Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Teen Stress Is A Threat To Their Immune System - Here's What Can Help

Teen Stress Is A Threat To Their Immune System

You can't completely shield your teen from stress, and a little bit can even be good for them. However, too much stress might make them more likely to get sick. For instance, teens feeling overloaded due to midterms, college applications, or other school pressures could become more vulnerable to catching viruses. This is because stress genuinely affects our bodies, making us more prone to illness, especially during winter when colds and flu spread easily in schools.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Stress Weakens the Immune System</span> </h2>

According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine ongoing stress directly hits a teen's immune system, which is their body's way of fighting off sickness. When stress hormones are released, they can damage the immune system. Long-term stress can even lower the number of white blood cells that fight infections. If teens are always busy, not sleeping enough, and ignoring their own self-care, it sets them up perfectly to get sick. Stress also causes swelling in the body, which further weakens the immune system. During very stressful times like exams, it's really important to encourage teens to slow down and take care of their body and mind

<h2>Tips to Help Teens Stay Healthy and Less Stressed </h2>

Here are some simple ways to help your teen stay healthy, both mentally and physically: 

Most teens don't sleep enough; they often get only about 7 hours, but they need much more, especially when stressed. Aim for up to 10 hours of sleep a night during stressful times. Good sleep helps their body and mind recharge, boosts their immune system, helps them manage emotions, and improves their thinking. Help them set a sleep schedule, put away phones at least two hours before bed, keep their room dark and cool, and try relaxing activities before sleep. 

Help your teen discover ways to calm down and lower stress. This could be things like walking outside in nature, making a healthy meal, writing in a journal, trying simple breathing exercises, or using a meditation app. Teens who regularly practice mindful exercises to reduce stress often feel much less stressed overall. 

Many teens spend hours every day on phones and other devices outside of school. Too much screen time can actually make stress worse, not better. Encourage your teen to "unplug" by taking breaks from their devices. Suggest setting time limits for apps and social media. 

If your teen has a stressful event coming up, help them prepare. Suggest a study schedule with breaks, and work together to make a plan. Getting organized can really help. Encourage them to use a planner or calendar, or help them make "to-do" lists, which makes managing deadlines easier. 

While sugary snacks and caffeine might seem helpful during study sessions, they usually do more harm than good. Keep healthy snacks like protein bars, nuts, and fruit around. Providing healthy, comforting meals can also help lower stress. And don't forget to remind them to drink plenty of water, as not drinking enough can affect their body and even make them feel more anxious. 

Stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms that feel a lot like being sick, such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle pain. Often, teens might "feel" sick when they are actually just anxious. It's tough to measure stress because what causes it and how much it affects someone is different for everyone. It's important to talk to your teen about how they're feeling. If they have physical symptoms, take them to a doctor to make sure they aren't actually sick with the flu or another virus. 

If your teen does get sick during a stressful time, help them deal with it so it doesn't add more stress. Let them know it's okay to take breaks for their health, and help them figure out how to catch up on any schoolwork. Teaching teens to take care of themselves is really important. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Parenting

Teen Stress damages Immune system

Stress Weakens the Immune System

does stress make you sick

can stress cause you fever

Teen stress tips

Stress free teen tips

parenting tips

Yoga Poses That Can Help Strengthen Your Forearms To Hold A Long Plank

Heart Attack Deaths Down 90% Since 1970 In US, But These 3 Surging Conditions Are Killing Us Now

Easy Homemade Healthy Dishes For Long Afternoons

Silent Walking: Mental Health Booster That Keeps You Fit

Dumbbell Exercises You Can Do At Home

These Foods Are Keeping You Awake At Night

Ways to Manage Sugar Cravings

Your Body Doesn’t Want You To Lose Weight – Here's It Resists

High-Protein No Cook Dishes You Should Try

Yoga Poses That Aid In Digestion

Low Calorie Dinner Options For Weight Loss

Cardiac Arrest Vs. Heart Attack: Difference Explained Under 60 Seconds

High Protein Low-Carb Snacks To Have On The Go

Knee Exercises Desk Workers Should Do For Joint Health

Why Do I Feel Sleepy During The Day?

