Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

Posted on May 27, 2012 by dramykids

We all know the foggy haze after a night of poor sleep, now think how sleep deprivation manifests itself in our children. Adults are somewhat predictable in demonstrating tiredness, but children may become hyperactive, unfriendly and/or labile. Preexisting conditions (ADHD, learning problems) can seem worse. For children, already trying to navigate frustration control, sleep deprivation can affect their behavior and learning. So, how much sleep do children need?

Here are some average sleep requirements divided by age. Don’t get too fixated on the numbers, instead look at your individual child. Continue reading →

Summer Safety Checklist

Posted on May 20, 2012 by dramykids

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in children 14 and under. Unfortunately these devastating events occur more frequently in the summer. Visits to the ER for minor injuries also escalate in the summer. Some aspects of our children’s health and safety are out of our control. However there are some risks that you can control, so take charge and help your child to have a safe summer! Continue reading →

Which Sunscreen is Safe? How Much Sun Do My Children Need?

Posted on May 12, 2012 by dramykids

Sunscreen (Photo credit: Joe Shlabotnik)

Time to start thinking about the fun and dangers of sun. I confess, I do not always put sunscreen on my children. Luckily they have their father’s olive tones and not my pasty whites so they don’t burn easily but I am always trying to balance the dangers of too much sun, the unpleasant act of lathering them with chemical laden sunscreen and the need for sun to produce Vitamin D. This balance needs to take into account research on the dangers of chemicals used in sunscreens, the rise of Vitamin D deficiency (we need direct sunlight to make Vitamin D) and even the controversy about sunscreen’s protective effect against melanoma. So, what is a pediatrician and mother to do? I have not thrown away the sunscreens. However, I weigh each situation, buy sunscreens that have been tested/avoid dangerous chemicals and I try to cover the little ones up with clothing as much as possible. Last year, Environmental Working Group released a well researched, easy to understand answers to some important questions such as:

1. Do some chemicals in sunscreen cause cancer? Which ones? Continue reading →

The Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Children and Adolescents

Posted on May 6, 2012 by dramykids

We have all been affected by the tragic news of a young, healthy athlete dying of sudden cardiac arrest. Once thought to be rare, recent studies suggest that it is much more common that previously thought with about 2,000 young athletes dying per year. Consider the following questions so that you can best identify if your child is at risk.

1. Which children/adolescents are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest? Continue reading →

In the Ring with Video and Computer Games-A Battle Worth Fighting

Posted on April 27, 2012 by dramykids

Next week (April 30-May 6) is the annual Screen Free Week in the U.S. I have been thinking about this because sometimes I feel that I am in the ring fighting against video/computer games and my children are clearly cheering for the other side. My boys, 8 and 10 years old, are particularly captivated by the addictive nature of video games. Psychologists call it variable schedule of reinforcement. In other words, you don’t know when the reward will come so you feel compelled to keep playing and playing. This reinforcement is the basis for many forms of addiction. Setting and keeping limits can be exhausting and sometimes I definitely feel like I am down for the count. But I keep getting up because I really believe it is worth the fight. Exposure to media is important in determining so many aspects of my child’s character and I want to influence how they respond to their super stimulating world. Also, various forms of media can easily add up to hours stolen from engaging and fulfilling family time. Believe me, there are times when I am just too tired, too overwhelmed or just too plain hormonal and at those times I consider the Wii my best buddy and favorite babysitter. But I really try to remember
Continue reading →

Are we the Anxiety Generation?

Posted on April 15, 2012 by dramykids

When I became pregnant with my first baby 13 years ago I felt a new, empowered anxiety stand over me with her medusa snake hair spewing endless threats of what could become of my just forming baby. Nothing makes you more vulnerable than becoming a parent. I know I am not alone and recent articles on medications for anxiety and for sleep demonstrate that anxiety in our society is defining us as a generation. Anxiety still visits me but I have a few defenses that I have learned to keep her at a functional level most of the time. Here is what works for me. Do you find being a parent anxiety provoking? What works for you?

1. I let go of the perfect children illusion. My children are going to be challenging, bratty and sometimes difficult to love. Continue reading →

Autism-Current Trends and Early Signs

Posted on April 8, 2012 by dramykids

Autism Awareness (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Recent studies have estimated that in 2008, 1 in 88 children received the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (includes mild to severe autism and Asperger’s Syndrome) showing an increase of about 20% from a study two years prior which estimated 1 in 110 children were diagnosed. Although debate continues whether this continued climb is due to increased awareness, a broader definition, an actual increase or a combination of all of these factors, experts agree that early intervention is key to improving outcome for affected children.

Reports of autism cases per 1,000 children grew dramatically in the US from 1996 to 2007.

Many parents with autistic children knew from an early age that their child was different. The American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of red flags that should alert you Continue reading →

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