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  • Helping your kids deal with FCAT stress

    About ten years ago, I had the pleasure of working as a counselor at an Orange County public elementary school. The kids were great, and I really enjoyed counseling them and trying to help them through different challenges that they faced. Throughout my time there, I noticed how much things had changed since I was in elementary school. One of the biggest changes I felt was that it seemed that “Spring Fever” had been replaced with “FCAT Fever”.

  • What to do when your new baby is crying

    Being a parent for the first time is an exciting adventure, with many moments of joy but certainly also many moments of anxiety when facing the unknown, whether it be feeding techniques, putting a baby to sleep, etc.  Parents often talk about their baby being fussy, or crying. It’s a common parental concern raised at office visits and is one worthy of delving into, as it could be a sign of something common or that something may be very wrong. 

  • Bed rest: When is it necessary?

    There are many recommendations for pregnant women that have little scientific evidence to support them. For example, eating dry saltine crackers followed by a sip of water to prevent and treat morning sickness. Or playing classical music to soothe the unborn baby. Or not lifting one’s hands over their head to prevent umbilical cord entanglement. These are unproven recommendations, but have little risk and are inexpensive, so many pregnant women will embrace them during their 40 weeks of pregnancy.

  • Summer is coming!

    As a child, those three words thrilled me to no end. As a parent, if I’m being honest, they bring anxiety, stress and frustration. My son attends a local public school. The 2014 summer vacation stretches on from June to August for TEN WEEKS. It’s wonderful for the kids, but for me it means TEN weeks that my husband and I have to arrange to take time off of work, beg family to come babysit, and find suitable summer camp options for our son to attend. My husband and I both work full time, so neither of us are available to be home everyday. It’s not easy.

  • 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.

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery

    The Neurosurgery Program at Arnold Palmer Hospital provides highly specialized care to children with neurological problems.

  • What is music therapy and how is it used in a hospital?

    I am a music therapist in a pediatric hospital and a hospital for women and babies. That is often what I say when I’m asked my occupation by friends and family. While most people generally understand what goes on in a hospital, it can be difficult to conceptualize what music therapy is and how it functions in the medical setting. Follow-up questions and comments from those unfamiliar with music therapy often include: “I didn’t know that was a thing” and “So you play music for patients in the hospital?” My answer is yes, it is a thing, but it is so much more than just playing music for hospitalized individuals.  

  • Crohn’s and Colitis Virtual Support Group

    Please join us for a virtual support group for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Patients ages 13 and older are welcome to attend, along with family members and caregivers. Sessions will help patients cope with living with a chronic gastrointestinal illness by providing educational information, mental health support, nutrition counseling and more.

  • Make-A-Wish Foundation 2015 Walk for Wishes

    Come out and join Dr. Shoba Srikantan, from our APH Critical Care team, who will be walking to support children.

  • No more heading in youth soccer, but is this enough to keep kids safe?

    Concussions are a hot topic these days, and for good reason.