Guest Bloggers: Barbara Olendzki, RD, MPH, Director, Center for Applied Nutrition, UMass Medical School, and Cordelia Shee Toh, Nutrition Intern, UMass Medical School
Who are we, exactly?
For a long time, this age-old question has been holding a special place in the realms of philosophy and religion. However, science also has come up with an answer, though it may not be what you’re expecting.
Guest Blogger: Deanna Richmond, MD, South County Pediatrics, Webster, MA
As with many things in life, mom groups on social media have both an upside and a downside. On the positive side, these online communities are a great forum for moms to communicate with one another and get support on a wide range of everyday issues. Being a new or stay-at-home mom can be isolating so to virtually connect with a group of women who “get” you can be a real sanity-saver!
Taking the time to become a well-informed health care user is a matter of self-protection. The benefits of being an active health care user include better health, more effective health care and lower health costs. A little time and patience are needed, but the peace of mind is worth it. Learn tips for getting the best value for your health care dollar.
Guest Blogger: Deanna Richmond, MD, Pediatrician, UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center South County Pediatrics
In a policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that unstructured play best nurtures brain development in infants and toddlers. The AAP discourages TV and even educational videos for this age group.
Even though parents can find a number of “educational” TV and video programs aimed at infants and toddlers, the AAP says no evidence backs up the claim that such programs help children learn better. Moreover, it says, youngsters who have extensive exposure to TV and videos are at risk for language development delays when they start school.
