Category Archives: Common Illnesses

How to Treat Warts: Head to the Hardware Store for Some Duct Tape

In my book, warts are one of the more annoying realities of life.  Though they are harmless–they generally don’t itch or hurt except for some deep warts on the feet—warts are quite a nuisance.   They can be unsightly and … Continue reading

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Ear Hygiene 101: Cleaning Your Kids Ears–Are Q-Tips Safe?

A friend once told me with great disdain, while watching me wiggle a cotton swab deep in my ear canal with great satisfaction, “I never use Q-tips to clean out my ears.” Apparently a doctor once told him never to … Continue reading

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Filed under Common Illnesses, Newborns and Infants, Toddlers

Hacking Up a Lung: What is the Best Cough Medicine for Kids?

Coughing children are a big problem.  They can’t sleep.  They keep their parents awake.  They sound dreadful.  They cough so hard they barf (ick).     Every parent, at some time, comes to me desperately seeking a cure for their … Continue reading

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Filed under Common Illnesses, Safety

Is Milk Harmful During an Illness?

As the ad jingle goes, milk it does a body good.  But many parents ask me if they should stop giving their sick child cow’s milk.  Myth or truism?  Here’s the lowdown. Snotfest:   It is true that milk may … Continue reading

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Filed under Common Illnesses, Newborns and Infants, Toddlers

Drool Factory: Is My Baby Teething?

When is my baby going to teeth? Nearly every parent begins to wonder if their four month old child is going to get a tooth *any minute* now.   Well, don’t hold your breath!

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Filed under Common Illnesses, Newborns and Infants

Humor in Chaos: Watching The Swine Flu Epidemic Evolve

As I said in a previous post, being on the front line of a potential global pandemic is fascinating and not a little scary.  Since I shared my thoughts about swine flu, it appears that though the disease continues to … Continue reading

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Filed under Common Illnesses, General Commentary, In The News

Top Child Health News of 2008, Continued

Part 2:  Here is my synopsis and opinion on the 2nd half of the top 10 most read online pediatric and adolescent medicine stories of 2008.  The previous post is here. When Are Temper Tantrums in Preschool Children Cause for Concern?  Most … Continue reading

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Filed under Common Illnesses, Healthy Eating, In The News, Newborns and Infants, Vaccines

Nearing Global Pandemic: What You Need to Know About Swine Flu and Children

  What do you do when you hear “global pandemic?”  Is it time to build a bunker?  Should you and your family lock yourself in with enough PB&J for weeks of sustenance? With swine flu creeping towards meeting the definition … Continue reading

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Filed under Common Illnesses, In The News

Top 10 Child Health Articles of 2008: The Science of Medicine

Physicians are always trying to stay abreast of the latest news in order to provide excellent care for their patients.  Parents, too, can learn from cutting edge medical news.   Do you want to know what your child’s doctor is reading about?  Here … Continue reading

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Filed under Common Illnesses, Healthy Eating, In The News

The Best Cough Medicine? A Spoonful of Honey

Home remedies are often more effective than expensive medications.  A recently published study showed that honey provides better control of cough in children over the age of 1* compared to common over-the-counter and prescription medicines!  In fact, several studies have … Continue reading

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