Do you know what a midwife does—and why more women are choosing midwifery care?
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While many people associate midwives solely with delivering babies, they actually provide comprehensive healthcare for women at every stage of life, from puberty through menopause. At Open Door Family Medical Center, midwives have been supporting Westchester families for over three decades, offering expert care during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. With over 10,000 babies delivered and counting, their midwifery team is making a lasting impact on maternal health in our community.

“I think most people understand that midwives deliver babies,” said Judy Dalton, who has worked as a midwife for nearly 30 years, the last 18 at Open Door. “But not everyone realizes that we’re full-service healthcare providers. We guide women through pregnancy and birth, but we also offer care throughout their lives, including cancer screenings, family planning, and menopause support.”

The Benefits of a Midwife
Midwifery care is associated with better outcomes for both mothers and babies. Studies show that with midwives, there is a decrease in Cesarean births, a lower risk of preterm labor, reduced need for anesthesia, and higher breastfeeding success rates. Midwives take a personalized approach, listening to patients’ needs and helping them create birth plans that align with their goals.

“They really get to know you,” said Michelle Uzhca, whose son Noah was Open Door’s 10,000th birth. “I didn’t know much about midwives before, but it’s really worked out well each time.”

While some assume midwives only deliver at home, they actually practice in various settings, including hospitals. Open Door midwives are hospital-based and on call 24/7 at Phelps Hospital, ensuring access to both midwifery care and medical interventions if needed.

Midwives vs. Doulas
Many people confuse midwives and doulas or use the terms interchangeably. While both provide support during pregnancy and childbirth, midwives are licensed healthcare providers with advanced clinical training, whereas doulas focus on emotional and physical support.

In New York, midwives must complete graduate-level education and obtain certification. Dalton, for example, was a labor and delivery nurse before earning a Master’s degree and post-graduate certification in midwifery.

A Growing Profession with Deep Roots
Midwifery has seen a resurgence since the 1970s, and today, there are approximately 12,000 certified nurse-midwives in the U.S. The profession continues to grow, offering women more choices in their reproductive healthcare.

For Dalton, midwifery is more than a career—it’s a calling. “It’s a privilege to be there when families welcome their babies into the world,” she said. “To witness the miracle of life every day is something truly special.”

To learn more about midwifery care and how it can support you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, visit reputable health organizations like the American College of Nurse-Midwives or speak with a healthcare provider about your options. Whether you're expecting a baby or seeking holistic women’s healthcare, midwives offer compassionate, personalized care at every stage of life.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet access to quality mental health care remains out of reach for many. Disparities in resources have led to generational inequities, leaving countless individuals and families struggling without the support they need. But change is possible—by raising awareness and sharing accessible, high-quality resources, we can help bridge the gap.

Whether you're seeking help for yourself or a loved one, the following guides offer valuable support:

• Family Resources for Understanding Addiction – The non-profit MARR has spent over 40 years helping families navigate addiction. This comprehensive guide includes over 30 resources and literature recommendations to support those facing substance use challenges.
• A Guide for Addressing the Loneliness Epidemic – Loneliness is a growing public health crisis. The Summit Wellness Group has compiled an insightful guide featuring dozens of mental health and substance use resources to combat isolation and promote well-being.
• Live Another Day – Founded to ensure equal access to life-saving support, Live Another Day provides a wealth of resources for those seeking help with mental health and substance use.
• Detox Local – This resource hub offers extensive information on mental health and substance use, with a special focus on supporting the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community.

Additional local resources in Westchester County:

• The Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) online directory- Oversees and coordinates services for individuals with behavioral health issues and their families. Behavioral health includes mental illness, developmental/intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders.
• NAMI Westchester -  Has been the premier organization in Westchester County that supports the families of the individual living with mental illness, and provides resources, help and hope to those in need of direction and support.
• Family Services of Westchester- Seven Family Mental Health Centers are licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health to offer comprehensive mental and behavioral health services at convenient locations throughout Westchester County.
• You can also call the Westchester Crisis Prevention & Response Team at 914-925-5959.