High Protein Early Morning Meals To Keep You Full Till Lunch

International Yoga Day 2025: Benefits of Doing Tadasana Every Morning

High-Carb Foods That Are Really Healthy

Dementia Vs Alzheimer’s: Difference Explained Under 60 Seconds

Healthy Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

Are You Dealing With Abandonment Issues? Signs And Risk Factors

Mid-Work Healthy Snacks You Can Eat Throughout The Day

Common Mistakes You May Be Making In The Gym

Strengthen Your Legs Muscles With These Exercises

Beat Anxiety With Books: How Reading Helps With Stress

Ghee For Health: Ayurvedic Health Benefits Of Clarified Butter

Common Mistakes You Are Making While Walking

Exercises You Should Do At Home When You Skip Gym

Common Mistakes You May Be Making While Working Out

Ways You Are Runing Your Weight Loss Journey

Beyond Fruits – How To Retain Hydration And Stay Safe In Summers

Can This Extremely Hot Weather Trigger Our Mental Health?

You Are Hurting Your Gut Health With These Habits

Avoid The Heat With These Indoor Exercises

Stay Sharp! Activities That Keep Cognitive Diseases At Bay

Protect Your Cardiovascular Health With These Heart Healthy Foods

Ways To Ease Nighttime Anxiety

Smoothie Ideas That Can Help With Weight Loss

Low Fat Foods That Are Actually Unhealthy

All Suryanamaskar Poses And How To Do Them

Do Changing Seasons Affect Your Weight?

Can Heatwave Affect Your Diet?

You can't completely shield your teen from stress, and a little bit can even be good for them. However, too much stress might make them more likely to get sick. For instance, teens feeling overloaded due to midterms, college applications, or other school pressures could become more vulnerable to catching viruses. This is because stress genuinely affects our bodies, making us more prone to illness, especially during winter when colds and flu spread easily in schools. Stress Weakens the Immune System According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine ongoing stress directly hits a teen's immune system, which is their body's way of fighting off sickness. When stress hormones are released, they can damage the immune system. Long-term stress can even lower the number of white blood cells that fight infections. If teens are always busy, not sleeping enough, and ignoring their own self-care, it sets them up perfectly to get sick. Stress also causes swelling in the body, which further weakens the immune system. During very stressful times like exams, it's really important to encourage teens to slow down and take care of their body and mind Tips to Help Teens Stay Healthy and Less Stressed Here are some simple ways to help your teen stay healthy, both mentally and physically: Get Enough Sleep Most teens don't sleep enough; they often get only about 7 hours, but they need much more, especially when stressed. Aim for up to 10 hours of sleep a night during stressful times. Good sleep helps their body and mind recharge, boosts their immune system, helps them manage emotions, and improves their thinking. Help them set a sleep schedule, put away phones at least two hours before bed, keep their room dark and cool, and try relaxing activities before sleep. Find Ways to Cope Help your teen discover ways to calm down and lower stress. This could be things like walking outside in nature, making a healthy meal, writing in a journal, trying simple breathing exercises, or using a meditation app. Teens who regularly practice mindful exercises to reduce stress often feel much less stressed overall. Take Breaks from Tech Many teens spend hours every day on phones and other devices outside of school. Too much screen time can actually make stress worse, not better. Encourage your teen to "unplug" by taking breaks from their devices. Suggest setting time limits for apps and social media. Plan Ahead If your teen has a stressful event coming up, help them prepare. Suggest a study schedule with breaks, and work together to make a plan. Getting organized can really help. Encourage them to use a planner or calendar, or help them make "to-do" lists, which makes managing deadlines easier. Eat Well and Drink Water While sugary snacks and caffeine might seem helpful during study sessions, they usually do more harm than good. Keep healthy snacks like protein bars, nuts, and fruit around. Providing healthy, comforting meals can also help lower stress. And don't forget to remind them to drink plenty of water, as not drinking enough can affect their body and even make them feel more anxious. Is It Sickness or Just Stress? Stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms that feel a lot like being sick, such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle pain. Often, teens might "feel" sick when they are actually just anxious. It's tough to measure stress because what causes it and how much it affects someone is different for everyone. It's important to talk to your teen about how they're feeling. If they have physical symptoms, take them to a doctor to make sure they aren't actually sick with the flu or another virus. If your teen does get sick during a stressful time, help them deal with it so it doesn't add more stress. Let them know it's okay to take breaks for their health, and help them figure out how to catch up on any schoolwork. Teaching teens to take care of themselves is really important. 

