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Swimmer’s ear (or external otitis or outer ear infection) is an inflammation and infection of the outer ear canal. It is different from otitis media in that it does not typically extend to the eardrum and is not usually associated with fever or other cold symptoms. However, like a middle ear infection, it can be extremely painful and your child may have pain when you touch the outer ear. But not all outer ear infections are caused by swimming. Here’s what you should know: What increases your child’s chances of getting external otitis? There are two main risk factors associated with external otitis: change in pH balance of the canal or trauma to the canal. Let’s start with the first, because this is where swimming pools come in to the discussion. Highly chlorinated pools can change the normal pH balance of the canal and break down its natural defenses. Humid […]

February is Heart Month, a time when we traditionally hear many messages about adults at risk for heart disease. Now it’s time to focus this message toward kids, as medical research has shown that cardiovascular disease has its roots in childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five U.S. teens have abnormal cholesterol. This means either their good cholesterol (HDL) is too low or their bad cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides) is too high. As a parent, you may not be thinking about what cholesterol means for your kids. But with the dramatic increase in childhood obesity, more and more kids are at risk. Obesity can not only cause abnormal cholesterol, it can lead to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. So, here are four steps you can start taking — today — to help keep your kids’ hearts healthier […]