No one should have to navigate mental health challenges alone. By sharing these resources, we can take meaningful steps toward a world where support is available to all who need it.

Know someone who could benefit from these links? Share this post and help make a difference.

The arrival of football season – professional, amateur, and school-based – unfortunately brings with it a rise in concussion and suspected concussion cases. But it’s not just on the gridiron that such injuries can occur: any contact sport, including hockey, soccer and lacrosse (and even baseball, wrestling and basketball), understandably sees higher incidences of concussions than non-contact sports.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a concussion as “a type of traumatic brain injury – or TBI – caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.”
​
The statistics are sobering. According to the CDC:

• 1.6-3.8 million sports- and recreation -related concussions occur each year in the U.S.
• 10% of all contact sport athletes sustain concussions yearly
• Brain injuries cause more deaths than any other sports injury. In football, brain injuries account for 65% to 95% of all fatalities. Football injuries associated with the brain occur at the rate of one in every 5.5 games. In any given season, 10% of all college players and 20% of all high school players sustain brain injuries
• 87% of professional boxers have sustained a brain injury
• 5% of soccer players sustain brain injuries as a result of their sport
  ​

Concussions can occur at any age; various studies estimate that as many as 1.9 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur every year among kids 18 and younger. Last year, a Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) report estimated that girls’ chances of sustaining a concussion is 1.88 times higher than boys, with one reason being that the circumference of a female’s neck is generally about 30% smaller than a male’s.

Symptoms of a concussion can vary widely, from a nagging headache, dizziness, and difficulty maintaining balance to nausea and vomiting, convulsions and, if not properly treated, even death.

​Fortunately, concussions today are taken much more seriously than in the past; even as little as 10 years ago, it was not uncommon to hear that an athlete had “had his bell rung” when he appeared dazed – or was even unconscious – after an on-field collision. That perception was more or less eliminated during the 2010s, when the NFL instituted concussion protocols, wherein a player suspected of possibly suffering a concussion is immediately removed from the game and examined by a medical professional. If a concussion is confirmed, the player must undergo a five-step process before being allowed to return to the field.

Most sports played at high schools or in extracurricular leagues have their own concussion protocols in place. In the case of younger children, who may play in a park-and-recreation soccer league, for instance, there may not be a medical professional on hand. In such cases, the child should be removed from the game and, if symptoms persist, they should be taken to a healthcare facility. If the child has lost consciousness, it is imperative to get them to an emergency room immediately.

It should be noted that losing consciousness is not the only symptom of a concussion; over 90% of those who sustain one do not lose consciousness. Similarly, you do not necessarily have to take a blow to the head; any sudden jerking of the head, such as what happens in a whiplash injury, can also be a cause.

Preventing concussions can be complicated. Helmets in contact sports are usually mandatory, but while they can offer some protection, a severe hit can still result in a concussion. The NFL experimented with “Guardian Caps” during its preseason, a soft-shell, padded covering that goes on the outside of the regular NFL helmets. According to the NFL, wearing a Guardian Cap can result in at least a 10% reduction in severity of impact if one player is wearing it, and at least a 20% reduction in impact if two players in a collision are wearing it.

However, the NFL season is continuing without the cap and, as mentioned, the threat of a concussion remains even when wearing such equipment.

An untreated concussion can have significant effects, sometimes lifelong and even life-threatening. If you suspect that you or a family member has suffered one, I urge you to see a medical professional as soon as you can. As always, safety is the key.
​

Dr. Steven Andelman is an orthopedic surgeon at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates who specializes in adult and pediatric sports medicine. For an appointment, call 914-849-7897. 
​

A child’s pediatrician can be a valuable ally in helping parents navigate and address health and well-being issues.

Helping kids transition from summer to a new school year requires more than just rousing them out of bed the first day. And the effort parents put in now can help build routines that will help their kids succeed all year long.

