"Diabetes and obesity are two of the most common and most costly health problems today. 12% of U.S. adults have diabetes, and if current trends continue, more than 50% will have diabetes or pre-diabetes by 2020. Annual U.S. spending on diabetes is $194 billion (2010) and could …
Stories
Summertime’s Natural Toolbox
Bug bites, cuts and bruises, sunburns—sounds like summer! What’s a parent to do that’s safe and natural for these common childhood ailments? “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If only our children paid heed to Ben Franklin’s famous adage. Parents and pediatricians spend a lot …
Treatment Alternatives for Children
Big news this month. August marks the publication of my first book, Treatment Alternatives for Children (TAfC), with co-author Jeff Cohen. In some ways, I feel like the very proud papa of my 3rd child. Nearly 20 years of pediatric practice have informed the book, a guide for …
Book Review: “The Thriving Child” by Erica Reid
This month, two of my professional worlds collide. As a busy primary care pediatrician, one of my greatest joys is collaborating with parents to help children be as healthy as they can be. As the pediatric columnist for KIWI, I am fortunate to receive review copies of parenting and children’s …
Healthy Environments Across Generations
My friend Elena, a very wise soul, not long ago told me of her dream for the future. She spoke of an intergenerational living community in New York City committed to the health and happiness of all its members. Not just within families but across all cultural, racial, socioeconomic, age, …
Is Discussing the Safety of Vaccines the Third Rail of Pediatrics?
Absolutely the most common questions I get from parents are about immunizations. This has become the dominant topic of conversation at all well-child visits beginning with the very first visit after birth. In fact, at my monthly prenatal group sessions, it has become the first question …
Autism and the Environment: Hand-in-Hand
In April each year, we mark two very special happenings: Autism Awareness Month and Earth Day. Both of these events date back to the 1970’s but little connection has been made between them until recently. (Click HERE to continue reading...) …
Home, Sweet Medical Home
If you could build the ideal pediatric practice for your family, what would it look like? (Click HERE to continue reading...) …
Pet Therapy
This time of year in the wintry Northeast, many of us dream of kindling a fire and curling up with our loved ones (or sometimes just a really good book). And those loved ones absolutely include our furry friends. (Click HERE to continue reading...) …
The Magic of Reading
When I was very young, my parents often read to me and encouraged me to read. I especially loved John Ciardi’s “You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You,” alternating reading the poems with my parents. I still vividly recall this one. About the Teeth of Sharks The thing about a shark …