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
Sustain a Health Lifestyle with Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture, as defined by SustainableTable.org, is the production of food, fiber, or other plant or animal products using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare. In other words, sustainable agriculture produces healthier food without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same.... Read More
The Change: Female vs. Male Menopause
The Change: Female vs. Male Menopause It is commonly known that females undergo a “change” in hormones with a typical onset that occurs later in life. This transformation usually ensues rapidly and may continue over the course of a few years. Recently, scientific interest surrounding the possibility of a male form of menopause has increased. Could men experience similar “changes?”... Read More
Eat up! Natural Remedies for Common Pregnancy Ailments
Glowing skin, doubled cup-size, and shiny hair are all commonly touted as side effects of pregnancy. There are some pregnancy symptoms, however, that are less celebrated, such as heartburn, nausea, and constipation…the things no one likes to talk about! The good news is that there are simple, natural remedies for such pregnancy ailments and you can find them at the grocery store. Constipation Your... Read More
What Are You Really Serving at the Holiday Table?
Holiday celebrations typically center on family and, of course, the family meal. You worry about how the food will look and taste, but you should also be concerned about the safety of food preparation to avoid illness. Will unexpected guests like salmonella, staph, campylobacter, e.coli, and other unwanted bacteria find their way to your dinner table this year? Food borne illnesses... Read More
The Buzz on Mom and Booze
Whether it’s at a weekend barbecue or a mommy’s night out with girlfriends, many of us like to relax with an occasional glass of wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverage. Drinking in moderation ─ one drink per day of 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor ─ for women (who aren’t pregnant) can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Some research... Read More
PetSaver CPR & First Aid
Following an appointment at the pet groomers, Sue Carpenter expected to see her freshly trimmed, 5-pound poodle, Raven, playfully wagging her tail. But, within minutes of arriving to pick her up, the dog collapsed on the floor. Sue frantically jumped into her car with the lifeless pup and sped toward the animal hospital. An employee of the groomers attempted to revive Raven while... 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
New Brain Mapping Technology at Florida Hospital for Children Creates “Roadmap” to Neurological Disorders
MEG (Magnetoencephalography) is the first non-invasive functional brain imaging technology in the state of Florida Patients in the state of Florida will now have access to incisionless brain mapping that will precisely target irregularities due to epilepsy and other lesions. The only one in the state, Magnetoencephalography, or MEG (www.FloridaHospitalForChildren.com/MEG), provides... Read More
“It Doesn’t Hurt, Doc!”
Always Smile At The Dentist With This Expert Advice… Even though I’ve heard it all before, I must say that I thoroughly enjoy dentist jokes and funny stereotypes about dentists. If you can’t laugh at yourself, what can you laugh at? But one thing that still makes me scratch my chin is when patients tell me, “It doesn’t hurt, Doc” with a sparkle in their eye, implying... 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
The Mommy Makeover
Cosmetic Surgery Trends and Options The physical demands of pregnancy can take a toll on a mother’s body. Winter Park based, board certified plastic surgeon James Baker, MD, FACS, explains that “the abdominal muscles separate and the skin stretches to allow the uterus to grow. The mom is often left with loose or sagging skin that is frequently attributed to the relaxation of... 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
Keep Pets Healthy, Cool During Hot Weather
Summer is for relaxing – for pets too. Many pet parents indulge their animal companions with vacations, special meals, hotel stays and trips to the spa. In fact, an estimated $53 billion were spent on pets last year. Yet many families with pets may not realize the longer, hotter days of summer require pampering around their health and safety. “During hot summer months, it’s... Read More
The Johns Hopkins Children’s Heart Surgery Program at Florida Hospital for Children Opens
The Johns Hopkins Children’s Heart Surgery Program at Florida Hospital for Children recently launched to provide comprehensive cardiac surgery care. The program draws on the expertise of Johns Hopkins, a pioneer in the field of heart surgery, and will give Florida children access to a top-notch surgical team and the newest treatment approaches. Dr. Constantine Mavroudis, a world-renowned... 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
Wellness Warnings: Statistics Parents Need to Know
Drug Bust! More than 3.1 million teens ages 12 to 17 report abusing prescription drugs. 70% of children who abuse prescription drugs get them from family or friends. Prescription drugs are the #1 drug choice among 12-13 year olds. Florida has the highest rate of prescription painkiller sales in the country. InformedFamilies.org VIIIth city for HIV Orlando ranked 8th on the Centers... 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
Crohn’s Disease & Family Planning
In the middle of a chilly night in January 2009, then 26-year-old Beth Smith awoke with a severe, surging sensation in her lower abdomen. She assumed that her appendix had burst, but upon arrival at the hospital, a scan revealed that Beth had Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) describes... Read More
Raising a Vegetarian
Many parents choose to raise their children with a vegetarian lifestyle, which usually consists of a plant-based diet that allows the consumption of dairy products, but no meat. Others would like to explore this option, but simply don’t know how to safely start a vegetarian meal plan. It is known that some children gravitate toward a plant-based diet by themselves after finding... Read More
