Dr. Shu Says

Lice Can Be Lousy!

2011-10-08T19:34:00.002-04:00

Naps for Kids

2011-08-11T20:31:00.001-04:00

My latest interview on CNN.com:

Rethink Home Trampolines

2011-07-19T09:35:00.003-04:00

Think before you get one for your backyard! My interview with Beth Galvin from Fox 5 Atlanta.

Health Watch: Trampoline Safety: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Bottom line: Trampolines are safest under the supervision of a coach or trainer in a gym. If you must have a home trampoline, stay in the middle, only allow one child to jump at a time, and avoid jumping off the trampoline.

Summer Camp Safety--Are Your Kids Ready?

2011-07-14T10:39:00.002-04:00

My recent interview on CNN.com.

Premature Graying in Children?

2011-07-04T16:52:00.007-04:00

A stray gray in a young child is usually nothing to worry about but if it becomes a pattern, best to get it checked out. My QA on CNN.com.

Look Before You Lock

2011-06-21T08:30:00.002-04:00

Dozens of kids die each year from being left in a hot car. The inside temperature of a car can go up as much as 20 degrees F in 10 minutes and 50 degrees in 1 to 2 hours. A body temperature of 104 causes heat exhaustion and one of 107 can be deadly. My interview with Fox 5 Atlanta:

Dangers Lurk for Kids in Hot Cars: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Speak Your Mind or Keep Quiet?

2011-06-13T22:58:00.002-04:00

When it comes to other people's kids, it can be hard to know whether to butt in or leave things alone. My blog post on CNN.com: http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/13/monday-613-kids-at-risk-say-something-or-bite-your-tongue/

Have Your Cake and Sleep Too?

2011-05-21T18:39:00.001-04:00

Should Your Baby Still Be Taking That Bottle?

2011-05-05T15:52:00.003-04:00

A new study reports that babies who continue to take a bottle until 2 years of age are more likely to be obese at age 5 1/2. To avoid cavities, the American Academy of Pediatrics Dentistry recommends switching from a bottle to a cup by 12 to 14 months.

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/babies/story/2011/05/Study-links-baby-bottle-use-to-obesity/46813132/1

Social Media and Kids

2011-04-26T22:33:00.001-04:00

My interview with Tacoma Perry on Fox 5 Atlanta. Bottom line--moderation and monitor!

Doctors: Social Media Causing Rise in Injuries: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Baby Blemishes

2011-03-17T20:25:00.004-04:00

From baby acne to crossed eyes and cradle cap, babies may have some pesky little imperfections that get better with time.

Why Energy Drinks Are a Bad Idea for Kids and Teens

2011-02-14T22:29:00.002-05:00

Report: Energy Drinks Risky for Children, Teens: MyFoxATLANTA.com

My interview with Deidra Dukes from Fox 5 in Atlanta.

Stopping a Stutter

2011-01-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

Smelly Sheepskin Boots?

2011-01-21T20:47:00.000-05:00

Strep Throat Basics

2011-01-20T20:49:00.001-05:00

Dr. Shu and the Century Center location of Children's Medical Group in Atlanta were featured in this video.

Dealing with Pink Eye

2011-01-06T20:11:00.002-05:00

The Circumcision Decision

2010-11-27T05:52:00.002-05:00

What to Know Before You Lipo

2010-11-18T16:22:00.001-05:00

How to burn off the calories from Halloween candy

2010-10-29T17:08:00.000-04:00

Should you swap your desk chair for an exercise ball?

2010-10-02T09:18:00.000-04:00

Should you rate your doctor?

2010-09-28T20:45:00.001-04:00

Here's what I have to say to Fox 5 reporter Beth Galvin:

Rethinking that tattoo?

2010-09-28T13:28:00.001-04:00

Choosing a pediatrician and more....

2010-09-28T13:21:00.003-04:00

My interview with Suchita Vadlamani on Fox 5 Atlanta.

Circle contact lenses--why they're not a good idea

2010-09-09T13:41:00.002-04:00

Other than avoiding recalled eggs, here's what you need to know

2010-09-03T22:22:00.002-04:00

Girls starting puberty as young as 7 years old

2010-08-15T11:18:00.003-04:00

Trying to kick the caffeine habit?

2010-07-23T22:01:00.002-04:00

Decaffeinate without the drama. My tips on CNN.com

Dealing with sunburn, lice or a broken collarbone

2010-07-09T15:46:00.003-04:00

So you didn't pay attention to my last post about sun protection? Well, here's what to do (plus bonus information about those pesky critters all parents hate and treating a fractured clavicle-- a.k.a. collarbone)!

How to have a good summer without getting sunburned, bitten by mosquitoes or gaining weight!

2010-07-09T15:42:00.003-04:00

Check out this video for important information regarding sun protection, insect repellents, and healthy eating while on vacation.

Babies in Flight

2010-03-16T20:41:00.002-04:00

It's a fact of life--people of all ages, including infants, commonly fly on planes these days. But what happens when babies cry incessantly or older kids kick the seat in front of them? Join the discussion on CNN.com:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/03/16/babies.crying.planes/index.html

Is Hay Fever Bugging You?

2010-03-16T20:38:00.003-04:00

If you're like 20% of the population, you suffer from runny/stuffy nose, itchy eyes and throat, and lots of sneezing during certain times of the year when allergens in the air run high. Check out my video on CNN.com for tips on recognizing and treating hay fever (also known as seasonal allergies).

The Bottom Line on Balding

2009-12-14T10:51:00.008-05:00

About 1/3 of adults will have hair loss starting anywhere between the teens and the 40's. Men tend to get the M-shaped pattern above the forehead, while women's hair is more likely to become thinner all over the head. While it's not possible to reverse the hair loss process, there are many ways to style hair, get extensions/wear a wig, or just embrace your new look. For those wanting to slow or stop balding, there are multiple remedies on the market. However, the only proven treatments are medicated shampoo (Rogaine) and oral prescription medication (finasteride aka Propecia for men, and spironolactone for women).