teen stress is a threat to their immune system - here's what can help

Ishita Roy

With Less than 1% Survival Chance, The Baby Born At 21 Weeks Survives, Breaks World Record

Health & Wellness

10 US States With The Highest Teen Birth Rates

10 us states with the highest teen birth rates

Health News

World Drug Day 2025: Why Is It Important For Us To Observe This Day?

world drug day 2025: why is it important for us to observe this day?

heart attack deaths down 90% since 1970 in us, but these 3 surging conditions are killing us now

Commonwealth Swimmer Archie Goodburn And His Journey With A Rare Cancer That Kills Before 40

commonwealth swimmer archie goodburn and his journey with a rare cancer that kills before 40

A baby is considered fully developed and full-term at 39 weeks of gestation. A baby can be born anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks and can still be considered full-term. This period helps in baby's organ development like brain, lungs, and liver. It also reduces baby's health risks, promotes a better brain development and helps with other cognitive activities. 

However, under certain circumstances, premature babies are also born. However, when a baby is born at 24 weeks or later, the baby has chance to survival and this chance increases with each additional week of gestation. However, babies who are born before 24 weeks face a high risk of mortality and potential long-term health issues. 

A baby born before 22 weeks has a survival rate of 6%. So if a baby born in 21 weeks survives, it is no less than a miracle. 

This is the story of one such miracle that happened where a baby, who had less than 1% chance of survival is now thriving and has broken the world record. 

This is from the year 2020 when at 21 weeks, in Alabama, the most <span>premature baby</span> in the world, as per the Guinness World Records, was born.

Curtis Means and his twin sister, C'Asya Means, were born on July 5, 2020, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Delivered at just 21 weeks and 1 day of gestation—132 days premature—the twins faced overwhelming odds, with UAB estimating their chance of survival at less than 1%. According to Guinness World Records, they were born nearly 19 weeks early.

"Numbers show that babies born so young have little to no chances of survival," said Dr. Brian Sims, a professor of pediatrics at the UAB who was the on-call physician when the twins' mother, Michelle Butler. The doctor's statement is part of UAB's official statement. 

However, C'Asya did not respond to treatment and died the day after birth, but Curtis' heart rate and oxygen levels started to improve.

"We have never been able to bring a baby that young to the <span>neonatal intensive care unit</span>, so [Curtis] was literally the first of his kind," Sims told Guinness World Records. We were in uncharted territory." 

Curtis received constant medical care that helped him breathe. His body temperature was also regulated and other care, including enough nutrition intakes were maintained. It was in about three months, when the doctors were finally able to take him off a ventilator. 

Dr Colm Travers, an assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology said in a statement, "Curtis defied all scientific odds." Indeed he did. Age and birth weight are two of the most important factors in determining a newborn’s chances of survival, he explained. The odds are also higher if the baby is female, not part of a multiple birth, and if the mother received steroids before delivery to aid lung development—none of which applied in Curtis’s case. Yet, Curtis survived. 

At birth, Curtis weighed just 14.8 ounces (420 grams)—roughly one-seventh the weight of an average full-term newborn, according to Guinness World Records. Despite the odds, he grew stronger each day and was discharged from the hospital around nine months later, supported by medication, a feeding tube, and bottled oxygen.

After celebrating his first birthday, Curtis—affectionately nicknamed "Poodie" by his family—was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most premature surviving baby.

Six months after his discharge, Curtis’ medical team gathered outside the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital to surprise his mother with the Guinness World Record certificate. The previous record holder, Richard Hutchinson, had been born just a month earlier, on June 5, 2020, at 21 weeks and 2 days. 

