Menu
Virtual Visit Request an Appointment ER Wait Times
Search
Back

Filter By

All Search Results

  • How to help your children become smarter and more successful

    Before talking about the how-tos, let me ask you these two questions:

  • When It’s Hot Outside, Protect Your Kids From Heat-Related Illness

    Now that summer break has arrived, families are starting to plan their outdoor activities and summer vacations. With warm weather ahead, it is a good idea to take note of the ways extreme heat can affect children and how to safely enjoy the outdoors.

  • Summer Safety Checklist for Children

    Summer is the perfect season to get children into the great outdoors. But even on overcast days, applying sunscreen is a must. Sunburns can cause pain, irritation, blisters and even flu-like symptoms — not to mention potentially more serious conditions down the road. Before hitting the beach or bike trail, look for sunscreen that is 30 SPF or higher and has a high percentage of zinc oxide. If your kids will be wading, swimming or sweating, you’ll also want to purchase sunscreen that is water resistant.

  • A Study to Compare Blinatumomab Alone to Blinatumomab With Nivolumab in Patients Diagnosed With First Relapse B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)

    A Phase 2 Study of Blinatumomab (NSC# 765986) in Combination With Nivolumab (NSC # 748726), a Checkpoint Inhibitor of PD-1, in B-ALL Patients Aged ≥1 to <31 Years Old With First Relapse

  • Grandparents may not be aware of current safety recommendations

    Sending the kids over to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for the weekend isn’t just great for the kids, it’s a luxury for Mom and Dad, too. But, recent research indicates that grandparents may not be aware of current safety recommendations for children.

  • Dr. Simms-Cendan answers: “When should I take my teenage daughter to the gynecologist?”

    Many parents wonder when they should take their daughter to a gynecologist. Is it with their first period? Is it when they become sexually active? When do they need a pap smear? Some women dread their own appointments and worry their daughters will have a traumatic experience. Well, the good news is that gynecologic care for adolescents has come a long way, and teens can be provided with important information in a sensitive and caring way, and many girls do not even need a pelvic exam!

    What’s Normal?

    First, let me cover a bit of what’s normal. Most girls begin breast development around 10-11 years of age, and the average age girls start their periods in the U.S. is about 12.5 years. Most girls will bleed 5-7 days and cycles occur every 25-40 days. If a girl hasn’t started her period by age 14, she should be evaluated, and although some girls just need more time, others may have a real problem. Many girls have irregular menses for the first 2-4 years after they start their periods, but if a girl has been bleeding more than 10 days per month, they should be evaluated to prevent problems with anemia. I’ve seen girls who have bled for 6 months before seeing a gynecologist and some have been so anemic by then that they required blood transfusion. Most girls will notice an increase in menstrual cramps about two years after they start their periods, as this is when they start to actually ovulate. Severe cramps so that a girl is missing school are not normal and she should also be seen. Finally, if a girl has had regular menses and then the menses become irregular, skipping months or becoming more frequent, she should also be evaluated. Sometimes there is a hormonal disorder that needs to be evaluated.

  • Let's give children's teeth a biting chance!

    Written by Ha Vo, pediatric resident at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children

  • Easy ways to make menu planning fun for the whole family

    How often do you hear “What’s for dinner?” or “Why are we having that again?” from your family because you have no idea what to cook?

  • How much physical activity does my teen need?

    Physical activity is very important for a growing body. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends children and teens get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This can be a difficult task for some due to school work, studying for tests, hanging out with friends, and also spending quality time with family. Many teens are happy to know that these 60 minutes can be split up into two, three, or even four segments. A brisk 30 minute walk to school in the morning and a quick 30 minute run in the evening will satisfy these physical activity recommendations.

    Why is physical activity important for my teen?

    Physical activity is important for overall good health. It helps maintain a healthy weight, keeps bones and muscle strong, improves flexibility and also lowers the risk of developing diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Exercise benefits not only the body, but also the mind. Being active often makes us feel happier, which can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and also improves self-confidence.

    What can parents do to help their teen to become more active?

    As a parent, you play a vital part in shaping your teen’s attitudes and behaviors towards physical activity. When parents have a positive attitude towards a healthy lifestyle, teens are more likely mirror those positive actions. Here are some ways parents can help teens stay or become more active: Get involved. Be physically active alongside your teen. If you are encouraging your child to exercise more, you also have to make an effort to become more active. Set a positive example by leading a healthy active lifestyle. Be positive. Be careful not to pass on your negative sports memories from your childhood. If you twisted your ankle playing soccer or did not get picked to play middle school baseball, don’t discourage your teen from trying out or participating in that particular sport. Show encouragement. Encourage teens to become interested in new activities by exposing them to unfamiliar sports or activities. Select gifts that encourage physical activity (basketballs, skateboards, running shoes, baseball gloves, and jump ropes) instead of promoting sedentary activities (video games and DVD’s) Get the whole family involved by enjoying a family walk after dinner or taking a family trip to locations where teens can let out all their energy (neighborhood pools, basketball courts, baseball field, or outdoor events) Make physical activity fun. Family hula hoop contests, game of Twister, dance competitions, or hop scotch is always a blast. As long as everyone is laughing, it will be a success. Start an exercise club. Instead of teens staying home and watching television, encourage them to start a neighborhood walking, soccer or running club. These clubs can include the whole family or just the teens. Plan weekend events that involve some sort of physical activity (hiking, water sports, visiting the zoo, city walking tours etc.)

    How do I help my teen overcome physical activity barriers?

    Most teenagers have a difficult time meeting the recommendations for physical activity due to multiple reasons. These reasons can range from disliking exercise to the hot and rainy weather outside. Overcoming barriers can be challenging but also very rewarding once succeeded. When able, sit down with your teen and discuss their physical activity barriers. Try to determine at least one or two solutions to help them overcome them.

  • How one physical therapist overcame scoliosis and now helps children do the same

    My Story