My ex-husband insists that our 11 year-old has asthma because she feels winded while exercising. I feel that response to exertion is natural. We both want what is best for her. How do I know if she needs to be tested or this condition?
Feeling winded or short of breath can be normal or abnormal in an 11 year old girl during exercise. At the beginning of the season, if the child has not been involved with another sport, the child's endurance may be down and the increased oxygen demand of the activity would make the child breath heavier and
Outside Insects: Children’s Illnesses
by Tom Seman MD FAAP April 26th, 2012 | Pediatrician on Call
My child loves to play in the woods on our farm in New York state. What types of diseases from insects, if any, should I be concerned about?
It is that time of year when children of all ages want to venture out and play in their surroundings. Enjoying the fresh air, getting some Vitamin D via sunlight, and plenty of activity helps build strong bodies, and it is beneficial in so many ways; however, there are some dangers that need to be considered prior to going out. Although there are a lot of bugs outside, most are beneficial to humans and plants.
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It is that time of year when children of all ages want to venture out and play in their surroundings. Enjoying the fresh air, getting some Vitamin D via sunlight, and plenty of activity helps build strong bodies, and it is beneficial in so many ways; however, there are some dangers that need to be considered prior to going out. Although there are a lot of bugs outside, most are beneficial to humans and plants.
Weightlifting and Children
by Tom Seman MD FAAP March 29th, 2012 | Pediatrician on Call
My brother-in-law wants to have my 12 year-old nephew begin weight training in preparation for high school football. Isn't this too young, and won't his growing bones and muscles be injured?
This is a very common question, but the answer is not a clear yes or no. The very simplest answer is yes he can strength train, but he may not be able to lift weights. A significant complication in this question is that there are different expectations in the results of the weight training depending on where the child is in his pubertal development. Puberty should start between ages 8-16 years old.; therefore, a
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This is a very common question, but the answer is not a clear yes or no. The very simplest answer is yes he can strength train, but he may not be able to lift weights. A significant complication in this question is that there are different expectations in the results of the weight training depending on where the child is in his pubertal development. Puberty should start between ages 8-16 years old.; therefore, a
Children and Multi-Vitamins
by Tom Seman MD FAAP March 1st, 2012 | Pediatrician on Call
Is it really necessary to give my children a multi-vitamin? I provide them with a well-balanced diet, but they also have their share of "junk" food.
For good nutriton it is said a person should eat a rainbow every day. What they mean by this is that one should eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts of various colors to provide the wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as part of a healthy lifestyle.
During winter days, parents are often concerned about whether or not they are providing enough nutrition to their families with foods being tranported on average
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For good nutriton it is said a person should eat a rainbow every day. What they mean by this is that one should eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts of various colors to provide the wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as part of a healthy lifestyle.
During winter days, parents are often concerned about whether or not they are providing enough nutrition to their families with foods being tranported on average
Cholesterol and Children
by Tom Seman MD FAAP January 5th, 2012 | Pediatrician on Call
There's been a lot of news stories on lately about having a child's cholesterol level checked. Should I ask my children's pediatrician to consider doing this for my kids?
We all know how high cholesterol levels affect the heart and the blood vessels in adults and the necessity of checking it regularly as well as treating those with levels higher than recommended. Before it was known that it takes a long time for cholesterol plaques to develop within the arteries and vessels, it was initially hard to correlate childhood behaviors and cholesterol levels with adult outcomes; however, in the 1960's and
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We all know how high cholesterol levels affect the heart and the blood vessels in adults and the necessity of checking it regularly as well as treating those with levels higher than recommended. Before it was known that it takes a long time for cholesterol plaques to develop within the arteries and vessels, it was initially hard to correlate childhood behaviors and cholesterol levels with adult outcomes; however, in the 1960's and