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Caden's journey through autism

Bonnie remembers that day five years ago like it was yesterday. Her son Caden was 18 months old. And it was the day his doctor first said that fateful word: autism.

Avoiding obesity: Teaching your child how to live a healthy life

It may be easier than you think to teach your child how to live a healthy life. Of course, we have to teach our kids about good-for-you foods and encourage fun activities, but more importantly, we have to walk the walk. Children are imitators, and leading by example plays a big role in how they learn.

Consider this: Are you stuck on the diet bandwagon?

Courtney & Katelyn Gower - Overcoming Spina Bifida

Courtney & Katelyn Gower both have spina bifida. But that doesn't stop them from being fun-loving, hilarious and active little girls. Courtney & Katelyn have both received treatment at Arnold Palmer Hospital and are making amazing strides in their development. Watch this touching video about a family who is out to prove that spina bifida isn't slowing them down at all.

Protecting young athletes with proper hydration

For every person participating in athletic activities, proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining health and physical ability. For those of us who live in a hot, humid climate such as Central Florida, we must be vigilant to ensure that our bodies and those of our children are protected from dehydration.

Have you had the "text" talk with your teen?

I’ll admit something that I don’t often discuss; I’ve been in a car accident. Actually, I’ve caused a car accident. Make that several car accidents. I don’t like to discuss these accidents because I’m still fairly embarrassed about causing them. Although they were each minor, the reason for each accident was simple - I was distracted. Whether it was turning the radio station or a cell phone in my hands, something distracted me from focusing my full attention on the road.

Learning to sleep well: teaching your kids healthy sleep habits

In our practice at the Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, we often see children who are having difficulty sleeping. We know very well the tired eyes of parents who are worried, anxious and frustrated because their children aren’t sleeping well.  We work with each family to identify whether a child has any medical problems that may be affecting their sleep. We also work with their parents to teach healthy sleep habits. Whether we know it or not, we are teaching our children how to sleep, and we encourage parents to learn healthy habits that set their children on a path to healthy sleep for a lifetime.

Why is sleep important?

Helping teens make the leap into adulthood

Yesterday, I met an 18-year-old young man who was coming in for his yearly physical for the first time. He had previously been followed by a general pediatrician, but he felt it was time to move out of the pediatric care setting into a health home that specializes in caring for adolescents and young adults. “Why?” I asked. To this he responded, "Because I felt it was time. I am not a child anymore."

Fulfilling a dream: Dr. Joseph's story

If you ask any of the oncology nurses here at Arnold Palmer Hospital who their favorite doctor is, they will all have the same answer. It is Dr. Joseph. To the untrained eye, Dr. Joseph may not actually look like a doctor at all. He may look strikingly similar to an 8-year-old who is suffering from leukemia. But don’t tell him that.

Living life to the fullest: Colton's story

Colton is as wild and unpredictable as the bright red curls springing from his head. He loves life, and by life I mean sports, of course. As he bounds around the house, football in hand, it is hard to imagine that this lively 2-year-old was born with a disease that nearly took his young life.

Giving thanks and giving back

Haley Kestory understands what it means to be truly thankful.