For more information, please read my interview on CNNHealth with Dr. Jeffrey Benabio of The Derm Blog

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/expert.q.a/12/14/male.pattern.balding.shu/index.html

Dr. Shu Answers Viewer Questions on CNN.com

2009-12-09T22:37:00.006-05:00

1-Does chickenpox still exist now that there's a vaccine for it?
2-Will my yeast infection spread to my kidneys?
3-My child has 2 gray hairs. What could this mean?
4-A bat almost flew into me. Do I need to get the rabies vaccine?

What Type of Thermometer Should You Use for Your Child?

2009-11-25T22:19:00.010-05:00

When it comes to taking your child's temperature, two important considerations come to mind:

First, the thermometer you use should be accurate, and second, it should ideally be fast.

Digital (not mercury) thermometers are recommended.

A rectal temperature is most accurate for babies under 3 to 6 months (although you can first check the temperature under the arm as a screening measure and then go for the rectal if the underarm temperature is higher than about 99 degrees F).

Over the age of 6 months, temporal artery thermometers may work well. These require a simple swipe of the thermometer probe across the forehead. An ear thermometer that fits correctly in a child's ear may also be used. Underarm (axillary) temperatures may be taken in kids of any age (as long as they stay still long enough for the thermometer to get a reading), and children 4 years and up may be able to use an oral thermometer.

For more information, check out this article in AAP News:

http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/30/11/29-d

The Quick and Dirty on H1N1 Influenza (aka “Swine Flu”)

2009-07-12T09:37:00.027-04:00

I recently had a great interview with Kaitlyn Pratt from Fox 5 Atlanta and photojournalist Tim Whaley. One of my sound bites was included in the final piece (included at the end of this blog entry) but here is all the information we discussed.

• There has been a bit of focus on H1N1 because it is a new virus and we can’t yet predict how it will affect people. So far, people ages 5 to 24 years are most commonly infected, perhaps because individuals over 60 may have some immunity due to exposure to similar viruses in the past.

• Typical symptoms of H1N1 influenza include fever, cough, runny nose or congestion, sore throat, body aches and vomiting or diarrhea.

• To avoid getting sick from H1N1 flu or other illnesses, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 to 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

• The virus may live on surfaces such as doorknobs for up to 2 to 8 hours. If someone in the home has H1N1 influenza, clean tables, counters, kitchens, bathrooms and toys with a household disinfectants.

• If you are sick with a respiratory illness, do not go to work, school, camp, the grocery store etc. If you are very sick or have an underlying medical condition, seek medical care but let the staff know about your symptoms when you make the appointment because you may need to be separated from other patients or wear a mask.

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or if a tissue is available, use that instead and throw the tissue away immediately. Be sure to wash your hands afterwards.

• Among the deaths from H1N1, most patients have had underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and pregnancy. It also appears that obesity may be linked with H1N1 flu complications. My good friend Dr. Tim Uyeki at CDC recently reported the obesity link http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31866883/ns/health-swine_flu/

• A vaccine is expected to be available this fall. Stay tuned for more information.

For updates on H1N1 flu in your area and how to stay healthy, please visit www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu

Fox 5 Atlanta clip; I'm about 1:30 into the piece.
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/health/swine_flu/Swine_Flu_Death_Sparks_Renewed_Interest_071009

Can You Keep Up with Sanjay?

2009-06-23T17:09:00.013-04:00

The challenge is on! Dr. Sanjay Gupta is turning 40 in October and is starting his "Four Months to Fitness" initiative, where he plans to get into the best shape of his life. It remains to be seen how exactly he plans to do this, but I'm willing to bet it involves some combination of healthier eating and more exercise.

We all know about the food pyramid and that adults should get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily (kids need an hour) but are we actually doing it? Most of us likely have some room for improvement, myself definitely included! My first goals are increasing fiber and getting more physical activity on a daily basis. I haven't run in a 5K or 5 mile race in about 10 years so I think it's time to try one again as well.

So, what about you--are you up for the challenge?

For more about "Four Months to Fitness" click here:

http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/23/join-dr-guptas-four-months-to-fitness-initiative/

Diapers and Wipes: Can't leave home without 'em

2009-06-17T23:57:00.005-04:00

If you have a child in diapers, you're pushing your luck if you leave the house without at least one spare in hand. An easy way to stay stocked is to put a stash in your car, along with a travel-size container of wipes. For a checklist of other must-have diapering items, check out this link and please comment here if I've forgotten anything!

http://www.babysleepssafe.com/index.php/diaper-bag-essentials-dont-leave-home-without-them/

Do You Need to Worry about Your Child's Cholesterol Level?

2009-03-09T21:47:00.006-04:00

As weight problems in children increase in this country, so do earlier cases of diabetes and heart disease. High cholesterol levels can contribute to premature heart disease in some kids. Children who are overweight or obese are at higher risk, as are those with a family history of certain heart problems. For more information, check out this video and accompanying article, and ask your pediatrician if your child should be tested.

Walking Our Kids to School Safely

2009-02-05T13:27:00.003-05:00

In October I blogged about International Walk to School Day and the benefits of walking with our kids. You can imagine then how saddened I was to hear of the 7 year-old Georgia boy who was killed while crossing an intersection under the supervision of a crossing guard.

I took the opportunity to turn my grief into a journalistic therapy session. After speaking with some traffic safety experts,I came up with this commentary, which was posted on CNN.com today. Please remember to walk--and drive--safely, especially around schools!

How can we make our streets safer for kids? http://tinyurl.com/cnnwalkingdrivingsafety

Are Your Kids Making New Year's Resolutions?

2009-01-17T20:07:00.003-05:00

Nearly half of all adults are resolving to improve something about themselves this year. Kids can get in on the fun also! January is the perfect time to check in with your kids to see what they'd like to resolve to do. If your child attends day care or school, her teacher may have already done this activity with her, but she may have different goals at home than at school.