Dr. Samantha Lowe, a pediatrician at White Plains Hospital Medical and Wellness in Armonk, NY, offers invaluable advice about the four “S’s”—sleep, study, schedule, and safeguards—to help ease the shift from summer days to school days, and says that for all, the most important thing in a parents’ arsenal is “knowing your own child.”

The Four “S’s” for successfully transitioning from summer to back to school, are:
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Sleep
“Creating and sticking to sleep routines is very important to ensure that children have the rest they need for both the cognitive and physical demands of their days,” Dr. Lowe says. She warns against “catch up” sleep strategies—staying up late during the week (getting less than 10 hours of sleep for kids 7-12 years-old and less than 9 hours for teenagers) and sleeping in on the weekend instead. This can lead to over exhaustion and irritability and can cause a decrease in concentration and productivity. “Consult with your child and map out his/her day, after-school activities, homework time and downtime and determine what’s reasonable. It’s very possible that something may have to give to accommodate everything and to ensure your child is getting the rest they need.”

For kids that have difficulty falling asleep, Dr. Lowe recommends avoiding sugary or caffeinated foods and drinks in the evening, shutting electronics off 30 minutes prior to bed, removing bedroom clocks, and using blackout shades or a white noise machine. For children who have difficulty waking but are getting adequate rest each night, she suggests letting natural light into their room in the morning to help regulate their circadian rhythms to improve alertness.

Study
Every child learns differently, so the best way to help your child—whether at the start of school or throughout—is to identify what works best for them. What are his/her strengths? What are his/her weaknesses? What do they get excited about? When do they hit the wall? Once parents key into their child’s study and learning style, they can help create conditions where their child will thrive. Generally, Dr. Lowe advises that children should study in a comfortable, well-lit space that is free from distractions – at a mutually agreed-upon study time for maximum productivity. Parents should also encourage children to take breaks if they are feeling overwhelmed and should let them know there is nothing wrong with asking for help when needed, which can reduce stress levels.

Schedule
Some children thrive with lots of structure and activities; others need a break from constant stimulation.  When children are experiencing increased levels of stress, they can seem tired, irritable, worried, sad, withdrawn, nervous, and disengaged. Dr. Lowe also notes that stress can affect school performance and sleep, and that parents should continually assess their children’s mood, behavior, and performance to determine if activities should be scaled back. Children today have amazing opportunities and activities at their disposal, but sometimes it’s equally important to build in unscheduled down time.

Safeguards
While peers can help motivate children to succeed, peer pressure can also foster toxic competition, or worse, can push your child towards negative and dangerous behavior. Dr. Lowe says that it is important for parents to know their children’s friends, and to encourage kids to engage a variety of friends across various “groups.” Equally important is monitoring children’s internet activity—from knowing their passwords, to insisting on “private” social media profiles, to scanning followers, comments, and posted photos. Parents should be on the lookout for warning signs of bullying that need immediate attention: behavioral changes, weight loss or weight gain, withdrawal, and changes in appearance (clothes, hair, etc.).

Dr. Samantha Lowe is a pediatrician with expertise in caring for infants, children and adolescents. To make an appointment, contact White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk at (914) 849-7900.

By now, we have all heard of vitamin infusions (a.k.a. Wellness infusions or IV Drips) and have seen its popularity skyrocket all over social media. There is no doubt that Wellness Infusions provide immense health benefits because they bypass the gut and liver, making them 100% bioavailable in the bloodstream so your cells can absorb all of these amazing nutrients to provide maximum benefit. However, there are many questions and a lot to consider when choosing an infusion center, and Blum Center for Health, an Integrative & Functional Medicine Practice, has all your answers.
 
1. What is in your IV bag?
Before getting a vitamin infusion, it is important to ask what exactly is in your IV bag!  The name of the infusion might be the same at various places, but what’s in the bag surely isn’t.   
 
