If your child has special needs in the classroom, he or she may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan.

When your child has a serious or chronic illness, it's hard to think beyond the next treatment. But with some planning, you can help your child balance schoolwork with hospital stays.

Doctors order basic blood chemistry tests to assess a wide range of conditions and the function of organs.

If your child has diabetes, you can use this printable sheet to record his or her blood glucose levels.

A basic metabolic panel (BMP), commonly ordered as part of routine medical exam, is a set of blood tests that gives information about sugar (glucose) and calcium levels, kidney function, and electrolyte and fluid balance.

A C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test is used to identify inflammation or infection in the body.

The complete blood count (CBC) is the most common blood test. It analyzes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) blood test helps evaluate kidney and liver function, sugar (glucose) and protein levels in the blood, and electrolyte and fluid balance.

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR) detects inflammation that may be caused by infection and some autoimmune diseases.

The blood glucose test, which measures the amount of sugar in the blood, may be done as part of a routine physical or to help diagnose diabetes.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells. A hemoglobin test can be done as part of a routine checkup to screen for problems and or because a child isn't feeling well.

Liver function tests can help doctors see if the liver has been damaged. They also can help diagnose infections and monitor medications that can cause liver-related side effects.

Doctors do this test to assess blood levels of magnesium, which helps the muscles and nerves function, the heart maintain normal rhythm, the bones stay strong, and the body process energy and make proteins.

A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test is used to evaluate blood's ability to clot. It may be done as part of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder or to monitor the effects of blood-thinning medicine.

Doctors may order a PT test as part of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder or to monitor the effects of blood-thinning medicine.

Taking care of a chronically ill child is one of the most draining and difficult tasks a parent can face. But support groups, social workers, and family friends often can help.

Deciding to enroll your child in a clinical study will depend on its potential benefits and risks, as well as your child's particular illness. Learn more.

Is your child scheduled to have an ECG? Find out how this test is performed and when you can expect the results.

These steps can help take the anxiety and worry out of your child's financial future and make sure that your child will be taken care of even after you're gone.

Involving teens in their health care can help prepare them for managing it on their own as adults.

Kids who will be having surgery may feel stressed about it. Here's how parents can help them.

Find out what the experts say.

The government's healthcare marketplace, or exchange, is the new way to shop for health insurance. But just how do you find the best coverage and sign up? Get answers here.

Need to check your child's heart rate? Follow our guide and check with your doctor if you have questions.

Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child.

When kids need intensive health care after they're discharged from the hospital, family and caregivers should learn about the devices, equipment, and support they'll need.

When kids know they're "going to the doctor," many become worried about the visit. Here's how to help them.

Help ease your child's pain and anxiety with these exercises, complete with step-by-step instructions.

Building a relationship with your child's doctor requires communication and reasonable expectations.

A ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump that takes over for the heart and pumps blood. This can give a weak or injured heart time to heal or support someone as they wait for a heart transplant.

If your child needs a heart transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

Learn about congenital defects and conditions that affect vessels, valves, and passages in the heart and other organs.

Aortic stenosis means the aortic valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

This minimally invasive procedure helps doctors perform diagnostic tests on the heart and even treat some heart conditions.

The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a birth defect of a baby’s heart. The left side of the heart doesn’t grow as it should, making it smaller and weaker than normal.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a problem that happens when the left side of a baby’s heart doesn't form as it should. It’s smaller than normal and can’t pump enough blood to the body. After the baby is born, doctors can treat the problem with medicines and several surgeries.

Usually, a heart has two working ventricles (pumping chambers). Having a single ventricle means that only one of the two ventricles works well enough to pump blood.

Caffeine is in many foods and drinks, but it's wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids. Here's why.

Carbs are the body's most important and readily available source of energy. The key is to eat healthy ones, like whole grains, and avoid foods with added sugar.

Some fats are good for kids and an important part of a healthy diet. Here's what parents should know.

Kids who enjoy exercise tend to stay active throughout their lives. Learn how to encourage fitness in your teen.

Kids this age are naturally active, so be sure to provide lots of opportunities for your child to practice basic skills, such as running, kicking, and throwing.

Take advantage of your child's natural tendency to be active. Staying fit can help improve kids' self-esteem and decrease the risk of serious illnesses later in life.

School-age kids need physical activity to build strength, coordination, confidence, and to lay the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle.

Some kids aren't natural athletes and they may say they just don't like sports. What then?

Good nutrition and a balanced diet help kids grow up healthy. Here's how to improve nutrition and encourage smart eating habits.

Need to check your child's heart rate? Follow our guide and check with your doctor if you have questions.

Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges.

With a properly designed and supervised program, strength training can be a fun way for kids to build healthy muscles, joints, and bones.

Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.

"What's the right weight for my child?" is one of the most common questions parents have. It seems like a simple one, but it's not always easy to answer.