Holiday cheer, family in from out of town, and all the fittings of the many feasts that come with the holidays. As you prepare to entertain, visit with family and routines get changed, don’t forget the safety part of any holiday. Many years ago, I had a parent who reported to me her daughter’s trip to an ER on Christmas Eve. Because her daughter (then 3-years-old) took an unidentified pill. A pill you ask? Yes, it was left in the bathroom on the sink by an older cousin who had…

Interesting isn’t it that today’s children (the under three year old set) are already watching two or more hours of television or electronics play (this includes computer screen time) everyday.

Where is all this sit-down time coming from because it is taking a toll on the opportunity for normal language exchange between parent and child and the creative play that comes from mimicking what Mom or Dad is doing. I still remember the first time my now-18 year old daughter was two years old and picked up her play plastic phone,…

Settling in after a family friendly weekend of turkey feasts and home-made cooking, it has been a wonderful long weekend. We have a rule in my house, there is no talk of Christmas or holiday wants until Thanksgiving is over. So we do not decorate, shop or spend hours finding the perfect gift. There is time for that, and to me Christmas is way more than the commercialism it has become. December is also the end of the year and many of us reflect and maybe make some New Year’s…

As the holidays approach I feel many would agree that this is a good time to look back, and reflect. The good, the bad, and the mysterious and maybe even some funny things to be thankful for. It is also a time to  be thankful for all that has been achieved. Maybe some new milestones have been met, new skills acquired. To a child learning to do something solo for the first time is a major accomplishment. New found independence makes you more  YOU. And it is a good thing.…

Gone are the days of exchange system diet plans. Today, the carbohydrate counting rule applies, and this can be challenging for both children and adults. Portion control is key. Avoiding empty calories is of the utmost importance. Balancing diets and balancing energy needs for your day may seem unsurmountable but there is help.

In home-care, we utilize the services of nurses trained in diabetes care and also nutritionists to assist with diet teaching. Working with your doctor as a team is a component that makes a big difference. Keep your doctor informed…

Why are our children getting heavier? It’s a topic in the news and on almost every other magazine these days.

There are many causes for the weight gain in our children, some of which I have addressed in this blog. Today I want to talk about picking good foods for your kids. When shopping for foods it is always best to choose the non-processed option. I know you are rolling your eyes about now thinking your kids don’t like broccoli, fresh lettuce, fish or real fruit. It’s true, a healthy diet takes…

We all have goals and so do our children BUT when they take over our normal lives and become all that we think about, we have a problem. More children today are diagnosed with depression or mood related disorders.  The use of medication is growing and has been for some time. We try to control their behavior at an early age with medication and structured activity and very little time is given to “free time.” Remember your free time as a kid? Was it spent on extra-curricular activities, reading, hobbies,…

Here comes fall, and there goes summer 2011! It went out with a bang, and now begins the routines of homework, early to rise and early to bed, and maybe some sports thrown into the mix as well. Our kids are busy, and the older they get the busier they are.

With that in mind it is important to remember to set healthy limits. And, of course routines are very important — setting consistent times for meals, homework, bedtime, waking up, and hygiene. Short cuts and changes disrupt children and can affect…

To a child who is obese, hearing these words over and over again leads to isolation, depression, and chronic health problems. Sixteen percent of 9th- to 12th-grade teenagers in New York State are classified as obese, and that number has been climbing since 2006. Conditions that are comorbid with obesity in adult patients, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, are now being seen in younger and younger children, which may ultimately shorten their lifespans.

This may be the first generation of children who will live shorter lives than their parents. How…

It’s summer and the heat wave is in full swing! We try our best to dress in clothes that reflect heat and keep indoors as much as possible — but sometimes it’s just not possible.When it comes to staying safe in hot weather there are some important points to remember. Elders and small children need to be monitored closely.

First, drink enough fluids. That means water, not soda.

Second, whenever possible avoid strenuous activity, especially in the hottest hours of the day (usually between noon and four p.m.). You might not notice you’re…