Blum Center prides itself on having a longer list of different vitamins, minerals and nutrients in each bag, each at a higher dose than found at the run-of-the-mill walk-in drip centers.  For example, most other infusion centers have only three to four vitamins in their mixes. Blum Center’s Basic Wellness infusion has nine different vitamins, amino acids, and minerals and their Wellness Plus infusions have 15. We have done extensive research on each vitamin cocktail and how to safely give high doses to help you get the most positive effect. We even have innovative protocols, like a Post Covid Infusion, to really target specific health concerns.
 
Additionally, it is equally important to confirm that you are getting quality ingredients. Blum Center sources their vitamin solutions from the highest quality compounding pharmacies that source their ingredients from FDA-approved facilities and are compliant with Current Good Manufacturing Processes. This means every batch is tested and every vial is visually inspected by the compounding pharmacy before it is shipped out and then visually inspected again by their Infusion Director upon arrival.
 
The Medical Director, Susan Blum, M.D. utilizes her extensive knowledge of Integrative and Functional Medicine to curate infusions that particularly serve the needs of people with medical issues, including immune system and autoimmune conditions, chronic Lyme, severe fatigue, Long Covid, and gut issues to name a few. As you can see, Infusions at Blum Center are not just simple wellness IVs, but rather medical grade infusions that make a real difference in the body’s healing and ability to function optimally. It’s important to keep all these factors in mind when comparing prices at different locations. 
 
2. Tailored IV Cocktails
There is no one-size fits all Vitamin IV. At Blum Center, we work hard to ensure that your drip is compatible with your unique biochemistry.  For example, did you know that if you have a history of kidney stones you should receive a custom drip limiting the amount of Vitamin C? That’s just one of many facets we consider before you receive your infusion.
 
Blum Center practitioners are experts in Integrative and Functional Medicine and hand select each patient’s infusion to ensure their health and wellness needs are getting met. Blum Center knows that high dose intravenous vitamins or specific combinations of targeted nutrients can truly make a difference for many people struggling with chronic health issues.
 
While it may seem like a nice touch to be able to pick out an infusion from a menu at a walk-in drip center, this strategy may not be helping you meet your wellness goals. 
 
3. No Industry Standard
Even though infusions have gained popularity over the last decade, there still lacks a governing entity or an industry standard. This leads to a lot of variation in the product, dosing, and quality you may receive from center to center. There is great responsibility on the practice and the practitioner to ensure the safety of your infusion and, as the patient, these are important questions for you to ask when determining which center to go to. Additionally, the Infusion Director at Blum Center is on the National Infusion Center Association Standards Development Team, which implements nationwide protocols to all infusion centers across the country. These standards are already being used at Blum Center. You will have a masters-prepared Nurse Practitioner with years of extra education and training administering your infusions.  
 
4. Patient Safety
Blum Center is very strict and buttoned-up about safety in their medically supervised setting.  Before you start, we ensure your well-being with a complimentary screening and review of your labs by the Infusion Director, who is a licensed and experienced Nurse Practitioner.  This extra step can give you the comfort that you will receive maximum benefit and the safest possible visit. Any business that does not screen you or take/review blood work is potentially putting you at risk, especially if you have ongoing health issues that need that next level of attention and care.
 
Additionally, we take Covid precautions seriously and have various protocols in place to minimize exposure risk.  First, they have multiple rooms, which allows proper distancing and the ability to infuse high risk patients by themselves in a separate room. They are using HEPA air filters in the infusion rooms, requiring masks to be worn, and limiting the number of patients seen at the same time.  
 
As you can see, the Blum Center for Health Infusion Program sets itself apart from other centers through their individualized care, high quality infusions, and utmost cleanliness with strict protocols in a comfortable, calming environment.
 
Let them create a program for you!  The quality, service, and individualized care at Blum Center is unmatched.  Call or text at 914.652.7800 to book your appointment. 
 
Mention Westchester Moms Blog to receive $50 off your first infusion!

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​I often hear from women who want to know how best to rejuvenate their bodies and get back to feeling as strong and vibrant as they did before they had children. Many of my patients are wondering if now is a good time for the so-called “mommy makeover,” a concept that has gotten lots of buzz in recent years. Most of these women are not looking for a “makeover,” however; they are simply looking to turn the clock back a little bit on the bodies that they already have.
 
