and family and may cause behaviors such as aggression or self-injury.

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  • Get Fit, Stay Healthy

    Any type of regular physical activity can improve your fitness and your health—even walking, taking the stairs, or mowing the lawn. The most important thing is that you keep moving!

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  • Getting Children and Teens Outside While Physical Distancing for COVID-19

    Many schools are now closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You may have created a schedule for your family. Ideally, it includes some outdoor time.

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  • Giardiasis—Child Care and Schools

    An intestinal infection caused by a parasite (Giardia intestinalis)

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  • Giving Medicine to Children: Important Safety Information

    Giving medicine in the right way can help your child feel better and get well. However, medicine information and labels can be confusing. Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about prescription and over-the-counter medicines, how to give medicine in the right way, and how to

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  • Golf (Care of the Young Athlete)

    In the past, golf was seen by many as a leisure activity for people with extra time and money to spend. Today golf is seen as a sport, and one that appeals to younger participants.

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  • Granuloma Annulare

    Granuloma Annulare (GA) is a bumpy skin condition in the shape of a circle

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  • Growing Pains

    Growing pains are harmless pains that occur in the leg muscles. They are common and occur in 10 to 20% of children. They often start between ages 4 and 6.

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  • Growing Up Healthy: Fat, Cholesterol and More

    Many Americans consume too many calories and too much fat, especially saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar. These eating patterns are one cause of America's high rates of obesity and heart disease.

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  • Guidelines for Special Time and Time In—Mental Health Toolkit

    “Special time” or “time in” is one-on-one time shared by a child or adolescent and a parent or caregiver. It demonstrates the parent’s or caregiver’s enjoyment of spending time together and offers a break from any tensions or caregiver demands, including those resulting from a child’s or

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  • Gymnastics (Care of the Young Athlete)

    Gymnastics is a sport of flexibility and agility that includes 4 forms: artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, and tumbling and trampoline. Each form has its unique physical demands and specific injury risks; however, all forms include jumping and back

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  • HIV/AIDS—Child Care and Schools

    Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects the body in a wide variety of ways. In the most severe infection, the virus progressively destroys the body’s immune system, causing a condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). With early testing and appropriate treatment, children

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  • Haemophilus influenzae Type b

    Depends on the site of infection. May include

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  • Hair Loss - From Hair Twisting Habit

    A nervous habit of twisting or pulling out the hair. The medical name for this is trichotillomania.

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