A nyone from babies to senior citizens can be at risk for developing glaucoma. Without initial treatment, glaucoma can cause permanent blindness. The good news is, while glaucoma can’t be cured, early treatment can control it. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which carries vision from the eye to the brain, caused by pressure inside […]
Health
Hand-washing keeps children healthy
First With KidsParents have been asking me what I could recommend to keep their children healthy. Believe it or not, I always answer hand-washing. That’s right: hand-washing. In fact, let me give everyone a hand in understanding why this is such an important thing to do. Your child is exposed to all kinds of germs all day, every day. An infection can […]
How to prevent falls
Brody On HealthIt’s that time of year again when safety-conscious organizations issue cautionary tales about preventing falls and, failing that, protecting against serious injury when suddenly descending unintentionally from the vertical. Even if you think you already know everything you need to know about falling, you’d be wise to read on. Many of us can use a periodic kick in the pants […]
Skiing and snowboarding: Take preparation seriously
Health TalkSkiing and snowboarding are thrilling activities and great workouts. Both sports are excellent cardiovascular exercises that strengthen the heart. Because they are also weightbearing exercises, they strengthen your bones as they tone your muscles. Cardiovascular, or aerobic, exercises also work to reduce your risk for chronic diseases, and lower blood pressure. They also help you maintain a healthy body weight. […]
Glide through these skating safety tips
First With KidsWinter finds me cooling off a lot of parents who have questions about ice skating safety. For good reason, too: Almost 20,000 children are seen for skating injuries on a yearly basis. Let me see if I can glide through a few helpful safety tips. 1. Children should be allowed to skate only on approved surfaces. These are areas that […]
Fighting the food fight
Brody On HealthIn this era of alternative “facts” and rising industrial sway in Washington, the well-being of Americans depends more than ever on financially and politically independent organizations that inform consumers and advocate for policy changes that help to keep all of us healthy. One of the most influential such groups is the Washington-based Center for Science in the Public Interest, or […]
New Year’s resolutions for children and teens
First With KidsWith the new year upon us, parents have asked me to help them with New Year’s resolutions for their children. Let me offer a few suggestions to ring in the new year. Infants should resolve to sleep on their backs, which helps to prevent sudden unexpected infant death. And they should keep unsafe items out of their mouths. Toddlers and […]
When cancer strikes twice
Brody On HealthCancer can, and sometimes does, strike twice. It famously happened to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the Supreme Court, who was successfully treated for colon cancer in 1999 and then for pancreatic cancer in 2011. If not for the regular checkups she underwent after colon cancer, it is likely that her pancreatic cancer, which is rarely found early, would not […]
2018 new year quit smoking plan
CommentaryHappy New Year! If your 2018 resolution is to quit smoking, congratulations. It is a great step towards a healthier you. Quitting smoking may feel challenging, and may even feel impossible at times. It is not impossible, and in fact, many people do succeed. Don’t give up trying because you haven’t been successful in the past. Most people make multiple […]
Be safe this holiday season
Health TalkThe holiday season is the time of year to eat, drink and be merry, but it is also a dangerous time to be on the road, due to a high number of impaired drivers behind the wheel. To help keep roads safe for holiday travelers, state and local law enforcement, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will […]
Category Pages are limited to 60 days. Please use the archive page or the search box to find older articles.