Kristen Fischer

Kristen Fischer is a writer living at the Jersey Shore. She graduated from Stockton University in 2000 with a degree in science, and soon after started working as a reporter. Kristen has written mostly about health for publications such as WebMD, HealthCentral, Health, Prevention, and others. In 2017, she became a mother and started covering parenting and children's health topics through a new lens. Kristen is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Learn more about her at www.kristenfischer.com.

Child Learn & Play

Watch how this easy sensory activity takes nature walks to a whole new level

PSA: Always pack a roll of tape.

Parenting

Reading on digital devices doesn’t help kids’ reading comprehension, study finds

Print still wins. But digital material comprehension was better as children got older.

Children's Health

Researchers find a little childhood independence can reduce kids’ anxiety

“We are seeing results equal to much longer therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or medication.”

Mental Health

Good news: Time spent near trees—even in a city—can boost teens’ mental health

You may not be able to bathe in the forest, but get near the greenery anyway, study finds.

Fitness

Can a cold-water plunge improve your health?

Some people swear by the icy immersions you’re seeing all over Instagram. We dig into the science behind the suddenly-everywhere trend.

Parenting

Childcare is not considered ‘affordable’ in any US state—and here’s where it’s most expensive

Multiple studies show that the cost of childcare is rising.

Parenting

Here’s how practicing kindness can help your whole family

It seems simple, but studies show the mental health benefits are big.

Safety

Poison control center data shows the number of kids and older adults exposed to laundry pods is still high

"Many families don't realize how toxic these highly concentrated laundry detergent packets can be," researchers warn.

Baby Health

A vaccine for Group B Strep could be on the way, researchers say

New research has discovered a protein that could inform vaccine development and reduce the risk of dangerous GBS infection during delivery.

Women's Health

Having an autoimmune disease could increase your risk of PPD by 30%, study finds

"Our study suggests that there's an immunological mechanism behind perinatal depression and that autoimmune diseases should be seen as a risk factor for this kind of depression."

Health & Wellness

Men trying to conceive should avoid alcohol for at least 3 months, research shows

One study finds it takes longer than previously thought for the effects of alcohol to clear.

It's Science

It’s science: This 5-minute routine can help your baby fall asleep faster

New research shows a specific (but simple!) routine could help parents get a crying baby to sleep.