Tag Archives: safety

Riding Toys

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

Wheels. What fun! Ride on toys are terrific for toddlers. Look for low, stable toys, and a helmet. While balance bikes are the latest craze, learning to pedal is an important developmental achievement for your three year old. Again, low, … Continue reading →

Posted in 101, Children, Pediatric Bits, Play, Safety, Simply Safe, sports | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Teething Necklaces

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

Necklaces made from amber beads are the latest trend. They allegedly reduce teething pain, although there isn’t any science to back up the claims. What pediatricians do know is that the necklaces pose a risk for choking and strangulation. Do … Continue reading →

Posted in 101, Babies!, Medicine, Pediatric Bits, Safety, Wellness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Humidifier

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

Humidifier or Vaporizer? Humidifier, hands-down. A cool mist humidifier is what you want to sooth irritated airways. Vaporizers heat water into steam and they can burn or scald children who are naturally curious and active. It’s unclear whether adding anything … Continue reading →

Posted in 101, Babies!, Children, Pediatric Bits, Simply Safe, Wellness | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Heat Illness and the Heat Index

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

Kids don’t adapt to extreme temperatures as well as adults. They generate more metabolic heat per mass when active, have a reduced capacity to sweat, and their high surface area to body mass ratio means they absorb more heat from the environment. When … Continue reading →

Posted in 101, Children, Health Care, Medicine, Teens | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Measles

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

When I hear the word measles I think: cough, coryza and conjunctivitis. That’s the way I learned it in medical school. Infected children have a cough, runny nose (coryza) and red eyes (conjunctivitis). They also have distinctive white areas inside the cheeks … Continue reading →

Posted in 101, Babies!, Children, DIY, Health Care, Medicine, Nutrition, Pediatric Bits | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Overuse Sports Injury Prevention

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

Preventing overuse sports injuries is easier than treating them—or sitting on the bench. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says the key is to avoid overdoing any single sport while giving growing bodies enough rest between practices and games. Some tips … Continue reading →

Posted in 101, Babies!, Children, Health Care, Medicine, Pediatric Bits, Teens | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Picking a Stroller

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

My mom’s stroller, circa 1971, weighed a ton. By baby number three, the canopy was gone. It was all metal and collapsible; the seat reclined for napping. The rack underneath was handy for packages. You’ll want a stroller for your … Continue reading →

Posted in Babies!, Children, Pediatric Bits | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are Expired Medicines Safe to Use for Children?

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

Read one pharmacist’s answer here. Briefly: Expiration dates were established in 1979 to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medications. Medications that have been stored in their original containers under controlled conditions (not your medicine cabinet) retain much of their original … Continue reading →

Posted in 101, Babies!, Children, Health Care, Medicine, Pediatric Bits | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Pest Control

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

Spiders? Ants? Fleas? Mosquitoes? Parents want effective ways to deal with pests that are safe for children and pets.   The University of California Integrative Pest Management Program has comprehensive information that’s easy to access and put into action. Start here before … Continue reading →

Posted in 101, Children, Health Care, Pediatric Bits | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lead Information and Resources

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Lisa M. Asta, MD

Lead paint and leaded gas may be gone, but their toxic legacy lingers. Before you remodel or plan your fruit and vegetable garden, find answers about testing your home’s paint and soil for lead here. More information about home gardens and lead … Continue reading →

Posted in 101, Children, Health Care, Medicine, Pediatric Bits, Volunteering | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment