Menu
Virtual Visit Request an Appointment ER Wait Times
Search
Back

Filter By

All Search Results

  • Why Teens Need the HPV Vaccine Now

    Human papillomavirus causes at least 26,000 cases of cancer every year in the United States: about 18,000 in women and 8,000 in men. In 2006 a vaccine was licensed to prevent most of these cancers as well as venereal warts. First recommended for girls, the victims of more HPV-related cancers, the HPV vaccine was soon recommended for boys as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV immunization for all preteens between the ages of 11 and 12 years, prior to any risk of exposure.

  • Nutritional Considerations for Vegetarian Teens

    Does your teen want to become a vegetarian or is he or she already one? More and more teenagers are choosing to eliminate meat, poultry, fish, or even dairy and eggs from their diet. Some reasons are due to religion, animal rights, improved health, or maintaining a healthy weight. Many teenagers feel the pressure from family and friends about their diet choice, especially if they are unsure if their nutritional needs are being met.

  • When is the right time to talk to kids about alcohol and marijuana use? Study says earlier than you might think

    One in 10 high school students has driven under the influence of alcohol or marijuana within the last 30 days.

  • You, the flu and what to do

    ‘Tis the season- flu season, that is.

  • Ever wonder why you shouldn’t feed honey to your infant? Here’s why.

    That’s a scary word, isn’t it? Even if you don’t know exactly what it means, you probably know that it isn’t good. It’s also the reason that we don’t feed honey to babies.

    What is botulism?

    Botulism is a rare but serious illness that is caused by a certain type of bacteria (primarily Clostridium botulinum) resulting in a progressive paralysis that can lead to respiratory failure and death.

  • Help your child get a good night’s sleep

    Written by Betty Cheney, MD, MPH

  • Should you be thinking about contraception for your teen?

    Why is contraception important?

    The simple answer- to prevent pregnancy. That is exactly why we need to have this discussion with teenagers. The statistics are astonishing about how many teens have been sexually active before they finish high school. Half of high school students report ever having had sexual intercourse and every year about 750,000 adolescents become pregnant. The majority of these pregnancies, a whopping 80%, are unplanned, which tells me that we need to do a better job giving our teenage population contraception.

    What are the recommended contraception options?

    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) both recommend Long-Acting Reversible Contraception "LARCs" for adolescents. The LARC options include the implant and intrauterine devices (IUD).  Both of these options are safe and superior to the old-school daily pill. With either the implant or the IUD, our teens don't have to remember to take it every day, making it nearly foolproof. The implant is placed in the upper arm and feels like a two-inch long piece of spaghetti under the skin. The IUDs are inserted into the cervix and can be checked by feeling for the string inside the vagina. Both options last for years without needing to be replaced, which is another reason it is perfect for teens.

    What about "the pill”?

    There are other options, including the pill and the shot. The pill must be taken every day so when thinking of our teenage population and how hard it is for them to remember even to brush their teeth on a daily basis, this option is clearly not the best choice. The shot, Depo-Provera, is a good alternative but not many people are keen on getting a shot every three months.

  • The difference between a children’s emergency room and an adult emergency room that every parent should know

    No one plans to end up in the emergency room. It just happens, usually when we least expect it. When our children become sick or injured, we are faced with difficult choices. Where is the best place to get care for my child? How do I know there isn’t something seriously wrong? Can I trust these caregivers to do the right thing for my kid?

  • How to help a child through the transition of divorce

    Divorce is an event that can cause a great deal of trauma and stress to a child’s life. Children may often question if the divorce is their fault or if there is more they could have done to keep their family together. While adults can understand the context and reasoning behind a divorce, children often do not, and likely may come up with their own versions of what they feel went wrong. Many times, the main thing a child sees is that the two most important people in his or her life will no longer live under the same roof, and this can cause them much confusion and distress.

  • Why Is My Child Having Accidents After Being Toilet-Trained?

    If your school-age child begins having wetting accidents after being toilet-trained for at least six months, you may be concerned — and rightfully so. The good news is that most bladder control problems in children are not serious and can be treated with behavior modification. Catching these issues early makes it easier to break the dysfunctional habits.