In 2010, Laurie Holland’s world exploded. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. With treatment, she beat it; but after gathering her life and her strength back together, cancer simply blew it up again in 2015 with a second diagnosis. “I was diagnosed very early, which is critical,” says Laurie, who lives in Scranton and works for Sanofi-Pasteur. But still, Laurie learne... »
Experts recommend two key practices for early detection of breast cancer: self-checks and mammograms. Here’s what you need to know about both. Self-checks: Women should perform regular self-breast exams. For instructions on how to perform a self-exam, visit nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam. If you find a lump or dimple, or notice nipple discharge, it’s important ... »
Summer fun often means many great reasons to eat well (fresh fruit and veggies!), move more (walks on the beach, bike riding!), and live healthier. Fall’s cooler temperatures and must-see-TV, on the other hand, bring more reasons to sink into the couch with a tub of ice cream. But there’s a way to combat this. “Taking short, healthy breaks throughout the day is so benefici... »
Over the past half century, children’s free play time with other children has declined sharply, according to recent research. Over the same period, anxiety, depression, suicide, feelings of helplessness, and narcissism have increased sharply. It’s not hard to see the connection there. But why is play so important? “Studies dating back to 1964 suggest that exploration, self... »
Bath, book, bed: It’s a tried-and-true nighttime routine for many families—and the book part is especially key for children’s development. “No age is too early to start reading to your child—start as soon as you get home from the hospital,” says Elyse Jones, MD, pediatrician at St. Luke’s Allentown Pediatrics. “At this age, it doesn’t even matter what you’re reading—it cou... »
Two to three out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears, and others may develop hearing loss as they grow older, due to infections or exposure to loud noises. And this is concerning, as hearing is extremely important to a child’s development—socially, emotionally, and cognitively. That’s why childre... »
If you’re an expectant mom, you’re probably doing everything you can to prepare for your little bundle of joy. But don’t forget to plan for yourself, too! One of the most effective ways to do this is by strategically packing your birth bag. Here are 4 surprising items that can make your experience that much more calm and enjoyable. Earplugs: These can drown out hospital no... »
Back in 2009, I found myself wishing I could phone up my kids’ pediatrician during every moment of parenting confusion and panic. After a while, an idea hit me: I should create a book series featuring tips from doctors who are also moms, but only tips that they’d actually use themselves. I decided to call the books, and the experts in them, the Mommy MD Guides. To make the... »
For new moms, it can be a huge struggle to leave the house right after having a baby. Not only are you trying to manage all these new responsibilities (that no one remotely prepared you for!), but you’re literally juggling car seats and baby bags, and often wondering how other people will react to your little one’s next screaming fit. But more than anyone, new moms should ... »
For years, Leslie Warren of Bethlehem had been an avid gardener and motorcyclist. That is, until sharp pain in his hip started interfering with his activities. “Getting on and off the bike started to bother me,” he recalls. “Then it became painful just going up and down stairs. I consider myself to be a tough old bird, so I just sucked it up and kept going.” »
