I grew up in New Jersey, home to many chemical companies. I remember one day in my fifth grade science class when some food scientists from one of those companies came to visit, and impress us with what magic they could do with…
When the sun goes down, people worry more. They stay awake at night worrying about their job, their relationships, their finances. There are few other people awake with whom to talk the worries out. And when kids get sick with…
Now that football season is on again, we are seeing a lot of head injuries in the ED. Usually the concussion is obvious- the player was knocked out, or obviously confused after the hit. Last week though, I had a player come in…
We all know kids bore easily. All summer if the kids are not occupied with camps, vacations, or friends, they lay about complaining of nothing to do. Believe it or not, children also get bored during a disaster. Of course the…
My kids and yours are heading back to school in the next few weeks. They're going to get new teachers, new class mates, new books. They are also going to get some new germs too, if they are not careful. We in the pediatrics game…
Kids get headaches too, even as young as two and three years old! But when many parents first hear their child complaining about head pain, they freak out and head for the Emergency Department. When there is a headache, we all…
It is that time of the year, with the hot weather and the summer rains, when the mosquitoes bloom. It is also the time when TVs should be off and the kids outside playing with friends, getting exercise, sun, and air. But when…
We were already busy that night- every bed had a sick or injured child in it. The waiting room was also full, full of families clamoring to be seen too. Then, when it always seems the time is wrong, the ambulance phone rang. …
People used to have difficulty naming their fears about when their child hit their head. Now their fear has a name- Natasha Richardson. Everyone has heard a story like the famous actress's. A person hit their head, looked well…
In most of my blog entries, I discuss how to stay out of the Emergency Department. However, getting a deep cut that needs stitches is one of those times that it is probably best to bring your kid to the ED. Here are some good …
This morning Tracy Wirtz and I talked about drowning prevention. Whenever I talk about drowning the worst cases I have seen come to mind, but also the silliest. One day I was in the Emergency Room when the ambulance brought in a…
I see a lot of impoverished families in the Pediatric Emergency Department. At least a couple of times per week I see a bright-eyed, curious child who has the potential to become a success. The child smiles, plays, looks around…