In order to decide if this set of restorative surgeries could be a good fit for you, here are answers to some of the questions I’m asked most commonly by my potential patients. 
 
What is the “mommy makeover”?
There isn’t one specific set of surgeries that are always performed as part of a mommy makeover. Rather, it is typically some combination of operations, done in sequence, which focus on improving the appearance of a woman’s abdomen and breasts—the two areas of the body that bear the brunt of the “damage” from pregnancy, postpartum recoveryand breastfeeding. 
 
Common surgeries in a mommy makeover include the following:

• Abdominoplasty: Also known as a “tummy tuck,” this is done to remove excess skin, typically of the lower abdomen, as well as repair the rectus (or “six-pack”) muscles that often separate during pregnancy. Abdominoplasty helps to make the abdomen appear flatter and firmer.
• Breast surgery: To combat the breast deflation or “drooping” (ptosis) that is a normal part of the body’s post-pregnancy progression, many women seek restorative breast surgery, including breast implants (ideal for women experiencing mild breast sagging or desiring more volume) or a mastopexy (commonly known as a breast lift) to improve the appearance of the breasts. Some patients need a combination of both a breast lift and an implant.
• Liposuction: This surgery removes fat from specific areas of the body including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck. 

 
Am I an ideal candidate for a mommy makeover?
Most of my patients come in with an idea of what areas they would like to target for improvement. However, not every mom is an ideal candidate for these procedures. Abdominal surgeries, breast surgeries, and liposuction are best for women who:

• Are in generally good health and close to their ideal pre-baby weight. It’s important to understand that these are not weight-loss surgeries; if you are still working toward losing significant weight, it’s probably not yet the right time for a mommy makeover.
• Are not planning any future pregnancies. You don’t want to invest the time and money into surgeries if you are planning to have more children.
• Will not be picking up and carrying young children around frequently. I recommend my patients wait until their youngest child is at least 18 months old before having surgery. This way the child is old enough where Mom will be able to recover from surgery more easily and not have to worry about lifting them during the first few weeks post-op.
• (For breast surgeries) Have finished breastfeeding for at least one year. This is a rule in my practice. Your milk ducts still retain a lot of fluid for a long time and that can complicate a breast surgery.
• No nicotine use, as this adversely affects healing.

 
What should I expect for surgery and recovery?
Of all the common mommy makeover procedures, the abdominoplasty requires the most significant downtime. You’ll need about 4-6 weeks to heal. However, you will be able to go home the night of surgery and you will soon be up and able to move around without much difficulty. You’ll need to wear post-operative compression garments and you’ll have some drains to take care of for a week or so, but you’re definitely not incapacitated. Breast-surgery patients can expect an easier recovery. My breast patients probably take two weeks off from work after their surgery, but during the recovery time they are home with their families and living their daily life without too much disruption.
 
Are the surgeries done on a specific timeline?
With some very select patients, you can combine the procedures and do them at the same time, but my preference is to do the abdominal and breast surgeries in two different operations, separated by a minimum of six months. 
 
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, the mommy makeover procedures carry certain risks, including: 

• Infection
• Fluid build-up 
• Risk of blood clots, including DVTs and pulmonary embolisms. This risk is slightly higher with abdominoplasty than with other plastic surgeries, so we try to mitigate by giving patients medications that prevent blood clots. 
• Breast surgery can affect your future ability to breastfeed and your nipple sensitivity

 
The best risk prevention is making sure that you’re always seen by a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who operates in an accredited facility with licensed anesthesiologists. 
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Written by Dr. Alessandrina Freitas who sees patients in White Plains at the Center for Advanced Medicine & Surgery as well as at WPH Medical & Wellness in Armonk. To make an appointment, call (914) 683-1400 or click here.

