Dealing with a minor illness? Before heading to the medicine cabinet, I recommend considering remedies in your kitchen cabinet first. There are many safe and effective natural cures hiding in plain sight in your spice rack and among your baking supplies. Of course, these aren't meant to replace …
7 Science-Backed Reasons To Get Your Kids Outside
(Originally posted for MindBodyGreen) Most of us intuitively know that we feel better when we spend time outside. But sadly, as our lives become more dependent on technology, we are increasingly disconnected from the Earth — and this disconnect could be harming our children more than we …
HCWH: A Conversation with Pediatrician Lawrence Rosen
Health Care Without Harm’s Safer Chemicals Program seeks to eliminate dangerous chemicals in the health care setting that can adversely affect patient health and employee safety without sacrificing quality of care. To achieve this goal, we focus on promoting a “green” approach to health care that …
Bats, Birds, Bees and Butterflies In Crisis: What It Means For Us
One of my strongest memories of summers past, despite my lack of affection for insects in general, is the steady buzzing of bees and fluttering of butterflies in my mom’s garden. These sounds and visions, along with the heat and abundance of time to play outside, were simply what made up “summer” …
7 Things I Wish Everyone Taught Their Kids
Every December, I start to think about intentions for the coming year. Not as once-a-year resolution making but as part of an ongoing process of self-reflection and re-commitment to what is true for me. Lately, I find myself meditating often on a theme that's central to my roles as both father …
Food as Medicine
Recently, I was honored to be included in Mother Earth Living magazine's piece on foods that "fight illness" (or better yet, prevent them). I was one of several integrative practitioners, including Andrew Weil, Tieraona Low Dog, and Aviva Romm, who contributed recipes for yummy and healthful …
Plastic Babies: The DEHP Dilemma
(Originally posted for the Deirdre Imus Environmental Health Center) DEHP (di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) is a compound commonly found in plastic medical devices made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This chemical has come under increased scrutiny with respect to the care of our most vulnerable …
Educating the Whole Child
This month marks the public television premiere of a very important film, Race to Nowhere. Vicki Abeles' provocative documentary tells the story of children, parents and teachers who are increasingly frustrated by an educational system pushing our kids to breaking point. As a pediatrician and a …
Food Allergies: Why They’re So Common Today + What You Can Do
Growing up, I don’t remember my friends and classmates having food allergies. In fact, there was one kid in my entire elementary school with a peanut allergy — it was so unusual we all knew who he was. Today? The prevalence of food allergies has skyrocketed, and it’s estimated that 8% of children …
Top Nine Natural Cures For Summer Ills
Bumps, burns, bruises and bites: a typical summer day in the life of anyone with kids. The good news? These and other common summer ailments typically respond to safe and easy-to-use natural remedies. Some parents are skeptical that natural cures don't work as well as conventional OTC treatments – …