Last Updated on February 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(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.

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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.

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.

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

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

Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Annie Margaret, University of Colorado Boulder

How to avoid seeing disturbing video on social media and protect your peace of mind

When graphic videos like those of the recent shooting of a protester by federal agents in Minneapolis go viral, it can feel impossible to protect yourself from seeing things you did not consent to see. But there are steps you can take.

Social media platforms are designed to maximize engagement, not protect your peace of mind. The major platforms have also reduced their content moderation efforts over the past year or so. That means upsetting content can reach you even when you never chose to watch it.

You do not have to watch every piece of content that crosses your screen, however. Protecting your own mental state is not avoidance or denial. As a researcher who studies ways to counteract the negative effects of social media on mental health and well-being, I believe it’s a way of safeguarding the bandwidth you need to stay engaged, compassionate and effective.

Why this matters

Research shows that repeated exposure to violent or disturbing media can increase stress, heighten anxiety and contribute to feelings of helplessness. These effects are not just short-term. Over time, they erode the emotional resources you rely on to care for yourself and others.

Protecting your attention is a form of care. Liberating your attention from harmful content is not withdrawal. It is reclaiming your most powerful creative force: your consciousness.

Just as with food, not everything on the table is meant to be eaten. You wouldn’t eat something spoiled or toxic simply because it was served to you. In the same way, not every piece of media laid out in your feed deserves your attention. Choosing what to consume is a matter of health.

And while you can choose what you keep in your own kitchen cabinets, you often have less control over what shows up in your feeds. That is why it helps to take intentional steps to filter, block and set boundaries.

Practical steps you can take

Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to reduce your chances of being confronted with violent or disturbing videos. Here are four that I recommend:

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• Turn off autoplay or limit sensitive content. Note that these settings can vary depending on device, operating system and app version, and can change.

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/d1deR/2

• Use keyword filters. Most platforms allow you to mute or block specific words, phrases or hashtags. This reduces the chance that graphic or violent content slips into your feed.
• Curate your feed. Unfollow accounts that regularly share disturbing images. Follow accounts that bring you knowledge, connection or joy instead.
• Set boundaries. Reserve phone-free time during meals or before bed. Research shows that intentional breaks reduce stress and improve well-being.

Reclaim your agency

Social media is not neutral. Its algorithms are engineered to hold your attention, even when that means amplifying harmful or sensational material. Watching passively only serves the interests of the social media companies. Choosing to protect your attention is a way to reclaim your agency.

The urge to follow along in real time can be strong, especially during crises. But choosing not to watch every disturbing image is not neglect; it is self-preservation. Looking away protects your ability to act with purpose. When your attention is hijacked, your energy goes into shock and outrage. When your attention is steady, you can choose where to invest it.

You are not powerless. Every boundary you set – whether it is turning off autoplay, filtering content or curating your feed – is a way of taking control over what enters your mind. These actions are the foundation for being able to connect with others, help people and work for meaningful change.

More resources

I’m the executive director of the Post-Internet Project, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people navigate the psychological and social challenges of life online. With my team, I designed the evidence-backed PRISM intervention to help people manage their social media use.

Our research-based program emphasizes agency, intention and values alignment as the keys to developing healthier patterns of media consumption. You can try the PRISM process for yourself with an online class I launched through Coursera in October 2025. You can find the course, Values Aligned Media Consumption, on Coursera. The course is aimed at anyone 18 and over, and the videos are free to watch.

This story was updated on Jan. 25, 2026 to include reference to the recent shooting in Minneapolis.

Annie Margaret, Teaching Assistant Professor of Creative Technology & Design, ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado Boulder

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Hardwood floors come in a variety of types. Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to recognize the type of floor – and its finish – in your home.

Whether solid wood or engineered wood (multiple layers of wood veneer), each flooring type has specific cleaning needs. The same is true for the type of finish used, including durable and water-resistant surface finishes like polyurethane and polycrylic or penetrating finishes such as oil or wax, which require more meticulous care to ensure longevity and maintain shine.

Transform your hardwood floors from dull to dazzling with these cleaning tips.

1. Prepare the Area: Remove furniture and rugs from the room to ensure you can clean every inch of the floor. Check for any debris or dirt that can be swept away with a soft-bristle broom or vacuumed using a hardwood floor vacuum attachment.
2. Dust and Sweep: Thoroughly sweep the floor to remove dust and dirt. Use a microfiber mop to capture finer particles the broom might miss.
3. Spot Clean: Identify any stubborn stains or spots. Use a damp cloth and small amount of hardwood floor cleaner to gently scrub these areas. Avoid harsh chemicals (including vinegar and ammonia), abrasive scrubbers and soaked cloths to prevent damage to the wood or finish.
4. Mop the Floor: Fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Dip the microfiber mop into the solution, wring out excess water and mop the floor following the grain of the wood. Work in small sections to prevent water from sitting on the floor too long. Note: Excessive water can seep into the wood and cause swelling, warping or mold growth.
5. Dry the Floor: Immediately after mopping, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the floor to remove any remaining moisture and streaks before walking on it.
6. Prevent Long-Term Danage: Place doormats at entryways to catch dirt and moisture before they reach your floors. Use area rugs in high-traffic areas, felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and a dehumidifier to control humidity levels, which can impact wood stability.
7. Maintain the Shine: Apply a hardwood floor polish every few months according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Test the polish in an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your floor’s finish.

For more home maintenance guidance, visit eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

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