Category: Dr. Allen Cherer Page 1 of 3

Tips For Keeping Your Child Healthy This School Year

On September 8, 2022

In blog, Child Health Care, Dr. Allen Cherer, Pediatrics

School is back in session and if you’re a parent sending their little ones back this year, you’re probably worried about their health. Schools can be a breeding ground for illness amongst kids, especially younger ones, and between COVID, the flu, and pretty much anything else, you’d be surprised how easily your child and eventually your entire family can fall ill. While it can be near impossible to avoid these types of illnesses, there are things you can do to help your kid fight off the spread of germs and illnesses when they’re attending school this year. Let’s take a look.

Teach Proper Hand Washing Technique

One of the most important ways to keep the spread of germs in school and other areas is by using proper hand washing techniques. Your child should wash their hands with warm water for at least 20 seconds. Doing so will help prevent the spread of illness among their classmates, the school staff, and your own home. Kids are prone to spreading germs by rubbing their noses or eyes, meaning it’s only a matter of time before they come down with something and bring it home to you as well. With proper handwashing procedures, these chances can be reduced greatly.

Make Sure Your Children Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is very important for kids, as it can help them maintain their health and prevent them from developing various problems, such as depression, injuries, or obesity. Studies also suggest that kids are less likely to perform well in school due to a lack of sleep. Be sure you’re child is getting the appropriate amount of sleep for their age as they’ll be less likely to fall ill and more likely to succeed in the classroom.

Be Sure They Eat Breakfast

One of the most important meals of the day for kids is breakfast, as it can help them maintain steady energy levels throughout the day, as well as improve their brain function. By eating a hearty and healthy breakfast each morning, they’re also less likely to consume fatty and cholesterol-filled snacks throughout the day. Some studies have found that certain nutrients, such as vitamins B, D, and Iron, are all much higher in children who eat breakfast each morning than those who don’t.

Be Sure To Keep Up On Vaccines

Vaccines are incredibly important for our kids. Occasionally there will be parents who don’t believe in vaccinating their children but the fact of the matter is these vaccines help save lives, and give our children a better quality of life. Children over the age of 6 months can now be vaccinated for COVID-19 in the United States, and this is extremely important when sending your child to school. There are loads of other vaccines that are just as important as well, so be sure your child is up to date before you send them back to school this year.

The Best TED Talks On Healthcare

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On August 1, 2022

In blog, Child Health Care, Dr. Allen Cherer, Pediatrics

If you’re a healthcare professional, one of the best ways to gain new knowledge and perspective on the field is to watch a few TED Talks discussing the industry. Dozens of TED Talks exist given by some of the best of the best in the healthcare industry, as well as in other relating fields. They discuss a variety of topics and problems that healthcare has come across, trying to guide others and offer solutions to the best of their ability. Here are a few of the best TED Talks on healthcare to check out.

The Next Revolution In Healthcare? Empathy – Dr. Paul Rosen

Dr. Paul Rosen, a pediatric rheumatologist, is dedicated to improving the patient experience in the healthcare industry. He breaks down some of the steps that healthcare professionals can take to reduce delays and improve the quality of patient care. He also reveals some of the habits that healthcare professionals can implement to improve the comfort and pain levels of their patients.

Millennials in Medicine, Doctors Of The Future – Dr. Daniel Wozniczka

Dr. Daniel Wozniczka, a psychiatrist and the author of “The Future Of Health,” talks about the role of the millennial healthcare professional in a world that’s fast-paced and digital. He reveals how they’re able to be entrepreneurial and innovative while also being able to make a positive impact on the industry. According to Dr. Wozniczka, the challenge is to maintain this passion and drive in order to keep up with the increasing pressures that the healthcare industry is experiencing. He says that working in the field is very taxing, and it can make it hard to keep up with the demands of being a doctor. The other factors that are contributing to the stress levels of healthcare professionals include national and economic pressures.

Doctors Make Mistakes, Can We Talk About That? – Dr. Brian Goldman

According to Brian Goldman, a physician, the culture of denial prevents doctors from discussing their mistakes and learning from them. He claims that this prevents them from improving and being able to help their patients. In his book, “The Future Of Clinical Practice,” he encourages doctors to start talking about their mistakes and what the future of their profession will look like.

