Ok, so we all sort of dread actually having “the talk” with our preteen.  Yes, speaking about the birds and the bees can be difficult (who even came up with the birds and bees thing?).  But realistically, preteens and teens NEED to know the facts so that they can protect themselves against things like pregnancy and diseases.  Let’s be real. Giving a preteen or teen the “facts” does not mean that you are encouraging them to become sexually active.  It just allows them to better understand their own body.

Take a look at my column in the Tidewater Family Plus Magazine about: having “the talk” with your preteen.

We all know that breast is best for infants from birth to 1 year of age.  Sometimes a mother doesn’t make enough milk or has to return to work or just wishes to stop breastfeeding. Then it’s formula time.  Infant formula has come a long way in terms of health and safety. Read this month’s Tidewater Family Plus article on About Infant Formula: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/about-infant-formula

Here’s a shout out of thanks to Melnic for sharing my mission statment: to help parents raise healthy, happy children with healthcare professionals through their website!  Take a look: https://www.melnic.com/raising-todays-child-pediatric-nurse-practitiones/

Melnic helps advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to find their perfect job.

So this month I’m tackling the topic of sore throats.  You know, these days, everyone is concerned about covid-19 and rightly so.  We still must remember that other diseases can and do still exist.  Can a sore throat be a symptom of  covid-19?  Sure it can, but it can also be a viral sore throat or even strep throat.  The medical term for sore throat is pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat).  Most sore throats are viral in nature and will run their course within 7-10 days.  Strep throat is caused by a bacteria and can have serious consequences if not properly treated.  Interested in learning more? 

Check out the January 21 issue of Tidewater Family Plus here:  https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/could-it-be-strep-throat

View the WTKR segment on Coast Live: https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/a-parents-guide-to-sore-throats-on-coast-live

The holiday season is a wonderful and amazing time of the year. The sight of the holiday lights lends hope to the soul. This fabulous feeling does not happen for everyone, and sometimes the holidays can be very difficult for children and teens with depression.

In 2016, suicide was the second leading cause of death for children from 10-19 years of age.  More children die from suicide that heart disease, infections and cancer combined.  

December is the anniversary of my nephew’s passing. I can’t convey the deep and lasting impact this had on my extended family. I write this in remembrance of Noah.

Let’s remember that children and teens can struggle with feelings of depression and even suicide this time of year. Reach out for help to your healthcare provider, counselor or the national suicide prevention lifeline.  

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available to help at 1-800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Prevent accidental poisoning this holiday season by knowing the risks to your children. There are poisoning risks everywhere.  Certain plants can be poisonous.  Grandmother’s purse is a big risk, as likely there’s medication of some sort in there. Antifreeze which has dripped onto the garage floor or driveway tastes sweet and is a risk both to children and pets. Something as small as a cigarette butt can be toxic if ingested by a child. Keep the poison control number in your phone and on the refrigerator: 1-800-222-1222.

Read more about accidental poisoning here: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/how-to-avoid-accidental-poisonings

Thanks to Coast Live WTKR, Channel 3, Hampton Roads for inviting me to speak on health advice for kids as we approach winter. I enjoyed chatting with the lovely, brilliant and talented April Woodard. I mentioned five recommendations to keep kids healthy. We discussed the Center for Disease (CDC) recommendation for all children 6 months and older to get an annual flu shot. April asked if the flu shot could give you the flu.  Take a look at the segment to see my reply! https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/winter-health-advice-for-kids-on-coast-live

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 54 children.  It is a disability which affects language, behavior and social skills.  Chances are, you know someone with ASD.  The medical field continues to learn about ASD.  The early signs are recognizable at a young age. Researchers feel that causes include both genetic and environmental issues.  This month’s article in the Tidewater Family Plus magazine highlights this topic.  Take a look: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/autism-spectrum-disorder

Everyone gets a headache now and then, but headaches in children can be worrisome.  Most headaches are not a problem, but how does a parent know when to worry and when to act? In this month’s Tidewater Family Plus article, I discuss pediatric headaches including answers to the following questions:

What are the different types of headaches?

What can you do if your child gets a headache?

How should I track my child’s headaches?

When should I call my child’s pediatric healthcare provider or go to the Emergency Room?

Take a look: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/kids-and-headaches

In the USA, there are over 34 million people with diabetes.  Unfortunately, 1 in 5 of those people doesn’t know they have it. Diabetes runs in my family. I’m aware of how serious the consequences of diabetes can be. In America, it’s the 7th leading cause of death. Diabetes is a very serious disease in children. Children with diabetes may present with increased thirst, increased urination and even weight loss. If you are concerned that your child has diabetes, seek urgent care with your pediatric healthcare provider.

To learn more about diabetes, take a look at my article for the Tidewater Family Plus Magazine here: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/diabetes-and-children