ADHD: Getting the Facts
The acronym ADHD stands for “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.” The name is a pretty good description of the symptoms, that is, some people with this condition have problems paying attention, some have problems with being hyperactive/impulsive, and most actually have problems with both attention and hyperactivity. It is a common disorder as psychiatric conditions go with up to eight percent of school age children meeting the diagnostic criteria.
Tis the season…Holidays, flu and RSV abound!
It’s that time of year again – the holidays! It is also flu and RSV season. Both influenza (the flu) and RSV are viral infections and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Influenza comes on suddenly with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and a dry cough. Progressively sore throat, runny and stuffy nose, and cough become more prominent. Occasionally croup or pneumonia can develop.
Influenza can be prevented by vaccine, either a live nasally administered version (flumist) or a killed injectable type (flu shot). Vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. It should happen every year, since immunity wears off and the vaccine is updated to cover new strains and other changes in the virus. Vaccinations are available at most pediatrician offices, Yavapai County Health Department and many pharmacies. Most insurances cover all costs of flu vaccines, and children without insurance are eligible for free vaccinations through Vaccines for Children (VFC).
What is a heart murmur?
In the course of a typical day at the office, one particular scenario frequently comes up. While examining a patient, I will detect a heart murmur. When I mention this to the parent, usually there is a look of alarm, ranging from simple anxiety to bordering on panic. Because this is such a common situation, it is appropriate to shed some light on what a murmur is, and what it typically means.
Back to school time already? Our top 10 list for children’s health.
By James M. Mick, MD This article originally was published in the August – September 2011 issue of Prescott Woman Magazine. Now that school has started, it’s a good time to review some of these issues! It’s already time to start planning for the school year! There are many issues to consider. The ten [...]
Your Newborn Baby – Interesting Facts and Common Concerns – Part 3
My baby has gas. This is one of the most universal complaints of parents.
Your Newborn Baby – Interesting Facts and Common Concerns – Part 2
In the first article on newborns, we began to discuss some common concerns about newborn babies. In this article, I would like to continue that discussion with some more common, and generally harmless issues that affect newborns that often cause unneeded worry for their parents. Each is framed as a question, the kind I hear every day in my office.
Your Newborn Baby – Interesting Facts and Common Concerns – Part 1
Most adults have the life-changing experience of becoming a parent, either through childbirth or adoption. This experience brings some of the greatest joys and toughest challenges of life. It constantly amazes me that the smaller the human being, the more “stuff” is needed to take care of them. Virtually all of these items are larger than the newborn infant they support!
Evolving perspectives on antibiotic use
By Ronael Eckman, MD When parents bring their sick children to the doctor, they have a set of expectations for care. Those expectations usually include a thorough examination by medical personnel, a diagnosis of the cause of sickness, a prescription for antibiotics, and of course, for the child to get better in a few days. [...]
Children and fevers
Fever is not a disease but is a sign of an underlying illness or temperature regulation problem. Usually fever is accompanied by other signs and symptoms of illness such as cough, runny nose, diarrhea, etc. Sometimes, fever occurs for a day or more without other signs or symptoms. Generally, the fever simply “goes away” or other symptoms develop after a few days.
Immunization myth #1: Vaccines and autism
By Matthew J. Hinton, MD There are few areas of medicine today that have the potential to preserve health – and are more controversial – than vaccines. Without question, the ability to immunize large numbers of people against dangerous diseases has been one of modern medicine’s greatest achievements. And yet, addressing concerns and fears regarding [...]
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