(Family Features) “Our concerns about Alex’s growth began around the age of 7,” said his mother, Diane Benke.

Though Alex measured around the 50th percentile for weight, his height consistently hovered around the 20th percentile. Benke’s instincts told her something wasn’t quite right.

“I kept asking our pediatrician if this could mean something more,” she said. “Each time, I was reassured that everything was fine. After all, I’m only 5 feet tall myself.”

At first, Benke tried setting her worries aside. Alex was one of the youngest in his class, and she wondered if he could simply be a “late bloomer.”

However, as Alex progressed through elementary school, particularly in the 4th and 6th grades, his height percentile dropped into the single digits. The height difference between Alex and his peers became impossible to ignore.

Despite Benke’s growing concerns, their pediatrician continued to assure them Alex was fine.

“We were told as long as he was making some progress on the growth chart, there was no need to worry,” she said, “but we were never actually shown the charts.”

It wasn’t until one of Benke’s friends confided that her own daughter had recently been diagnosed with Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency (PGHD) that she decided to seek an endocrinologist.

“Although it took several months to get an appointment,” Benke said, “we were determined to get more answers.”

Navigating the Diagnosis Process
Getting a diagnosis for many medical conditions can be a long journey. However, early detection and diagnosis of PGHD is important. It can help minimize the impact on overall health and support optimal growth.

Once Alex was seen by a pediatric endocrinologist, he underwent a series of evaluations, including bloodwork, a bone age X-ray to compare his chronological age with his skeletal age and a growth hormone stimulation test, which measures the body’s ability to produce growth hormone. He also had a brain MRI to rule out the potential of any pituitary abnormalities.

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The results of these tests confirmed the diagnosis of PGHD, a rare condition that occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone. PGHD affects an estimated 1 in 4,000-10,000 children.

Some common signs parents might notice include: their child being significantly shorter than other kids their age, slower growth rate over time, delayed puberty, reduced muscle strength or lower energy levels, slower bone development and delayed physical milestones.

“Receiving Alex’s diagnosis was a relief,” Benke said. “It provided clarity and a path forward.”

Moving Forward with Treatment
“While the diagnosis process was exhausting, starting treatment made the process worthwhile,” Benke said.

For decades, daily injections of a drug called somatropin, which is similar to the growth hormone your body produces, have been the standard of care for PGHD. It wasn’t until 2015 that the Growth Hormone Research Society recognized the need for a long-acting growth hormone (LAGH), offering once-weekly dosing as an alternative to daily injections.

Benke explained navigating the insurance approval process was another challenge.

“Our insurance required us to try a daily medication before approving a weekly option,” she said.

Alex spent three months on daily medication, often missing doses, before he was approved to switch to a weekly treatment option.

“The weekly option made such a positive impact,” Benke said. “We now have minimal disruptions to our daily routine and Alex hasn’t missed a single dose since.”
 
Beyond a more convenient dosing option, the change gave Benke peace of mind.

“We could focus more on being a family again, without the daily worries of his next dose,” she said.

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If you’re concerned about your child’s growth, talk to their doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is important, as treatment becomes less effective once a child’s bones stop growing.

Benke’s advice to other parents: “Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, seek out a specialist and push for answers and don’t give up, even when faced with hurdles… Stay hopeful and persistent – it’s a journey worth fighting for.”

Visit GHDinKids.com to download a doctor discussion guide to help prepare for your next appointment.

SOURCE:
Skytrofa

(Family Features) While some dogs prefer to be outdoors regardless of the weather, the cold and often snowy and icy conditions winter brings can pose serious threats to their health.

Much like the well-publicized challenges of keeping your four-legged family members healthy during the warmer weather, it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the unique threats that can arise during colder conditions.

Recognizing Cold Weather Hazards
Winter weather can pose various hazards to pets, including frostbite and hypothermia. Dogs left outside for extended periods, particularly those with short coats or pre-existing health conditions, are at greater risk. It’s essential to limit exposure to extreme cold, provide adequate shelter and recognize the symptoms of winter-related illnesses.

Signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy and pale gums. Frostbite may present as discolored, cold skin, particularly on extremities like ears, paws and tails.

Protecting Your Pet’s Skin and Paws in Winter
Cold, dry air can cause pets’ skin to become dry and flaky. Regular grooming and moisturizing can help maintain their skin’s health. Consider using pet-safe moisturizers and avoid bathing them too frequently, as it can strip natural oils.

