Pediatric Radiology

From MRIs and X-rays to CT Scans, pediatric radiologists have a number of tools to aid them in quickly and accurately diagnosing and assessing a child’s illness or injury. While many families may be familiar with an X-ray exam, some may not know about more advanced technologies like CT scans or MRIs....

Ear Infections 101

Expert:  Dr. Ronald Vilela, pediatric otolaryngology surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital. Q: What is an ear infection? A typical ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear. It’s one of the most common childhood infections and can occur in one ear at a time or both ears at the same time. They...

Concussion

Expert: Dr. Jorge Gomez, primary care sports medicine physician at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, answers some of the most common questions about concussions. Q: What are concussions? A concussion is caused by a direct or indirect blow, trauma or jolt to the head, causing the body and head...

Summer Safety

During the summer, children have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that they normally don’t have the time for during the school year. More time is spent outdoors and fun holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day mean outdoor grilling and spending time at the pool....

Physical Activities 101

In the last 30 years, obesity has doubled in children and nearly quadrupled in adolescents, with the U.S. having the highest rate in the world. Physical activity is essential for a child’s cardiovascular endurance, strength and bone health. As a result, parents are curious as to how much is too much when...

The Dangers of Consuming Laundry Detergent Pods

Expert: Katherine Jennifer Leaming-Van Zandt, MD – Assistant Professor, Pediatrics and Medical Director of Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Emergency Center. Over the past couple of weeks, the laundry detergent pod challenge has rightfully created a huge media firestorm. YouTube videos showing...

When should I take my child to the emergency center?

Expert: Katherine Jennifer Leaming-Van Zandt, MD – Assistant Professor, Pediatrics and Medical Director of  Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Emergency Center. Q: How do I plan ahead? Most childhood illnesses or injuries are unexpected, so it’s important to have an emergency plan ahead of...

Cloth Diapers

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, diaper choice has been complicated in recent years by the debate of the environmental effects of diapers. While much of the discussion has centered on the effects disposable diapers have on landfill space, a number of scientific studies have found that both...

Donating Blood to Your Child

As a physician who works with critically ill patients, I often get questions for parents about donating blood to their children. The following are some common questions regarding directed blood donation. Q: What is directed blood donation? Directed blood donation is when blood donors donate blood for...

Tonsillectomy 101

As parents, we want our children to grow, learn and be healthy individuals to lead happy and successful lives. We want to provide our kids with the best nutrition, education and foundation in order to accomplish this. It’s important for our children to have good sleep architecture and a restful night in...