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​Figuring out when to introduce babies and children to foods that have a high potential of causing an allergic reaction can be one of the trickiest questions to consider as a parent. To help soothe parents’ anxiety and ensure they are giving their children the proper introduction to these foods, I work closely with families to update them on the latest food-allergy guidelines. Here are some tips that will help you confidently introduce these foods to your kids. 
 
What foods are the most likely to cause potential allergies?
The major food allergens include milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame. The most common food allergens for children are peanut and milk, with cow's milk the most common food allergen in early life.
 
What is the right approach for early introduction of these potential food allergens?
Fearing adverse reactions, many parents historically preferred to wait before introducing these potential food allergens to their kids. But that’s no longer the prevailing wisdom among experts. Doctors no longer believe that waiting until baby is older prevents food allergy. In fact, there is evidence that introduction to peanut in the first year of life can prevent the development of peanut allergy. Especially in infants who are at high risk of developing food allergy, the emphasis is now on early introduction of peanut and egg, rather than avoidance. 
 
Typically, in babies without eczema or any food allergy, I recommend introducing age-appropriate allergenic foods in the first year of life in accordance with family preferences and cultural practices. I suggest prioritizing the introduction of peanut and egg, which has demonstrated evidence of benefit. There are currently no specific guidelines on order of egg and peanut introduction but it should be a shared decision made between parents and the baby’s doctor. 
 
For babies with mild to moderate eczema, we recommend introducing peanut-containing foods at around 6 months of age. If your baby has severe eczema, you are concerned that he/she has an egg allergy and you have not yet introduced peanut, I recommend seeing an allergist as early as 4 to 6 months of age to determine if peanut should be introduced and, if so, the preferred method of introduction. If your baby has severe eczema and/or egg allergy, and you had already introduced peanut which he/she tolerates without any problem, please continue feeding your baby peanut to reduce the risk of peanut allergy once you start avoidance. 
 
What is the best way to introduce these foods?
Once your baby has successfully eaten other solid foods (like single-grain cereals, followed by fruits, vegetables), you can begin to introduce allergenic foods in age-appropriate forms. That doesn’t mean Eggs Benedict or a PBJ sandwich, of course! Follow these tips for easy introduction of these tricky foods:

• Start with a small amount: just a spoonful or two of any allergenic food is enough to give baby a taste of the flavor and watch for potential allergic reaction.
• For peanut, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) recommends infant-safe forms in the amount of 2 teaspoons, 3 times per week (for a total of 6 grams of peanut protein). 
• To prevent choking in infants, try thinning peanut butter with water, milk, or pureed fruit. This dilution may be necessary until children are able to safely eat foods with the consistency of peanut butter spread thin—that can be after 12 months of age or based on individual developmental abilities.
• During the initial feeding period, serving single-ingredient foods, one at a time, is recommended to observe for symptoms of allergy. Once foods are tolerated, they can be combined.
• There is no evidence guiding how long a given food must be fed before moving on to the next new food. However, generally, when offering a potential food allergen, I advise parents to give baby an age-appropriate serving size at least 3 times over 3-5 days to confirm tolerance.
  
  

What are the different types of allergic reactions in infants and toddlers—and how serious are they?
Recognizing allergic reactions in infants and toddlers can be challenging for not only parents and caregivers, but also providers, as your baby is unable to verbalize what they are feeling/experiencing when they are having an adverse food reaction. Behavior changes that may be noted during a reaction can include clinginess, fussiness, or inconsolability, but it is important to note that these behaviors alone may also be present in healthy infants not experiencing an allergic reaction. 
 
Skin, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms were most frequently reported in infants and toddlers, although symptoms involving other organ systems can also occur. 

• The type of skin reaction may be “itching, rash, hives or swelling.” Please note the location of the skin reaction with respect to where the skin had contact with the allergen so we can determine if the reaction was the result of a topical contact reaction or a systemic reaction, the latter of which is more concerning. Please take pictures as they are worth a thousand words when you seek consultation with an allergist.
• The most common gastrointestinal symptom is vomiting, although diarrhea can also be considered a potential allergic symptom. 
• Belly breathing, fast breathing, nasal flaring, chest or neck “tugging,” wheezing, hoarse voice, hoarse cry, and repetitive cough are all examples of respiratory symptoms.

