TVs that are unstably mounted often fall on industrious toddlers trying to reach them. According to the study, “Television-Related Injuries to Children in the United States, 1990–2011,” published in the August 2013 issue of Pediatrics, the rate of pediatric injuries caused by falling TVs is increasing– about 12,300 injuries among U.S. children under age 18 in…
Read moreIn the U.S. about 1,000 kids die by drowning each year – making it the second leading cause of accidental death in children 5-18 years old. That’s why kids need constant supervision around any and all sources of water – from pools and beaches to fountains and even buckets. Young children are at especially high…
Read moreWhat’s summer without of pile of good books to read? Whether your child is a reader or not, our local libraries have fun summer incentive programs to get all kids reading as much as possible. Many of the programs below allow non residents to join. Plus, you can join as many programs as you want….
Read moreTeaching your children to swim is a lifetime gift, making it worthwhile to spend the time and/or money it takes to raise healthy, safe swimmers. Children who swim well have a fun, full body source of exercise that can serve them for the rest of their lives. Plus, and perhaps most obviously, children who know…
Read moreWith the slightly warmer weather, my kids have had a few chances to ride their bikes, and I thought this would be a good time to review bicycle safety. (Read our post about great places to bike with kids in Chicago.) Just like any activity – safe and well maintained equipment is a must. Check…
Read moreMy six-year-old son, Coby, played in his first little league game this past week. As I sat and cheered him on, I considered all the important safety issues to consider – not just for kids playing baseball, but for all sports and athletics. Here are a few I came up with: 1. Coaches and trainers…
Read moreYou child’s body has undergone significant changes since the day you brought her home from the hospital. By now, as she moves through her preschool years, your child’s body fat has been replaced by increases in muscle and development, accompanied by a slimming of her arms and legs and a tampering of her upper body….
Read morePediatricians, nurse practitioners and family doctors start screening your baby or toddler for signs of developmental or communication challenges like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from the very first visit. As pediatrician, how your baby responds during the various visits during infancy and toddlerhood guides us in his screening. In the office we observe how your…
Read moreWhen I was growing up, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were really common in the school lunchroom. These days, most parents wouldn’t even think of sending one. We’ve moved from peanut-free lunch tables to peanut-free schools—and many camps and afters chool programs have banned anything peanut too. They do it to save lives. Not only…
Read moreA few preliminary studies suggest that labeling fast food menu items with calorie counts and the amount of physical activity required to burn the calories in the food may reduce the number of calories adults purchase for a fast food meal. A new study, “Potential Effect of Physical Activity Calorie Equivalent Labeling on Parent Fast…
Read moreSince December 2014, a measles outbreak that began at Disneyland in California has grown to more than 50 confirmed cases in multiple states, including Illinois. Most of the people who have gotten sick were not vaccinated against measles. This is a stark reminder of the importance of making sure your children are fully vaccinated. The…
Read moreHappy New Year! This month I am celebrating one year with Kids First Pediatric Partners. How time flies, and how much I have learned! Thanks to all of you who have so warmly welcomed me. It has been great meeting all of you and your children. Recently I read in the Chicago Tribune a column…
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