3 mins read

Signs of Allergies to Infant Formula

If you introduce infant formula to your baby, you’ll probably want to be on the alert for signs of an allergy, especially if allergies run in your–or the baby’s father’s–family. Most infant formula includes cow’s milk or soy products in the ingredients. In cases of infant formula allergies, cow’s milk protein is the most common allergen. Still, allergies to formula are not all that common; according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, less than 3% of babies in the United States have an allergy to milk protein. Since half of the babies who are sensitive to cow’s milk protein also turn out to react badly to soy, soy-based formula is not necessarily the solution if your baby does turn out to have a dairy allergy. Check with your baby’s physician before switching to a hypoallegenic formula. It may reassure you to know that there’s good chance your baby will outgrow an allergy to infant formula within a few years.

2 mins read

Talking to Your Kids About Scary News Events

When tragedy strikes, it’s hard for parents to know how to explain news headlines about shootings or other disasters to children without overly scaring them. Kids are like little sponges, they take in much more than we realize and it’s important to address any fears and concerns they may have. “Am I safe? Who would do such a thing? Why?” There are no easy answers. It’s hard to explain how something so terrible could happen – especially when we’re still trying to make sense of it ourselves.

3 mins read

5 Scary Birth Control Side Effects You Shouldn’t Ignore

It’s estimated that more than 11 million women use oral contraceptives (aka “the pill”) in the U.S. alone. It’s hard to believe but it wasn’t always easily accessible. During the 60’s, oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) were illegal in eight states, and it wasn’t until years later that the benefits of birth control were recognized by the FDA. In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control pills are also commonly used to treat a whole host of problems including severe cramps, irregular periods, and acne.

3 mins read

Bone Disorders in Children

Some bone disorders in children are due to rare conditions and require careful clinical evaluation. If not treated promptly, bone disease can affect a child’s bone development, lead to multiple fractures and cause bone deformities. In some cases, bone disease in children leads to deterioration of motor development and permanent disability. Frequently, treatment is delayed because symptoms go unnoticed and only become apparent over time.