 
Timing of the adverse reaction relative to when your baby consumed a potential culprit food is extremely essential, as there are different types of food-induced reactions including scenarios where administration of epinephrine, the first-line treatment of anaphylaxis (a severe life-threatening allergic reaction) is indicated. Diagnostic testing and management can be very different for each type of food-induced reactions; for example, skin testing and an epinephrine auto-injector prescription likely are not appropriate for food intolerances,and concerns that certain foods may exacerbate underlying eczema would warrant a separate discussion. I recommend keeping a food diary when you start to notice these reactions in your baby, particularly if they become recurrent so that you and your allergist can have a full conversation about how to proceed. 

While introducing baby to allergenic foods can be a stressful experience, it is so important for their growth and development! The goals of early infant feeding are to introduce foods of varying flavors and textures to encourage future food preference, and to provide nutrition in a balanced and proportional manner for growth and development. Increasing the diversity of both food and food allergen intake in the first year of life is associated with a lower prevalence of food allergy—something all parents are hoping for.

Written by ​By Dr. Angela Chan, Board-Certified Pediatrician and Allergist-Immunologist, Scarsdale Medical Group in Harrison. Click to learn more or call 914-723-8100.

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As parents, we are wedged between raising our children and coming to the aid of aging parents and family members. St. John’s Riverside Hospital has established a resource that will help you in your search for wound care support for those you know in need.
 
As the first and most comprehensive wound healing center in Southern Westchester to incorporate hyperbaric treatment as an adjunct therapy, at St. John’s Riverside Hospital we offer our patients greater healing rates over standard wound healing therapies. The Wound Healing Center consists of a multidisciplinary team that works collaboratively to ensure that patients receive the most comprehensive evaluation and treatment. 
​
Nirav Patel, DO, is a highly regarded vascular surgeon who was instrumental in introducing innovative wound healing techniques for people with diabetes at St. John’s Riverside Hospital to reduce the number of limb amputations. 

What wounds are best suited for our multi-modality wound therapy? In addition to diabetic foot ulcers, we treat patients throughout the area for vascular wounds, arterial ulcers, trauma, pressure ulcers, non-healing wounds, and post-surgical wounds. These treatments are offered on an outpatient basis, and in some cases, our patients come to us post-surgically from surgeries at other hospitals.

Call today to schedule an appointment in our Wound Healing Center at 914.964.4630.

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Covid-19 vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old are likely to launch as early as the first week of November – pending final CDC recommendations.  Authorization will open eligibility to an estimated 28 million children in the U.S.

The vaccine regimen for children from 5 – 11 is two shots, each one-third the dose given to adults and teens and administered three weeks apart. No cases of myocarditis, or heart inflammation, were reported in the Pfizer trial.

Lindsay Neptune, a nurse practitioner and Director of Clinical Services at Open Door Family Medical Center’s Nita Lowey Center for Health in Schools, answers some commonly asked questions. 

How anxious are parents of younger children to have a vaccine for them? 
I have many parents who have been asking me when the vaccine will be available for their child under 12. I do believe that many of the parents of my patients are eager to have their younger children vaccinated. I think they see it as a step forward in preventing many of the situations that occurred as a result of large scale outbreaks, including online learning and reduction in school programs, sports, other extracurricular activities outside of school, and care for children outside of school hours.

I also think that they don't want to go backwards in a way that causes children to have to be home for extended periods of time and suffer with the struggles they've experienced with online learning. I also think that many of our parents will feel safer when their entire families are vaccinated to do things like travel and see other family members and friends who they may not have been able to see throughout these challenging months.


Which children between the ages of 5 and 12 should not get vaccinated? 
Current guidance suggests that the contraindications to vaccination include a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or to any of its components, and immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components, and immediate allergic reaction of any severity to polysorbate (as found in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine).

