Menu
Virtual Visit Request an Appointment ER Wait Times
Search
Back

Filter By

All Search Results

  • How to tame kids' ever-growing Christmas list wishes

    My family celebrates Christmas.  Recently, my son wrote his Christmas list.  I guess it’s a sign of the times, but most of the items he is requesting this year are technological in nature and are at least $50.00.  Here’s the kicker:  He’s only seven.  I figured I’d have a few more years before the list started to contain gadgets like laptops and ipods, but it looks like I was wrong.  I read through the list and my initial reaction was, “Are you kidding me?!  No way!”

  • 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.

  • Is my child constipated?

    Like many other parents, I tend to fuss over my children’s GI tracts – what goes in, and what comes out. Has my son pooped already today? Is the poop too soft or too hard? What did I feed my daughter that made her poop look like that? Are my kids pooping too much or too little?

  • See Emily's open-heart surgery as it happens

    We followed 3 year old Emily Stone through heart surgery to repair a heart defect called tricuspid atresia, meaning her heart only has one chamber. We captured her surgery through Instagram as it happened, posting updates and pictures every few minutes so that her story could be followed in real time. Below are the photos and a timeline of events throughout the surgery. Emily's surgery was successful and we wish her the best as she gets back to being a normal little girl again.

  • Cool apps for kids

    “There’s an app for that.” It seems like there is an app for our every need, even the need to keep kids entertained while parents browse the grocery store aisles, families wait to be seated at a restaurant, or driving in the car from point A to B. A recent article asked the question, “Are tablets the new Nanny?”. While this may sound ridiculous, there may be some truth behind this question. Studies show that in 2011, tablet usage among kids under the age of 12 increased by 10% within 6 months. Tablets, such as the iPad and Kindle, are kids’ new accessories, an accessory many parents are thankful for.

    Are apps really beneficial for my child?

    Great question! We do not know yet if the use of tablets and smartphones encourage healthy development among young kids. There is not enough scientific research to support this claim, as researchers are still studying the benefits of apps for kids. However, the technological trends of the world in which we live in are inevitable and growing at a rapid pace. Today, over 50% of kids now have access to a smartphone or tablet, creating a large market for apps designed specifically for kids.

  • A Blessing in Disguise: Maleah's Story

    It all started with a simple trip to the nearby walk-in clinic with what they thought was an infection. Maleah’s lymph nodes were swollen and her mom thought all she needed was some antibiotics. A few days later, Maleah’s lymph nodes were getting larger and the antibiotics didn’t seem to be working. It was the weekend, so Maleah’s mom took her to the closest emergency room where they ran a few tests. Her white blood cell count was three times its normal amount, but they were told to keep taking the antibiotics and that the elevated white blood cell count is a result of the infection. That next Monday, Maleah’s mom called their family doctor, concerned that her lymph nodes were still swollen. Her doctor told them to take her to the Arnold Palmer Hospital emergency room, knowing it was probably more than just an infection.  

  • Fighting Birth Defects with Folic Acid

    Did you know there are things you can do even before you become pregnant that can help give your child a healthy start in life? Making sure your body has enough folic acid is one of the most important ways to protect your baby from birth defects.

  • Overcoming Trials and Fear: Alex's Story

    Thirteen years ago, if you had told Alex’s parents about the long, difficult road ahead of them, they would have told you that it was a mistake and you had the wrong child. As far as they could tell, they had a happy, healthy baby girl that would develop just like any other child.

  • Preparing for Baby's Arrival... Continued

    Earlier this week, we talked about several ways for new and expectant parents to become prepared for their new arrival. Here is some more helpful information that every parent should know:

  • Think Like Pinkalicious for a Chance to Win Free Giveaways!

    Did you know that eating too many pink cupcakes can give you pinkititis? It’s a very scary disease that can make you turn pink all over!!