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  • Hanging on to the innocence of childhood

    As we pulled into our driveway, I could see a small, brown box sitting beneath the mailbox at our front door.  We had been waiting for this package for more than a week, and I must admit, I was very excited.

  • How to manage a nosebleed

    One of the more common reasons to visit a pediatric ENT is for nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis.  Nosebleeds are extremely common.  These can range in severity from a small amount of blood in the nasal mucus to bleeding like from a faucet.  In any case, particularly when it happens in your child, it can be very scary.

  • Lady Gaga's Body Revolution: a good influence for your kids?

    Image source: mp3waxx.com

  • Mom needs a play date!

    Task after task, demand after demand, need after need. Sometimes I feel like this is my day to day mantra. When I hear myself getting to complaint after complaint, I know it’s time for a break. Parenting is often about responding to what may seem like an endless parade of needs and requests. If you also work away from home, you may be responding to additional “needers” but the process is pretty much the same.

  • A child’s legacy: Will’s Gift Giving

    It was a day like any other day. But it was a day that this family would soon realize, would change their lives forever. Will had been out on a Sunday, wakeboarding on one of the lakes in Central Florida, along with over 20 other people boating and skiing that day. On a hot summer day in late July of 2007, the cool, fresh water was the perfect way to escape the scorching heat.

  • Making assumptions about medication allergies can be harmful to your child

    Do you have allergies to any medications?

    That question gets asked A LOT- when you see a new physician, when you start a new medication, pick up your medications from the pharmacy, or get your annual flu shot.

  • Encouraging your kids to brush their teeth… even when they don’t want to!

    Blue or green? No, I’m not talking about candy. I’m talking about when the dental hygienist asks your kids what color toothbrush they want. Who knew choosing colors could be so exciting! The dental hygienist hopes to leave the child with a smile on his/her face, while the parents are secretly hoping that a new toothbrush will make the daily brushings at home go a little smoother. But, after a week or two, the newness of the toothbrush wears off and kids often become less enthused, and often resistant, to brushing their teeth.

    How often should your kids be brushing their teeth?

    Dental hygiene should begin even before your child has their first tooth. Begin cleaning your child’s mouth by gently wiping gums clean with a clean, moist washcloth. Your child’s teeth will usually begin to grow in at about 6 months of age. As soon as the first tooth appears, your child is at risk for tooth decay, which is why it’s important to brush his/her teeth (or tooth) with a child-size toothbrush and water. When kids reach the age of 2 or 3, they can graduate to brushing their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. It is recommended that children (and adults) brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed, for two minutes. It’s important to teach your kids good oral hygiene habits at an early age, so that they can establish a healthy routine as they get older. But, this can be hard sometimes when it seems the brushing battle never ends.

  • You can help make miracles happen, too

    A few months ago, I had the privilege of attending a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ ceremony honoring children who have suffered illness or injury. During this exuberant celebration, children of all shapes, sizes, and abilities danced down the aisle with their favorite Disney characters to celebrate. Their smiles simply radiated joy. As I grinned and clapped along with them, though, I couldn’t help but think about the life and death struggles that many of these children have faced. With their bald heads from chemotherapy, their scars a reminder of past surgeries, or their IV medications disguised in a Mickey Mouse backpack, the battle was evident. And yet, they kept smiling.

  • Are you cleaning your child's ears properly?

    “I only use it on the outside…”

    When I ask parents on their initial visit with me if they use cotton swabs, this is frequently the response I get. They insist that they only use cotton swabs on the outside of the ear and that they NEVER go into the ear canal. I have even heard this from a parent, and then ended up pulling several cotton swab heads out of their child’s ear.

  • Celebrating Independence Day

    Happy 4th of July to all of our readers! As we take a break from our traditional blogs this week, we want to leave you with some great 4th of July tips to make your holiday a memorable one for your family.  Independence day is filled with activities such as outdoor BBQ’s, family picnics and get togethers, parades, and of course, fireworks! Get your kids involved in the decorating, cooking, and games to get them excited about this special day.

    Teaching your kids the meaning of Independence Day

    Independence Day is more than good food and fireworks- it’s a celebration of our nation’s birthday. Explaining the meaning behind the words “independence”, “freedom”, “patriotism” will help your kids understand why we celebrate Independence Day. “Independence”- One of the most recognizable symbols of Independence Day is the American Flag. The flag is a great visual representation of the history and meaning of this day. Give your kids a short history lesson by making a homemade flag! All you need is a sheet of blue construction paper, strips of red and white paper, and star stickers. As your kids create their own American Flag, explain what the 50 white stars and 13 red and white stripes symbolize and how they fit into the history of Independence Day. “Freedom”- Independence Day is the celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and essentially, our freedom. Read a kid-friendly copy of the Declaration of Independence together as a family and talk about the importance of the men who signed this document. Help your kids understand that with independence, comes a lot of freedom AND responsibility, something our nation faced on this very day. “Patriotism”- One of the ways we take pride in our nation is by singing The National Anthem. Print out the lyrics and sing along to a recording of The National Anthem to help them learn and remember the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner”.

    4th of July Fun

    After a quick history lesson on the importance of Independence Day, get your kids in the festive spirit with 4th of July crafts and activities! Check out the Arnold Palmer Hospital Pinterest board that is dedicated to great decorating, food and craft ideas for the 4th of July that your kids will love.