Obesity is a condition that is on the rise in all parts of the world. An estimated 5 million teens are obese (>35 body mass Index BMI) in the US (2004). Because of obesity, many people are experiencing some significant health issues. Obesity is in many (not all) teenagers is a food-addiction illness.

Food addiction is difficult to treat but can be an underlying reason for the weight problem. Drug addiction programs with intensive therapy and supervision have proven to be effective models in obesity treatment.  A cycle of poor self…

I have written a few posts on parenting and feel the need to touch on those parents that raise children who may not be so healthy or may have disabilities. It is rarely a topic you read in a parenting book. It may not even be in the parenting section of your local bookstore but in a special section. There are few words that can truly describe how difficult it can be for many parents who are raising these children. I have worked with many families over the years and…

Parenting is not easy.

No one ever said it will be easy. And no one ever said things will just be the same as they were. If you or someone you know is having or has recently had an infant, they are often exuberant in this new role. It is a wonderful thing, but there are a few wise rules that make you see just how it will be in reality. Here are some popular points (I am sure there are many others!)  to ponder as you partake on the parenting…

Today much research is being done on infant development and sleep positions. Why? Because it is very important for infant safety that the “Back to Sleep” position be utilized as it has proven to decrease the number of deaths from Sudden Infant Deaths (SIDS). In terms of “tummy time” and infant development, much has been determined since the Back to Sleep Campaign started in 1994. First, the number of head deformities are on the rise. Our infants need tummy time to develop muscle control in their head and neck as…

As the heat of summer continues many children and adults take to our many beaches, pools and rivers to swim. There is nothing more refreshing than a dip in calm water to cool off. But the waters surrounding NYC are not calm. Drowning has been the second highest cause of death in children from the year 2000 to 2006. Many of these deaths are in children who can swim. Nothing is more frightening than to be caught in a riptide on one of our beaches or a current in a…

As the temperature keeps rising and the sun seems hotter than ever, many are retreating to the shade. Smart move as protecting your skin from the damage of the sun starts at a very young age and continues through adulthood. Here are some pointers to be ’sun safe’ this summer:

• Dress in light clothes (whites, etc.) to keep body temperature cooler.
• Peak sun damaging hours are from 10 AM to 3 PM. Retreat to cooler places during this time.
• Children under the age of one should stay out of the sun, especially during peak sun…

Well I guess the 95 degree weather outside is proof that summer is here, and it is going to be a hot one. As we are coming out of June with record temperatures and now into July with more of the same, it is important to remember that children and adults can suffer from heat stroke and sunburns. Use caution.

Here are some quick suggestions:

• Avoid being outside between 10AM–3PM as the sun is at its’ peak.
• Hydrate well, you and your children need to keep water on hand and drink it!
• Newborns should…

Are you expecting your first child or just given birth? Congratulations on becoming a parent!

Wanting to give the best to your baby is natural and making your home environment safe is a must, but childproofing your home may seem daunting. Never fear, it may be daunting, but it is doable!

Home safety can start before the baby arrives but if you haven’t given it much thought, it is OK to start now. The first thing you want to do is get down on your hands and knees to see what they see.…

Scoliosis. You may have heard about it and probably even know someone with it. It is much more common than you think as there are millions of cases of scoliosis in this country alone.

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine in either an s-pattern or a c-pattern. In children, it may be congenital or related to some other underlying diagnosis (like Cerebral Palsy), but most cases in children and adults are from an unknown cause. Treatment is either surgical or the use of a brace — if it is…

Children of all ages and abilities enjoy the creative outlets as a method to express themselves. Adults do too, but many kids generally find that once they warm up to it the arts it gives them wonderful freedom.

As I was recently visiting with a newly-diagnosed child with Crohns Disease, she found it very difficult to tell me how she was feeling. She used limited words and often would look to mom to answer for her. Mom told me she enjoyed writing stories and also painting in school. On a subsequent visit,…