The headline on a recent article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reads, “If You’re a Kid, the Experts Want You to Have a Fun-Free Summer.” To my surprise I am the main ogre (my word) in this article, one who leeches the fun out of kids’ summer pleasures. But, if truth be told, I […]
Lyme disease: The ticks are awaiting your children
June 20, 2017 by
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that children who spend time in tick-inhabited parks, woods and forests be checked from head to toe for ticks embedded in their skin. Prompt removal of such insects prevents Lyme Disease. If you live in a particularly heavily infested area, check children after they spend time in […]
Digging in the sand at the beach is no longer fun.
June 5, 2017 by
Remember when digging in the sand at the beach was a fun activity for young children, an activity with almost no do’s and don’ts attached to it. Children could dig holes trying to reach China while parents could laze nearby. Sorry. No more. Based on recent findings, only with lots of do’s and don’ts is […]
An Update: Applying mosquito repellents to young children is no fun and games – for parent or child
May 20, 2017 by
Applying repellents correctly is uncomfortable, messy, time consuming, expensive, and if not done correctly, can result in health issues. Prepare yourself for lots of frowns and complaints. Before reading this posting, you may want to go to our previous one of this two part series: Can you outsmart mosquitoes? Your kids health depends on it. […]
Can you outsmart insects? Your kids’ health depends on it.
May 9, 2017 by
Part l: An update on zapping mosquitoes You no longer have to visit the Amazon rain forest or equatorial Africa to pick up an exotic tropical disease. Nowadays, Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, dengue and similar diseases can come to visit your family – at your home. Blame global warming. Believe it! Climate change has arrived! […]
Are cruise ships healthy for young children?
April 23, 2017 by
You’re considering taking your kids on a cruise but then you hear about yet another outbreak of intestinal disease aboard a large ship. Do you go? It’s your decision. Here are the facts. My recommendation is below. 1. About 14 million passengers, including 1.5 million children, sailed from American ports last year. And, as in […]
Is air travel safe for young children with bad colds and ear issues?
April 2, 2017 by
If a decade ago you’d asked your doctor if young children should fly with ear infections, nasal allergies or bad colds the likely answer was an emphatic no, that flying with these conditions could damage the ears. Today, if you asked, the likely answer is a conditional yes. 1. No studies exist to help make […]
Children/Travel/Asthma and other respiratory allergies
March 4, 2017 by
The ideal vacation spots for children (and adults) with asthma and other respiratory allergies are the North and South Poles, ships anchored in mid-ocean, and atop the higher peaks of the Himalayas – destinations hardly realistic for families. These are the only places where air is still relatively free of industrial pollutants, mites, molds, trees, […]
Winter/Children/Staying Healthy
January 29, 2017 by
Hey parents, although it’s midwinter, pry your kids away from their TVs, electronic games and computers. Even the very young ones. Dress them for the cold and push them out the door. Literally, if need be. Ignore their yelling and sarcasm. If they threaten to report you to child welfare, tell them that being active […]
Children/Holiday Health and Safety
December 10, 2016 by
Season greetings! Tis the season to be jolly. However, the very events that make holiday seasons so special for kids – festive atmospheres, gifts, and visiting friends and family – also cause holiday-related illnesses and mishaps. Here are some tips to help you make the holidays healthier and safer. 1. Give your friends and relatives […]
