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  • Is CrossFit safe for kids?

    CrossFit has become a wildly popular fitness trend among adults over the past few years, and now CrossFit is targeting kids, too. But some parents can’t help but wonder, “Is CrossFit safe for my child?” We sat down with Dr. Davis, sports medicine physician at Arnold Palmer Hospital, to ask her expert opinion on the appropriate types of physical activity for kids, and if CrossFit is safe for their growing bodies.

    The American Academy of Pediatrics recently announced that it’s safe for kids to start a light weightlifting routine after age 8. Can you explain this decision?

    The benefits of strength training for kids are similar to those for adults. Like adults, kids will gain improvements in muscular fitness and bone mineral density by incorporating a light strength-training program into their fitness routine. However, one of the most important benefits of any youth fitness program (including resistance training, in addition to aerobic exercise) is an improved attitude towards lifelong activity, which will keep them motivated into their adult years.

  • Having “the talk” with our son.

    The other day, my 7-year-old informed my husband and I that he knew what sex meant. As a mental health counselor at Teen Xpress, I talk to young people every day about sex. However, when my own son told me that he knew what “IT” was, I just about fell to the floor! We stayed calm and tried not to look worked up. My husband casually asked, “So, what is it?” My son got a little shy and said, “I can’t really remember, but it’s something a man and woman do.”

  • Redefining "spina bifida" through the lens of a camera, one photo at a time

    Written by Amanda Kern

  • A heart for Sophia

    For Sophia’s mom, it’s the little things in life that matter. Taking Sophia to the grocery store and letting her pick out a free cookie, watching her jump into the swimming pool or reading her favorite books to her may seem like small things. But, they are actually miracles.

  • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

    As a pediatrician, one of the most common questions I am asked this time of year is what I think about the seasonal flu vaccine.

  • An extra dose of hope

    Most people never think about hospitals. I’ll admit that I never paid much attention either until I started working here several years ago. Very quickly, I began to realize what a special place Arnold Palmer Hospital truly is. Seeing all of the children who come here for treatment brings two emotions to the surface. The first is uncertainty because I can’t imagine my daughter getting sick. I get scared when I think about her tiny little body having to fight off serious illness or undergoing surgery.

  • Let's talk about the HPV vaccine

    If you’ve been keeping up with the news this week, you’ve likely heard the debate brewing over the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. If you’re the parent of a teenager or a teenager yourself, you’re probably more than a little concerned.

  • Katie Karp is a cancer survivor.

    Katie Karp remembers the day when she was diagnosed with cancer very well. The diagnosis of osteosarcoma in her left leg was unexpected and quite a blow, but Katie was not going to let cancer win. She's a fighter. Through dozens of chemotherapy treatments and surgery that resulted in 11" of her thigh bone being removed, Katie persevered. Watch her amazing story and how she's used her experience with cancer to help children currently going through their own battle.

  • Giving thanks and giving back

    Haley Kestory understands what it means to be truly thankful.

  • Remembering the ones we've lost

    Every year Arnold Palmer Hospital and Winnie Palmer Hospital each hold a remembrance ceremony commemorating the children and babies who have died.