premature baby survives breaks world record

parenting

premature baby

neonatal intensive care unit

tiniest baby

A baby is considered fully developed and full-term at 39 weeks of gestation. A baby can be born anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks and can still be considered full-term. This period helps in baby's organ development like brain, lungs, and liver. It also reduces baby's health risks, promotes a better brain development and helps with other cognitive activities. However, under certain circumstances, premature babies are also born. However, when a baby is born at 24 weeks or later, the baby has chance to survival and this chance increases with each additional week of gestation. However, babies who are born before 24 weeks face a high risk of mortality and potential long-term health issues. A baby born before 22 weeks has a survival rate of 6%. So if a baby born in 21 weeks survives, it is no less than a miracle. This is the story of one such miracle that happened where a baby, who had less than 1% chance of survival is now thriving and has broken the world record. "Defied All Scientific Odds"This is from the year 2020 when at 21 weeks, in Alabama, the most premature baby in the world, as per the Guinness World Records, was born.Curtis Means and his twin sister, C'Asya Means, were born on July 5, 2020, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Delivered at just 21 weeks and 1 day of gestation—132 days premature—the twins faced overwhelming odds, with UAB estimating their chance of survival at less than 1%. According to Guinness World Records, they were born nearly 19 weeks early."Numbers show that babies born so young have little to no chances of survival," said Dr. Brian Sims, a professor of pediatrics at the UAB who was the on-call physician when the twins' mother, Michelle Butler. The doctor's statement is part of UAB's official statement. However, C'Asya did not respond to treatment and died the day after birth, but Curtis' heart rate and oxygen levels started to improve."We have never been able to bring a baby that young to the neonatal intensive care unit, so [Curtis] was literally the first of his kind," Sims told Guinness World Records. We were in uncharted territory." Curtis received constant medical care that helped him breathe. His body temperature was also regulated and other care, including enough nutrition intakes were maintained. It was in about three months, when the doctors were finally able to take him off a ventilator. Dr Colm Travers, an assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology said in a statement, "Curtis defied all scientific odds." Indeed he did. Age and birth weight are two of the most important factors in determining a newborn’s chances of survival, he explained. The odds are also higher if the baby is female, not part of a multiple birth, and if the mother received steroids before delivery to aid lung development—none of which applied in Curtis’s case. Yet, Curtis survived. How The Baby SurvivedAt birth, Curtis weighed just 14.8 ounces (420 grams)—roughly one-seventh the weight of an average full-term newborn, according to Guinness World Records. Despite the odds, he grew stronger each day and was discharged from the hospital around nine months later, supported by medication, a feeding tube, and bottled oxygen.After celebrating his first birthday, Curtis—affectionately nicknamed "Poodie" by his family—was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most premature surviving baby.Six months after his discharge, Curtis’ medical team gathered outside the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital to surprise his mother with the Guinness World Record certificate. The previous record holder, Richard Hutchinson, had been born just a month earlier, on June 5, 2020, at 21 weeks and 2 days. 

with less than 1% survival chance, the baby born at 21 weeks survives, breaks world record

Expecting? Here's What The New Gestational Diabetes Testing Rules Mean For You

Nutrition

Teen Diabetes Is No Longer Rare—Can Prediabetes In Youth Be Reversed With Simple Nutrition Fixes?

teen diabetes is no longer rare—can prediabetes in youth be reversed with simple nutrition fixes?

As Mounjaro Kwikpen Gets Greenlight In India: How Can Once-Weekly Shot Help Manage Diabetes And Lose Weight?

as mounjaro kwikpen gets greenlight in india: how can once-weekly shot help manage diabetes and lose weight?

Type 1 Diabetes Patients May Not Need Insulin To Survive With New Cell Treatment: Study

type 1 diabetes patients may not need insulin to survive with new cell treatment: study

Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro Kwikpen Gets Indian Approval For Diabetes And Weight Loss

eli lilly’s mounjaro kwikpen gets indian approval for diabetes and weight loss

In a significant update to <span>maternal health</span> care, Australia is introducing new national guidelines on how pregnant women are tested for <span>gestational diabetes</span>. 

The changes, released by the <em>Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society</em> and published in the M<em>edical Journal of Australia</em>, mark the first major update to gestational diabetes screening in over a decade. These revised guidelines are expected to impact more than 280,000 pregnant women annually, streamlining care, reducing overdiagnosis, and focusing medical resources where they are most needed.

<h4>What Is Gestational Diabetes and Why Is Testing Important?</h4>

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It’s defined by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that are first detected while a woman is pregnant. In Australia, GDM affects nearly one in five pregnancies and has short- and long-term health implications for both mother and baby.

