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  • Breastfeeding is making headlines, but take a closer look before you change the way you feed your baby.

    A new study published this week in the journal Pediatrics addresses the issue of whether formula supplementation within the first days after a baby’s birth can actually prolong breastfeeding in the long-term. The study has gained a lot of publicity since its conclusions seem to contradict current recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding for infants.

  • Considering a home birth?

    The published a new policy statement this week that addresses the controversial and often polarizing topic of home births. The AAP stands in agreement with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), stating that “hospitals and birthing centers are the safest settings for birth in the United States.” Both physician groups, however, also advocate for respecting the rights of a woman to make a medically informed decision about her delivery.

  • For the Ohio kidnapping victims, is healing possible?

    One of the more dramatic stories in the news recently has been about the three young women who were kidnapped about 10 years ago in Ohio and recently freed. Fortunately, while the trauma they have experienced has no doubt been horrendous, they are physically intact, and initial indications are that they will be able to heal and recover. Of course, I do not know these women, but I can guess one thing from the fact that they survived so long without contact with the outside world and their loved ones. They must have had some resilience within themselves that allowed them to remain hopeful and provide support to one another through those long years.

  • How much of our parenting is influenced by our friends?

    I read a study this week that discussed how parents’ social networks (online and in real life) affect their decisions about vaccinating their kids. The paper concluded that a parent’s people connections were the most influential factors affecting their vaccination decisions- above educational level, relationship with their healthcare provider, online and print reading sources and economic status. I found it to be really interesting, but as I thought more about it, I found myself saying this: “Well… duh.”

  • The Little Kaseman: A warrior who is fighting the battle of a lifetime against childhood cancer

    May is National Pediatric Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Did you know that there are approximately 28,000 children in the U.S. living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor today?

  • Indoor tanning: Is it worth the “glow”?

    Most teen girls love a good tan. And even though some may know the dangers of indoor tanning, they continue to indulge in this risky behavior. But can you blame them? Society and the media have associated this sought-after golden hue with good health and beauty for years. Popular beauty and fashion magazines are usually graced with images of flawless women with that desirable “sun-kissed glow”. As these young girls navigate the road to try and fit in with their peers and build their self-esteem, we have a responsibility to teach them about the risks associated with their decision to visit the local tanning salon.

    Why might my daughter “tan”?

    For many teens, a tan makes them look good and feel good. Many girls agree with the statements, “I look better when I have a tan” and “I feel healthy when I have a nice tan”. Yet tanning of any kind, especially indoor tanning, is not healthy at all.

  • Is your teen depressed?

    In the years that I’ve been working with Teen Xpress as a counselor, I’ve seen many different issues with the students: child abuse, trauma, family struggles, stress management, anger problems, to name a few. However, this year, there is one issue that has trumped all the others by far: depression.

  • You think your teen is depressed. Now what?

    On , we discussed the statistics behind depression in teens and the warning signs to look for if you think your teen is depressed. Let’s now look at some next steps in getting help for your child.

    Finding help through professionals

    Finding a good mental health professional is like finding any good healthcare provider. Some of them you might like, some you might not. Some of them might have specialties, like working with teens, adults, or couples, so you’ll want to ask questions to make sure this is a person that is likely to be helpful. Look for a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or a Psychologist.

  • 12 ways to support families affected by military service

    I recently wrote about some of the parented by active military troops. While not all of us have a loved one serving in the military, we can all support the troops and the loved ones they leave behind. There are organized efforts to provide support to these families, especially around holiday time. In addition to these activities, we can provide emotional and practical support in some simple, every day ways.

  • Dr. Simms-Cendan answers: “When should I take my teenage daughter to the gynecologist?”

    Many parents wonder when they should take their daughter to a gynecologist. Is it with their first period? Is it when they become sexually active? When do they need a pap smear? Some women dread their own appointments and worry their daughters will have a traumatic experience. Well, the good news is that gynecologic care for adolescents has come a long way, and teens can be provided with important information in a sensitive and caring way, and many girls do not even need a pelvic exam!

    What’s Normal?

    First, let me cover a bit of what’s normal. Most girls begin breast development around 10-11 years of age, and the average age girls start their periods in the U.S. is about 12.5 years. Most girls will bleed 5-7 days and cycles occur every 25-40 days. If a girl hasn’t started her period by age 14, she should be evaluated, and although some girls just need more time, others may have a real problem. Many girls have irregular menses for the first 2-4 years after they start their periods, but if a girl has been bleeding more than 10 days per month, they should be evaluated to prevent problems with anemia. I’ve seen girls who have bled for 6 months before seeing a gynecologist and some have been so anemic by then that they required blood transfusion. Most girls will notice an increase in menstrual cramps about two years after they start their periods, as this is when they start to actually ovulate. Severe cramps so that a girl is missing school are not normal and she should also be seen. Finally, if a girl has had regular menses and then the menses become irregular, skipping months or becoming more frequent, she should also be evaluated. Sometimes there is a hormonal disorder that needs to be evaluated.