Fit kids

For girls aged 12 to 18 who began the HPV vaccination programme in autumn 2009, the third and final jab is due spring 2010. See what you need to know about cervical cancer and HPV – the facts and figures.

The national charity, STEPS, is hoping their Baby Hip Health Week  13 to 19 March 2010 will help raise awareness amongst parents and health professionals of the vital need to check babies' hips during the first few weeks of life to prevent unnecessary pain and disability in later years – and they are asking you to help raise funds by hosting a tea party.

Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity are joining forces with the Department of Health to launch a government campaign to get kids across the country boogying for a healthier future.

While new research shows more than nine out of ten people say eating too much salt can damage your health, a positive sign that events like Salt Awareness Week are working, many of us are not cutting our salt intake and this can lead to serious health conditions, says Graham Macgregor, Chairman of Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine.

New research published by the British Medical Journal, found that more than 20 new cases of children with rickets are discovered every year in Newcastle (Tyne & Wear) alone. Lifestyle changes mean that more and more children are spending less time in natural light and sunshine and therefore may be lacking in vitamin D. Professor Amanda Kirby says this means that some children may need extra supplements.

From its humble beginnings in 2006 based on the simple idea that putting people together can help with those feelings of helplessness and anguish, Cancer Buddies Network has recently welcomed its 3000th member. Every day a new person joins the website and finds someone with whom they can share their experience.

New campaign: Chlamydia, Worth Talking About urges parents to encourage their teens to say "yes" to chlamydia tests

Scope has launched a new free guide: Cerebral Palsy: Information, advice and support for parents during the early years.

Ed Balls urges parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking alcohol and follow the five point alcohol guidance from the Chief Medical Officer.

David Wain, Carnation Footcare podiatrist, offers advice on when to buy and fit your toddler with shoes.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) – a global charity that funds research into finding a cure for type 1 diabetes – has launched an online animation tool enabling people to create an animation which they can then send to a friend who can then carry on the story, like an online animated game of consequences! The new tool is aimed at raising awareness or type 1 diabetes and JDRF.

For all sorts of sports nowdays a mouthguard is advisable if not imperative. Tim Walder tries out the Shock Doctor Braces Mouthguard on his son.

More than the traditional hula hoop, the Acu Hoop is weighted for maximum effect and is designed for trimming the waistline, boosting energy and limbering up. Lucy Bairstow – who may need to boost her energy levels for her mock exams but certainly does not to lose inches! – put the hoop to the test.

Your child's lunchbox could contain more than 12 teaspoons of sugar, says consumer champion, Which? Not to mention large quantities of fat and salt.

The Department of Health has a new booklet, The Rough Guide to Childhood Illnesses, designed to help parents recognise childhood illnesses and offer advice and information on vaccination.

Dr Keith Souter offers some  advice on homeopathic medicine for a nine year-old girl who has repeated bouts of tonsilitis and is missing a lot of school. Her mother isn't keen for her to have a tonsillectomy.

To mark this year's Gut Week campaign (24 to 30 August), Dr Warren Hyer, a consultant paediatrician and paediatric gastroenterologist, helps parents to understand better the bowel movements of their children. Gut Week is an annual digestive health awareness campaign, dedicated to helping people better understand the role of the digestive system and the importance of good gut health.

As the new school term approaches, many parents will be buying their children new school shoes - or checking to see if the ones they have still fit. Lorraine Jones, a podiatrist from The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, gives parents some top tips on how to be sure your child is set on the path for healthy feet for life.