Smart Parents U
Your Smart Parenting Resource
This blog is about to enter its second year. Over the last 2 years I have covered the vast majority of things you will likely encounter in the routine care of your child. Most of the things can, and should, be taken care of at home by mommy and daddy. To learn about... [Read more...]
Vomiting
Myths & Facts: Vomiting
Like fever, there is considerable confusion over vomiting and I will attempt to resolve many of the myths with this post. First, let me remind you that the human race has survived for tens of thousands of years. Part of the credit for this amazing accomplishment is certainly... [Read more...]
Cough
Myths & Facts: Cough
I see kids all the time that have a cough. Of course some coughs are serious, but most coughs are NOT. In fact, cough is generally a protective response. Without cough we would be unable to clear things out of our lungs. If your child is ill and coughing, this is... [Read more...]
Runny Nose
Myths & Facts: Nasal Congestion
The Cold and Flu Season is right around the corner. Both of these minor illnesses are generally accompanied by nasal congestion. Nasal congestion in the setting of a cold or flu, while sometimes uncomfortable, is the body’s way of protecting & healing itself. However,... [Read more...]
Ear Ache
Myths & Facts: Ear Pain
Do ear infections cause hearing loss? What happens if I don’t start antibiotics right away? There are many myths and facts that surround ear pain and ear infection. What makes things worse is that there is often a great deal of variation in the way different doctors treat... [Read more...]
Fever
Fever: The Great Temperature Menace
Is a high fever dangerous? Will it cause my child to have a seizure? What about brain damage? These are the common questions that I see parents asking when they come into the ER. Along with these questions, parents generally also bring in all kinds of myths and misconceptions... [Read more...]
Most Recent
Iron Drops for Babies?
I am often asked about the need to supplement newborn babies with Iron while breastfeeding. What seems like a simple question is actually a rather complex issue. This post is meant to provide parents with the information they need to intelligently discuss this concept with their pediatrician. Then you, the parent, should decide whether Iron Supplements are appropriate for your baby. [Read more...]
Most Popular
You Decide: What is a Strep Carrier?
Understanding what it means to be a Strep carrier is critical if you want to understand the management of sore throat. It is especially critical for Smart Parents to understand so they can be vigilant to make sure their children are not needlessly exposed to antibiotics and their side-effects. While most physicians are aware that some kids [Read more...]
Antibiotic Eye Ointment in Babies
In the hospital, one of the first things the delivery nurse is likely to do to your baby is spread a greasy concoction of antibiotic ointment into your baby’s eyes. This ointment will certainly make it hazy during those early hours [Read more...]
Sugar Water for Vaccine Pain
There are many different controversies surrounding immunization in children. One of the controversies surrounds controlling the pain children experience with vaccinations. If you do choose to vaccinate your baby, there are a few things you might consider to help ease the pain your newborn experiences. [Read more...]
Umbilical Cord Infection?
I got a call from some friends the other day regarding their new daughter’s umbilical cord. This is a common problem that many new parents encounter and also a common problem that I see in the ER. The issue relates to infection. Infection of the umbilical cord is a serious problem and ALWAYS requires medical intervention. However, in the normal process of the umbilical cord falling off it often looks pretty horrible sometimes resembling infection. So how to tell? Hopefully this post will help some parents with that very question. [Read more...]
You Decide: Strep & Throat Abscess
If you discuss Strep throat long enough someone will eventually bring up the potential complication of a throat abscess. The fancy medical name for this is peritonsillar abscess (or in the U.K. – Quincy). Basically this is when you have a large collection of pus in one of your tonsils. In the era of ready access to the ER, surgeons, and antibiotics this is generally [Read more...]
Featured Topic: Ear Pulling
Does pulling at the ears mean ear infection?
I cannot count the number of times I have seen someone in the ER because their child is pulling at their ears. No fever or fussiness. No runny nose or cough. Eating well and drinking well. Just concern that this could be a subtle sign of an ear infection.
Well, my subjective experience in the ER is that 10 times out of 10 these happy, playful [Read more...]
Vaccine Info & Updates
Pneumonia Vaccine in Children
The pneumonia vaccine (Prevnar-7®) is a relatively new addition to the immunization schedule for infants and children. Even though many people call it the pneumonia vaccine it actually protects children against meningitis, blood infection, ear infection, and pneumonia. In the U.S. [Read more...]
H1N1 Vaccine Safety
There is just so much information available to us these days that it is often difficult to even know where to start when trying to answer a basic question. One question that I have, as do many of my readers is… [Read more...]
Thimerosal and the Flu Vaccine
There is still a great deal of concern in the press and especially cyberspace regarding Thimerosal, which is a mercury containing compound. This is despite a wealth of evidence that it in no way leads to, or causes, autism. However, [Read more...]
Measles Stats
Here is a link to some recent stats on measles in the US. Of all the vaccines that parents choose to decline or delay, this is almost certainly number one on the list. More, of all the vaccines given, this is also first on the list for fear-mongering by the media and conspiracy theorizing by rogue scientists. Smart Parents no doubt consider all the information when making health decisions for their children. This article is certainly one important [Read more...]
Dr. Bob’s Alternative Vaccine Schedule
Many parents have read The Vaccine Book, written by Dr. Sears, and have decided to use either his alternative or selective vaccine schedule. For those who read this blog, you will note that I have recommended it as a useful book. I think the book is well researched and gives parents a nice balance of the potential risks of vaccines and the actual risks of the diseases the vaccines are meant to prevent. [Read more...]
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