Should you switch to almond milk?

Q: I have read that almond milk is healthier than cow's milk. Is it safe to switch the entire family to almond milk? Almond milk has gained popularity recently as a substitute for cow's milk. In the past, soy milk was a more popular milk replacement; however, recent concerns about high levels of phytoestrogens (or estrogen-like substances) found in soy products have led people to explore other options. Almond milk has many positive attributes. It is lower in calories than cow's milk and...

Getting rid of head lice

Q: I was just notified of an outbreak of head lice in my daughter's classroom. How will I know if my daughter also has lice? And if she does, are there any effective natural remedies or do I have to use traditional pesticide treatments? Head lice infestations are exceedingly common, affecting 6-12 million children in the United States per year. Fall is the peak season for head lice; however, there are also frequent outbreaks when children return to school following winter break. Parents s...

When to take out those tonsils

Q. Since the school year has started, my son has had strep throat three times. When should we start thinking about having his tonsils removed? Tonsils are collections of lymphatic tissue on both sides of the back of the mouth. Tonsils can become enlarged or infected. Signs of tonsillar infection, or tonsillitis, include fever, sore throat, white plaques on the tonsils and difficulty swallowing. Tonsillitis can be caused by certain bacteria (such as strep) or viruses. Surgical removal of th...

Rapid flu test: Not always right

Q. I recently took my 12-year-old daughter to her pediatrician. She was having fever, chills and body aches. I had expected her to get a flu test, but the doctor did not recommend the test because she said it would not be very accurate this early in the flu season. Is this true? Influenza is a viral illness. Common symptoms include: * Fever * Body aches * Sore throat * Runny nose * Cough Several other viruses can cause "flu-like" illnesses with the same symptoms: RSV, rhinovirus, adeno...

When your young child has body odor

Q. My 6-year-old daughter is starting to have body odor. Is it safe for her to wear deodorant? Is this normal, or should I be concerned? Adult body odor occurs when bacteria under the arms break down a certain type of fat that is secreted by apocrine glands in this area. Apocrine glands do not form until puberty, which explains why children do not typically have body odor. It is normal for girls to develop body odor between the ages of 8-12. For boys, the onset is a little later: 9-14. W...

Is it food poisoning? Or a stomach bug?

Recently, our entire family had vomiting and diarrhea after eating at a local restaurant. How do we know if we had food poisoning or if this was a stomach virus? Are there any long-term concerns regarding food poisoning? Food poisoning is caused by eating foods that have been contaminated with certain types of bacteria or toxins. The symptoms of food poisoning are similar to the symptoms of stomach viruses and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. Food poisoning ty...

Tylenol vs. Advil for fever?

Q: When my child has a fever, is it better to alternate Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen)? And if so, how often should each one be given? Fever is one of the most common symptoms of illness in children. When discussing fever, it is important to stress that fever is a part of the body's immune system. Fever is not dangerous but is a sign of an underlying illness. Typically, children may experience some discomfort with a fever. For this reason, fever reducers or "antipyretics" ma...

Is circumcision necessary?

Q. My husband and I are expecting a baby boy in February. We have been reading about circumcision and are undecided. From a medical standpoint, do pediatricians recommend circumcision? It is great that you are gathering information about circumcision to enable you to make an informed decision. The topic of circumcision is often controversial. Many anti-circumcision groups sponsor websites and demonstrations to discourage the routine practice of circumcision. On the other hand, circumcision...

Can your teen have breast cancer?

My teenage daughter has noticed a lump in her breast. Should I be concerned about breast cancer? Although breast cancer is a common disease, it is exceptionally rare in teenagers. The most common cause of breast lumps in teenage girls is something called fibrocystic breast changes. This condition is benign. Often, teens may also mistake normal breast development for dangerous lumps. If a breast lump is painful, warm or red, then it could be caused by a breast infection and may require anti...

When to keep your child home from school

Q. Since school resumed in August, it seems that someone in our house is sick with a cough, sore throat or a runny nose every few days. As a parent, I find it difficult to decide when to keep my kids home from school and when to send them. Are there any guidelines for this? The answer is not so simple. The American Academy of Pediatrics has guidelines for when children should be excluded from school or day care because of illness; however, most school policies deviate from these guidelines...

Getting the kids to sleep

Q. My 5-year-old daughter has a difficult time falling asleep at night. A friend of mine recommended melatonin supplements. Is melatonin a safe sleep aid for children? Are there any long-term side effects? Sleep problems are common in pediatrics; however, most sleep-related concerns are behavioral and can be managed without medication. In this age group, many children are dealing with separation issues. It is common for children to avoid going to bed by asking for another drink of water or...

Flu strains might be the same, but kids still needs the vaccine

Q. I have heard that flu vaccines are now available for the 2011-2012 season and that the strains covered by the vaccine are the same as last year. If my 15-month-old received a flu shot last winter, does she need to receive the flu shot again this fall? Although it may be difficult to believe, flu season is approaching once again. Many local pediatric offices have started administering influenza vaccinations for the 2011-2012 season. Each year, the vaccine is formulated to protect agai...