Though GDM usually resolves after delivery, women who develop it are seven times more likely to later develop type 2 diabetes. Identifying and managing GDM is essential because untreated cases increase the risk of:

Macrosomia (a baby born significantly larger than average), which can lead to birth complications and higher rates of caesarean sections

Pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ damage

Premature birth and other serious outcomes

Moreover, the screening process offers a gateway for introducing long-term health interventions like dietary advice, physical activity plans, and future diabetes prevention programs.

<h4>Why Are the Guidelines Changing?</h4>

While GDM screening and treatment are beneficial for many women, a one-size-fits-all approach has downsides. The new guidelines aim to balance the benefits of early detection with the potential harms of overdiagnosis. Studies and patient feedback have highlighted several concerns with the current system:

Women report stress, shame, and stigma after diagnosis

Limited access to specialist care and nutrition support

Some women adopt overly restrictive diets without professional guidance

Others are forced to change their maternity care provider or place of delivery due to a high-risk classification

The aim is to reduce unnecessary interventions for women at low risk, while enhancing care for those who truly need it.

The revised recommendations result from a broad review of current research and expert input from medical professionals and consumers. Here are the key updates:

<h5>Universal Screening Remains – But With Adjustments</h5>

All pregnant women without a prior diabetes diagnosis will still undergo routine screening between 24 and 28 weeks using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). This test involves:

<ul><li>Fasting overnight</li><li>A baseline blood test</li><li>Drinking a sugary solution</li><li>Two follow-up blood tests over two hours</li></ul>

However, fewer women will undergo multiple OGTTs during pregnancy. Early testing will be more targeted based on risk.

<h5>Early Testing for High-Risk Women</h5>

Women with risk factors will be screened earlier in pregnancy, ideally between 10 and 14 weeks. The approach includes:

An HbA1c test (a non-fasting blood test that gives an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months) in the first trimester for women with risk factors such as:

<ul><li>High body mass index (BMI)</li><li>Previous large baby</li><li>History of gestational diabetes</li></ul>

If results show high HbA1c or there’s a history of GDM, women may undergo an OGTT early in pregnancy.

The cut-off values for diagnosing GDM using the OGTT have been adjusted upward. This means only women with more clearly elevated glucose levels will be diagnosed. The goal is to avoid labeling borderline cases as diabetic when the risks and outcomes are minimal.

<h4>What Do These Changes Mean for Women?</h4>

The updated guidelines aim to make gestational diabetes care more precise and patient-centered:

<ul><li>Fewer unnecessary diagnoses for women with mild or borderline glucose levels</li><li>Improved access to services for those at higher risk</li><li>Reduced stress and confusion from unclear diagnosis or overtreatment</li><li>Stronger support systems for managing diet and physical activity safely</li></ul>

Importantly, women are encouraged to maintain open communication with their health care providers, especially if they have risk factors or symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination during pregnancy.

