Thyroid nodules are common and found in 10 percent of the adult population. Luckily, 95 percent of them are benign. When a thyroid nodule is suspicious - meaning that it has characteristics that suggest thyroid cancer - the next step is usually a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

As kids grow, their muscles, tendons and ligaments grow as well. So when they complain about aches and pains, it’s often due to the rapid pace of their developing bodies. But if the pain persists, or the pain is coupled with other ailments, it might be something more serious.

All three of my kids got all their shots. Every stinging needle, every dose was dutifully administered as a normal part of their childhood. I felt that getting their vaccinations was my responsibility as their parent, just like getting them on the school bus, feeding them at least three times a day and trying to limit their television and internet time.