Feeding is a common concern of parents. We want to make sure our children are satisfied, and ensure they are getting the proper nutrients they need to go and thrive. Additionally, we want to ensure that we are giving them healthy foods and avoid unnecessary sugars and harmful chemicals....
As the weather gets colder and the pandemic wears on, the internet has become more and more ingrained in the lives of many families, with children of all ages. The internet has been a helpful tool as various degrees of lockdown and social restrictions have become the norm over the last year. It has helped many children maintain active social lives through online games and social media when their in-person social opportunities have been limited. Through video conferencing platforms distant friends and relatives can now join you remotely for conversations and celebrations. People adjusted to physical isolation, yet through the internet, some have become more connected to friends and family....
We’ve all seen the wonderful news about Pfizer’s and Moderna’s COVID vaccine trials – preliminary estimates of greater than 90% efficacy. I, too, am extremely excited and hopeful, especially since I am a participant in Pfizer's trial. I’m here to break down what this all means and when we might actually be able to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated....
Allied pediatricians, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and School Guidance Counselor, address the behavioral and emotional concerns of our children and families as we head back to school....
As summer vacation draws to a close, we all begin to feel excited and anxious for the new school year ahead. It is always tough to move on past great summer activities and memories we’ve created. This year is no different...
Based on current data, there is no evidence that well-controlled asthma is a risk factor for a poor outcome with Coronavirus infection. The CDC listed asthma as a high-risk category early in the pandemic because respiratory viruses are known to exacerbate asthma. However, the data coming...
You have been sheltering in place at home with your families since mid-March. We are finally in phase 4, and the family can get out of the house with masks and a bottle of hand sanitizer. You are trying to establish a new normal...
As quarantine continues at various levels throughout the state, maintaining emotional and social distance is difficult for all of us, but particularly for our teenagers. As a natural part of development, teens crave a connection with their peer group and rebel against authority. In addition, teenagers view themselves as invincible and their still-developing brains cannot assess potential consequences....
We have been sheltering at home and following the recommendations of social distancing, handwashing and wearing a mask when we have to go out. The good news in our area is the dropping mortality and hospitalization rates of COVID patients. There is a new concern, however, for our children - Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome or PIMS....
Spring allergies are in full force and now more than ever it is extremely important to control allergy symptoms aggressively during the pandemic. The weather is getting nicer and you may find yourself wanting to get out for a walk and get some fresh air...
As a pediatrician, I have always looked forward to the Spring. During a typical year, that’s when the flu season comes to end, overall illness is down, and the seasonal allergy visits replace visits of high fever and cough. This year March came in like a lion and came out like an entire pride of lions...
As we all know, children love to explore their environment. They also love to put things in their mouths—and we’re not talking about food! What do magnets, batteries, coins, and clips all share in common? They are household objects, and they are all baby choking hazards....
Being a parent is difficult under normal circumstances; it is even harder right now. Our own stress levels are high, and we see signs of anxiety in our children. Is this normal? Is there anything we can do? Your pediatrician, as always, is a great resource for anything having to do with your children. ...
We have heard a lot about the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past few weeks. Just recently the CDC suggested to the American people to prepare for possible spread within our communities. So what does that mean for you and your family? Well first, don’t panic. There is no epidemic or pandemic here in the US. The CDC and all of us here at Allied believes prepare don’t panic....
17 minutes. In fact, every 17 minutes. This is the number anchorit.gov gives for how often children in the U.S. get injured in furniture and TV tip-over accidents. That’s more than 80 children a day....
The holiday season is here- Elf on the Shelf, Mensch on the Bench, Gifts Galore! The stresses we put on ourselves each year certainly make the holidays seem less enjoyable. After a rough few months of illness with my son and my dad, I have learned that my own family is what’s most important. I have promised myself that this year, along with my husband, we will solely focus on our children....
Holiday celebrations call for tossing your Mommy jeans aside and putting on that LBD (little black dress) that’s been hiding in the back of your closet. But first, please toss all the dry cleaning plastic in the outdoor garbage. In fact, check all your closets and get rid of...
Dr. Zilkha fun fact 1: As a senior in high school, I turned down admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to attend the 8 year medical program at Washington University in St. Louis (Wash U). One of my biggest dreads was having to take humanities course (wouldn’t have had to at MIT)...
Wow! I have always dreamed of writing a blog that would actually be published - and here I am, pinch me! Let me introduce myself; My name is Stephanie and I wear many hats. I am a wife, teacher, cook, housekeeper, secretary, party planner, boo-boo kisser, scary monster exterminator, and mother of...