I’ve self-prescribed a year of renewal, intent, intimacy, and reflection for 2013. Although I’m unable to etch those 4 words onto my forearm, I’d really like to keep them at the helm. Resolutions are exceedingly difficult to maintain. The bar is often too high, there’s little trigger to make a desired behavior happen every day, and the […]
You Need A Carbon Monoxide Alarm
There’s a new law today in Washington State requiring carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in apartments, condos, and single-family residences. You should have a CO detector on every level of your home (more tips below). I know you’ve heard that CO poisoning is not only dangerous but also potentially fatal. We also often hear horrific stories of […]
Greatest Hits 2012
I give thanks every day for friends, mentors, teachers, collaborators, and family like you. It’s been a sincere privilege to share thoughts here. I’m always amazed at the depth of reflection that washes over me as the year comes to a close. However pre-conceived this day seems for reflection, today has me in its grip. The […]
Baby Dies From Whooping Cough
News of a whooping cough death in the Seattle area rang out yesterday. By afternoon, many of my patients in clinic had heard the news. Although the epidemic levels of whooping cough have gradually faded since a peak of cases here in May, the risk is still very real. A newborn baby died from whooping cough on […]
Going Back To School Monday
As Monday approaches and we ready our children for school, I would suspect most of us have a little bit of dread in our hearts. I do. There is unease as we return our children to school. This post covers information for supporting your children but also information on supporting yourself during these upcoming days, […]
One Foot In Front Of The Other
It’s been a heart-wrenching 3 days since the news of the shootings unfolded Friday morning. Best antidote to my sorrow was a run in the rain this afternoon. I turned up the music far too loud and headed out for a quick run. I stopped thinking and spinning about the grieving families in Connecticut. I […]
More Than A Dozen Children Died At School Today
The news of the shooting in Newtown, Conneticut this morning is beyond horrific. Nauseating and troubling, it’s left me sobbing at my computer to think of the anguish families face. And the lesser anguish we all feel right now. To think of the lost hope and the lost efforts of all those that work so […]
Safe Holidays For Your Children
This is a wonderful time of year. It’s also a really stressful one for many of us. Some quick reminders about ways to stay safe while bringing holiday decor into your home, traveling, while arguing with your brother about gifts, and when potentially having more alcohol around than is typical… FIRE: Be careful of lit candles […]
HPV Shot Doesn't Trigger Teens To Have Sex
In 2006, I entered pediatric practice. It was the same year that the Advisory Commission on Immunization Practice (ACIP) recommended to start giving 11 year-old girls the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. Therefore, I’ve really never practiced pediatrics (outside of my training) without the ability to offer up immunization and protection against HPV virus; I’ve […]