gestational diabetes australia

australia health news

australia news

maternal health

australia maternal health guidelines

gestational diabetes

diabetic mothers

In a significant update to maternal health care, Australia is introducing new national guidelines on how pregnant women are tested for gestational diabetes. The changes, released by the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society and published in the Medical Journal of Australia, mark the first major update to gestational diabetes screening in over a decade. These revised guidelines are expected to impact more than 280,000 pregnant women annually, streamlining care, reducing overdiagnosis, and focusing medical resources where they are most needed.What Is Gestational Diabetes and Why Is Testing Important?Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It’s defined by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that are first detected while a woman is pregnant. In Australia, GDM affects nearly one in five pregnancies and has short- and long-term health implications for both mother and baby.Though GDM usually resolves after delivery, women who develop it are seven times more likely to later develop type 2 diabetes. Identifying and managing GDM is essential because untreated cases increase the risk of:Macrosomia (a baby born significantly larger than average), which can lead to birth complications and higher rates of caesarean sectionsPre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ damagePremature birth and other serious outcomesMoreover, the screening process offers a gateway for introducing long-term health interventions like dietary advice, physical activity plans, and future diabetes prevention programs.Why Are the Guidelines Changing?While GDM screening and treatment are beneficial for many women, a one-size-fits-all approach has downsides. The new guidelines aim to balance the benefits of early detection with the potential harms of overdiagnosis. Studies and patient feedback have highlighted several concerns with the current system:Women report stress, shame, and stigma after diagnosisLimited access to specialist care and nutrition supportSome women adopt overly restrictive diets without professional guidanceOthers are forced to change their maternity care provider or place of delivery due to a high-risk classificationThe aim is to reduce unnecessary interventions for women at low risk, while enhancing care for those who truly need it.What Exactly Is Changing?The revised recommendations result from a broad review of current research and expert input from medical professionals and consumers. Here are the key updates:Universal Screening Remains – But With AdjustmentsAll pregnant women without a prior diabetes diagnosis will still undergo routine screening between 24 and 28 weeks using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). This test involves:Fasting overnightA baseline blood testDrinking a sugary solutionTwo follow-up blood tests over two hoursHowever, fewer women will undergo multiple OGTTs during pregnancy. Early testing will be more targeted based on risk.Early Testing for High-Risk WomenWomen with risk factors will be screened earlier in pregnancy, ideally between 10 and 14 weeks. The approach includes:An HbA1c test (a non-fasting blood test that gives an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months) in the first trimester for women with risk factors such as:High body mass index (BMI)Previous large babyHistory of gestational diabetesIf results show high HbA1c or there’s a history of GDM, women may undergo an OGTT early in pregnancy.Stricter Diagnostic ThresholdsThe cut-off values for diagnosing GDM using the OGTT have been adjusted upward. This means only women with more clearly elevated glucose levels will be diagnosed. The goal is to avoid labeling borderline cases as diabetic when the risks and outcomes are minimal.What Do These Changes Mean for Women?The updated guidelines aim to make gestational diabetes care more precise and patient-centered:Fewer unnecessary diagnoses for women with mild or borderline glucose levelsImproved access to services for those at higher riskReduced stress and confusion from unclear diagnosis or overtreatmentStronger support systems for managing diet and physical activity safelyImportantly, women are encouraged to maintain open communication with their health care providers, especially if they have risk factors or symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination during pregnancy.

expecting? here's what the new gestational diabetes testing rules mean for you

Screens, Genes, and First Steps: What Shapes Your Baby’s Mind

6 Ways To Lower Your Cholesterol Levels, Blood Pressure, And Dementia Risk In Just 20 Minutes

6 ways to lower your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and dementia risk in just 20 minutes

The Tell-Tale Early Sign Of Dementia That You Spot On Paper

the tell-tale early sign of dementia that you spot on paper

<strong>"What's Going On Inside The <span rel="noindex">Baby's Brain</span>?" </strong>

If you area a regular social media user, you have definitely come across a meme that reads the exact line and then is followed by clips of babies making a fuss. But, what if we tell you that you could actually know what is going on. Not just that, but these developmental milestone is what shapes their future. 

The first two years of a baby’s life are nothing short of magical — and not just because of the first smiles or tiny giggles. It’s also the time when the brain is growing at lightning speed, forming the building blocks for everything from movement to memory, emotions to education. According to researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, this early brain development doesn’t just shape how a baby acts now, but how they’ll learn, behave, and stay healthy for the rest of their lives.

Let’s unpack what’s happening inside those rapidly growing baby brains — and why every cuddle, word, and interaction matters.

<h4>Brain Growth: Fast, Focused, and Full of Potential</h4>

In those first two years, a baby’s brain doesn’t just grow — it wires itself. Dr. Wei Gao, a neuroscientist leading brain imaging research at Cedars-Sinai, explains that the brain first develops the areas responsible for movement and senses (like seeing and touching). But very soon after, it’s the emotional and social areas that take center stage.

This is why the first year is so important for bonding. “You want to provide sensitive support to the baby so the baby can develop a secure attachment,” Gao explains. That attachment — those quiet moments of eye contact, soothing, and play — builds the emotional foundation for confidence, learning, and even future relationships.

Gao’s team has even mapped how parts of a child’s brain connect during early childhood. In a massive ongoing study, they’re tracking over 7,000 children from birth through age 10 to understand how environment and genetics shape brain wiring.

<h4>Too Much Screen, Too Little Growth?</h4>

Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher, director of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, warns about one major disruptor in the early years: screens. While the glow of a phone or tablet may keep a baby distracted, it can actually confuse the brain.

