Forums / Health / Illnesses, medicines, remedies, & treatments

Pediatrician recommendation in Somerville/Medford

newmom-to-be — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:20:31 GMT

We live in Medford and are looking for a pediatrician in the Somerville/Medford area, particuarly at the HVMA in Davis Sq. However, I'd be open to any suggestions also in Medford/Cambridge, particuarly those that are great with newborns as I'm 32 weeks pregnant.

Pediatricians who are flexible on vaccinations?

newbostonmama — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:51:52 GMT

Hi everyone- I am trying to find a pediatrician who will "work with me" on the vaccination schedule for my baby, by both being flexible with me and helping to educate me. I consider myself reasonable- I definitely want some (Polio), want to defer others until baby is a bit stronger (Hep B, MMR separately), and probably skip some (Chickenpox). I cannot seem to locate a pediatrician who will stray from the exact specifications of the Amer. Society of Pediatrics. Does anyone have any recommendations about how to find a legitimate pediatrician (i.e. not some holistic healer) who will work with me? TIA! PS- I am in Newton, so any specific recommendations in MetroWest is especially appreciated!

Asthma Treatment

JenniferB — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:46:43 GMT

I am getting up to speed on asthma maintenance medications.

I hear a lot of mixed opinions about Singulair. Would be interested to know if anyone's used Singulair and what your experience was like. Also, how about other asthma medications? Does your child use a different asthma medication, and how is that working?

Thanks!

Looking for Tips/Success stories re: Failure to Thrive

JenniferB — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:07:18 GMT

I have a friend who is searching for advice and (hopefully) success stories from people who've dealt with failure to thrive. Her child has peanut and dairy allergies.

Also, she's looking for recommendations for medical professionals who are particularly helpful with this problem.

Thank you!

Looking for feedback on good pediactric surgeons at Boston Children's Hospital

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:00:11 GMT

I am looking for anyone who has experience with a child having an inguinal hernia, the surgery and recommendations on surgeons. I prefer to go to Boston Children's Hospital, but don't know of or have a preference on surgeon. Does anyone out there have any advice?

Thank you

Globe Article Re: Study on Asthma and Birth Month

JenniferB — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:10:57 GMT

Did you see this article on Boston.com? [url=http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2008/12/01/study_links_asthma_rate_to_birth_month/]Study links asthma rate to birth month[/url].

My son was born in the fall and has asthma. I wonder if the study is correct.

MMR Vaccine- separate componenets

elzbaby — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:14:02 GMT

After all the controversy about MMR and possible link to vaccine, I decided to do separate MMR vaccines. Now, comes the hard part- how to get them.

Has anyone been successful at obtaining these? How would one go about finding these? My doctor does not usually get these requests, so he does not know. ;)

Pediatricians Specializing in Nystagmus

nickyp1974 — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:49:45 GMT

My 4 month old was just diagnosed with nystagmus (his eyes are always moving from side to side). We took him to a pediatric opthamologist and she seems to know what she is doing, but I was wondering if there are pediatricians or pediatric opthamologists out there that specialize in nystagmus. I would love for him to see a specialist. I would also love to hear from any parents that have children with nystagmus and how you have helped them.

Speech and Language Evaluation for children 4-6 yrs old

shannonBU — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:20:36 GMT

Is your child having trouble learning how to speak?

4-6 year old volunteers needed for language study

The Speech Lab at Boston University is looking for 4-6 year old children to participate in basic research studies exploring the underlying causes of developmental language difficulties. Children with suspected language difficulties AND children acquiring language typically are invited to participate.

Children with developmental language difficulties usually say their first words later than expected, and may have problems speaking clearly. These children are at risk for later reading and academic problems.

Participation involves coming to 2-3 sessions at the Speech Lab at Boston University. Each session will take about 1½ - 2 hours, and can be scheduled at your convenience. The Speech Lab is located on Commonwealth Ave. on the BU Charles River Campus. The building is accessible by T or by car, with parking provided.

The sessions include language screening and many different activities structured as games. Most children find the sessions interesting and fun. Children receive rewards and a small gift for participating.

In order to participate, children must:

1) be native English speakers, with no other language spoken in the home.
2) have normal cognitive abilities/non-verbal intelligence, normal social/emotion development, normal hearing, and reasonably intelligible articulation.
3) have no history of neurological or genetic disorder, such as ADHD, autism, or Down syndrome.

Potential benefits include language screening. Upon request, we can make referrals and share results from screening procedures with appropriate clinicians and agencies. Another potential benefit is that these studies should help us understand developmental language problems, so that we can develop better diagnostic and remediation procedures.

