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  • A Tdap vaccine for every pregnant woman, every pregnancy

    Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases updated immunization guidelines based on current scientific research. This year’s guidelines for 2013, released earlier this month, represent a significant change for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

  • EpilepsyU presents a Q & A webinar on "epilepsy and children" with Dr. Davis

    This week, EpilepsyU, a part of the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, hosted a Q & A webinar on “epilepsy and children” featuring Dr. Ron Davis, Pediatric Neurologist and Co-Director of Pediatric Epilepsy for the Level 4 Epilepsy Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital.

  • Webinar on "Living with CHD: Ensuring your child meets his or her full potential" with Dr. desJardins

    This week, we hosted a webinar on "Living with Congenital Heart Disease: Ensuring your child meets his or her full potential" with Dr. desJardins, pediatric cardiologist at The Heart Center.

  • What is the Cinnamon Challenge?

    Perhaps more commonly known as an ingredient in your favorite banana bread recipe, cinnamon has now gained traction as the favorite ingredient in a popular dare among kids and teens: the “Cinnamon Challenge.” And thanks to social media, the dare has gone viral. As of August 2012, there were over 51,000 YouTube videos of individuals partaking in the challenge, and one of these videos has been viewed over 19 million times! The Cinnamon Challenge even has its own website, and in January 2012 the phrase was mentioned an average of 70,000 times on Twitter daily. If you aren’t heavily involved in social media, trust me, the Cinnamon Challenge is a big deal and kids just want to be a part of the craze.

    What is the Cinnamon Challenge?

    The challenge is actually quite simple, or so it seems. It requires a person to swallow one tablespoon of cinnamon in 60 seconds without drinking any liquid. Sounds easy, but as you can see in the videos that are publicly displayed for viewers’ entertainment, the victims of this challenge usually end up coughing and choking, as the spice triggers a severe gag reflex in response to a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. This challenge is known to be nearly impossible and potentially harmful, as stated on the cinnamon challenge website, but this doesn’t keep kids from wanting to try it themselves.

    The dangers behind the challenge

    A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics took a closer look at the potential dangers of the popular dare. As noted in the study, eating cinnamon in small amounts and mixed with other foods does not cause a problem for most people. However, problems can arise when large amounts are consumed in isolation from other foods. The coughing, choking and gag reflex that occurs in response to consuming cinnamon in this way can cause the spice to make its way into the lungs. While most side effects are temporary, there can be long-lasting lesions, scarring, and damage to the fragile airways. Those who are allergic to cinnamon or have other diseases, such as asthma, may be at a greater risk for developing these long-term side effects.

  • 5 tips for helping your child with autism manage their daily routine

  • Got Breast Milk? Wanna share?

    We’ve heard doctors say it over and over again: “Breast is Best!” for babies. A mother’s breast milk provides the most complete nutritional support for growing infants. And yet, as many new mothers are painfully aware, that’s a lot of pressure. Sometimes we make a choice whether we prefer to breastfeed or not, and sometimes that decision is made for us.

  • The blessing of persistence: Brenna’s story

    According to Krista, her daughter Brenna is the goofiest, happiest child. She loves playing with her younger brother and older sister, boating with her best friend and enjoys any activity involving animals. Cheerful and constantly smiling, she may sound like your typical nine-year-old. But, there is a reason Krista considers Brenna to be her hero.

  • Welcome to Illuminate

    Living in Central Florida for the past 10 years, it has amazed me to see the different people and cultures from all over the world represented right here in my own backyard. Many of the people that call this area home have come from places I've only dreamed of. They speak different languages, have different cultural and religious values and have totally different perspectives on the world around them. I love to hear their stories, get a glimpse into their lives and see the world as they see it.

  • The right choice doesn't always come naturally

    I have a friend who makes natural medicine at home. She buys various herbs, soaks them in vodka for several weeks, and dispenses them to friends and family to treat and prevent illnesses like common colds and the flu. When I asked my friend why she chose this particular therapy, she replied: "It's natural. It's good for you."

  • 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.