“When you expose that developing brain to rapidly changing images, it learns to focus on that — not on the real world,” Asher explains. That means less attention to slower, natural patterns like human speech, eye contact, and physical play — all key to learning to read, write, and think clearly later in life.

It’s not just nurture — nature plays a big role too. Dr. David Rowitch, deputy director of research at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, points out that nearly 80% of babies with a genetic condition show some neurological signs early on — whether it’s seizures, muscle weakness, or a brain structure difference visible on scans.

Modern genetic testing can now read a baby’s entire DNA — all 3 billion base pairs — offering clues not only about physical health, but also mental development. Combining this information with brain scans could help doctors catch problems early, intervene sooner, and even improve a child’s future school readiness.

The ultimate goal? To make sure no child falls behind. As Rowitch says, understanding how brain connections, genes, and environment come together helps us support each child — especially those at higher risk — to reach their full potential.

child psychology

baby's brain

brain health

what does baby brain tell you

baby's development

toddlers

"What's Going On Inside The Baby's Brain?" If you area a regular social media user, you have definitely come across a meme that reads the exact line and then is followed by clips of babies making a fuss. But, what if we tell you that you could actually know what is going on. Not just that, but these developmental milestone is what shapes their future. The first two years of a baby’s life are nothing short of magical — and not just because of the first smiles or tiny giggles. It’s also the time when the brain is growing at lightning speed, forming the building blocks for everything from movement to memory, emotions to education. According to researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, this early brain development doesn’t just shape how a baby acts now, but how they’ll learn, behave, and stay healthy for the rest of their lives.Let’s unpack what’s happening inside those rapidly growing baby brains — and why every cuddle, word, and interaction matters.Brain Growth: Fast, Focused, and Full of PotentialIn those first two years, a baby’s brain doesn’t just grow — it wires itself. Dr. Wei Gao, a neuroscientist leading brain imaging research at Cedars-Sinai, explains that the brain first develops the areas responsible for movement and senses (like seeing and touching). But very soon after, it’s the emotional and social areas that take center stage.This is why the first year is so important for bonding. “You want to provide sensitive support to the baby so the baby can develop a secure attachment,” Gao explains. That attachment — those quiet moments of eye contact, soothing, and play — builds the emotional foundation for confidence, learning, and even future relationships.Gao’s team has even mapped how parts of a child’s brain connect during early childhood. In a massive ongoing study, they’re tracking over 7,000 children from birth through age 10 to understand how environment and genetics shape brain wiring.Too Much Screen, Too Little Growth?Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher, director of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, warns about one major disruptor in the early years: screens. While the glow of a phone or tablet may keep a baby distracted, it can actually confuse the brain.“When you expose that developing brain to rapidly changing images, it learns to focus on that — not on the real world,” Asher explains. That means less attention to slower, natural patterns like human speech, eye contact, and physical play — all key to learning to read, write, and think clearly later in life.Genes and BrainsIt’s not just nurture — nature plays a big role too. Dr. David Rowitch, deputy director of research at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, points out that nearly 80% of babies with a genetic condition show some neurological signs early on — whether it’s seizures, muscle weakness, or a brain structure difference visible on scans.Modern genetic testing can now read a baby’s entire DNA — all 3 billion base pairs — offering clues not only about physical health, but also mental development. Combining this information with brain scans could help doctors catch problems early, intervene sooner, and even improve a child’s future school readiness.Why Early Intervention MattersThe ultimate goal? To make sure no child falls behind. As Rowitch says, understanding how brain connections, genes, and environment come together helps us support each child — especially those at higher risk — to reach their full potential.

screens, genes, and first steps: what shapes your baby’s mind

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Teen Stress Is A Threat To Their Immune System - Here's What Can Help

Quick Stories

With Less than 1% Survival Chance, The Baby Born At 21 Weeks Survives, Breaks World Record

Expecting? Here's What The New Gestational Diabetes Testing Rules Mean For You

Screens, Genes, and First Steps: What Shapes Your Baby’s Mind

Health Conditions A-Z

Yoga Poses That Can Help Strengthen Your Forearms To Hold A Long Plank

Heart Attack Deaths Down 90% Since 1970 In US, But These 3 Surging Conditions Are Killing Us Now

Teen Stress Is A Threat To Their Immune System - Here's What Can Help