Research has shown children who have a television in their bedrooms have later bedtimes and shorter sleep duration. A new study shows similar sleep problems in children who have a “small screen,” such as a smartphone in their room. The study, “Sleep Duration, Restfulness, and Screens in the Sleep Environment,” published in the February 2015…
Read moreNational data have shown teen use of e-cigarettes is increasing steadily each year. A new survey of high school students in Hawaii found 29 percent have used e-cigarettes, which is substantially higher than previous estimates. The study, “Risk Factors for Exclusive E-Cigarette Use and Dual E-Cigarette Use and Tobacco Use in Adolescents,” in the January…
Read moreBetween 2004 and 2008, annual influenza vaccine recommendations were gradually expanded to include all children aged 6 months or older. In the Pediatrics study, “Influenza-Related Hospitalizations and ED Visits in Children Less Than 5 Years: 2000-2011,” from the January 2015 issue, researchers studied vaccine uptake and influenza-related hospital visits among children age 6 months to…
Read moreCircumcision is a procedure that for some parents generates strong emotions and some controversy. Kids First Pediatric Partners does not advocate or recommend that parents have their sons circumcised. We also do not discourage this medical procedure. There are a variety of reasons why parents choose circumcision. Some, such as followers of the Jewish and…
Read moreBig news! Beginning Monday, we’ll be having walk in hours Monday through Thursdays, 4-7pm, and Fridays-3-4:30PM (for established patients only). These are for acute visits and will be operated by our nurse practitioners.
Read moreIn the spirit of Thanksgiving, one of our families came by to say thank you to Betsy who is one of our wonderful Lactation Consultants. Mom said that Betsy “saved her breastfeeding relationship and that she was thankful for Betsy and that she was her angel.” We truly love hearing from our families. This made…
Read moreTwenty percent of youth attending college have a chronic medical condition, yet relatively few U. S. colleges have the proper health resources to identify or support these students. In the November 2014 Pediatrics study, “College Health Service Capacity to Support Youth With Chronic Medical Conditions,” researchers surveyed a nationally representative sample of medical directors from…
Read moreLaundry detergent pods are a fairly new product in U.S. households. The pods may be convenient for adults, but children can be seriously injured or even die if they ingest or otherwise come into contact with the chemicals inside the pods. According to a study in the December 2014 issue of Pediatrics, “Pediatric Exposure to…
Read moreThis post comes just as Thanksgiving is arriving. This is one of my favorite holidays because it is completely centered around food and giving thanks (and I LOVE food!). The history of Thanksgiving started in 1621 when the Wampanoag Indians taught the Pilgrim colonists how to cultivate food. When the Pilgrim’s had a successful harvest…
Read moreWith all the news reports on Ebola, it can be hard to keep our imaginations from running wild. And while the dangerous disease is wrecking havoc in Western Africa, it is important that we in the Chicago area understand the reality that the likelihood of a vast outbreak of the viral infection here is very…
Read moreKids First Families, First I would like to thank you all for all of your kind words and well wishes regarding the new little addition to the Russo family. My son Anthony is almost 6 months old now, and my husband, Gianni, and I are truly enjoying being parents. Everyone has always told us to…
Read moreI recently checked something off of my bucket list…a trip to Hot Doug’s! For those of you who grew up in the Chicago area, you’ve surely heard of this iconic restaurant. The self-proclaimed “Sausage Superstore” offers a wide variety of unique hot dogs and sausages created by owner Doug Sohn. In May 2014, Doug announced…
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