Lice Are Not So Nice!
It’s one of those moments all parents dread – the head lice exposure notice has come home in your child’s backpack. Although the thought of your child having head lice can give you the heebie-jeebies, those pesky little critters are a nuisance but not a health hazard or sign of bad hygiene nor do they spread disease. If you discover your child has lice, there are effective, safe and inexpensive ways to treat them. In this blog post Palo Alto Medical Foundation pediatrician Swati Pandya, M.D., answers some of parents’ frequently asked questions about head lice. Read More about Lice Are Not So Nice!
The HPV Vaccine – Why Your Preteen Should Get It
Did you know that there is a vaccine against certain types of cancers? It’s called the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States and certain types of this virus can cause cervical cancer in women and other types of cancer in both men and women. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are about 15,000 HPV-associated cancers in women and 7,000 in men each year in the U.S. that may be prevented by vaccines. Having your preteen vaccinated is one of the best things you can do to help prevent him or her from getting an HPV-related cancer. In this blog post, Palo Alto Medical Foundation pediatrician Ross DeHovitz, M.D., answers parents’ commonly asked questions about the HPV vaccine. Read More about The HPV Vaccine – Why Your Preteen Should Get It
Ouch – That Hurts! Caring for Common Cuts and Scrapes
Whether it’s climbing trees or the jungle gym, testing out a new bike or playing catch at the park – some tumbles and falls, bruises, cuts and scrapes are an inevitable part of outdoor fun. In this blog post, Palo Alto Medical Foundation Pediatrician Michaella Y. Okihara, M.D., answers parents’ commonly asked questions on how to soothe and care for these minor wounds – beyond a kiss and a cuddle – and to recognize when you should head to the doctor. Read More about Ouch – That Hurts! Caring for Common Cuts and Scrapes
Learn to Love Reading…at the Doctor’s Office
Dolores Espinoza, a patient service representative in the Pediatrics Department of the PAMF Santa Cruz main clinic, shows a Reach Out and Read book that children receive as a gift to encourage reading.
When children come to the Pediatrics Department at the PAMF Santa Cruz main clinic for their next well-child check up they won’t just get their scheduled vaccinations, each child will also receive a new book.
This gift of a book is part of the Reach Out and Read Program that includes the following components:
- At each well-child exam, from 6 months through 5 years, the child receives a new developmentally appropriate book to take home.
- In the exam room, pediatricians and medical staff share the importance of reading aloud with parents and encourage them to read to their children often.
- In the waiting room, displays, information and books create a literacy-rich environment.
In November 2012 the Santa Cruz Pediatrics Department began participating in this well-established, national program. Read More about Learn to Love Reading…at the Doctor’s Office
Pediatrician Answers Parents’ Commonly Asked Questions
Do you sometimes wish your baby had arrived with an instruction booklet? While parenthood can be one the most joyful experiences in life, the responsibilities and challenges can make a climb up Mount Everest seem like a walk in the park. Remember, though, first and foremost to trust your own intuition – that’s the real heart of good parenting. Sometimes this might be as simple as giving your child a hug.
In this blog post, pediatrician Kellen Glinder, M.D., answers some of the most common questions parents of children under five ask their doctor. Read More about Pediatrician Answers Parents’ Commonly Asked Questions
Daydreamer or Whirling Dervish – Is This Normal or Is It ADHD?
Today ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) is diagnosed with increasing frequency. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, ADHD is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children. ADHD is not simply a case of a child behaving badly. This biological disorder causes the parts of the brain that control attention and activity level to function differently. ADHD’s trademarks – persistent inattention and hyperactivity – can make daily life, for the child and his or her parents, an ongoing challenge. Although ADHD is a lifelong condition, the right support and intervention can help set up your child for success for his or her whole life.
In this blog post, pediatric neurologist Sarah Cheyette, M.D., answers parents’ questions about how to recognize the symptoms of ADHD, the best current treatment options, and whether it’s different in boys than in girls. Read More about Daydreamer or Whirling Dervish – Is This Normal or Is It ADHD?
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