All Search Results
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4 Common Myths (and the Truth) About Pediatric Palliative Care
In the past, pediatric palliative care has been misunderstood. In fact, although this comprehensive program seeks to improve the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions — as well as support their families — myths still abound. This is likely due to the program’s multi-faceted approach to care.
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It’s Time for School Sports, Do Your Kids Sign Up?
Thinking about getting your kids involved in organized sports, but concerned they don’t have the skills? Or maybe that they’re too young? Not to worry, says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In June, the organization released a report recommending that parents enroll their children in organized sports, no matter what their skill level.
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How to Prepare Your Child for an Outpatient Procedure
Preparing to bring your child in for an outpatient surgery or procedure at the hospital can often feel more stressful than the event itself. Children don’t typically welcome the prospect of a day at the hospital, no matter how short it may be. Parents often find themselves wondering how best to manage the difficult task of preparing their child mentally and emotionally for a surgery or procedure. Sometimes in order to prevent tears and fears, parents may try to mislead or avoid the conversation with their kids in order to simply get them in the door. Even though it may be tempting to tell your child that they are going elsewhere in order to get them in the car, or tell them that they are going to the hospital but not tell them why, this often causes more upset and challenge in the end.
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Why a gluten-free diet may not be healthy for your kids
When I was a college student I knew a girl who suffered from celiac disease, and each time our group of friends went to eat at a restaurant, she brought a lunchbox from home filled with gluten-free food because she was unable to eat much of the food served in a restaurant. Before that I had never heard of gluten, and I thought it was a terrible curse for my friend to be unable to eat at a restaurant like the rest of us. Although I lost touch with her after college, I am sure my friend’s dining experiences have gotten a lot easier over time.
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How to care for your newborn’s umbilical cord
So you’ve brought your newborn bundle of joy home from the hospital- now what? In your sleep-deprived, brimming with love (and exhaustion) state of mind, you’re probably realizing right about now that you have a lot more questions about how to care for your baby than you realized. You may already have your pediatrician’s phone number on speed dial, and that’s okay! The responsibility of caring for a newborn is challenging for everyone, and it is completely normal to feel a little bit overwhelmed as you’re thrust into this new world of parenthood.
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Summertime Treats for the Entire Family
As the summer heat continues to scorch, kids are always looking for ways to stay cool. Even though the school year is just around the corner, cooler weather unfortunately isn’t coming for a while. As your family enjoys the last picnics, get-togethers and pool parties before heading back to school, you’ll want some sweet treats to help you cool off. Usually these activities involve eating less nutritious foods such as hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, candy and potato chips. With these tempting foods readily available, it can be difficult to lure kids over to the fruit table for a healthier and more refreshing snack. By making fruit more appealing to kids, we might be able to change their views on this delicious treat.
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Rethink the drink! Sports drinks aren't as healthy as parents think they are.
If you’re still not convinced that sports drinks should be consumed with caution, let me leave you with this fun fact: One 20 oz. sports drink has 34 grams of sugar, which is 8.5 teaspoons of sugar. This is more than a full sized candy bar, which has 7.5 teaspoons of sugar!!!
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Is your child over-caffeinated?
Caffeine is the world’s most commonly used nervous system stimulant. It can occur naturally in products such as coffee, chocolate, and tea, or it can be artificially added to beverages such as sodas and energy drinks. Caffeine has been known to energize the body and improve concentration, but it should only be consumed in small doses. Even though caffeine is considered a “safe” substance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in larger doses, it could possibly be dangerous to your child’s health.
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5 Conversations You Should Have Before Sending Your Child to College
Every August and September, parents and kids everywhere prepare for the first day of school. While the first day of school is always a big deal, there are few first days bigger than the first day of college. If your (big) baby is starting their first semester at a higher education institution, you know there is a lot to do – packing, unpacking, registering for classes and meeting new people are just a few items on a very long list. If you haven’t had these conversations with your college-bound son or daughter, make sure you add these discussions onto your to-do list.
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How to keep your kids from begging for Halloween candy
Halloween has become one of my favorite holidays. I never cared for it much before I became a parent, but now I look forward to it every year. My kids get so excited for the day to finally arrive, and I love seeing them dressed up in their little costumes, even if it’s only long enough for a couple of pictures. We take them door to door, and they continue to be thrilled each and every time a neighbor drops a treat into their ever-growing stash. We come home way past their bedtime with loads of treasure, and they can’t wait to dig through it all and sample their goodies.
