Teen Cosmetic Procedures Are On The Rise

There were more than 76,000 cosmetic surgery procedures performed on teens in 2011 ─ a possible reflection of recent findings that cosmetic procedures have risen 30% over the last decade, specifically among teen bullying victims. As more teenagers alter their appearance to make themselves look better with the goal to feel better, some professionals are warning interested children... Read More

Risks Involved with ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Teeth Straightening Products

Adolescents and adults alike who could benefit from proper orthodontic care might long for a short cut ─ to save time and money. After all, many are already accustomed to achieving physical improvements with ‘do-it-yourself’ techniques, such as boxed hair dye, manicure kits, hair removal products, and so on. However, consumers considering DIY orthodontic treatments should... Read More

E-cigarettes: A New Addiction for Kids?

Recently, consumers have been exposed to an influx of promotion for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). Though advertising is presumed to be aimed at the general adult population, e-cigarette use among middle and high school students doubled in one year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), equating to more than 1.78 million kids experimenting... Read More

Local Dad Champions Healthy Snacking

Central Florida schools spent the summer preparing to comply with the new federal mandate that requires pre-set limits on the amount of calories, sugar, fat, and sodium contained in food items available for students to purchase from vending machines, a la carte food lines, school stores, and fundraisers. Part of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the “Smart Snacks in School”... Read More

Early Learning is for a Lifetime

The academic success of early learners depends on their level of readiness to participate in rigorous kindergarten programs, according to experts at Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). When young students reach kindergarten, they will be challenged on a daily basis in all academic areas. In fact, some experts call kindergarten the “new first grade.” That’s why children who... Read More

Balding During Childhood

One little girl’s battle to find confidence and a cure Most little girls love to sport the latest hairstyle just like their friends. However, when nine-year-old Gabby Ruiz of Tampa, began to lose her hair, eyebrows, and even her eyelashes in the second grade, her family struggled to find an answer that could explain the sudden hair loss. Gabby’s hair loss took an emotional toll... Read More

Brace Yourself for a Trendy-Toothed Teen

The Benefits & Choices of Orthodontic Care Braces weren’t trendy back in the day. The dreadful nickname of “metal mouth” was often used to tease those who had to don hideously thick, metal wires and brackets across their teeth. If you wore them, you likely didn’t smile for your school pictures. Then, there was the thought – or nightmare – of experiencing your first... Read More

Fun & Funky Frames: Trends In Pediatric Eyewear

Are vision problems affecting your young pupilís education? Fashionable back-to-school eyewear can help your child focus in the classroom! According to the American Optometric Association, an estimated 80 percent of all learning is done through a childís eyes, including typical classroom tasks like reading, computer usage, and chalkboard work. Therefore, when a child experiences... Read More

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Prior to relocating from Buffalo, New York, to practice at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, ophthalmologist Airaj F. Fasiuddin, M.D. recalls treating “one of the worst eye injuries in her professional career.” In 2010, Troy Holman, then 10, was running in a neighborhood park when he tripped and landed on a stick. The impact caused the twig to puncture Troy’s right... Read More

Mother Saves Daughter’s Life With CPR

Bringing home a newborn baby is usually a joyous occasion – with the pink or blue nursery filling with gentle coos and smells of baby powder. But the homecoming for Shelly Shabdue, a local mom, was certainly not as peaceful as a lullaby.  Her daughter, Kaitlyn, was born prematurely and had spent several weeks in the hospital NICU unit due to collapsed lungs. Thought to be... Read More

Your Daughter’s First Trip To The Gynecologist

No woman really looks forward to her annual gynecology visit, which often brings back memories of discomfort, probing, and cold stirrups. As your daughter grows and develops, you may wonder when is the right time to start taking her to a women’s health specialist. “According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, it is recommended that the first visit be... Read More

Identifying Trichotillomania: A Hairy Subject

As a psychologist, I have often heard shocked mothers of teenage girls say, “I couldn’t believe it! I accidentally saw her head right after she got out of the shower. She was so good at hiding the bald spots.” This common statement occurs after a parent discovers that their child has Trichotillomania (“Trich”), a type of psychological condition that involves compulsive... Read More

College Crash Course: Talking to Your Young Adult about Alcohol and Drug Safety

Parents from across the country send their graduating seniors off to college with pride, paired with prayers for good grades and smart choices. With newfound freedom away from home, the temptation to drink alcohol and experiment with drugs can quickly impact student safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the use of alcohol by minors is a major public health concern... Read More

Childhood and Teen OCD

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Maybe you think of someone who washes his hands over and over, or of someone who loves a schedule and hates germs. Did you realize that as many as 1 out of every 200 kids or teens has OCD? For most of us, it’s easy to keep ourselves from performing an action over and over. Sure, I might really want... Read More

Timely Vaccinations are Important for Disease Protection

Parents agree that sleep and feeding schedules are important to help keep their children healthy.  The same goes for childhood immunizations. Vaccinating children on time is the best way to protect them against 14 serious, and potentially deadly, diseases before their second birthday. “The recommended immunization schedule is designed to offer protection early in life, when babies... Read More

Equine Therapy for Special Needs Kids

Talia Finder loves nature and looks forward to her weekly sessions with Ginger, her therapy horse at Freedom Ride inOrlando. Although Talia doesn’t have an official diagnosis, the 17-year-old hardly spoke to anyone until the sixth grade, in what her mother, Teresa Finder, called selective mutism. In the eight years Talia has been attending therapy sessions at Freedom Ride, located... Read More

Natural Healing Options for ADHD

Coping with a child who exhibits symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a challenge. Ask parents who are beginning to suspect that the exasperating behavior displayed by their child is not “normal”. What can a parent do to address these stressful issues? Unfortunately, there is no single test for ADHD, but there are some specific symptoms that should... Read More

Indoor Playgrounds: A Cool Spot Fun in the Summer

But don’t forget to watch for some common hazards It’s already 95 degrees in the shade nearly every day now. The humidity is enough to permanently frizz my usually flat-ironed bob. So, indoor air-conditioned playgrounds can be a great place to let kids burn off steam during the hottest summer afternoons. If you decide to visit your favorite “Ball Pit/Jumpy Town”, the U.S.... Read More

Protect Your Young Athlete’s Vision

Every 13 minutes, a child goes to the emergency room for a sports-related eye injury, accounting for 42,000 sports related eye injuries each year. While playing sports is an important and enjoyable part of a child’s life that helps to improve and develop motor, visual and social skills, it’s very important that parents ensure their children’s eyes are protected when they are... Read More

Time to Tango with the Tooth Fairy? 

It seems like just days ago that I waited patiently for my son’s first little biters to erupt in his infant mouth. Those days somehow melted magically into years and before I knew it, I could hear the Tooth Fairy fluttering about. So I wondered: what is developmentally normal when it comes to baby tooth loss, how does the tooth-obsessed fairy collect her pearly prizes, and what... Read More

Playing It Safe to Prevent Concussions

Every year, thousands of children sustain head injuries playing sports, in car and bicycle accidents, fights, and even minor falls. Most childhood head injuries are not serious and affect only the outside of the head; however, children may experience a temporary loss of brain function known as a concussion.  Although some accidents can’t be avoided, simple safety precautions... Read More