The HPV vaccine: Truths, lies and common misconceptions
By Evan Kreutzer, MD Fishers Pediatrics Parents come to our office every day seeking advice on how to keep their children healthy and safe. When it comes to protecting their child against cancer, I expect most parents to jump at the opportunity. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent cancers, but misleading information can cause […]
Understanding Anxiety in Children
By Kathleen Miller, MD Pediatrician at Fishers Pediatrics If you’re a parent, it’s likely you’ve witnessed some form of anxiety in your kids. Whether it’s separation anxiety when leaving them with a babysitter or being nervous about a big test, worries and fears are a natural part of childhood development. For parents, it’s never easy […]
Setting Your Child Up for a Healthy Heart
By Emily Ruden, MD Cardiologist at Riverview Health There’s no doubt that getting your kids to eat healthy can be a challenge. But setting a good example from a young age can not only shape their eating habits for later in life, but it can set them up for excellent heart health as an adult. […]
Put Your Phone Down—It’s Time for Dinner
By Katie Boscia, MS, RD, IBCLC, CDE Eating dinner together as a family can have several benefits for children as well as adults. In today’s busy world where everyone has different schedules, planning a dinner together will give you a reason to stop and connect. Sit down without distractions such as phones, mobile devices, television […]
5 Easy Tips to Help Your Kids Get the Exercise They Need
By Ryan Lawson, exercise specialist According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the past 30 years, childhood obesity has more than doubled, and obesity in adolescents has quadrupled. Young adults who are overweight tend to have higher occurrences of heart disease and other serious health conditions at an earlier age compared to those […]
Making School Lunches Healthy and Fun
By Katie Boscia, MS, RD, IBCLC, CDE It’s back to school time and with that comes packing kids’ lunches. Kids can get tired of the same thing every day, so use these tips to help make their lunches more appealing and get them to eat healthier foods. Use a cookie cutter to cut fun shapes […]
Keeping Your Kids Safe Around Toys
By Mark J. Ambre, MD Riverview Health Physicians – Fishers Pediatrics As a pediatrician, I see all sorts of injuries involving toys—swallowing part of a toy, getting a piece lodged in a nostril or ear, falling on toys or getting hit by one used as a projectile. But by far, choking on toys is one […]
Supporting Grieving Parents
October can be a tough reminder for those who’ve lost an infant, as it’s SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. At Riverview Health, Maternity nurse Dede Flaherty, RN, and her staff make it their mission to provide support and memorial opportunities to people during this emotionally painful time. How did you get involved in […]
Battling Childhood Obesity
By Joy Kain, MD Over the past two decades, childhood obesity has skyrocketed—nearly doubling in children and tripling in adolescents. Child specialists now fear the current generation of children might live shorter lifespans than their parents due to the long-term effects of this growing problem. Obesity can lead to chronic disease in adults and adolescents, […]
Healthy Sleep Guide for Kids
By Megan Landwerlen, MD “How much sleep does my child need?” It’s no surprise this important question is one of the most common ones brought up at pediatric office visits. With the fast-paced world we live in today and sleep becoming something we tend to give up as adults, it’s crucial for parents to set […]