Menu
Virtual Visit Request an Appointment ER Wait Times
Search
Back

Filter By

All Search Results

  • Txting and driving among teens.

    April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and what better way to bring awareness than to talk about the dangers of texting and driving among teens? Studies show that a large number of accidents can be attributed to distracted driving, more specifically, texting and driving. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I am guilty of this, too. There have been several times that I have caught myself texting or emailing while driving, only to find myself barely escaping what could have been an accident. And every time, I tell myself, “That was a close one. I am never picking up my phone again while driving.”

  • What every parent needs to know about concussions

    We often think of concussions in terms of sports, most commonly football and other collision sports. Concussions also commonly occur in contact sports where helmets aren’t worn like soccer, basketball, wrestling or lacrosse. However, every parent needs to know about this injury, even if your kids aren’t involved in sports. Concussions can occur from a fall from a bicycle or skateboard, running into a goalpost, or getting hit in the head by a ball or other moving object.

    What is a concussion?

    A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a blow to the body that makes the head move back and forth rapidly. The sudden force causes the brain to bounce around or twist within the skull, causing damage to the brain cells and chemical changes within the brain. These chemical changes may make the brain more sensitive to stress or other injury until it recovers. While doctors may describe this as a “mild” brain injury since it is not life-threatening, the effects of a concussion can be serious.

    What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?

    Signs and symptoms of a concussion usually appear soon after the injury occurs, but some symptoms may not show up for hours or days. If your child has sustained a bump or blow to the head and experiences any of the following, it might be a sign of a concussion: Headache Nausea or vomiting Appears dazed or stunned Feels “pressure” in head Loses consciousness Answers questions slowly Confusion Dizziness or balance problems Sensitivity to light or noise Difficulty concentrating Memory problems Double or blurry vision Feeling “foggy” or sluggish Changes in mood or behavior Trouble falling asleep Sleeping more or less than usualYou should continue to monitor your child for these signs and symptoms for a few days after the injury occurs.

    What should I do if I think my child might have a concussion?

    If you think your child may have a concussion, contact your child’s health care provider. If your child is playing sports, remove him or her from the game and don’t resume playing until evaluated by a healthcare professional who is experienced at diagnosing concussions. If your child returns to play too quickly, before the brain is fully healed, they are at risk for a repeat concussion which can be much more serious.

    How is a concussion treated?

    The best treatment for a concussion is complete rest from all physical and mental activity. Television, loud music, and use of computers should be very limited or stopped. Even a child’s school participation may need to be altered according to the child’s symptoms.

  • When should a child return to school after a concussion?

    Written by Steven Schulenborg, Resident of the Sports Medicine Program at Arnold Palmer Hospital

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

    This post was originally posted on June 27, 2014.

  • From separation anxiety to a separation celebration

    My daughter started kindergarten this week. When I shared the obligatory first-day-of-school photos, many friends and family members commented that they couldn’t believe how big she’d gotten.

  • Portion Distortion: How much your child eats can be as important as what he eats

    Written by Josh Eberhard, DO 

  • Why Teens Need the HPV Vaccine—Now

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes at least 26,000 cases of cancer every year in the United States: about 18,000 in women and 8,000 in men. In 2006 a vaccine was licensed to prevent most of these cancers as well as venereal warts. First recommended for girls, the victims of more HPV-related cancers, the HPV vaccine was soon recommended for boys as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV immunization for all preteens between the ages of 11 and 12 years, prior to any risk of exposure.

    The reality of HPV immunization in the U.S.

    About 80% of us will contract HPV in our lives. Fortunately, most HPV infection is cleared by the immune system without long-term consequences. The unfortunate few go on to develop devastating disease. Sadly, the immunization rate of U.S. teens against HPV is very low. By 2013 less than half of all teens had received even one dose of an HPV vaccine. Currently, only 24% of preteens aged 11 to 12 years of age have begun the series.

    Why are vaccination rates so low?

    HPV is difficult for parents to think about because it is mostly transmitted by some form of sexual contact. However, as much as we don’t want to think about our youngsters becoming sexual beings, they will. It is actually our goal as parents to have our children grow up and have families. Thus, acknowledging that our children may at some time in their lives contract HPV is our responsibility.

  • Watch your words: labeling your kids can have long-lasting effects

    This post was originally posted in May 2014.

  • 8 reasons to make a green smoothie for your kids

    As a Registered Dietitian for Teen Xpress, I work with many teenagers who are hesitant to try new foods. My goal is to introduce them to delicious but also nutritious foods to help improve eating habits. I teach a nutrition class, called Healthy Me, to select middle schools around Orange County. This class is a great opportunity for me to introduce teenagers to different types and combinations of foods. During one of my classes, I set up a smoothie bar for the students. In addition to the students’ individual smoothies, I decided to make a “different” one for them to try. They had a difficult time guessing what made the smoothie green. After a few minutes of guessing, I finally broke the news to them; they just drank spinach! Many of them were surprised that they enjoyed the smoothie even though they dislike spinach. One student looked up at me and said, “I really like this Ms. Holly. I am going to put spinach in my smoothie from now on!”. It is amazing how sampling different foods can impact future eating habits.

  • Why Teens Need the HPV Vaccine Now

    Human papillomavirus causes at least 26,000 cases of cancer every year in the United States: about 18,000 in women and 8,000 in men. In 2006 a vaccine was licensed to prevent most of these cancers as well as venereal warts. First recommended for girls, the victims of more HPV-related cancers, the HPV vaccine was soon recommended for boys as well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV immunization for all preteens between the ages of 11 and 12 years, prior to any risk of exposure.