For more information, please call (617) 353-7531 or email speech@bu.edu. All sessions will be scheduled at your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.

Pediatrician referral for JP

birdyn — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:52:44 GMT

I'm due next March but want to start thinking about a pediatrician now. I currently see the midwives at the Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center and wonder if anyone has used/recommends the pediatrics group there? Or has any other good suggestions.
Thanks!

Tips for a healthy Halloween

MamaVee — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:17:06 GMT

hi everyone. I thought I would share this info. It's from an organization called [url=http://chaseforlife.org/]C.H.A.S.E. for life.[/url]

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TIPS TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE THIS HALLOWEEN

As costumed children head out this Halloween on their annual candy-collecting mission, parents need to be aware of the potential dangers that exist within the contents of a typical treat-or-treater’s goody bag. With children under the age of four accounting for nearly 90% of deaths and 80% of emergency room visits due to airway obstruction injuries, Farley Boyle, founder and executive director of C.H.A.S.E. for Life (CPR, Heimlich, Awareness, Safety Education), a non-profit organization that educates parents in basic life saving skills, offers the following safety tips:

To prevent choking accidents:

Do not let children eat candy while out trick-or-treating. Children tend to get excited and run from door to door. The excitement and movement distracts children from carefully chewing their candy, which can lead to accidental choking incidents.

Empty out the contents of all trick-or-treat bags in a bowl and then store the bags away, out of the reach of children.

Do not let children eat candy until an adult has examined each piece carefully for evidence of tampering.

Do not let children under 3-years-old eat small, hard or round food, especially hard candy. Do not let small children eat food unattended.

Carefully examine any toys or novelty items received by trick-or-treaters under 3-years-old. Do not allow young children to have any items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or that have small parts or components that could separate during use and present a choking hazard.

Before Halloween night, parents should refresh themselves on the basics of Infant/Child CPR and Heimlich in order to be prepared in the event a child is distressed. Free life saving techniques, including a free instructional video are available at [url=http://chaseforlife.org/]www.chaseforlife.org.[/url].

“It is important for parents to remember that accidents are just that --- accidents,” Ms. Boyle said. “As parents, we need to take every precaution to keep out kids safe. The best thing to do is to arm ourselves with enough knowledge to stay calm in an emergency; identify the signs of a distressed child, and react quickly to save them. C.H.A.S.E for Life created the 18 minute animated vide “How to Save a Life” that uses creative animation, clever lyrics, repetition and their mascot, “Paddy the Penguin” to teach parents the basics of Infant/Child Heimlich and CPR. Our mission is to educate all parents on how to administer these life saving techniques in order to sustain a life until help can take over. This knowledge can and will change statistics.

From the minute an accident happens until someone calls 911 the clock is ticking. How one reacts in the first 5 minutes of a crisis is crucial because the average ambulance response time in the U.S. is between 7 and 15 minutes. Most people do not know that brain damage occurs due to lack of oxygen to the brain in 5 minutes. Brain death is probable after 6 minutes. Doing something in an emergency is better than doing nothing. You do not have to be certified to save a life. For free Infant/Child CPR & choking maneuver resources, including free printable CPR/Heimlich instructional posters, pocket guides and a downloadable version of “How to Save a Life”, visit [url=http://chaseforlife.org/]www.chaseforlife.org.[/url].

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As always- thoughts? comments? rants? raves?

What tiips do [b]you[/b] like when going trick or treating?

-Vee

ADHD - ish.

Blee6 — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:27:51 GMT

I have a 6 year old boy who is ACTIVE! He is in first grade now and I just had "the talk" with his teacher - the same one I had with his kindergarten teacher (they cannot legally recommend that I get him assessed) - but the innuendo is there for all to hear. The truth is, there is no "TEST" for ADHD - your child has to meet 6 of 9 criteria that are so subjective, its amazing that we all don't meet the criteria on any given day. Based on this, I have decided not to formally assess my child at this point, but to use the methods that up to now have been fairly successful (behavior modification, cushy seat for circle time, walking breaks at school). How still is a 6 year old supposed to be for 6 hours?

Has anyone else out there experienced this push to assess/medicate? I am not discounting the blessing of these attention deficit drugs for some children, who have hopefully received the full attention of excellent parents, a great pediatrician and a wonderful psychologist/psychiatrist to assess and monitor their progress. I am just wondering if your kid is teachable in methods of concentration and focus, then isn't that a good method too?

Infant cold medicine saga!

MamaVee — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:35:50 GMT

I just saw on the homepage something about the infant cold medicine issue.