Try to keep things realistic and motivating to your child. For example, "I will clean my room every week" is a great resolution because it states how often it will be done, is a manageable task for a child (cleaning her room daily may be too much to hope for) and has an added benefit of allowing your child to be able to find her favorite toys easily (which may keep her motivated all year long!). Also, your child will see visible results quickly, and if she keeps it up, future cleanings will be faster than at the beginning.

For more information about new year's resolutions for children, please see my article on CNN.com here:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/14/kid.resolutions/index.html?iref=newssearch

Happy 2009!

Resolving to Be Thin in 2009?

2009-01-02T10:48:00.003-05:00

I recently had my annual check-up and was told my weight is just fine for my height. Even though I've been relatively heavy in the past, I realized after reading this great article on MSN that I'm actually doing a lot both consciously (exercising regularly and weighing myself every day) and unconcsiously (allowing myself treats and never letting my "tank" go empty) to maintain my weight. I would love to hear other people's secrets as well! In the meantime, enjoy this compilation of tips from Sally Wadyka.

10 Secrets of the Effortlessly Thin
By Sally Wadyka for MSN Health & Fitness

The majority of thin people—whether they have been lean all their life or managed to lose weight and keep it off—share several healthy strategies that help them stay thin and healthy with seemingly little effort. Here are 10 secrets you need to know in order to join the ranks of the thin.

They don't diet
Or at least not in the traditional, all-or-nothing, deprivation sense of the word. "You need to get rid of that diet mentality and realize that what you are doing is making a permanent lifestyle change," says Anne Fletcher, M.S., R.D., author of the Thin for Life book series. She adds, "You do have to cut back on calories if you want to stay thin, but it's about reassessing what you eat and being more sensible in your choices, not about a quick-fix, crazy diet." Research has also shown that thin people tend to have a better quality diet than those who are overweight. They eat more fruits and vegetables and more fiber, and drink more water—all healthy things that provide more food volume for the number of calories.

They keep track of their weight
Thin people know how much they weigh, and they monitor that number by stepping on the scale frequently. It's not about a having an unhealthy fixation on that number on the scale, but it's a way to catch a 5-pound gain before it suddenly turns into a 20-pound gain. "Aim to keep your weight within a five-pound range, and if you see it go above that buffer zone, make sure you have an immediate plan of action for how to address it," suggests Fletcher.

They exercise regularly
"In my research, nine out of 10 people who've lost weight and maintained it exercise regularly and make it a critical part of their lives," says Fletcher. Even if you've never been a fitness fanatic, it's not too late to get moving. Even taking a few 15-minute walks throughout the day will be a move in the right direction. Once you start to enjoy the mood-boosting and calorie-burning advantages of exercise, start looking for ways to keep your workouts interesting. Join a local gym and try a variety of classes and cardio machines, find friends to walk with, or experiment with at-home exercise DVDs.

They don't solve problems with food
Almost everyone is guilty of occasionally drowning their sorrows in a pint of Ben & Jerry's or taking out frustration on a batch of brownies, but thin people definitely don't make it a habit. "They tend not to eat purely for emotional reasons," says Fletcher. When you are upset (or bored, lonely, frustrated or angry), she suggests asking yourself: Is food really going to solve the problem, or will it just end up making you feel worse after you finish eating? Chances are, the food won't fix what's bothering you, so it's important to come up with a list of other small pleasures you can turn to instead of food. Some ideas include going for a walk, watching a movie, calling a friend, playing with your kids, or taking a bubble bath.

They stop eating when they're full
Most thin people are not members of the clean-plate club. Instead of mindlessly eating however much they are served, they pay attention to internal hunger cues and satiety. "Thin people are tuned into noticing when they are satisfied, and they stop eating even if there is food left," says Jill Fleming, M.S., R.D., author of Thin People Don't Clean Their Plates (Inspiration Presentations Press, 2005). "They often report that they don't like that feeling of being uncomfortably full, so they've learned how to stop before they reach it."

They don't surround themselves with temptation
Rather than stocking the cupboards with junk food, thin people's kitchens tend to be filled with healthy foods. That doesn't mean you can never have any indulgences in the house, just that you shouldn't have so many that you're likely to overeat them. For example, if you love to bake, give most of your sweets away to friends, or have your kids bring them to school or soccer practice, leaving just a few behind to enjoy yourself.

They allow themselves treats
It's the opposite of the deprivation mentality that many overweight (but dieting) people espouse: Thin people let themselves eat what they crave, sometimes even indulging in a treat every day. "The difference is that they do it consciously, choosing exactly what they really want to eat and then eating slowly and enjoying it," says Fleming. So if it's chocolate you want, don't try to eat around the craving with an array of foods that don't really satisfy you. Instead, allow yourself to have a small but really delicious chocolate bar and put the craving to rest.

They eat breakfast
According to the National Weight Control Registry, which tracks the habits and strategies of more than 5,000 people who have maintained a significant weight loss, nearly 80 percent of these successful losers eat breakfast every single day. And most of their naturally lean counterparts do the same, and make sure that they eat within about an hour of waking up. "Breakfast is literally breaking the fast of the night," says Fleming. "Until you send food into your system, your metabolism doesn't really start to kick in."

They move, stand and fidget more
"Thin people are rarely sitting," says Fleming. Beyond their regular fitness routines, they simply move around more—and consequently burn more calories—throughout the day. And a study at the Mayo Clinic confirmed this: Researchers found that on average, a group of lean subjects sat for two hours a day less than the obese subjects, potentially burning up to 350 additional calories.

They don't skip meals
There are two problems with skipping meals—and thin people are careful not to fall prey to them. Going more than six hours without food will slow down your metabolism, plus you'll likely get so desperately hungry that you'll grab anything (as opposed to something healthy) and eat too much of it. "Thin people keep their gas tanks [i.e., their stomachs] between one-quarter and three-quarters full all the time," says Fleming. The best way to do that is to eat frequent mini-meals every three to four hours.

URL: http://health.msn.com/nutrition/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100218116

Thinking about getting a new pet for the holidays?

