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  • What not to say to an adoptive parent

    I have the good fortune of knowing many families with children who have been adopted, and over the years I’ve been appalled at some of the conversations these friends have endured at the hand of strangers (and even non-strangers). Most adoptive parents will tell you that they know these offenses are not intentional, and they give a lot of grace as they try to educate the public on adoption one awkward conversation at a time. Many would probably tell you, though, that they wish they didn’t have to be blindsided by these uncomfortable and sometimes hurtful exchanges. So, if you know families with adopted children or if you happen to meet a mom at the park that appears to be an adoptive mother, here are some things NOT to say:

  • Marching for hope in the fight against childhood cancer: Ethan’s story

    Ethan was a happy and healthy 13-year-old who loved football and soccer. But about a year-and-a-half ago, Ethan’s parents knew something was not right with him. Ethan began to experience incredible pain in his hip, and so they began the daunting search to try and find answers to what was causing his pain. Life quickly became a flurry of emergency room visits, tests, nurses, doctors, needles, ambulance rides - all while their other kids were still at home. Ethan and his parents were sent to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children to meet with the pediatric oncology team.

  • Fun is the name of the game! Learn about the benefits of Aquatic Therapy for your child.

    One of the things I love about being an occupational therapist is using unique tools to help a child reach their full potential. One of those tools that may be a bit unexpected is a swimming pool. The properties of water offer unique benefits, are familiar to children and inherently add the unquestionable element of fun. As therapists we know that when a child is having fun, they will try harder and risk failure to reach their goals. When we treat your child, our pursuit is to build on their strengths and challenge their weaknesses while engaging them in motivating ways. Fun is the ultimate motivator! Children who have faced physical disabilities, learning difficulties or traumatic injury certainly know how fun can turn a daunting challenge into an achievable one.

  • Why the outbreak of measles at Disneyland is important to your family

    Over the Christmas holiday, a person who was carrying the measles virus visited Disneyland. Five park employees and dozens of visitors then became ill. The outbreak has ballooned to include not only people who visited Disneyland but also people who came into contact with those individuals. So far this year, 84 people in 14 states have been infected with measles, and this number continues to rise.

  • Helping your child say farewell to preschool, hello to kindergarten

    In a few short months, I will be the parent of a kindergartener. That boggles my mind a little bit. Gone is the chunky toddler who yells, “Nack! Nack!” when she wants an afternoon snack. No more diapers to change or pacifiers or naptime stories. She has officially moved on from baby to toddler and now little girl. As we make this change from preschool to kindergarten, it feels important to me to transition well- for her sake and mine- and to embark on this next challenge with enthusiasm.

  • Get to know Dr. Mark Weatherly, pediatric pulmonologist at Arnold Palmer Hospital

    The Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital cares for infants, children and young adults with chronic and acute respiratory disorders. Our practice provides comprehensive care for a wide variety of disorders associated with the lungs including, but not limited to, everything from asthma and chronic cough to restrictive, interstitial lung diseases and sleep disorders. Our interdisciplinary team consists of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory care practitioners, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, medical assistants, front office staff and medical residents. We recently interviewed Dr. Weatherly, pediatric pulmonologist, to get to know him outside of the exam room and to learn more about the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Center.

    Where did you grow up?

    In Michigan.

    Where did you go to medical school?

    Michigan State University

    What was your first job?

    I was a camp counselor in high school.

    What are your hobbies?

    Reading, travel, medical missions volunteer

    If you could meet anyone, who could it be?

    The Pope because I think he would have a great perspective on suffering and the love of God in our lives.

    Did you always know you wanted to go into the field of medicine?

    No. I wanted to be a veterinarian but discovered an allergy to cats, so that was not a viable career!

    Why did you choose to go into pediatric pulmonology?

    I had a mentor and role model who was a pediatric pulmonologist. I loved the way he helped families of children with Cystic Fibrosis, as well as how he balanced his career and family time.

    How long have you worked at Arnold Palmer Hospital?

    I have admitted patients here for 17 years and have actually worked for the hospital for 6 years.

    What do you love most about working at the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital?

    We have an awesome multidisciplinary team that works well together and provides excellent comprehensive care to patients.

    Has there been a specific patient or family that has impacted you as a physician?

    There have been many. Each family brings their own perspective to a chronic illness, and it is an honor (though sometimes a challenge) to work with them through the process of medical therapy for their child.

    What is one thing that most of your patients don’t know about you?

    I am crazy about dogs, and I feel a little guilty telling some patients who have pet allergies they cannot have a pet when I have one myself!

    In honor of Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, what key pieces of advice do you give to families whose child has been diagnosed with asthma?

    Take your preventive medication as prescribed, and do not let anyone tell you not to be physically active because of your asthma. Go for it!

    Click here to learn more about the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Center at Arnold Palmer Hospital

  • What does Florida’s new booster seat law mean for your family?

    On January 1st, 2015 a new law became effective in Florida requiring children under the age of six years old to be restrained either in a child safety seat or booster seat while riding in a vehicle. Previously, Florida law mandated only that children under three years of age be restrained in a car seat, allowing parents to use seat belts for older children. Until this law took effect, Florida was one of only two states that did not require these safety measures for children under five years of age.

  • Newer tests may help you better understand your child’s food allergy

    A severe food allergy is often a complex and confusing diagnosis. It’s also one of the most common medical issues, especially in children. Many parents of food-allergic kids remain somewhat perplexed about their child’s condition long after diagnosis. Will my child outgrow this allergy? What exactly is okay to feed to my child and what isn’t? Is this really a serious issue or can we relax a little? These questions often linger unanswered, and that’s not a good thing.

  • Secondary drowning: What you need to know to protect your child

    This post was originally posted on June 27, 2014.

  • Turn your baby’s tummy time into play time!

    Written by Sabina Sheikh, MD