Here is our sad saga.

We loved infant cold meds. We did. they may not work that well, but they seemed to help our kids sleep longer during the night when they were all stuffed up. So when we heard that they were no longer going to stock them we were sad. We bought a bunch of bottles when Tuber was a newborn in prep. somehow they are all gone. Damn SMALL bottles. WTF?

So cold season is upon us and both kids were all clogged up. the Husband went online and found some meds at drugstore.com. woot. We ordered four bottles. He faxed his ID b/c so they can track him and make sure he isn't making Meth ( yeah, that's us) and the meds were shipped. Yahoo.

Well they shipped them to our old address in CT!!!! We tried to get them to send it to the right place but it was too late. We tried to buy more to be shipped straight to us, but guess what. Those 4 bottles were among the last bottles to be stocked on drugstore.com ever.

so we are SOL. Our meds are sitting on the vestibule of our old apartment.

I guess that shows us huh?

anyway- what do *you* think of the whole meds issue? Overmedicating is definately a problem. but I have to say that the directions on the boxes are often hard to figure out. they go buy years, or pounds or say "call you MD" and at 2AM when your kids is freaking out and not nursing due to a clogged nose- you want to have something that *might* help a little. I admit- I'm all over the whole Placebo effect. Love it and willing to use it whenever possible. esp if it seems to work and my kids and I get a decnt night sleep.

So I guess I wish better info on taking the meds came out- rather than banning the meds...

ok- will shut up now!!!

Pediatrician recommendation in Newton/Wellesley area

cyranosmuse — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:41:50 GMT

We are moving to Cambridge from San Francisco during the first week of September. Cambridge will only be our transitional home for a couple of months as we intend to move to Newton or Wellesley. I would like to have my 20-month old son get established with a pediatric practice ASAP and would appreciate any direction or recommendation. Since I am also 27 weeks pregnant, it would be great if said recommendation was affiliated with BWH/NWH where I am likely to deliver.

TIA

Inoculating advice

BoMoms Admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:36:24 GMT

Measles cases are on the rise. And nearly half of those involve children whose parents rejected vaccinations. What's your stance on childhood inoculations?

Pediatrician Referrals

rav — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:19:36 GMT

I am looking for referrals for pediatricians. I am due in Nov and live in the Watertown area. My husband and I are thinking that closer to home is better?

Does anyone have any referrals for the Watertown surrounding area? Do you have any recommendations on whether or not the pediatrician should be close to home?

Eczema, Asthma, and Allergies

JenniferB — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:10:19 GMT

How many of you have the eczema, asthma and allergy trio? There was an article in the Boston Globe today regarding the elimination of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) as a propellant in asthma inhalers which may be of interest to you: [url=http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2008/08/11/do_the_new_asthma_inhalers_work_as_well_as_the_old_ones/]Do the new asthma inhalers work as well as the old ones?[/url] Have you tried the new inhalers yet? Is it like going from regular Sudafed to Sudafed PE? I suppose my family will not notice the elimination of CFC's since we have only used the nebulizer in the past and just recently received an inhaler for use at school.

With regard to eczema, we use hydrated petrolatum but I have heard good things about Vanicream. I recall reading about it somewhere online as well. Apparently, it is easier to apply than hydrated petrolatum and feels more comfortable. What do you use for a moisturizer for eczema, and are you satisfied with it? Which moisturizing products have you tried and rejected?

OBGYN Recommendations

estar628 — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:00:25 GMT

I just moved to Quincy and need a new OBGYN. I am 17 weeks pregnant and the few Dr's that I've found aren't accepting new patients. Any suggestions? I would love to deliver at South Shore Hospital, but am interested in others too.

Be sure and check for ticks

sams_mom_jen — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:11:40 GMT

I was just bitten by a tick in my own yard while gardening. I had always thought ticks were mostly in tall grasses or forested areas but apparently they can also be found in soil and low grasses. I was lucky to watch the bite area carefully and when I got a bulls-eye rash, my doctor put me on antibiotics to prevent lyme disease.

Everyone should be vigilant about checking themselves and family members for ticks, whether you're hiking in the woods or just out playing in the yard.

Looking for a pediatric dentist

weskis4 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:39:10 GMT

My family and I recently moved to Milton. I've been trying to find a pediatric dentist for my kids (4 and 2). I'd like to stay in the south suburbs of Boston if possible. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Young women diagnosed with breast cancer

sams_mom_jen — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:28:22 GMT

I was 38 years old and had a 7 month old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a devastating and life changing experience. One of the things that got me through it was connecting with other young women who had also been diagnosed.