2008-12-16T22:19:00.002-05:00

If so, you may join the majority of Americans who have at least one animal in the home. After all, there are many benefits of having pets, including providing companionship, encouraging physical activity and teaching responsibility to children. It’s important to remember, though, to consider this decision carefully--especially if you have young children (under age 5) or family members with weakened immune systems. Here’s what you need to know:

• Nearly 2/3 of households have a pet. Most of these are dogs or cats. The rest are fish, birds, horses, and exotic or “nontraditional” pets.

• There are 4.4 million animal bites to humans in the U.S. each year. Most of these are dog bites. Cat bites, although much less common, can cause injuries and infections as well.

• Exotic animals, such as reptiles and rodents, may transmit infections like Salmonella or plague that can cause serious illness in humans.

• Children (and adults) may be allergic to animals brought into the home.

• Young children lack the developmental maturity to be expected to act safely around unpredictable pets. Also, until about age 5 or 6, many children are not able to help care for animals.

• It may be better to wait until after the holidays to get a new pet. By then, many “holiday gift” animals may be put into shelters because they were not a good fit for their family and will be in need of a new home. Instead, get all the supplies you need in anticipation of the pet (such as food, bowls, toys, etc.) and then go choose an animal together after the hustle and bustle of the holidays settles down.

For more information about exotic pets, check out this video on CNN.com:

Check out the new CNNHealth.com web site!

2008-12-11T00:36:00.003-05:00

See my Expert Q&A on CNNHealth.com here http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/livingwell/

Living Well Expert
Dr. Jennifer Shu
Pediatrician, Children's Medical Group

Welcome to Living Well!
The word "doctor" comes from the Latin word "docere" which means "to teach" -- something I do every day in my practice and through my work with the media, whether it's in the books and articles I write, the radio shows that I host, or the television interviews that I do. I love sharing what I know about medicine and healthy living with my patients. In fact, I find that I learn a lot from my patients as well. Now I have the chance to share my passion with the public through this Web site and hope to learn from your experiences too!

With life spans now being longer than ever, it's even more important that we try to live as well as possible. In this column, we'll discuss many aspects of healthy living and answer a wide variety of questions -- ranging from when it's safe to fly with an infant to whether it's normal for adults to get ear infections and how to make the most of your medical visits.

Remember that nothing can substitute for the advice you get from your own physician so be sure to partner with your doctor to create a personalized game plan for healthy living. For general information about health topics, please visit this new site and send in your questions or submit comments with your favorite tips for living well!

Can Halloween Be Happy AND Healthy? Choose Treats, not Sweets!

2008-10-23T16:44:00.003-04:00

Is it possible to have fun on Halloween without all the sweets?

Ask any child what they love about Halloween and you’ll get a bunch of answers—dressing up, getting scared, having a party with friends—but the common thread is almost always CANDY. While having a little candy every now and then never hurt anyone, consider that we’re in the midst of an obesity epidemic and that, on the other hand, candy’s not the best thing for children’s teeth either. While I savor my share of sweets as much as any kid, knowing that a Fun Size Snickers bar contains nearly 100 calories (requiring half an hour of walking to burn off) certainly makes me rethink the whole treat portion of Halloween, especially since it’s hard to stop after just one!

This Halloween, try to think twice about the tradition of treats and focus on having a good time without giving up on health for the day (or week, or however long the candy collection lasts). Fill your kids up on dinner and unsweetened beverages before they hit the streets. After returning home, inspect all candy for safety and also set some aside or give it away so you can limit how much your child eats. Finally, set an example by offering non-candy treats to children who ring your doorbell. Trading cards, stickers, and glow sticks are fun and appealing and last much longer than candy will—plus, they’re not hazardous to children’s health.

Got other ideas for healthier Halloweening? Please share your tips now!

Here are some of the treats I'll be handing out this year!

See more at www.orientaltrading.com

These Shoes Were Made for Walking: October is International Walk to School Month

2008-10-01T22:58:00.004-04:00

In the United States, Walk to School Day is October 8, 2008, and several communities and countries worldwide will be promoting walking to school during the entire month of October.

Why walk to school? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, kids should get at least 60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Another rule of thumb is that kids should walk at least 12,000 steps or so (roughly 5 miles) each day--easiest to do if you have a pedometer or step counter. One way to get the recommended amount of exercise is to walk on a regular basis. This simple physical activity can be a great way to improve a child’s health, maintain a normal body weight, and ward off a whole host of chronic diseases. As an added bonus, it is easy on the environment, is free, and requires no special equipment other than comfortable shoes.

When you walk to school, pick out a route that is safe with sidewalks and well-marked crosswalks. Consider setting up a meeting place where you and your child can walk with other families (kind of like a “walking school bus”). For events such as Walk to School Day, you can reward walkers with drinks or snacks and a sticker when they reach the school building.

Finally, if walking to school isn’t your thing, see if you can help organize a walking club before or after school so kids can get regular exercise with their friends outside of PE.

See you on the sidewalks!

For more information, check out http://www.walktoschool.org/ and http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/default.htm

Mommy, Make Over My Lunchbox!

2008-07-28T21:23:00.022-04:00

Healthy School Lunches that Won’t Break the Bank

Summer is almost over and for millions of children across the country that means it’s time to head back to school. As a practicing pediatrician I am often asked about the best nutritional choices for children while dealing with rising food costs and accommodating for the finicky eating habits many kids have. With a little planning, you’ll be able to come up with lunches that your child will like and still have money left over for school supplies!

Here are just a few tips for making lunchtime more fun and healthy for your children:

Creativity counts. In my experience children are more likely to eat lunches that are fun and especially that they helped create. Have your kids help pack their own lunch. Make it fun by using cookie cutters to turn plain sandwiches, fruits and vegetables into different shapes. If your child likes dips, include a little peanut butter, hummus, ranch dressing, salsa or even ketchup for added flavor.

Sweets aren’t all bad. Satisfy your child’s sweet tooth not with candy or soda but by including natural healthy sweets like fresh or dried fruits, such as apple slices and California Raisins. Raisins contain healthy antioxidants and fiber, are portable and easy to pack, and just ¼ cup counts as one fruit serving. Unsweetened or no-sugar-added applesauce is also a good choice.