Additionally, be cautious of salt and de-icing chemicals, which can irritate dogs’ paws and skin. Protect their paws by using booties or applying a pet-safe balm to help prevent cracks and irritation caused by ice, salt and cold surfaces. If not covering paws, always clean them after walks to check for any signs of injury or discomfort and consider using pet-safe ice melters.

Adjusting Diets for Winter
During the winter months, dogs may require a different diet to maintain their energy levels and body heat. Consult with your veterinarian about adjusting your four-legged friend’s food intake, especially if his or her activity level changes. Monitor your pet’s weight and adjust feeding portions as needed to prevent obesity or malnutrition.

Also ensure your pet has access to fresh water, as dehydration can still occur in cold weather. In fact, warm water may encourage pets to drink more.

Keeping Pets Safe Indoors
If your winter pet safety plan includes keeping your dog indoors more often, ensure you provide him or her a warm and comfortable place to rest. Avoid placing your pet’s bed near drafty windows or doors, cold tile floors or uninsulated areas.

Also be mindful of potential hazards such as space heaters, fireplaces, holiday decorations and chemicals such as antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs. Keep them out of reach to prevent burns or accidental ingestion.

If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can prevent severe complications and ensure your furry friend remains healthy throughout the winter months. Find more tips to help keep your pets happy and healthy all year long at eLivingtoday.com.

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Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Last Updated on January 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Smart Gaming: How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe Online

(Family Features) Playing video games can be a fun, social experience. However, online gaming also poses real risks, especially for kids. As a parent, you don’t necessarily need to be a gamer yourself to help keep your children safe when the controller is in their hands.

Consider taking proactive steps like these to create a healthy online gaming environment for kids of all ages.

Check System Privacy Settings
As a first line of defense – before your child even starts gaming – spend some time in the device or console privacy settings. Here you can turn off sharing, disable location tracking, limit microphone and camera access and restrict how other users can interact with your child’s profile. Similarly, many games and platforms include built-in privacy settings that can be tailored to your child’s age and online experience. These settings may allow you to limit who can view your child’s profile or send a friend request, message or voice chat.

Research Games
Because not all games are created equal, look up game ratings through a service such as ESRB before buying or downloading to understand the maturity level of the game and determine if it’s appropriate for your child. To take it a step further, read reviews from other parents or watch gameplay videos to see if you deem not only the content but also the social interaction acceptable.

Use Facial Age Estimation
Online platforms are increasingly looking for ways to keep users safe, and that includes added levels of verification. As part of a multilayered approach to safety, Roblox is the first online gaming platform to require age checks for users of all ages to access chat features, enabling age-appropriate communication and limiting conversations between adults and minors. These secure age checks are designed to be fast, easy and secure using Facial Age Estimation technology directly within the app.

“Our commitment to safety is rooted in delivering the highest level of protection for our users,” said Matt Kaufman, chief safety officer at Roblox. “By building proactive, age-based barriers, we can empower users to create and connect in ways that are both safe and appropriate.”

Once age-checked, users are assigned to one of six age groups: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20 or 21 and older, ensuring conversations are safe and age appropriate. Age checks are optional; however, features like chat will not be accessible unless an age check is completed. Chat is also turned off by default for children under age 9, unless a parent provides consent after an age check.

Keep Personal Information Private
It’s seldom a bad idea to be extra cautious when interacting with strangers online, even if they seem friendly enough while playing the game. Teach children what information not to share, including their full name, address, birthday, school name, phone number, email address, passwords or any photos that may contain any personal information (like a house number or school logo) in the background. Also encourage a screen name and generic avatar for added privacy.

Turn on Parental Controls
Designed to allow parents a supervisory role in their child’s online gaming experience, parental controls on many platforms include the ability to set schedules and limit playtime, restrict access to certain content or social features, require a password for purchases or set a spending limit.

Avoid Clicking Unfamiliar Links
Player profiles and in-game chats may include links to external sites, including those promising rewards or cheat codes. Because they can be used to gain access to personal information, remind your children to ask an adult before clicking any unfamiliar links while gaming so they can be verified as trustworthy.

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Employ Privacy and Security Tools
While system or console-specific settings allow parents to set content restrictions, approve downloads, manage friends lists and more, additional layers of security are sometimes necessary. Extra safeguards such as antivirus and internet security software, DNS (domain name system) filtering and two-factor authentication can also be enabled to help keep kids safe online.

For more tools to help parents make informed decisions and support their children’s gaming experience, visit corp.roblox.com/safety.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (father and daughter playing video game)

SOURCE:
Roblox

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.