Care and Wellness

The relationship that we have with our pediatrician is extremely important. Pediatricians are instrumental in helping us raise our children. From vaccines and illnesses to sleep and potty training, your pediatrician is one of the people that you count on to help guide you in making the best decisions for you child. If that relationship is not working for you, don’t be afraid to find a new pediatrician. Here are 6 questions to help you determine if it’s time to move on to someone new.

1. Does the pediatrician over treat your child for simple ailments, running a battery of tests that rack up your bills? Being treated with medication for the sniffles is not good for the health of your child or your wallet.
2. Does the pediatrician get upset when you seek a second opinion? Your pediatrician should be open-minded and comfortable with you seeking other opinions. It’s your child and you need to do what is best.
3. Does the pediatrician make you feel uncomfortable or stupid when you ask for additional details? Your pediatrician should never make your feel like your questions or concerns are unnecessary. You are paying your pediatrician to be an advisor, not to insult you.
4. Does the staff make you feel uncomfortable when you call with concerns or emergencies? The staff is their to make you feel more comfortable and at ease.
5. Do you or your child feel uncomfortable with the pediatrician's bedside manner? Bedside manner is so important. You want your child to have good experiences with physicians at an early age so there is no anxiety issues in the long-run.
6. Does the pediatrician seem unwilling to listen to your concerns? A big part of being a good physician is listening. If your pediatrician jumps to conclusions without listening to you, it could be detrimental to your child’s treatment.

Remember you have the power. Your child’s well-being comes first!

By: Sheneq Aranda

When I think of going green in general, I like to focus on what goes in the mouth, on the skin, on the floor and in the air. According to the World Health Organization, more than 33% of diseases of children under five years are caused by environ- mental exposures.

Here Are 7 Harmful Chemicals to Avoid

1. Vinyl (non-toxic EVA and PEVA are better choices) - Be very careful with vinyl. There are times when formaldehyde is added to make it soft or more pliable. Lead is also often added to vinyl to make it longer lasting (Play mats)
2. PVC - Basically vinyl with chlorine added to it. (Shoes, plastic containers, teethers, bibs, credit cards, croc shoes)
3. Phthalates - Chemical used to soften plastics (Vinyl and PVC plastics) According to the World Health Organization, phthalates are toxic if swallowed, absorbed through the skin or sniffed or breathed in. They also say that the chemical is likely to cause cancer, interferes, mimics or blocks hormones, interferes with the development of a fetus and can harm your reproductive system. Can also lead to obesity and behavioral problems)
4. Bleach - Can cause nausea, respiratory issues, headaches. Toxic when inhaled or ingested. Clorox says: “DANGER: CORROSIVE. May cause severe irritation or damage to eyes and skin. Vapor or mist may irritate. Harmful if swallowed. Keep out of reach of children.”
5. Formaldehyde (Do you remember your high school biology lab? I hated dissecting because of the formaldehyde smell. Do you really want your baby inhaling formaldehyde? Ingestion of 1 oz of formaldehyde will kill a full grown adult. Exposure in labs can lead to menstrual and reproductive issues. Toxic to animals. Even the EPA says formaldehyde is toxic in buildings and causes cancer. Found in pressed wood products, paints, flooring, cigarettes.
6. Lead - Even the US government says this is unsafe. Damages your nervous systems and causes brain disorders. Lead paint was banned in the 70s.
7. Pesticides - Pesticides in food can actually block the absorption of nutrients. Also, found in clothes, non-organic cotton.

Check out more tips in the Houston Chronicle's Earth Day edition.

What is Kangaroo Care? It is when Mom or Dad connects with their baby skin to skin. Click here for a summary of the results from research conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding Kangaroo Care. It helps with regulating the body temperature and heartbeat in newborns, as well as creates bonding. Check out the amazing story of the Ogg family in Sydney!