Author Archive
Jul 8, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Cool way to healthy eating.
I was reading an AAP American Academy of Pediatrics Brief today and found something great to share with everyone. It is always an adventure trying to explain to kids how to eat healthy. Zis Boom Bah has created a great computer game and site that lets kids explore how to eat healthy by playing with food – yes, playing with food. It lets you design a plate, trying out combinations to make a star meal. There are also recipes to try.
Check it out at Zis Boom Bah.
Jun 11, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Summer Fun
In one hour I can officially say that all of my kids are finally on vacation. I think I started to hear a little bit- oh great what are we going to do now. Some of my friends asked me, what are you going to do to keep your kids busy all summer. This comment bothered me a little. We are so scheduled during the school year with school, homework, and activities, that it is good to have some downtime. Children today don’t always know how to entertain themselves. We have not helped them by always having something to do. Summer is a great time for them to learn this. And you know what, it is ok to be bored sometime. Kids and teens do not need constant entertaining.
When I told my son it’s time for him to think what he can do, he sat down More »
Apr 16, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Spring sun
Well, it’s hard to believe but we are actually having a spring in Milwaukee. I am so excited that my kids can take advantage of their spring break and actually play outside. I even bet that Dr. Melbye is happy that he can enjoy opening day- I bet it is the first one that he can remember not having to be all bundled up in order to stay warm.
With this great weather though comes sun. Most of us have not seen this much sun since last September and our skin is not use to it. Even on a day when it is only 50 or 60 the sun is strong- and as we all know our kids want to be outside as much as possible. It is now time to remember to get out the sunscreen. Too bad I forgot this until I saw my son’s pink cheeks. Even though the kids may complain remind them or even put the sunscreen on them. It is best to put it on 30 minutes before going outside, but don’t hold them up. Better to just get it on them. I like investing in new one’s each year to make sure that they are fresh. I prefer to use Bull Frog, but there are many good sunscreens out there. Make sure you look for one of these active ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or parasol 1789 (avobenzone)- these block both uva and uvb rays.
Remember, we can enjoy the sun in Wisconsin, just remember to put on sunscreen and to re-apply, especially if your kids are going to be out most of the day. Also, remember put it on yourself also. Your kids model what you do, and if they don’t see you putting it on, chances are they also will stop.
Mar 1, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Vitamin D
As I am sitting in my office enjoying the mid-afternoon sun, I am reminded how little sun we actually get in the winter in Wisconsin. In fact, because people have become so good at applying sunscreen- especially to their children- we are getting less and less of the good things the sun has to offer. Most importantly, I am talking about vitamin d.
Vitamin D has become a new buzz word in the medical literature. Researchers are looking into its impact on such illnesses as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and multiple sclerosis. Other researchers are looking at vitamin D’s impact on various types of cancers. What we do know, is that many people are deficient in vitamin d, we just don’t know all of the long term effects of this.
Currently, the AAP recommends 400 IU of vitamin d a day for infants, children, and teenagers. A child would need to drink at least 4 eight ounce glasses of milk or fortified orange juice to obtain this. Most kids do not do this. And again, because of a combination of lack of sunshine and wearing sunscreen when we do have sun, we are not absorbing any vitamin d from the sun.
So, what does this all mean. A vitamin with vitamin d in it should be taken daily. Most multivitamins have at least 200-400 IU of vitamin d in it. There is also just straight vitamin d capsules available. Just remember, vitamins are often seen by children as candy. Make sure that you keep it up high and lock it up so that don’t open it and take more then the recommended amount.
Feb 5, 10 | Posted by: Sharyl Paley, M.D.
Cough and cold medicine
Well, cough and cold season has definitely hit. Everyone from the tiniest of babies to teenagers are walking around coughing. The biggest thing I keep hearing is- “they sound like they have a smokers cough it is so bad.” These parents are right. The coughs right now are from viruses that are affecting everything from the upper to the lower airways. Coughs are the bane of a pediatrician because we do not have much in our armamentarium to help them.
A cough is the bodies way of clearing something irritating the airway. At this time of the year it is usually caused by viruses causing inflammation. Coughs are uncomfortable and annoying. Also, they often cause for a poor night of sleep. More »
Subscribe to this blog
(What is this?)
