Gabby Douglas, Jordan Wieber and McKayla Maroney from this year’s US Olympic team are truly amazing athletes, captivating to watch. They are 16 and 17 years old. It’s hard to imagine that any one of these could have an underlying, perhaps lethal heart problem. It’s equally hard to believe that any of our teenagers could. Yet every year, a hand full of high school athletes across the country suffers...
Recent headlines in the local news took me back to previous times in my life… Have you heard the song “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton? In my opinion- one of the most touching songs I have ever heard. Do you know or remember the story behind the song? In 1991 Clapton’s four year old son fell from an open window 53 stories to his death. The song “Tears in Heaven” was inspired by this...
For much of the country, the arrival of summer, officially at 7:09 PM on Wednesday, was anything but subtle. In many areas the heat index (temperature plus humidity) was well over 100. For many people this level of heat can rapidly lead to true health emergencies. This is true for everyone but especially the very young or old, those with certain health conditions and your pets. Here are some keys...
As a former paramedic, I can tell you there are few things as heart-wrenching as responding to an event dealing with a child. Especially those events that are preventable such as drowning, poisoning and the following. Please read. This week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched its first-ever national campaign to get the message out about the harmful and potentially fatal...
I heard a rumor that there is an obesity issue in the US? Have you heard that too? Do you believe it? I have to admit that when I look around, I have to say, yes- I do. I heard a rumor that the obesity issue is getting worse not better. Have you heard that too? Do you believe it? I do. I heard that this obesity issue even affects our children – our kids – kids in elementary, middle...
You may or may not be aware but last week was Child Passenger Safety Week- a program to remind us all of the importance of properly installed and sized car seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also partnered with the creators of Chuggington to further spread the message of safety for children in and around cars. The Chuggington website, designed for kids aged 2 to...
