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  • Orlando Health & Orlando City SC Announce Historic Agreement

    Orlando Health will continue their affiliation with Orlando City Soccer Club.

  • When Is Your Child Ready for a Phone? Pediatrician Tips for Digital Safety

    The “digital street” presents just as many safety challenges for children as the physical one. That’s why it’s so important to help your child develop a healthy relationship with technology, starting with the responsible use of their first phone.

  • TV time before bed may keep your kids awake longer

    Walk me through your child’s nighttime rituals. What does it look like? Dinner, bath, then wind down with your child’s favorite movie or recorded TV show – sound about right? I would be willing to bet that many kids watch some form of TV before going to bed, as parents attempt to clean up from dinner, do laundry, or finally take a break from a busy day. What if I told you that TV time before bed actually makes your kids stay awake longer? That’s right. If you want your kids to fall asleep faster at bedtime, it may be a good idea to turn of the TV, and even the iPad and computer, at night. Here’s why.

    The Study

    A recent study published in the Journal Pediatrics took an inside look at the effects of TV time on a child’s sleep patterns. Researchers surveyed over 2,000 kids, ages 5 to 18, on their activities within 90 minutes of going to sleep. They found that watching TV was the most common reported activity, and took up at least 30 minutes of the child’s 90-minute pre-sleep activity log.

    What does this mean?

    Researchers found that there was a direct correlation between kids who watched TV and the amount of (prolonged) time in which they were able to fall asleep. When compared to kids who chose non-screen activities before bed, those who regularly watched TV leading up to bedtime had a harder time falling asleep. Based on this study, it is recommended that kids reduce the amount of TV time before bed to improve their overall sleep quality.

    Alternatives to TV time at night

    While the occasional movie night with the kids shouldn’t be banned (and is something that kids can look forward to), there are many other ways to help prepare them for bedtime. Here are some suggestions:  Give your child a warm bath and cozy up to a good book (or two) in bed Allow your kids to quietly play in their rooms, read alone, or listen to music Have one-on-one time. Spend time with your child playing a game or working on a puzzle before bed.  Share a story. Create a fairytale together or quietly sing songs to your little one before turning the lights out.Whatever your child’s nighttime ritual is, try to avoid the habit of staring at a glaring TV screen before bed. Not only will this encourage your child to fall asleep faster, but it even allows for better quality time with your kids at night.

    Share with us! Do you allow your kids to watch TV before bed? What do your kids’ bedtime rituals look like? 

  • What To Expect if Your Child Needs a Colonoscopy

    You might think colonoscopies are only for older adults to screen for cancer. But children sometimes have the procedure, too, to diagnose causes of abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, rectal bleeding and unexplained weight loss.

  • Pediatric Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery Program

    Our Pediatric Craniofacial team provides evaluation and treatment for patients who need Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

  • Essential oils for children

    You may have heard of a new trend popping up in the parenting community: using essential oils to treat a variety of illnesses or to promote general good health in children.

  • Should I let my teen use creatine?

    If your teenager is involved in youth sports, you’ll likely hear about the nutritional supplement creatine. This product, available in powder or capsule form, is very popular among high school athletes. Studies have demonstrated that approximately 35 percent of middle and high school boys use creatine to improve their athletic performance.

  • Encopresis: is your child having a potty accident or is it something more?

    From time to time, people experience physical changes or symptoms that they might be embarrassed to talk about. Therefore, they might avoid seeking medical attention and the problem goes untreated for longer than it should. One such problem is encopresis. Encopresis is defined as involuntary passage of feces as a result of constipation.

  • $5 Million Gift Expands Pediatric Neurological Care in Central Florida

    Orlando, FL (October 17, 2018) – An Orlando woman with a long history of philanthropy is helping expand care for children with neurological conditions in Central Florida. At her 87th birthday celebration, Helen Leon, agreed to give $5 million to the newly created neuroscience center at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

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