PARENTING
Back-to-School Tips in the Time of COVID-19
It’s back-to-school time, and it’s probably never been more stressful given the COVID-19 pandemic. If your child is doing in-person classes this fall, you probably have a lot of things to consider (or worry about!). Based on my medical training, advice from the Centers for …
Help with the Challenges of Autism
There are many challenges that individuals (and families) living with autism experience on a day-to-day basis. The Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CANDO Clinic), offers a list of resources to help with these challenges. Additional resources are listed below. Browse local resources. Browse state …
Fitting in Exercise With a Growing Family
Kayla Scally, one of our nurse practitioners in the Weight Center, recently had her second child. With a growing family, she has found creative and fun ways to keep herself, and her whole family, moving. What did you do for exercise before becoming a mom? …
Mission Possible: COVID-19 Unwrapped for Kids
Our Child Life team at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center offers some thoughts to help you talk to kids about COVID-19. There are other resources for children available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Be aware of your emotions. This is an …
Preemie 101: The Doctor Said Your Baby Can Come Home – Now What?
Many new parents are often shocked when the time comes to bring their newborn baby home. They can’t believe that the hospital is going to entrust them with such a tiny little human, and oftentimes, they feel incapable of meeting the needs of their new …
Got Sunshine? Be Sure to Cover Up!
After cold temperatures and dark days, we’re all looking forward to spending time outdoors in the warm sunshine! As a primary care pediatrician, I get lots of questions from parents about how to keep kids safe in the sun, and thought I could share some …
If You Don’t Have a Family Meal Each Day…
If you don't have a family meal each day, it's time to get out the plates. Table time yields benefits that go far beyond food. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University says that the more often children eat dinner …
What To Do with All that Halloween Candy
Halloween is here, and as you admire your mountain of sweets, you realize it’s probably not the best idea to eat all that candy. After sorting through your treats and picking out your favorites, what should you do with the leftover candy? Here are a …
It Doesn’t Always Take a Village: Pros and Cons of Online Mom Groups
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 …
Prediction: Obesity Will Surpass Smoking As Most Preventable Cause of Cancer
It’s no secret that being overweight or obese can affect your overall health. When you’re overweight, you increase your chances of stroke, diabetes, heart disease and depression, but did you know being overweight increases your risk for cancer? In 2014, obesity increased the risk of …
How Five Seconds Can Change Your Life
Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. Are you guilty? Just a little? Do you sneak a peek? Only at stop …
Achoo! It Must Be Allergy Season
Nasal congestion. Sneezing. Itchy, red or watery eyes. Throat irritation. Wheezing. These might be the symptoms of a run-of-the-mill cold, or seasonal allergies could be the culprit! While the snow was still falling in New England just a few short weeks ago, it won’t be …
Got Sunshine? Be Sure to Cover Up!
After cold temperatures and dark days, we’re all looking forward to spending time outdoors in the warm sunshine! As a primary care pediatrician, I get lots of questions from parents about how to keep kids safe in the sun, and thought I could share some …
World Hemophilia Day Celebrated Today
Does your child have frequent bruising? Urine coloring red or pink? Black bowel movements? Excessive bleeding? Needless to say, if your child experiences any of the above symptoms, please keep reading. We want to raise awareness about hemophilia. There’s no better time to talk about …
