My children have been worried about the possibility of COVID cases getting bad again. What can I do to soothe them even when I don’t know what might happen? All ages This is a great question and one that is coming up frequently with many families.  While the past two years have felt like an […]

My little boy asked me why his friend has been staying at a hotel for the past month. How do I address these sensitive topics, such as homelessness, with my young son? All ages Having complex conversations with our children is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, parts of being a parent. This is […]

With baseball season coming, what are some safety tips to keep in mind for my athlete? All ages With spring baseball season coming up and kids ready to play ball, there is a lot of excitement for young players. Just like winning takes a full team effort, baseball safety needs players, coaches, officials and families […]

Is it possible to keep kids safe at summer camp and related activities given an uncertain summer?  All ages Summer camp and other extracurricular activities are an important part of a child’s development and wellbeing. As such, even with the uncertainty that comes with possible new variants, there are steps that can be taken to […]

What should I know about the COVID-19 vaccine for younger kids?  Ages 5 to 11 As a pediatrician, I see firsthand the rollercoaster of emotions parents go through regarding the recent emergency use approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. While some parents are elated by the approval, others have described […]

How can my family keep fit and healthy over the holidays?  All ages  Holiday meals are commonly associated with an excessive intake of food and drink. Here are some sensible recommendations for more health-conscious holiday choices, especially when it comes to athletes in your family. Involve children in meal preparation. With more school-age children on […]

My youngest child has been really itchy lately. Could it be eczema? All ages Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that can cause the skin to become itchy, irritated, inflamed, or have a rash-like appearance. It is also known as atopic dermatitis. So, what exactly is eczema?  Eczema is a chronic skin […]

What are some ways to help keep my kids safe this Halloween? All ages As a cancer physician caring for immunocompromised patients and a mom of young children, I’m grappling with this question myself. Last year, big Halloween festivals, parades and parties were a no-go in most areas, which means so many kids are excited […]

I’m worried about sunscreen use for my family given the recent recalls. How do I know what is safe?  All ages July’s FDA recall of Johnson & Johnson’s sunscreen brands Neutrogena and Aveeno for the presence of benzene — a potentially harmful and cancer-causing chemical — is raising concerns about sunscreen. While the recall is […]