Health

Controlling Childhood Eczema

Adult and Pediatric Dermatologist Haleh Bakshandeh shares some eczema.

Haleh BakshandehQ: If my child’s skin is irritated, red and bumpy does that mean he may have eczema?
A: While there is no single test to diagnose eczema, a good medical history and a skin examination are usually all that is needed. In general, eczema does appear as itchy, irritated patches of skin, usually on the arm folds, neck, wrists and ankles. Often, there will be a family history of eczema, seasonal allergies, or asthma. In most cases, your pediatrician and/or dermatologist should be able to make the diagnosis in just one visit. (more…)

Education

Music Improves Test Scores

Weekly music lessons increase IQ.

By Diba Mostadim and Candice Hakimfar
Diba Mostadim and Candice HakimfarLearning an instrument is proven to help children excel beyond the basic ABCs whether one aspires to become the next famous musician or sings for fun in the shower.

Research has proven that learning a musical instrument enhances education and improves many skills that children use in other subjects. Making music is more than just using fingers or voice; it requires children to tap into multiple skill sets simultaneously. Research has shown that music is linked to language development, increased IQ, improved test scores, and confidence. (more…)

Health

Skip the ER, Go Straight to the Surgeon

By Shirin Yadegar
Shirin YadegarCries of anguish filled my home’s empty halls. I dropped the party supplies I was arranging for my 4 year old’s birthday party and ran to the hall where I found my 8 year old daughter face down, immobile on the door track leading to the yard.

I quickly picked her up . Her face was a sea of blood. She was screaming in pain. I took a deep breath and handed her to my husband. I ran to the sink and prepared a wet napkin to wipe her face. She had a deep cut about 2 inches from her forehead to her eyebrow. It was deep and ugly. The entire left side of her face was swollen. (more…)

Education

What’s Your Summer Goal?

Tips on how to choose the right camp for your kids.

By Jill Levin
With the New Year, it’s time to ask yourself: What would you like your child to accomplish next summer?

Do you want your child to be independent, but find yourself afraid to lose control? Overnight summer camp may be the right answer! Besides having fun, children at summer camp learn to make decisions, resolve conflict and can try new things in a safe, contained environment. Summer is the perfect time for children to explore, play, learn or accomplish all three. Sleep away camp also allows our children to make new friends from different cities or states. Who can argue with building a network of friends at a young age? (mo
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