Health and Safety Information

An informed parent can make better decisions about their child's care. Learn about the latest topics in children's health.

Our Latest Posts on Children and Teens Health Topics

Running - STOP Sports Injuries

October 20, 2016 – Running is a great form of exercise, recreation, and sport participation for adults, adolescents, and children.

Skiing and Snowboarding - STOP Sports Injuries

October 20, 2016 – Tens of thousands of skiers and snowboarders enjoy snowsports every year, however few prepare for the rigorous physical demands that these sports place on the body.

Soccer - STOP Sports Injuries

October 20, 2016 – Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world and the fastestgrowing team sport in the United States.

Softball - STOP Sports Injuries

October 20, 2016 – Softball injuries in young athletes are on the rise and nearly as frequent as baseball injuries, but they generally result in less time lost to competition. These injuries most commonly involve the back, shoulder, forearm, wrist, and hand.

Swimming - STOP Sports Injuries

October 20, 2016 – Swimming is among the most popular low-impact fitness activities, with more than a million competitive and recreational swimmers in the United States.

Tennis - STOP Sports Injuries

October 20, 2016 – Tennis, played worldwide, is one of the most popular racket sports. A high number of tournaments for competitive tennis players may lead to overuse injuries, such as "tennis elbow" or wrist injuries.

Volleyball - STOP Sports Injuries

October 20, 2016 – As participation has increased over the past two decades, the number of volleyball-related injuries has risen as well.

Water Polo - STOP Sports Injuries

October 20, 2016 – Over the past 20 years, water polo participation has grown significantly in the United States. Sportsmanship, equipment, and attention to preparation and strengthening can help prevent injuries and enhance and improve performance.

Wrestling - STOP Sports Injuries

October 20, 2016 – Wrestling, one of the world's oldest sports, is offered at various levels of competition, including the Olympics, the American Athletic Union, the U.S. Wrestling Federation, and high school and college-sponsored tournaments.

Baseball - STOP Sports Injuries

October 13, 2016 – Injuries in young athletes are on the rise, but elbow and shoulder injuries in children are on the verge of becoming an epidemic.

Put It Down. It Can Wait

September 28, 2016 – No text. No call. Nothing is worth losing a life over. Did you know texting and driving is illegal in Florida?
Join the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and its partners to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

Zika Virus and Pregnancy: Transmission, Outcomes, and Precautions

September 16, 2016 – Cases of Zika Virus have been confirmed in the U.S. Learn about Zika Virus transmission and Zika Virus pregnancy precautions from Nicklaus Children's Hospital.

Video/Social Media Game Safety

August 03, 2016 – The latest trend amongst children and teens is video and social media games that encourage catching and collecting virtual characters. While these games encourage activity and family togetherness, they also cause safety and security concerns for families.

Zika Virus Facts, Symptoms and Prevention Tips

August 03, 2016

The Zika virus spreads through infected mosquitoes and can cause severe birth defects. Learn about Zika virus symptoms and prevention at Nicklaus Children's.

Baseball Injuries in Children

July 27, 2016 – Thousands of children who play in baseball leagues are seen each year complaining of elbow or shoulder pain. Injuries in these young athletes are on the verge of becoming an epidemic. Damage or tear to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) should be treated immediately, otherwise it is difficult to repair or rehabilitate.

Sports Hydration Infographic

June 06, 2016 – How much water should a kid drink while playing sports?

Safety Concerns with Hoverboards

March 28, 2016 – ​The recent holiday season’s most popular toy, the hoverboard, is causing concern among the medical experts at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. 

Mosquito-borne Diseases and Mosquito Prevention

February 04, 2016 – Mosquito bites can be harmful in several ways. The most common complication of these bites occur in the form of allergic reactions of the bite site and infections related to scratching. However, mosquito bites can also result in the transmission of life threatening conditions such as encephalitis, and birth defects such as microcephaly.

Healthy Tips for Kids Infographic

June 25, 2015

Healthy, happy kids grow up to be healthy, happy adults. It’s a parent’s responsibility to instill good habits early on. Read on for more healthy tips for kids about eating nutritiously, spending time outdoors, clocking enough sleep, limiting screen time and staying fit and active from childhood to adolescence and beyond.

Outdoor Sports Safety Tips

June 01, 2015 – Many children play soccer, football, field hockey or lacrosse starting from an early age. Injuries occurring in these types of outdoor field sports are easy to sustain. It is important that parents advise children on the proper gear and way to play in order to prevent injuries from occurring.