A Doctor’s Touch – Dr. Abraham Verghese

According to Dr. Abraham Verghese, the future of medicine is in danger of losing the power of the human touch, which is a vital part of patient-centric care. In a digital age, he says that the profession should remember the ritual and power of touch in physical examinations and how it keeps the “human” aspect of patient care front and center.

Great Podcasts on Pediatrics to Check Out in 2022

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On July 12, 2022

In blog, Child Health Care, Dr. Allen Cherer, Pediatrics

When it comes to healthcare, pediatrics is an incredibly important subject. Children tend to get sick and injured in all sorts of ways, and somebody needs to know how to handle it and handle it properly. A great way to learn more about pediatrics is to listen to a few podcasts on the subject. Whether you’re a medical professional, a medical student, or just a parent who wants to learn more about your kids and how healthcare should be provided to them, listening to a good podcast is the way to go. Here are a few of the best podcasts on pediatrics worth checking out in 2022.

Pediatrics On Call

The American Academy of Pediatrics “Pediatrics On Call” is a weekly podcast that features interviews with experts in the field of pediatrics, talking about the latest innovations in the field. It’s a wonderful tool for pediatricians and other healthcare professionals who serve children. This is a great way to learn more about the many different facets of pediatrics.

That’s Pediatrics

On “That’s Pediatrics,” experts from various aspects of healthcare discuss the latest innovations and discoveries in pediatric medicine. From the hospital that developed the polio vaccine to the renowned Mr. YukTM, the show hosts discuss the latest developments in the field, featuring interviews from a number of experts from the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, who also happens to be the publisher of the show.

Talking Pediatrics

The Children’s Minnesota clinical podcast “Talking Pediatrics” is a weekly program that features stories and information about the latest trends in the field of pediatrics. Each week, the hosts of the show talk about the most significant developments in the field and provide practical advice to help healthcare professionals improve the care they provide for their patients. Their goal is to use guests, tips, and ideas they present on each episode to surprise and challenge you, and perhaps even change how you care for children in your role as a healthcare professional.

Transformational Pediatrics

Transformational Pediatrics is a free podcast series that features experts from Children’s Mercy, a hospital located in Kansas City. The podcast discusses the latest developments in the field of pediatrics with each episode being around 10 minutes long. In each episode, the hosts of the show talk about the most significant topics in the field and provide practical advice to help healthcare professionals improve the care they provide for their patients. They also discuss the latest innovations in the field of medicine and the ethical issues that affect the treatment of children.

Great Books On Pediatrics For Parents and Pediatricians In 2022

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On June 11, 2022

In blog, Child Health Care, Dr. Allen Cherer, Pediatrics

The best books on pediatrics must balance the need for simplistic information for parents and the need for more detailed information for pediatricians. Many authors tend to fail at this by writing to a specific audience, such as specifically for parents or specifically for pediatricians. There are few books that are able to master the balancing act of being great for both pediatricians and parents, but the ones that do it, do it extremely well. Here are a few great books about pediatrics that any parent or pediatrician will benefit from.

The Harriet Lane Handbook – Lauren Kahl, Helen K Hughes

This book is the complete CliffsNotes of pediatric medicine, with over 120 concise explanations of common ailments. It also covers topics such as pediatrics pharmacology and the presentation of pulmonary and gynecological symptoms. This handbook has been around for over 20 years, and it has been trusted by generations of clinicians and residents. It features a free electronic version that gives users a deeper look at the pictures and graphs.

Pediatric Physical Examination – Karen Duderstadt

This pocket-sized handbook features over 300 illustrations and diagrams, and it has a variety of features that help clinicians chart the findings of their patients. It also includes a spiral binding that makes it easy to flip to any page. Also, the small size of the book makes it ideal for use in a lab coat pocket.

The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog – Bruce D. Perry. Maia Szalavitz

The controversial field of child psychiatry is often debated. Psychiatrist Bruce Perry argues that treating children with mental illness is the only way to a healthy life. In this book, he talks about his work with kids who have been traumatized. He explores how these kids have recovered from their experiences. Perry talks about the anatomical details of how stress affects the development and functioning of young brains. He also provides practical advice on how to help kids overcome their early traumas. This is a great book for parents who are interested in learning more about the medical humanities and for pediatricians who are looking to expand their knowledge.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down – Anne Fadiman

This non-fiction work follows the lives of two pediatricians as they care for a child known as Lia, who is a Laotian immigrant from Laos. The doctors must balance their knowledge of medicine with the family’s traditional beliefs. Anne Fadiman’s thoughtful analysis of the clash between ancient and modern practices has made this a popular book for anyone who works with diverse populations.

