700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posted by: Cynthia A. Gerhardt, PhD on Mar 30, 2026

When you hear the words clinical research, you might picture something scary or confusing. Many parents do. Clinical research is simply a way for medical providers and researchers to learn what treatments work best for children and adults. Our experts look at some common myths and set the record straight.

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Blog

Understanding Inguinal Hernias in Children: A Simple Guide for Parents

A groin bulge can be alarming—but inguinal hernias are common in children and highly treatable. Learn what causes them, what parents may notice, why repair is recommended, and the warning signs that mean you should seek emergency care.

A young athlete’s shoulder is shown with pink and blue kinesiology tape applied. A clinician gently guides the arm during a physical therapy session
Blog

Should Young Athletes Use Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology tape is everywhere in youth sports—but does it actually help? Learn what KT tape is used for, what the research says, when it’s not a good idea, and how to decide if it’s a safe, supportive option for your child’s aches or injuries.
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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

Children eating school lunch

8 Ways to Improve a Child's Self-Esteem and Curb Childhood Obesity

Jan 30, 2020

As a pediatric obesity psychologist, I encounter kids and teens with low self-esteem almost daily. What is often looked over is the interaction between self-esteem, mood and emotional eating. Read More

Chloe

Tissue Expansion: How it Can Help Repair Damaged Skin

Jan 23, 2020

Tissue expansion is a way for doctors to stretch skin so that the body’s own tissue can be used to repair skin-related damage and other conditions. Read More

Infant being cradled in hands

Hand Containment: How Gentle Touch Can Calm Your Baby

Jan 16, 2020

Human touch is healing. A warm embrace, a hand to hold and even a gentle touch on the arm can help most of us during times of distress. Holding, and the expression of care and emotional support through touching, are the main ways that infants learn to feel safe and secure. Read More

Son sitting on father's lap eating at a table

Are Plant-Based Diets Safe for Kids?

Jan 14, 2020

No matter the reason, hearing a child say “I want to go vegetarian!” strikes fear in the hearts of many parents. Read More

Doctor examining patients lungs

Pulmonary Embolism in Adolescents: What Parents Need to Know

Jan 07, 2020

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a condition in which one or more of the arteries in the lungs becomes blocked by a blood clot. It is important to recognize PE early because a large blood clot in the lungs can cause damage to the heart and in very rare cases PE can be a fatal condition in pediatric patients. Read More

Infant laying on their back

Growth Charts for Premature Babies: Following Their Own Curve

Jan 02, 2020

One thing all parents have in common is worrying about their baby’s growth and development. Understanding different types of growth charts can help ease a parent’s mind. Read More

Wrestlers

How to Improve Wrestling Quickness and Agility

Dec 26, 2019

Wrestling has evolved to become a dynamic and agile sport. While strength is still important, there seems to be new contender and strategy for winning matches - quickness! Read More

Chapped lips

How to Treat and Prevent Chapped Lips

Dec 24, 2019

Dry, chapped, irritated lips are more than just unsightly – they can be painful as well. Unfortunately, many of us are used to this feeling and see our kids suffer too. Read More