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  • The “thigh gap:” A skinny rule reigning social media sites frequented by teenage girls

    The thigh gap. Have you heard of it? No? Perhaps your teenage daughter has. This “rule” for skinny is permeating social media sites: tumblr, facebook, instagram, to name a few. Even though this seems like a relatively new trend, women have been using their thighs as a way to measure their body image for years. I know, because a particular Oprah show is forever engrained into my mind. A few years back, as I was watching this show, I recall a vivid image of Oprah, standing with her feet touching, looking at the space between her legs and proclaiming that “skinny” women strive to have at least two gaps showing (a gap between the ankles and a gap just below the knees), and if they are lucky, three – the gap between the thighs. I’m even embarrassed to say that I catch myself every now and then looking at my thighs to see if I have “the gap.”

    What exactly is the thigh gap?

    The thigh gap is a one to two inch gap between the thighs when the feet are touching together. However, this “gap” is almost impossible to attain, and the process of obtaining a thigh gap is risky, oftentimes sparking unhealthy fitness and eating behaviors. This trend has also raised concerns among eating disorder experts, as they recognize that in order to obtain a thigh gap, one would most likely take on some form of disordered eating.

  • Are highchairs really safe?

    A highchair is one of the most common (and practical) items on any new parent’s baby registry, and is known for making feeding time a whole lot easier. Many parents naturally assume the highchair is safe for their child, but did you know there has been an increase of highchair-related injuries among infants over the past ten years? A recent study took a closer look at the reasons behind the rise of bumps, bruises and head injuries caused by highchairs. Here’s what they found.

    The Study

    Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital examined data of children, ages 3 years and younger, who were treated in U.S. emergency departments from 2003 through 2010 for highchair-related injuries. The findings were staggering. On average, more than 9,400 children were treated for an injury relating to a highchair or booster seat each year. To put this in perspective, that’s one child every hour!

  • Should I teach my baby to sign?

    We have posted previously on the “” and ways to sidestep the frustration that comes at that time of life. I often educate parents that it’s not a behavior problem; it’s a communication problem.  Have you ever found yourself at the pantry door with a child who lays on the floor because the choices are too many and they know what they want, but they just can’t tell you? Parents report this to us all the time, and you are not alone. Unbeknownst to most new parents, children are able to understand language as early as 6 months, but the ability to speak requires complex fine motor skills that don’t develop until much later. The result is frustration and tantrums.

  • Help your child get a good night’s sleep

    Written by Betty Cheney, MD, MPH

  • Recognizing the Signs of Drowning

    Drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related deaths in children between 1 and 14 years old in the United States, and it is the third-leading cause of unintentional death worldwide.

  • Your Teen’s Weight Could Be Linked to Chronic Kidney Disease

    If your child is overweight, they may be at risk of developing chronic kidney disease in early adulthood. Once that happens, it’s impossible to repair the damage, so it’s important to encourage your child to eat well and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.

  • Should You Teach Your Baby Sign Language?

    How many times have you wished your baby could tell you what’s wrong instead of crying and leaving you to guess? Baby Sign Language allows babies as young as 6 months old to communicate their needs instead of crying.

  • Do Weight-Loss Drugs Really Help Teens?

    Obesity affects nearly a quarter of 12- to 19-year-olds in the United States. The health implications of carrying so much extra weight are so significant that scientists have been searching for medical solutions to supplement healthy diets and exercise.

  • Does Your Child Have Abdominal Migraines?

    Is your child complaining about stomach pain? One possible cause might surprise you: Abdominal migraines.

  • Can't Find Baby Formula? Here Are Some Tips

    With the nationwide infant formula shortage, it’s stressful not knowing where your baby’s meals will come from. But don’t panic. There are options to find formula. Here’s what you can do.