Sleep problems? Try these tricks

Q. My 5-year-old daughter has a difficult time falling asleep at night. A friend of mine recommended melatonin supplements. Is melatonin a safe sleep aid for children? Are there any long-term side effects? Sleep problems are common in pediatrics; however, most sleep-related concerns are behavioral and can be managed without medication. In this age group, many children are dealing with separation issues. It is common for children to avoid going to bed by asking for another drink of water or...

Yes, it could be allergies

Q: My 4-year-old son has started sneezing and has a runny nose. He had allergy symptoms this spring because of pollen. Is it possible to still have pollen allergies in August? Most people associate pollen allergies with spring; however, allergies are not confined to one season. Allergy symptoms vary from person to person. Tree and grass pollen counts are higher in the spring and early summer, but weed pollen and mold counts appear in the late summer and fall. Some people may also be aller...

Asthma vs. out of shape

Q. My 13 year-old just started playing competitive soccer. She complains of feeling short of breath when she runs sprints. How do we know if she has asthma or if this is just a normal part of getting into shape? Asthma is a lung condition in which a person has narrowing of the airways, or bronchospasm, in response to certain “triggers” in the environment. Triggers include pollen, viruses or sudden changes in temperature. Most people who have asthma will be affected during e...

Take care with Tylenol dosage

Q. I have heard that infant Tylenol dosing is changing. Is this true, and how can I learn more? Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, and it is one of the most common over-the-counter medications that parents buy. When dosed properly, acetaminophen is very safe; however, excessive use of acetaminophen can lead to nausea, vomiting and, in some cases, liver damage. In fact, acetaminophen poisoning is the most common cause of liver failure in the United States. In May 2011, an ...

Hot-weather advice: Mandatory water breaks

Q. When heat advisories are in effect, is it safe for children to play outside? I don't want to keep my children inside every time the temperatures climb to 90 degrees, but I also don't want to place them at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Are there any guidelines? As temperatures rise, the number of heat-related illnesses climbs as well. There have been 518 emergency room visits due to heat-related illness between May 1 and July 9, according to the N.C. Division of Public Health. T...

Don't let sunburn ruin your vacation

Q. We are planning a beach trip in July. I would like to be prepared in case any of the kids get sunburned. What is the best way to treat a sunburns when they happen? The focus is always on prevention. Once a sunburn occurs, the skin damage cannot be reversed. So before the family heads to the beach, consider the following recommendations: • Apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. • Limit sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4...

Which insect repellants are safe for kids?

Q. Is insect repellant that contains DEET safe for children? I have heard conflicting information. Are there any natural alternatives that are safe and effective? An insect that bites such as a tick, mosquito or flea is more than just a nuisance. These insects can carry diseases such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. For this reason, proper use of insect repellant is an important part of summer safety. DEET is one of the most common active ingredients in ...

Avoiding swimmer's ear

Q. Every summer my children have swimmer’s ear at least once. Is there anything we can do to prevent it? Acute otitis externa, or “swimmer’s ear,” is inflammation of the ear canal typically caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include pain, itching, swelling, redness and sometimes discharge. Swimmer’s ear is more common during summer. Bacteria in the ear canal thrive in a warm, moist environment. Therefore, children who spend a lot of time swimming in the sum...

When is a cold serious?

Q. Since October, our 2 year-old daughter has had a constant runny nose. We have been to the pediatrician twice, and she was treated each time with antibiotics for a sinus infection. She was symptom-free for about two days after finishing the antibiotics each time, but then the runny nose started again. How do I know when a runny nose is not just a cold?

My 10-year old still wets the bed

Q. My 10-year-old daughter still wets the bed at night. Should I be concerned? What can we do to help her? She has become very self-conscious. Most children develop daytime bladder control between 2 to 4 years old; however, staying dry at night often occurs much later.

Nosebleeds: How to treat them

Q. Every winter, our son seems to have a lot of nosebleeds. Do you have any suggestions for preventing nosebleeds? Also, what is the best way to manage his nosebleeds when he gets them? Nosebleeds in children are common, and the incidence of nosebleeds goes up during the winter months. There are several causes, including allergies, sinusitis, dry air and trauma such as nose-picking.

Predicting a child's height

Q. I have heard you can predict a child’s final adult height by doubling his height at age 2. Is this true? Several factors play a role in determining a child’s final adult height, including genetics, gender, health and nutrition. At each check-up, a child’s measurements are plotted on a growth chart to determine his percentiles for height and weight.

