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  • Young children are at a greater risk for dog bites

    Dog bites hurt. Want to know how I know? Because I got snapped at when I was a little girl, and I haven’t forgotten about it since then. I remember the incident like it was yesterday. My family was taking care of my grandparents’ dog while they were away – a springer spaniel named “Jenna.” Jenna had quickly become my friend, as we were lying on the floor watching movies one afternoon. I wanted to get as close to Jenna as I could, and found myself all up in her face. We had no boundaries, or so I thought. The next thing I know, Jenna, having none of it, snapped at my face, snagging the tip of my nose. I was traumatized, and wanted nothing to do with Jenna after that.

  • Which type of milk is right for your kids?

    It sounds like a silly question. Is there a “right” and “wrong” type of milk? Not really. But, your child has different nutritional needs depending on their age. The type and amount of milk they consume plays a vital role in helping them meet those needs.

  • Is an alternative vaccination schedule better for your child?

    This post was originally posted in November 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 W-sitting might be a cause for concern

    Chances are if you’re reading this, you have probably heard the term “W-sitting” which is why you’d like to know more. If it’s new to you, and you have little ones in your family then you are probably going to come across it at some point. It usually comes up when someone is speaking to a child and might sound something like this, “Please fix your legs and stop W-Sitting.” Ouch. First of all what does that mean and how could it possibly matter how my child chooses to sit? I hope this post will give you a quick snapshot of this issue.

  • Should you be thinking about contraception for your teen?

    Why is contraception important?

    The simple answer- to prevent pregnancy. That is exactly why we need to have this discussion with teenagers. The statistics are astonishing about how many teens have been sexually active before they finish high school. Half of high school students report ever having had sexual intercourse and every year about 750,000 adolescents become pregnant. The majority of these pregnancies, a whopping 80%, are unplanned, which tells me that we need to do a better job giving our teenage population contraception.

    What are the recommended contraception options?

    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) both recommend Long-Acting Reversible Contraception "LARCs" for adolescents. The LARC options include the implant and intrauterine devices (IUD).  Both of these options are safe and superior to the old-school daily pill. With either the implant or the IUD, our teens don't have to remember to take it every day, making it nearly foolproof. The implant is placed in the upper arm and feels like a two-inch long piece of spaghetti under the skin. The IUDs are inserted into the cervix and can be checked by feeling for the string inside the vagina. Both options last for years without needing to be replaced, which is another reason it is perfect for teens.

    What about "the pill”?

    There are other options, including the pill and the shot. The pill must be taken every day so when thinking of our teenage population and how hard it is for them to remember even to brush their teeth on a daily basis, this option is clearly not the best choice. The shot, Depo-Provera, is a good alternative but not many people are keen on getting a shot every three months.

  • Three Tips for Tough Talks with Your Kids

    Illness, death or tragedies in the news: what should parents say?

  • How Much Is Too Much Protein for Your Child?

    There is such a thing as too much protein — and it can be dangerous for your child. With the popularity of protein shakes and supplements, it’s important for parents to understand how to monitor protein intake and choose the best sources of this essential nutrient.

  • When Healthy Eating Isn't Enough for Severely Obese Teenagers

    As the obesity epidemic in the United States continues to rise, a small number of teenagers are finding that traditional methods of weight loss just won’t cut it. For those adolescents with severe obesity, weight loss surgery — or bariatric surgery — may be an option. While healthy eating and exercise are recommended first when trying to lose weight, this surgery could be a life-changing (or even life-saving) choice for some obese teens.

  • Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children