Category Archives: Meriter Pediatrics e-House Call Blog
Remember Grill Safety
During the summer I love using my grill. Burgers, brats, pork tenderloin (and don’t forget grilled vegetables) make for some of my favorite meals. Whether it is charcoal or gas, nothing beats donning my apron, a cool beverage, and taking … Continue reading
What is Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease?
Dear Dr. Johnson: A child in my son’s day care center was recently diagnosed with hand-foot-mouth disease. What is this, how dangerous is it and how is it treated? Dear Reader: Hand-foot-mouth disease is a very common infection in children. … Continue reading
Unplugging the Pacifier
I will be the first to admit that both of my children used pacifiers. My daughter didn’t start regularly until she was a few months old, but my son came out of the womb wanting to suck, so we introduced … Continue reading
A Pediatrician’s Answer to “Mom … I’m bored.”
“Mom, I’m bored.” “There’s nothing to do.” We’ve all heard it, sometimes daily, sometimes hourly. However, with National Screen-Free Week coming up April 30 – May 6, 2012, I thought it would be helpful to give a list of activities … Continue reading
Family Challenge: Screen-Free Week 2012
I have recently, and admittedly, somewhat reluctantly, traded in my old free flip phone for a smart phone. My kids were much more excited about this than I was, and had all sorts of ideas for the games I should … Continue reading
Meriter Presents the Kids’ Expo March 17 & 18!
From fire trucks and bouncy houses to a petting zoo and the famous Kenland Band, join us at the Alliant Center for a weekend’s worth of fun for kids of every age, parents and parents-to-be on March 17 & 18 … Continue reading
A Healthy Baby Month Reminder to Parents
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all soft bedding, including pillows, soft or pillow-like bumpers, positioners, stuffed toys and sheepskins can put your baby at higher risk for SIDS. The majority of SIDS, suffocation and accidental infant deaths are … Continue reading
What Parents Need to Know About: Lice
Lice – just the word is enough to make any parent shudder and get the heebie-jeebies! When I received not one, but two e-mails with the subject “Lice” a few weeks ago, my heart sank. Two of my daughter’s good … Continue reading
Learn How to Keep Your Family Heart Healthy
It’s no secret that obesity is increasing in the United States, and as of 2010, accounting for more than 20% of adult Wisconsinites. Unfortunately this is not just a problem for adults. Obesity is increasing in children as well. The … Continue reading
Celebrating Snow: A reminder from my kids
I think we’d all agree that prior to the snowfall last week, it hasn’t seemed much like a Wisconsin winter … and while I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of the melting, muddy slush … Continue reading
Bedtime Routines for Babies
How do you set up a bedtime routine for a baby and at what age should you start? A bedtime routine can be an important step in helping any infant or child, or adult for that matter, fall asleep … Continue reading
Recommended Screening for Newborns
The Department of Health and Human Services recently recommended that all newborns be screened for congenital heart disease as part of their routine newborn assessment. Congenital heart diseases causes up to 3% of all infant deaths in the first year of … Continue reading
Medication Safety Tips for Parents
Medication in the home can be extremely hazardous to children, but with a little common sense and some precautions, you can keep you child safe. Starting when they are very young, talk to your children about the danger of taking … Continue reading
Discipline Guidelines from a Pediatrician Mom
“Mom, you’re mean!” I knew it would happen sooner or later, but when my son yelled this at me for the first time from his bedroom recently, it hurt. There was no doubt in my mind that I was doing … Continue reading
Veggie Tales from a Pediatrician Mom
“Eat your veggies!” How many times have you said these words to your children (or had your parents say it to you growing up)? It’s unfortunate that some of the foods that are the healthiest, are the ones that kids … Continue reading
Tylenol Changes and Dosing Recommendations
Tylenol (also known as acetaminophen and APAP) is a pain reliever and fever reducer very commonly used in children. As you know, however, the dosing can be very confusing. Up until now, there have been so many different formulas, strengths … Continue reading
Taste of Your Own Medicine
Much of my job as a pediatrician is helping educate families on different safety and general health recommendations, and while I know that at times the things that are discussed in the office may sound idealistic, I do try my … Continue reading
Defend Yourself Against Seasonal Flu
Are you wondering whether you should get a flu shot this year? A flu shot is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older. If you are likely to be around children younger than 6 months, it is especially important that … Continue reading
Keeping Your Kids Healthy at School
http://www.meriter.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Star-Country_Keeping-Kids-Healthy-Dr-Millin-2011-09-21.mp3 Meriter pediatrician, Kristin Millin, MD, spoke with Star Country’s Tracy and Mike about keeping kids healthy at school. Click the play button to listen! The start of the school year is an exciting time for kids, with exposure to all … Continue reading
Cool Kids
I was out running errands with my 4-year old son the other day and was stuck waiting a few minutes at the car dealer for a new battery to be put in my key fob. Adults can handle waiting with … Continue reading
Setting Realistic School Lunch Expectations
Back to school is on the mind of almost every parent this time of year. For some, it’s a source of stress (“I’ve been to 3 stores and no one has a pencil box that’s smaller than 8×5 inches!”), for … Continue reading
Video Blog: Newborn Jaundice
Newborn jaundice is a common issue and typically nothing to worry about. In this video, I explain what newborn jaundice is and why it happens. Julia Mason, MS, MD Meriter Medical Group Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Sports Nutrition: Fueling Up for Competition
As you gear up for back-to-school, many of your children are beginning fall sports practice. It’s important to keep nutrition in mind. Your child should be eating properly for optimal sports performance and overall health. Below are some things to … Continue reading
Pediatrician Q&A: Reading to an active toddler
Q: “Whenever I try to read to my 16 month old son he screams and gets angry and shuts the book. He never listens for even one moment and gets really upset whenever I try. He doesn’t like to sit … Continue reading
Gluten-Free Sugar-Free Black Bean Brownies
I’ve been trying to get my family away from eating sugar for the past year. It hasn’t been too difficult with respect to meals. We avoid sugary sauces and we make sure we eat lots of dark green vegetables instead … Continue reading