All Search Results
-
What every parent should know about mental health in kids and teens
As a mental health provider, I often hear how parents and guardians of children tend to think their child is “too young” to have a mental health diagnosis. It is unfortunate, but I have noticed that the stigma of having a mental health condition gets in the way of understanding and treating children many times. Mental health conditions and disorders don't only affect adults. Children and teens can experience mental health problems, too. In fact, research shows that most mental disorders follow a developmental course that typically starts early in life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health “this is true not only of conditions such as autism and ADHD, which are well known for having onset in childhood, but also for mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. So, many people who suffer from depression, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia showed signs before they were 24 years old.”
-
Beware if Your Child Has Frequent UTIs
Potty training marks a huge transition from toddler to young child, and accidents may feel like a setback. But a child who pees infrequently may be more worrisome. Not urinating enough can put your child at greater risk for urinary tract infections, leading to long-term kidney issues.
-
How to Prepare for a Hurricane When You Have a Child With a Chronic Illness
Hurricane Irma’s visit to Central Florida last year reminded us of the many ways tropical storms and hurricanes can wreak havoc on our everyday lives. These weather events become especially critical when there’s a family member with serious medical needs.
-
How to Ensure Your Family Is Eating Well While You Travel
Summer is here, and many of us will soon be off on a vacation of some kind. Whether you are traveling by train, plane or automobile, packing healthy travel snacks is a must for children and teens. The last thing a family wants to do is stop at a gas station or a local convenience store while rushing to get to their destination. Not only does it waste valuable travel time (and money), but it also makes it difficult to make healthy choices.
-
OCSC Player Shane O’Neill: From Good Mornings to Game-Winning Goals
Professional athletes know pregame preparation starts well before they step onto the field. From a healthy diet and sleep regimen to a balanced morning ritual, Orlando City Soccer Club player Shane O’Neill has developed some great strategies for game day. It isn’t all about hard work and self-discipline, though. For kids looking to increase their success in sports, O’Neill’s message is a simple one: Relax and enjoy the game.
-
What every parent needs to know about protecting children from the sun
During the summer months, I am often asked by parents about sun protection. There are many products and sunscreens available, and it can often be challenging to determine what products are best for your child.
-
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.
-
Important information every parent of a child with asthma needs to know
As I pass the halfway mark in my first year as a pediatric resident, I have seen many patients come through the emergency department with asthma, whether it’s for difficulty breathing or cough or chest tightness. All too often though, I find that many parents are unsure of which medicines to give when their child’s asthma is causing problems. This is usually because there are multiple inhalers at home and there can be confusion about which inhaler to give and when. With this post, we will review asthma and go over the differences between inhalers as well as when to use them.
-
Shawna Jenkins, MS, RD, LDN
Shawna Jenkins is a registered dietitian (RD) and licensed dietitian/nutritionist (LDN) with the Center for Digestive Health and Nutrition at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. She provides medical nutrition therapy to pediatric patients with gastroenterological diseases and conditions and also has experience with:
-
Holiday Cheer to Children in the Hospital
The holidays are a difficult time to be in the hospital—especially for children. But being a pediatric patient doesn’t mean missing out on the warmth of the season or on holiday cheer. At Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, we know that every child should experience the joy of the holiday season regardless of their current situation. So, since our patients cannot go home to celebrate the season, we bring the holiday celebrations to them.