Don’t forget the dairy. A great way to make sure children get enough calcium is to offer milk at every meal. Since it can be hard to pack milk in a lunchbox, consider reduced fat dairy products such as Kraft 2% string cheese, which is now made with 2% milk from cows not treated with growth hormones. Kids may find it fun to pull strings of cheese off as they eat, and at 70 calories per serving it is lower in calorie than the ice cream bars in the lunch line.

Crunch all you want. If your child’s lunch needs a crunch, pass up higher-fat snacks in favor of pretzels, baked chips, low-fat popcorn or trail mix.

Cheaper by the pound. You may be surprised to know that pound for pound, buying healthier food can actually save you money! For example, a pound of bananas (about 3 of them) costs well under $1. And a bag of baby carrots can be divvied up and used for a whole week’s worth of lunches. Eating healthier food may also save you from the medical costs associated with combating the effects of poor nutrition and obesity.

There’s strength in numbers. Include as many food groups as possible to ensure your child will get a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates—all of which the body burns at different rates for the best supply of energy to the brain.

A greener lunchbox. You can save money and the environment by choosing reusable lunchboxes and containers to use inside them. Send along a cloth napkin and washable utensils. Encourage your child to recycle when possible—either at school, if recycling bins are available, or by re-packing bottles or cans in his lunchbox to recycle at home.

Some kid-friendly California Raisin recipes:
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Muffins, Peanut Butter Raisin Spread, Pumpkin Pie Popcorn Mix

Watch the lunchbox makeover video here!

*2008 Mommy Makeover My Lunchbox Satellite Media Tour Courtesy of California Raisins and Kraft 2% String Cheese

Chemicals in Balance?

2008-06-02T10:14:00.005-04:00

Have you heard a lot of recent press about potentially dangerous chemicals in plastic products? How are you balancing concerns about these possible toxins with practicality and common sense? Are you pushing the plastics out of your life or waiting for more information about whether or not these products are harmful to humans?

Long story short, phthalates ("plasticizers" which make products softer and are found in plastics as well as cosmetic goods including some baby shampoos, lotions and powders) and BPAs (bisphenyl A compounds, which are found in some clear, hard plastic products) have been found to cause problems with the reproductive systems in animals. These problems include early breast development, male infertility, birth defects and cancer.

No one knows what level of these chemicals would cause harm to humans (especially infants and pregnant women) and more research is definitely needed. In the meantime, some families are choosing to avoid products containing phthalates and BPA. If you're concerned about these chemicals, be sure to read labels and contact product manufacturers about the ingredients.

For more information, please see these articles:
http://www.justthefactsbaby.com/baby/article/is-your-child-really-at-risk/19
http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/articles/070808/8bisphenola.htm
http://www.newsweek.com/id/84533/page/2

You may also want to view this video:
http://www.cbs46.com/video/16455692/index.html

Check out the Skin Deep cosmetics database for questions about specific cosmetic products:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

A Mom's Guilty Pleasures

2008-05-12T10:39:00.002-04:00

A belated Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there! Hope you had a wonderful day. I know I did--my family "gave" me a gift of one of my most guilty pleasures: I got to sleep in! I slept till 11 a.m. and could have slept longer but that would have felt way too guilty. Later in the day, I indulged in one of my other guilty pleasures (reading People magazine) and then watched the "Survivor" finale (I was pulling for Amanda!).

It's not often that parents get to indulge, but we sure deserve it every now and then! If reading Us Weekly magazine happens to be one of your guilty pleasures, then be sure to check out my brief quote in the May 19 issue on page 69. (In a nutshell, the story mentioned Angelina Jolie who allegedly will give birth in June; I'm quoted as saying that travel late in the third trimester is not wise since you could end up giving birth prematurely somewhere that you can't get medical care.)

What guilty pleasures do you miss, now that you're a parent? Which ones do you still enjoy? I'll check your responses after this week's "American Idol"! ;)

TV Turn-off Week is April 21-27, 2008

2008-04-20T23:32:00.004-04:00

I was recently interviewed for an iParenting Media article about the problems with TV for young children. In a nutshell, TV can cause sleep problems, weight gain, poor attention and school difficulties. This week is a great time to try cutting back on the amount of screen time your family uses (including television, video games, computer use, etc.). Many families appreciate the "extra" time they discover when they turn off the tube.

For the full article, please see http://www.toddlerstoday.com/articles/baby-and-toddler/catch-you-later-cookie-monster-5687/

For more information about TV Turnoff Week, please visit www.tvturnoff.org

When I was a kid, I walked 2 miles to school....

2008-04-13T22:23:00.003-04:00

Now my son can walk 2 miles at school!

In an after-school Walking/Running Club founded by the school's Wellness Committee and a PE staff member, children can earn special tokens for every 25 laps around the school yard. This program offers a great way for kids to get exercise with their friends.

According to the CDC, children should get at least 60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. At this school, kids get 30 minutes of PE each day and have the option of spending another 30 minutes in Walking/Running Club. Any out-of-school activities such as baseball, soccer or gymnastics is icing on the proverbial cake.

With obesity rates on the rise, we should all be eating healthily and staying physically active. The great thing about school-based exercise is that it involves positive peer pressure. Also, kids who exercise become adults who exercise!

CNN recently filmed the Walking/Running Club at my son's school. I have posted the video in my media clip section, or you can view it here: http://www.cnn.com:80/video/?/video/health/2008/04/10/fortin.walking.clubs.cnn

Say something or bite your tongue?

2008-04-04T10:31:00.004-04:00

What do you do when you don't agree with someone else's parenting choices?

At the grocery store recently, I noticed a mom who was pushing a 2 or 3 year old who was sitting on TOP of the grocery cart that's designed to look like a truck. The truck part is low to the ground, has 2 steering wheels and contains seat belts. With 1 shopping cart injury occurring every 20 minutes in the U.S., this scenario made me cringe although I didn't say anything to this mom for fear of ruining a pleasant shopping trip for all of us.