Giving up the nap

Q. My husband and I are both working parents. On the days we work, our 3- year-old daughter will nap for 2 hours at daycare. But then she’s not sleepy in the evenings and will stay awake until 10 p.m. She wakes up at 7:30 a.m. How much sleep does a 3 year-old need? Does she still need a nap? The average 3-year-old child requires 11-13 hours of sleep per day.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Q. My 13-year old daughter was offered the HPV vaccine last year, but I’m concerned about its safety and question whether she should have the vaccine at such a young age. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. There are 6 million new cases of HPV per year. Of these cases, 75 percent occur in people between the ages of 15-24.

Are food allergies really on the rise?

Q. I am a kindergarten teacher, and I’ve noticed that more and more children in my class have food allergies. Are food allergies more common than they used to be? If so, why?

Are twins identical or fraternal?

Q. I just found out I’m pregnant with twins. Is there any way to know if they are identical twins? If so, how?

Is that a bed bug bite?

Q. My family just returned from a trip to the beach. On the last morning of our vacation, our 3 year old awoke with several bug bites on her legs. How do I know if it was bed bugs? I am now worried about whether we have brought bed bugs home with us.

Similac worries

Q. I feed my 4-week-old son Similac Advance formula. He has been very fussy and gassy. Could this be related to the recent Similac recall?

When is a child too sick for school?

Q. When should I keep my kids home from school due to illness? If I keep them home for every sniffle and sore throat, their academics will suffer. On the other hand, I don’t want my kids spreading germs.

Ready for flu season?

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Getting rid of the pacifier

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Dental care for kids

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Staying healthy in college

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My son says he can't taste his food

My son complains he cannot taste his food sometimes.   He will complain of the problem for a few days in a row and then his sense of taste returns.   Should I be concerned?   Is there anything we can do to fix the problem?   To sort this out, it will be important to do a little more investigating.   In the majority of cases, a perceived taste issue is really caused by a problem with the sense of smell.   Taste and smell are intimately related. &n...

Coping with motion sickness

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Use caution when teens mow the lawn

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Swimmer's Ear 101

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Medical websites to rely on

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Is storing cord blood worth it?

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Is it safe for my child to be a vegetarian?

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Poison ivy: the scourge of summer

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In case of sunburn ...

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Swimming pool safety

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Is snoring in young child a problem?

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Stay safe from ticks

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What you need to know about medicine recall

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Is son's behavior ADHD?

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Mother worried about baby's misshapen head

Does anti-bacterial soap endanger kids?

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Allergies 101

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Is grandson's gas a problem?

Q: My 5-year old grandson has a lot of smelly gas.

Could leg pains be something serious?

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Recovery from RSV condition can be slow

Q: My granddaughter was diagnosed with something called RSV.

What is the Whooping Cough?

I have heard that someone at my daughter’s school has whooping cough.  What is the whooping cough?  How would I know if my child has it?  What can be done to prevent it?   The “whooping cough” is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.  When a person becomes infected with pertussis, he or she will experience two phases of illness.  The first phase of the illness has symptoms that are indistinguish...

Treating Teenage Acne

My teenage daughter is beginning to have occasional pimples.   I do not feel like that it is severe enough to see a dermatologist.   What is the best over-the-counter treatment for her mild acne?   There are 3 components of acne: increased oil production, bacteria, and keratin plugs.   In order to treat acne, all three of these areas must be targeted.   She should wash her face with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil.   Then, apply...

Starting Solid Food

  I know a young mother who's been told that babies should get no solids until they're six months old.

When is it okay to go out with a new baby?

We just had our first baby.  How old does she need to be to go out of the house? 

What to do if your child has head lice....

Head lice infestations are exceedingly common, affecting 6-12 million children in the United States per year.  Having a child with head lice creates a lot of anxiety for parents; however, it is neither a health hazard nor a sign of poor hygiene.    Head lice are diagnosed by finding live lice in the hair or nits (lice eggs) on the hair shaft near the scalp.  Live lice are difficult to find because they are fast movers.  To inspect you child’s hair,...

Is Your Preschooler Watching MoreTelevision Than You Think?

According to a recent study published in the December issue of the journal Pediatrics, many preschoolers may be watching more television than parents think.  In the study, researchers at the University of Washington found that preschoolers are watching television in 70% of home-based daycares and 36% of center-based programs.  When looking at the programs that use television, the children watch between 2-3 hours per day at home-based daycares while center-ba...

Family Travel Tips

‘Tis the season for travel…  Here are a few of my favorite holiday travel tips for families.

H1N1 Wrap-Up

I wanted to provide an H1N1 "wrap-up" to address the great questions that have accumulated on the blog.  After this, I promise to move on to a fresh subject.

H1N1 Flu Update

As most parents in Charlotte have already noticed, H1N1 infections are on the rise in our community.  According to the CDC, the number of physician visits for flu-like illnesses are higher...

H1N1: What parents need to know

The H1N1 vaccine is recommended for persons ages 6 months to 24 years of age, pregnant women, healthcare workers, household contacts of children below the age of 6 months, adults over age 65, and other adults who have certain medical conditions.  The first time that a...