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  • Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Obesity

    A lot has been written over many decades about the damaging effects of obesity on children and adolescents. In a recent pediatrics study, researchers found that despite nearly three decades of trying to raise awareness, the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States continues to worsen. Overall, the study shows that 1 out of every 5 children nationwide are obese, and the rate increases with age. By the time teens reach 16 to 19 years old, more than 40 percent struggle with obesity. This is a national health crisis because of the effects obesity can have as the child grows into adulthood.

  • Your Helicopter Parenting May Actually Be Hurting Your Child

    As parents, we always want what is best for our children. But sometimes we need to take a step back and let our kids make their own decisions. It’s still possible to provide love, support and safety while allowing them to struggle and learn new skills on their own.

  • Talking with Your Teen About STDs

    It’s often difficult for parents to talk with their teens about sex, but it is a vital conversation to have. Just as important as discussing sex itself is talking about how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

  • How to Make Sure the Toys You Buy Are Safe

    Although the winter holidays are a major time for buying children’s toys, the truth is, we buy toys year round. We buy for birthdays—whether for our own children, relatives or our children’s friends. We buy gifts to celebrate achievements, like preschool graduation, or to encourage a skill or interest. We even stock up on toys based on the season, such as buying beach toys and sidewalk chalk in the spring.

  • What Parents Should Know About Measles

    This blog was written in conjunction with Federico Laham, MD, medical director of the Infectious Diseases Department at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

  • Spare the Rod and Don't Spank the Child

    Spare the rod, spoil the child. Most parents have heard this advice at some point. The idea is if you don’t spank your child when they misbehave, you’re setting them up to continue that behavior. Sixty-five percent of Americans approve of spanking children—and this trend has been increasing since 1990.

  • Helping Your Son Navigate Puberty

    It’s a moment that both parents and sons dread: the “what is happening to my body” conversation. As your child enters puberty, you may wonder if he is prepared for the changes occurring, if he has questions, and how both you and he will adjust.

  • As Vaping Claims Young Lives, Here’s What You Need to Know

    Vaping is the process of smoking e-cigarettes that allows users to inhale nicotine, while also avoiding some of tobacco’s harsher substances. Although vaping has been marketed as a cleaner and safer alternative to traditional cigarettes due to its filtration of chemicals, this simply isn’t true. Vaping not only causes a range of health issues, but as recently reported, it also has led to a number of deaths.

  • If you have a picky eater, try food chaining

    Have a picky eater in your house? Don’t fret. I have a few tools that have created successful mealtimes for kids and their parents time and time again.

  • How to get your child into the spirit of giving this holiday season

    With the season of giving approaching rapidly, many families are eagerly gathering their children’s Christmas lists to figure out what they want under the Christmas tree. While this is an exciting time for most children, there are sadly others who worry that what they want will not find its way to their homes and many parents who share the concern that Christmas will not be what their family hoped.