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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.

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!!!

What new moms should know about breastfeeding

For first time mothers, learning the “art” of breastfeeding can be difficult. However, like with any other important skill, breastfeeding takes practice. While all Moms and babies are unique, the following tips will help make learning how to breastfeed as easy as possible.

Sending a child with epilepsy to school: what every parent should know

Summer may be almost over, but you can't forget about water safety

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children. Florida is known for beautiful weather year-round, which unfortunately means that

Inhaled flu vaccine isn’t recommended this year: Find out why

During each year, there are consistently two types of drama that you can count on: middle school girl drama and flu shot drama. 

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.

Distraction can be a useful tool in helping your child cope with a difficult situation

As a Child Life Specialist, I often joke about the proverbial “toolkit” that I seem to have invisibly available when I work with children. In it are a variety of ideas, books, toys, and other items that I have used in the past that can benefit children as they go through painful procedures or times in the hospital that are particularly stressful. One of my best “tools” in this kit of mine is distraction.

Stitches of love: how a community of volunteers cares for children in the hospital

Four years ago Georgy Cartwright, along with several other ladies, created their very own knitting, crocheting and sewing group which they named, “Stitches of Love.” Most of the members migrated to Florida and were looking to make new friends and put their skills to use. Now, every month they make a special trip to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies to donate their handmade items.  

Do your children really know better than to sext?

As caregivers, we do our best to instill values and morals in our children. We want our children to do the right thing even when we are not around to see their actions. We want them to make good decisions, but as the use of electronics and the number of apps available to them increases, making good decisions often clashes with what’s “trending.”