American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child’s Symptoms – Steven P. Shelov, Donald Schiff

The American Academy of Pediatricians has praised this book for its easy-to-understand descriptions of common childhood illnesses. It also features a variety of features that help parents keep their kids healthy. It’s become a common book for pediatricians to recommend to parents and can teach parents about the appropriate times to call a doctor, basic first aid, and how to treat illnesses with over-the-counter medicines.

Some Common Health Problems in Newborns

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On May 12, 2022

In blog, Child Health Care, Dr. Allen Cherer, Pediatrics

Most babies are vulnerable to health problems after they’re born. They may be born with a variety of conditions, and they can contract others easily. If you’re a new parent, it’s important that you know about the signs and symptoms of these conditions so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent or treat them. Here are some of the most common health problems seen in newborns today.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a common health issue that affects infants and children. It occurs when a baby has an excessive amount of bilirubin in their blood. This condition usually occurs because their liver is not mature enough to remove the excess bilirubin.

Although it usually disappears within 2 to 3 weeks of being born, it can still be a symptom of an underlying issue. Parents should consult their doctor if their baby’s jaundice persists longer than 3 weeks.

Respiratory Distress

This condition can occur when the baby’s nasal passage gets blocked, causing insufficient oxygen to enter the body. It can take a couple of hours for the baby to start breathing normally, and it can continue until the bluish coloration disappears. If the condition persists, it’s important that the child gets checked by a healthcare professional.

Abdominal Distension

Healthy infants and newborns are prone to experiencing abdominal distension. One of the most common causes of this condition is the baby’s swallowing of excess air. If the belly feels swollen or hard, this could be caused by constipation or gas.

As the baby’s body begins to adjust to eating, this condition should eventually resolve itself. However, if it persists, it can lead to a serious issue with the internal organs.

Colic

Although colic is very common in babies, it can be hard for parents to handle due to its nature. Although the exact causes aren’t known, it’s believed that it can be caused by various factors such as gas, hormones, overstimulation by light or sound, or even a growing digestive system.

Early signs of colic usually start to appear in 2 to 3 weeks and typically only last about 3 months. However, if it persists, it can be caused by an underlying health issue. It’s important to consult a doctor to diagnose the condition.

A Brief History Of Today’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On April 19, 2022

In Child Health Care, Dr. Allen Cherer, Pediatrics

When a baby is born prematurely or has a critical illness, the neonatal intensive care unit is usually the place to go. It has the latest equipment and medical experts to give that child the best chance of survival. This hasn’t always been the case though.

Before the 1950s, most premature and low-risk newborns were sent home. They didn’t receive the specialized care they needed, and many of them would not live past their first birthday. the NICU has come a long way since those days, so let’s talk about its evolutions through the years.

In The Beginning…

Early in the 17th century, scientists and doctors began discussing the care of at-risk and premature infants. During the 19th century, various forms of special care were being developed for these infants. After World War II, hospitals started to create specialized units for these children, becoming what we know today as the NICU.

While many medical experts through time were involved in advancing neonatal care, three, in particular, are considered pioneers in the field:

French obstetrician Dr. Etienne Tarnier (1828-1897) is known for his work on the well-being of premature infants. He came up with the idea of using a heated isolette to help premature babies stay warm and grow. He was inspired by the French farmers who used similar equipment to hatch chicken eggs.

Dr. Pierre-Courcy Budin (1846-1907) was another French obstetrician that devoted his career to improving the care of at-risk infants. He helped educate mothers about proper hygiene and nutrition. He also advocated for the use of gavage, which is a feeding tube that can be inserted into the stomach.

Although it’s not exactly clear if he had any medical training, Martin Arthur Couney (1869-1950) became known as the incubator doctor after he studied under Dr. Budin in Paris. He learned about the importance of using incubators for premature infants.

He became known for displaying live infants inside incubators at various events, such as fairs and expositions. Through his work, he was able to raise awareness about the importance of using incubators for premature infants.

The Rise of the NICU

The increasing number of studies that discovered the importance of humidity and heat in the survival rates of at-risk infants prompted more hospitals to create special care units for premature newborns. One of the first innovations to be used was the Hess incubator, which was invented by Dr. Julius Hess at Chicago’s Reese Hospital.

