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Professional athletes know pregame preparation starts well before they step onto the field. From a healthy diet and sleep regimen to a balanced morning ritual, Orlando City Soccer Club player Shane O’Neill has developed some great strategies for game day. It isn’t all about hard work and self-discipline, though. For kids looking to increase their success in sports, O’Neill’s message is a simple one: Relax and enjoy the game.

A good routine both on and off the field is vital to the success of any athlete. Kids who play soccer or any other sport know that getting to the top of their game involves working on strength, endurance and agility. Plus, athletes need to focus on nutrition and sleep at home, as well as staying away from drugs, tobacco and alcohol.

A parent often will be worried about their child’s sickness, even following a visit to the doctor’s office. They might wonder why they never received medication, for example, or why their condition seems to worsen before it gets better. These are valid concerns that we do not take lightly.

If you’re a parent or caregiver who’s worried about your child’s weight, you’re not alone. The rate of obesity in children has skyrocketed in the United States over the last two decades and is now referred to as an “epidemic.” Today, more than a third of American children fall into the obese category. Due to multiple factors— including poor diets and a lack of exercise—that number is expected to continue increasing.

A couple months after Nathan’s second birthday, we noticed he was limping. At first, we thought he’d maybe hurt his leg while playing with his older brother. Still, he didn’t really complain of pain, so we didn’t think much of it. But one night while he was lying on my lap, I noticed a trail of lumps behind both his ears. The combination of symptoms led us to visit his pediatrician. Nathan’s X-rays came back normal, but later that afternoon, we returned to discuss his bloodwork results.

Beautifully polished nails that last for weeks. That’s the promise of gel manicures, which use specially formulated nail polish and ultraviolet (UV) rays to create long-lasting results. However, the gel manicure process also can create long-term damage to the skin and nails.

As parents, we always want what is best for our children. But sometimes we need to take a step back and let our kids make their own decisions. It’s still possible to provide love, support and safety while allowing them to struggle and learn new skills on their own.

After making it through the bleak winter months, spring break is a much-needed time to relax and enjoy the (hopefully) warm and sunny weather. Despite the excitement this vacation brings, traditional spring break trips and activities also can be dangerous or even deadly. Whether your family is going on vacation, headed to the beach or enjoying the great outdoors from your backyard, here are some tips to keep your children safe during spring break. 

Learning that your baby has a congenital heart defect can be scary, and while health challenges can exist, the outlook for most children is positive. Although congenital heart defects are serious, most types of the disease can be treated, allowing your child to live a productive and fulfilling life.

Here is a fact all parents should know: Energy drinks have no health benefits for children.