While driving my son to school in the mornings, I sometimes notice 6 and 7 year old children riding in the front seat of the car on their way to being dropped off. Now, while this is not illegal, this practice is not the safest option. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (not to mention many car owner's manuals) recommends that all children under age 13 sit in the back seat. In fact they say “Research has shown that children aged 12 and under are 26 to 35 percent less likely to be fatally injured in a crash if they are in the rear seat, and front seats are even less safe when equipped with an air bag which, when deployed, can harm younger children.”

In retrospect, since the well-being of the child should ultimately come first, I wish I had asked the store manager to ask the mother to use the cart correctly. Fortunately, it appeared that they made it through the checkout line without any problems. I'm not sure how to deal with children not properly seated or restrained in a moving car.

Have you been in a situation where you strongly disagreed with a parent’s choices? How did you respond? Why do you think parents put their child at risk—are they not aware of the risk, or do they feel any benefits (for example, the child’s enjoyment) outweigh the potential harm?

"Food Fights" Wins a Mom's Choice Award

2008-03-21T09:52:00.002-04:00

My co-author, Laura Jana, and I are thrilled that "Food Fights" was honored today as the 2008 Gold Recipient in Health, Nutrition, Fitness & Safety. We would like to thank the Mom's Choice Awards for recognizing our efforts in helping parents help their children eat healthier! For more information about the awards, check out this site http://www.momschoiceawards.com/celebrate08.php#7 and we hope you'll check out our "Food Fights" book as well!

Eating Green on St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-13T11:36:00.005-04:00

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, many families celebrate by having green food. While it may be tempting to artificially color your way to a green St. Paddy’s day dinner, health-conscious parents can achieve a better result by choosing locally grown green herbs and produce and throwing them into the mix.

My kids don’t like green foods, you say? Let’s take a step back and see why this might be. Just about all naturally green foods are vegetables. And a large number of vegetables happen to be green. That said, it can’t just be a vegetable’s green color that leaves so many kids sticking to their story that they just don’t like vegetables. Given the opportunity, very few kids will turn down green SweeTarts or Skittles, so we’re clearly not just dealing with shades of green. It must then boil down to the fact that vegetables - and green ones in particular - unintentionally (or intentionally) be given bad press by children’s most influential role models—their parents! Add to that the fact that green foods don’t get much love in television commercials or in casual conversation amongst friends and classmates—two other important influencers in children’s lives – and we seem to have identified the root of the problem. (Picky eater tips and St. Patrick’s Day menu after the jump).

So what can you do to bring green back into your child’s diet?

Keep any anti-green propaganda to yourself. Hearing disparaging remarks about asparagus and other green veggies on a regular basis is certainly not going to result in them receiving a warm welcome at mealtime, and can even lead children to shun foods they otherwise might like.

Keep a can-do attitude. It is very useful to keep in mind that it can take multiple exposures to a food before a child will eat it. It’s not surprising that parents often give up serving green vegetables after one or two rejected attempts. Just knowing that many children require a dozen or more tries before realizing a food isn’t so bad (and may actually taste pretty good!) can help you promote the cause a little longer.

Don’t turn green vegetables into second-class citizens. Forcing a child to eat his veggies in order to get dessert is a common ploy that can backfire. Instead of seeing green as a good thing, kids will see it as a means to an end and actually grow to dislike it even more. The desired food (dessert) simply becomes more desirable, while the “required” food becomes more of a chore.

Get your creative juices flowing. Look around and try to find healthy foods—green or not—that appeal to both kids and adults. Mix green foods and herbs with other foods your family loves, and you’ll have a menu that you can all feel good about.

Here’s a sample menu you can try. We’re hoping these flavorful green, nutrient-rich foods will overcome any fear of green you or your child may have—and leave your friends and neighbors green with envy. Menu and recipes provided by Beth Bader.

“Spring Green” Pasta
For the sauce:
1 tbs. butter
2 tbs. pesto
1/4 cup half and half
1 large leek, cleaned well of grit, rinsed and chopped
1/3 cup parmesan, grated
salt and pepper to taste

For the veggies:
1 bunch chard, washed, stems and center rib removed, chopped
1 cup frozen peas (or fresh if you can find them)
1 bunch asparagus, cut in 1/2-inch pieces OR 1/2 pound sugar snap peas, diced, whichever your child will more likely eat

Pasta:1/2 pound spaghetti OR spinach pasta storebought OR1/2 pound spinach pasta (recipe follows)

Boil the water for pasta. While waiting for the water to boil, place the veggies in a steamer, and set timer for only 4 minutes. Vegetables often taste best “tender crisp” and not overcooked. In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter and add the leek. Sweat the leek until white parts are translucent. Add the half and half, stir until it thickens, then add the cheese and pesto. Boil the pasta, following directions, to al dente, drain, but do not rinse.

You may notice that there are a lot more vegetables than sauce! This is intentional to keep the dish light and to let the flavor of the spring vegetables come through. Combine the ingredients, tossing lightly. Garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan, if desired. Serves 8.

Spinach pasta
6 cups fresh spinach, cleaned and drained
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
1 cup semolina flour
4 large eggs
1 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt

“Pan” the spinach by putting the damp leaves into a pot and heat on low just until the spinach wilts. Drain the spinach and let cool. Squeeze the spinach into a ball with your hands, pressing out as much of the water as possible. Chop fine.

Add the spinach to the eggs. Olive oil, and salt. Place all but a 1/4 cup of the flour and semolina in a food processor work bowl. While the blade is running, pour the egg and spinach mixture through the feed tube. Pulse until the dough comes together, sticky and still a bit rough. Do not over mix. Place the dough on a work surface, sprinkled with some of the reserved flour. Knead the dough, adding flour if needed, for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, but not sticky. Allow the dough to rest for one hour before rolling.