Louis Gluck, a doctor from the US, was another pioneer in the field of neonatal medicine. His research highlighted the risks of infection in premature babies.

He learned that poor hand hygiene could lead to infections among the babies in the special care unit. He then came up with a series of protocols that were designed to improve the hygiene of premature infants, as well as how we approached the design of these special care units. This led to what we know as the first American NICU unit opening at Yale New Haven Hospital in October 1960.

Getting To Today

Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of President John F. Kennedy, gave birth to a boy in August 1963. Unfortunately, he only lived for a couple of days before dying due to respiratory distress syndrome. This incident became very significant due to the seriousness of the situation and how public it was made, prompting professionals all over the world to take a closer look at how we approach the health challenges of premature infants.

Advancements in medical technology during the 1960s into the 1990s allowed any baby born alive to have a better chance of survival. As a result, multiple births became more common. This also led to more coverage of the care provided to premature babies.

During the 1990s, the number of hospitals that provide intensive care for premature infants grew. These facilities were equipped with highly trained medical teams that were able to respond to the needs of these kids.

Today, the care and treatment of premature and at-risk infants continues to improve due to the advancements in technology and the dedicated staff members of the hospitals that provide these services. It is truly amazing to see how far medical science has come in the field of neonatal medicine.

What does Neonatal Care Entail?

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On March 21, 2022

In blog, Child Health Care, Dr. Allen Cherer, Pediatrics

Neonatal care is essential in helping many newborn babies thrive. When a child is born prematurely, has a low birth weight, or has health concerns after birth, they will be cared for in the neonatal care unit. This special care provides personalized treatments based on the individual needs of each newborn. There are different levels of neonatal care. The level of care provided depends on the baby’s needs and many infants may go through several different levels as their condition changes.

Parents may feel anxious or fearful when hearing that their child will be taken to the neonatal care unit. This is understandable, but the medical care teams are experienced in helping parents understand procedures and providing information each step of the way. When a baby first arrives in the neonatal care unit, it will be assessed thoroughly so the medical team can come up with the best medical care strategy. The unit may be filled with many machines and devices that can look scary to a new parent. That’s why the staff takes great care in comforting parents and ensuring that they stay informed about their child’s health.

Neonatal care may involve regular testing and scanning to keep track of blood sugar, platelets, and white blood cells. The neonatal care unit is also capable of performing x-rays, MRIs, and other essential scanning procedures. These tests allow the medical care team to better understand the needs of the baby so they can tailor treatments based on those needs.

The medical staff working in the neonatal care unit understand that parents may be quite scared about their child needing extra care after birth. They do everything possible to allow parents to hold and interact with their children. Parents are encouraged to ask questions, which can help them better understand the need for various procedures. In many cases, a parent can be present to comfort their child through holding or touch.

The neonatal care unit provides specialized care for newborns that need additional attention after birth. Parents may be present during many procedures and are encouraged to actively participate in comforting their new baby when possible. While it may seem like a scary place at first, the neonatal care unit is designed to help babies heal and thrive.

What is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome?

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On March 21, 2022

In blog, Child Health Care, Dr. Allen Cherer, Pediatrics

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition that occurs in newborns who were exposed to addictive substances in utero. When a pregnant mother uses drugs or alcohol, the baby can be born with NAS. This condition can cause various health problems for the infant, including seizures, feeding problems, and respiratory distress. In this article, we will discuss NAS’s causes, symptoms, and impact.

Causes of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Several substances can cause NAS in a newborn, including opioids, and marijuana. When an expectant mother uses any of these drugs, the baby is at risk for developing NAS. The use of prescription painkillers is a major contributor to the development of NAS.

Symptoms of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

The symptoms of NAS vary depending on the mother’s drug during pregnancy. However, common symptoms include seizures, feeding problems, respiratory distress, and irritability. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they usually develop within the first few days after birth. In some cases, NAS can lead to death.

Impact of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome on the baby

The impact of NAS on the baby can be devastating. The symptoms can cause physical and developmental problems, and they can also lead to long-term health issues. Some of the complications that babies with NAS may experience include:

Respiratory problems
Feeding difficulties
Seizures
Developmental delays
Behavioral problems
Low birthweight
Jaundice.

How Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome is treated

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for NAS. Treatment depends on the severity of the baby’s symptoms and the mother’s drug. Some common treatments include:

Medication: Medications are often used to help relieve NAS symptoms. The most common medication used to treat NAS is methadone, which is an opioid agonist.
Nutritional support: Babies with NAS often have trouble feeding, so they may need to be fed through a tube.

Prevention of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

The best way to prevent NAS is to avoid using drugs and alcohol while pregnant. If you are pregnant and you need help to stop using drugs or alcohol, there are several resources available to you, including counseling and addiction treatment programs. It is also important to get regular prenatal care so that your doctor can monitor your baby’s development. If you think you may have an issue with drugs or alcohol, talk to your doctor about it. Getting help early on can make a big difference in the health of you and your baby.

IoT and Wearables in Healthcare

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On February 23, 2022

In blog, Dr. Allen Cherer

Due to the increasing popularity of wearable technology, such as the Internet of Things, the healthcare industry has become more receptive to its applications. Devices like smartwatches, wearable health monitors, and other tech-embedded tools are helping change the way we approach a lot of industries and healthcare.

As of the start of 2021, there were 11.3 billion IoT devices connected to the network, and the market held a value of $26.5 billion; that number is expected to reach $94.2 billion by 2026.

Wearables

One of the most critical developments in the healthcare industry is the emergence of wearable technology. Its ability to monitor a patient’s status remotely is incredibly valuable. A study from Deloitte found that nearly 40% of users had a smartwatch – with so many individuals already wearing the technology, it makes sense to incorporate health monitoring aspects as well.

Aside from monitoring heart rate, a smartwatch can also do other basic tasks such as keeping track of blood pressure and measuring physical health. It can also use specialized sensors to measure things like blood oxygen saturation.

Smartwatches are also improving their ability to collect data about blood vitals. By using photoplethysmography – an optical technology that can monitor variations in blood composition and volume – they can now provide users with more detailed information about their blood composition and volume.

Aside from monitoring a person’s vitals, wearable technology, such as bio patches and smart hearing aids, can also improve the quality of hearing for people with hearing loss.

Smart Pills

One of the most notable applications of the Internet of Things in healthcare is the development of smart pills, which are edible electronic devices that can serve as pharmaceutical drugs and give healthcare providers valuable patient information.

Creating Solutions for the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

One issue scientists are currently working through is getting all of these devices to communicate with each other. It is a bit challenging due to the wide variety of microcontrollers used in the industry and each manufacturer’s proprietary software.

Being able to communicate with each other uninterrupted in times of need is also an issue, especially since various environmental factors can disrupt internet connections and thus data flow. Using IoT technology introduces new security issues as well.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare

By Dr. Allen Cherer

On February 23, 2022

In blog, Dr. Allen Cherer

Artificial intelligence is changing our lives in many ways, including our approach to healthcare. Let’s look at how AI has made waves in the healthcare industry.

AI vs. COVID-19

The rise of the global pandemic has significantly impacted society, but technological innovations have helped keep us ahead of the curve. For instance, a Canadian company predicted that the COVID-19 bacteria would spread globally.

Machine learning also helped with the development of vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Studying protein fragments made it possible to develop effective vaccines much faster than ever before.

AI has also been used to identify people who might be infected with SARS or other contagious diseases. Aside from being able to detect individuals, it can also identify objects in public areas and even those who are wearing masks.

AI and Drug Development & Diagnosis

Aside from pandemic response, AI has also been utilized in other applications. For instance, it has been used to improve the efficiency of healthcare decisions.

In treating patients with COVID-19, AI has been able to detect the presence of pneumonia in CT scans. Microsoft created Project InnerEye, which allows users to create 3D models of their patients quickly. It saves time and helps in reducing the number of scans needed to complete.

AI and Mental Health

Aside from physical health, AI can also be used to study mental health. For instance, MIT and Harvard researchers were able to analyze thousands of Reddit messages to find out how topics about suicide and loneliness had increased over time.

AI and Telehealth

With the development of chatbot technology, it has been possible to improve the efficiency of telehealth services. For instance, a study conducted by UCLA researchers used AI and chatbot technology to create a virtual interventional radiologist that could help diagnose patients.

AI Requires Data

The most important component of AI in healthcare is data. A good training dataset is the key to successful development. Having a team composed of data scientists and software developers is also key to the success of AI in healthcare.