I want to make sure people are aware of a resource for young women diagnosed with breast cancer in the greater Boston area. Founded by young women with breast cancer, Thrive empowers women as they face the unique challenges associated with pre-menopausal breast cancer. Based on shared experiences and concerns, Thrive promotes authentic and lasting connections.

Programs include support groups for women undergoing treatment as well as those who have completed treatment, lectures, and a mentoring program which matches women who would like regular contact with a volunteer who has had similar diagnosis and treatment or is in a similar life situation.

Visit www.thrivetogether.org for more information.

Heart Disease in Women

FoodyMD — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:16:58 GMT

Although many people think of heart disease as a man's problem, women can and do get heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. It is also a leading cause of disability among women.

The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. This is called coronary artery disease and happens slowly over time. It's the major reason people have heart attacks. Prevention is important: two-thirds of women who have a heart attack fail to make a full recovery.

The older a woman gets, the more likely she is to get heart disease. But women of all ages should be concerned about heart disease. All women can take steps to prevent it by practicing healthy lifestyle

Breast Cancer affects the whole family

komenmass — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:25:26 GMT

I was only 6 when my mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, the affects of breast cancer are just as hard on the family as they are on Mom. Breast cancer is scary. Watching Mom, usually the source of strength and care for the family, become weak physically, mentally and emotionally is frightening. It is not only the patient who feels helpless. It is important for the family to talk openly about what is occurring and how they feel. Children will learn how to cope with the illness from the way in which their parents cope.

Got enough milk?

AlexHall — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:02:01 GMT

Vitamin D deficiency is common in babies, and breast-fed babies seem more susceptible than others. How do you remedy this in your home?

Human Papilloma Virus vaccine

mamasmama — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:17:57 GMT

At a recent book group, we got to talking about HPV and I was surprised to learn that a number of moms had talked to their gynecologist about getting the HPV vaccine. I was surprised because I thought it was for girls 9-29. I'm just wondering if any moms (in their 30s and 40s) have gotten the vaccine.

Vesicoureteral Reflux or VUR

abuck — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:26:41 GMT

My 17-month old daughter has VUR. She was diagnosed at age one month old.

VUR is the abnormal flow of urine from the bladder back to the ureters. Urine normally flows in one direction- down from the kidneys, through tubes called ureters, to the bladder. The ureters have a one-way flap/valve at the bottom so the urine does not go back up to the kidneys. With VUR, the flap does not work properly and can allow urine back up to the kidneys.

VUR is most commonly diagnosed in infancy and childhood after the child has a urinary tract infection. About one-third of children with a UTI are found to have VUR. VUR can lead to infection because the urine remains in the child’s urinary tract providing a place for bacteria to grow.

My daughter is on antibiotic therapy to keep from getting UTI’s. She just recently had her one-year test to see if progress was made in correcting VUR, because VUR can be corrected without surgery. One side has almost improved to perfection, but the other side still has a way to go.

I just thought I would post this topic should other parents want information regarding VUR and the testing procedures. Please feel free to ask questions or give your comments about this subject.

Are you caught up in the BPA scare?

newmom — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:09:52 GMT

I'm not one to jump on the scare bandwagons :w00t:, but this one has me thinking. If BPA could even potentially give my baby cancer later in life, why risk it? What do you all know about BPA? The stores are all out of plastic BPA free bottles and day-care does not allow glass. I had to put myself on a waiting list (40 people deep at babies r us) and am wondering what the rest of you think and what you're doing???

I currently use Dr. Brown's bottles and I wrote to the company - they say they are safe, yet have come out with a BPA free plastic bottle (that's what I am on the waiting list for). I also spoke to a CSR at Gerber who told me there is no BPA in the plastic used for their babyfood.

Lackadaisical birth control?

Carey Goldberg — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:07:12 GMT

Hello -- I'm a health/science reporter at the Globe (and mother of two) and am working on a story about a recent report that tried to figure out why half of US pregnancies are unintentional, despite broad availability of birth control. The answers are complex, and include: dissatisfaction with methods, gaps in use for various life reasons, ambivalence about pregnancy, and more. The story will explore them and try to offer helpful tips and insights.

I know that in my younger years, I used to amaze myself with the chances I took, even though I was sure I wasn't ready for a baby. But I can't write about myself! If you sometimes play a little fast and loose with birth control despite your desire to avoid pregnancy, would you be willing to be interviewed? Please contact me at goldberg@globe.com. I can't quote you anonymously, but I can work together with you to make sure you're comfortable with what I write about you. Thanks! -- Carey