Using a pasta roller, roll 1/4 of the dough at a time into sheets. Cut to fettuccine size with blade attachment, or by rolling the sheet of dough (lightly sprinkle with flour) into a roll and slicing the roll into 1/4 inch thick strips. Toss the strips with a bit of flour, and keep covered with a kitchen towel until use. You can also freeze the pasta at this stage for later use. This recipe makes about 1 pound of pasta, you will only need half of a batch for the above recipe.

Lucky Fruit Salad
5 Kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced
1 cup green grapes, sliced lengthwise
2 granny smith apples, cored and diced
1 lime, zest and juice
1/2 cup apple juice

Toss the fruit gently in bowl with the lime and apple juice. Garnish with lime zest and optional mint.

Chocolate-Pistachio Zucchini Bread
Dry Ingredients:
1 3⁄4 cup flour
1⁄2 tbs. baking powder
1⁄2 tsp baking soda
1⁄2 tsp kosher salt
4 tbs. cocoa powder

Cream together:
3 eggs
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
1⁄2 cup canola oil
1 tsp. vanilla
Fold in:
3 cups grated zucchini
1 cup dark chocolate (bittersweet) chips
2/3 cup chopped pistachios

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together the dry ingredients, blending well. Using a mixer, cream the “wet” ingredients and sugars. Slowly add the dry ingredients until just blended. Fold in the zucchini, chocolate chips and nuts. Put batter into a standard loaf pan.

Bake for about one hour. But the water content of the zucchini can vary, so check the bread. If a toothpick inserted in the top and center comes out clean, it should be done. I baked mine for closer to 90 minutes, so you have to watch it.

The end result is rich, moist and chocolate-y without being overly sweet. Is it bread, vegetable or cake? Does it matter? You can also bake the batter as cupcakes or muffins and frost for a St. Pat’s celebration. Adjust the baking time to about 20 minutes and check, baking longer until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

See original article on Eat. Drink. Better. Eating Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Atlanta Parenting Class--Everything You Need to Know about Newborns!

2008-03-05T21:51:00.003-05:00

If you are a new or expectant parent in the Atlanta area and would like to learn about newborn care, please check out this class to be held March 26 at Children's Medical Group in Century Center from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Class size is limited. Attendees will receive gift bags and door prizes! For more information please visit http://www.cmg-pc.com/newborn-class.htm

How Do You Stay Fit in the Winter?

2008-02-19T13:40:00.001-05:00

Staying Fit All Winter Long--A similar piece was published in the February 2008 issue of Atlanta Parent. To read more Atlanta Parent articles, please visit www.atlantaparent.com

Although the weather outside may be frightful, you don’t need to stay by the delightful fire all the day long to be warm. All you need to do is get active! Children should get at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, no matter what the weather looks like. Here are some easy ways to keep your family warm—and fit—during the winter!

Get outside. Bundle up the whole family and take a walk around the neighborhood, go ice-skating at a rink, or head to the mountains for a fun day of skiing and snowboarding.

Take it inside. It doesn’t matter if it’s icy, rainy or windy outside if you encourage indoor sports such as basketball, gymnastics, swimming and soccer.

Housebound hints. Can’t leave the house? No excuse! You don’t have to leave home if you break out the jump ropes, hula hoops and sidewalk chalk to turn your home, yard, or driveway into a playground.

Game on! If your child likes games, try active ones such as Twister Moves High School Edition, a bean bag toss, Dance Dance Revolution, or Wii Sports, which includes video game versions of tennis, baseball and more.

Remember to stay wet. On the inside, at least. When the air is dry (especially with indoor heat) and during exercise, remember to keep your child hydrated even though he may not feel hot or sweaty. Avoid sweetened drinks such as hot chocolate or cider, and offer water regularly. By the time your child actually feels thirsty, she could already be a little dehydrated.

Please share your tips for staying active in colder weather!

Come See Dr. Shu at the Atlanta Whole Foods on Briarcliff at LaVista!

2008-02-11T10:07:00.000-05:00

Mom's Afternoon Out

Sunday, February 24th
2:00 p.m. Free

Dr. Jennifer Shu has teamed up with Whole Foods Market Briarcliff and local rep. from Under the Nile and Mother's Love for a special treat just for moms. New to parenthood? Have questions about what products are best for your babies? Join us for an afternoon of questions and answers, free product samples, door prizes, and lots of information about some of our most popular children's organic clothing and whole body products. Dr. Jennifer Shu is a pediatrician and mom. Her passion is helping families build healthy habits...one baby step at a time. Dr. Shu's experiences range from being in private practice to working in an academic medical center, where she was director of the normal newborn nursery. In addition to practicing pediatrics, she is an author, consultant and frequent media guest. Space is limited. Sign up today at customer service.

Here's the link
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/calendars/BCF.html

What to Do About the Flu

2008-02-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

How to Prevent or Deal with the Flu (Influenza)
It’s winter, and the cold and flu season has definitely hit! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 20% of people get the flu each season and 36,000 people will die from it. The best way to deal with the flu is to prevent it. Once you have it though, there are several ways you can try to get over it more comfortably.

Is it a cold or is it the flu?
With both the common cold and influenza, you may get a runny nose, cough and fever. With flu, however, the symptoms typically last longer than a week and the fever may run higher (above 102 F, for instance). People also often get body aches with the flu and may be bedridden. Sometimes, having the flu can lead to a more serious illness such as pneumonia.

What to do about the flu?
Talk to your doctor to see if you (or your child) need to get tested for the flu. Knowing whether you have the flu can help you decide how long you might need to stay out of school or work. Over-the-counter pain relievers/fever reducers such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil may help with fever, chills and aches. Cold medicines may be helpful in older children and adults; however, they are not recommended for kids under 2 and should be used with caution in kids under 12. Tried-and-true remedies include drinking lots of fluids, eating chicken soup, running a vaporizer or humidifier, and getting plenty of rest. If you’ve been diagnosed with the flu but don’t seem to be getting any better (or are getting worse), be sure contact your doctor right away in case there’s something else going on such as pneumonia.

