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…

Are you ready for summer?

I am sure your children are. The more fresh-air and sunshine the better, right? While outdoor time is important, protection from certain outdoor bugs is also imperative.

Lets talk ticks. You’ve heard of ticks in nature and probably seen one in real life—maybe on your dog, cat or yourself.  With the very wet spring we had, ticks are out in high numbers, and therefore you need to bug proof your attire: wear long sleeves, tuck your pant legs in your shoes to keep them out. Repellents they should…

We all know someone who suffers from allergies. They seem to be everywhere, and on the rise. According to recent research, allergies are not only on the rise, the severity of reaction also seems to be increasing.

Allergy shots help some people, but it’s not considered a cure. We would be better off determining the cause of the reaction, be it the offending food, airborne pollen or something else. We do our best to avoid our triggers for the most part but is there more we could be doing? The numbers…

Social Isolation is not really new but it is more and more common. While computers are a marvelous innovation (after all almost anything can be delivered to your door with a click of a mouse!) there are valid concerns surrounding how much time children spend sitting in front of screens, when they used to be out playing with other kids. Most doctors recommend children don’t even take a peek at a TV, video game, or computer until they are at least two years old and even then they shouldn’t be…