CDC Says “Take 3” this Flu Season!
According to the CDC’s web site http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm, here are the 3 best things you can do during flu season:

1. Get the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is recommended for children ages 6 months to 5 years, adults over 65 years, health care workers, people with certain medical conditions (including asthma, heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy), and anyone in contact with young children or the elderly or who would just like some protection against the flu. If you or your child are needle-shy, ask your doctor if you may be able to get the nasal spray instead of a shot. Flu season lasts till May, so it’s not too late to get the vaccine if you haven’t yet.

2. Keep clean. Wash your hands well and cover your cough. Avoid sick people when possible, and stay home if you’re sick so you don’t infect others.

3. Consider an antiviral medicine. If you have the flu or know that you have been exposed to the influenza virus, your doctor may recommend a prescription medicine. Keep in mind that these drugs may have serious side effects in kids, so children who are otherwise healthy may be better off riding out the flu illness.

What are you doing about the flu? Do you have any home remedies that really work for cold symptoms? How does your family stay healthy in the winter?

How do you communicate with your baby?

2008-01-29T08:22:00.001-05:00

Can you decipher your baby’s cries? Do you use sign language? How about baby talk? A method called Dunstan Baby Language tries to teach parents to recognize their baby’s cries in the first 3 months. Sign language (usually starting around 9 months, when babies are better with hand coordination) can help babies express themselves when they can’t yet talk. And speaking in a high-pitched, musical voice can often get your baby’s attention.

In a Chicago Daily-Herald article today, I was quoted about communicating with your baby: Dr. Jennifer Shu, co-author of "Heading Home With Your Newborn," said parents should pay attention to their baby's cries, facial expressions and body language to try to learn what they need.
Her own son, she remembers, often made a sound like "I-o-I-o" when he was tired. But lots of such sounds aren't included in the Dunstan program, and Shu hasn't noticed the Dunstan "words" necessarily being associated with what the Dunstan program predicts.
There's no harm in trying it, she said, but parents need to use common sense. If a baby's body language is telling them something else, they shouldn't ignore it.
"If anything can get parents to pay attention to their child and build confidence in their ability to notice patterns in their child's habits," she said, "that's a good thing."

To read the full article, click here: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=121231

Do you Google for medical information?

2008-01-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

People are flocking to the Internet to get health and medical information. While searching online can be very educational, some information may not be completely accurate. Here are some tips for getting the best medical information online.

Look for .gov sites. Governmental sources are credible and reliable. Some great resources are http://medlineplus.gov/ and http://www.cdc.gov/.

Visit medical organization pages. Professional associations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org/ offer accurate information. Also, consider http://www.medem.com/ (which contains a collection of information from multiple medical societies).

Check into a hospital site. One site with extensive information is http://www.mayoclinic.com/ but many other hospitals also offer credible web resources. You may wish to check out your local medical center's web page.

See sites devoted to health information. Some examples are http://kidshealth.org/ (which has information targeted to kids and teens as well as to parents) and http://www.webmd.com/.

Take a multimedia approach. You can watch and learn at sites like http://www.childhealthguide.com/ and http://www.parents.tv/ or listen and learn from places like http://www.parentsjournal.com/, http://www.reachmd.com/, and http://www.healthin30.com/.

Consider the source. Before getting too concerned about something you read online, consider who authors the site. Some organizations and individuals can look official but may not really provide trustworthy information.

Talk to your doctor. If you have questions about something you’ve read, be sure to ask your pediatrician, who can put the information into the context of your own child’s health.

Snow in Atlanta!

2008-01-17T09:03:00.000-05:00

After moving to the South from New Hampshire a year and a half ago, I certainly didn't expect to see snow again any time soon! But sure enough, in the city we got 0.4 inches of the white stuff, with some folks farther away racking up 3" (and a snow day off from school!). My son and I stayed up a little late to make a snowman while the snow was sticking. Here's a picture of a memory that will stay with us for a long time!

Your Ideal Pediatrician

2008-01-10T15:17:00.001-05:00

As a pediatrician, I strive to be the best doctor I can be for children and their families when I see them in the office. But I'm definitely not perfect. I work part-time, don't make house calls, and our practice doesn't accept new patients with insurance plans not on our list. The patients who need a doctor who is more available have gravitated toward other pediatricians in our practice who work full-time. There are other families, however, who are content with seeing me when I’m there and seeing other providers when I’m not.

There are so many lists in parenting magazines for parents choosing a pediatrician, but very few share a view from the other side. My co-author and I give a little perspective in our book "Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality." Here are some other things I would like parents to know; your own pediatrician probably has their own thoughts as well!

- I choose to work part-time (and many more of us are doing so these days). Please understand that my time outside of the office allows me to be a better doctor by learning about parenting through spending time with my family and students at my child’s school, Cub Scout den, baseball team…. Also, I’m a much happier person overall if I maintain some sense of personal and professional balance. I wish I could be Wonder Woman (or Superman, or Spider-Man…) and do it all, but I recognize that that’s not possible and have tried to do a little of everything and not too much of any one thing.

-Having a good fit with your pediatrician goes both ways. Sure, you want a doctor who’s had the required education and training, but also one whose bedside manner matches your child’s needs. I tend to be bubbly and talkative—sometimes to the point of possibly being intimidating. If that’s not a good fit for my patients, I encourage them to transfer to another doctor with a different style. We should all feel comfortable being ourselves in the exam room.

-Finally, as a pediatrician, I really respect what parents have to say. I want to hear feedback, both positive and negative, about your experiences with me and my practice. When parents come to me and air out any concerns, we all often walk away with a better understanding of each other and can try to solve any problems that have a mutually acceptable solution.

I would love to hear from parents--is your pediatrician in, or are you on the outs? Please comment and tell me why! Is there something you wish you could tell your doctor? You can share your thoughts in the relative anonymity of my blog.

Here are some links to information on how to choose a pediatrician:
http://patiented.aap.org/content.aspx?aid=5301&lan=en
and
http://www.parents.com/parents/story.jsp?storyid=/templatedata/ab/story/data/21492.xml