If parents have any questions about their specific child and their ability to receive a vaccine, I would encourage them to speak with their child's healthcare provider.


Once these children are vaccinated, should this relax mask wearing in schools? 
I would continue to watch the guidance from the CDC as we start to move forward with pediatric vaccinations and increasing the percentage of the population that is vaccinated. However, I believe that until a large percentage of the population of the school and the community is fully vaccinated (received both doses of the vaccine and passed the two-week post-vaccination period), mask wearing should continue in schools.

​We have to remember that mask wearing helps to prevent individuals not only from getting sick but also from spreading the virus to others.  Wearing masks has proven to keep our students and schools safe. According to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, schools that have had masks in place were 3 1/2 times less likely to have school outbreaks requiring school closures. As we head into the winter weather months, we need to remain vigilant in protecting our school students and communities.


Are you seeing much in the way of children getting sick from Covid?
Not at present. Both the Ossining and Port Chester school districts where we are located are requiring mask wearing in schools this year as well as encouraging vaccination in all groups who are currently approved to receive the vaccine.  This seems to be very helpful in preventing infections in our school students. The school districts all follow protocols for quarantine and testing recommendations that are worked out with guidance from the NYS Department of Health and they continue to do some surveillance testing as well.


Have you seen much in the way of adverse reactions to the vaccine among children? 
In children ages 12 and older (the age range the COVID vaccine has been approved for so far) I have not seen any adverse reactions so far. I have had patients who have complained of some of the common side effects including pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle pain, fever and joint pain. Very similar to side effects experienced by children following other routine vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. Typically, these symptoms improve in 1-3 days and can be symptomatically managed with over the counter medication for pain or fever. 


The Nita M. Lowey Center for Health in Schools provides primary health care services for 4600 students in elementary, middle and high schools in Port Chester and Ossining. Services are available regardless of a family’s ability to pay and there are no out-of-pocket costs.

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The dreaded transition from daylight savings is upon us (the clocks fall back on Sunday, Nov 7, 2021)!  It often feels like we just recovered from one time change, and another is approaching.  “Falling back” can be particularly challenging for parents of young children. While folks without young kids are excited about an extra hour of sleep, those of us with wee ones actually have to get up earlier; our adorable, sleeping baby who used to rise at 6:30 am now wakes at 5:30 am (and yes, they’re slightly less adorable at that hour!).  So what can we do to help our kids adjust to this change (and keep our sanity!)?

In an ideal world, we could to begin to shift our children’s schedules a week ahead of time. Every few days we’d move their sleep and mealtimes later by 15 minutes, so that when the time change hits, they’ve already adjusted.  Despite this being the “official recommendation” for a smooth transition from daylight savings, I’ve yet to meet one person to actually do it (myself included with my own kids!).  The world outside our homes doesn’t accommodate such a gentle shift; school starts when school starts and you need to get to work on time, not 15-45 minutes late. 

Never fear! Here are some tips to help your children adjust to the new time.

Expose your children to lots of sunlight during the day.  Our circadian rhythms align with the sun, so exposure to natural light helps our bodies adjust to the appropriate time.

Be sensitive to your child’s needs and mood. The clock now reads 8 pm for your child’s regular 7 pm bedtime.  If you were used to protests at bedtime, you may have an easier transition, as your children should be more tired at the “new” 7 pm.  On the flip side, you run the risk of having an overtired child if you insist on bedtime being according to the clock. Accept that bedtime may be influx for a few days and that’s ok. It generally takes about a week for our internal clocks to shift, so know that any schedule change should be temporary.  To prevent an overtired child from unraveling, about 30 min prior to bedtime, dim the lights to help the body relax and transition to nighttime.  Room darkening shades can really help with this, too.  Keep the environment calm, and quiet before bed to help children unwind and ready to sleep. 

Stick with your bedtime routine.  If you don’t have a bedtime routine already, now is a great time to start. Children thrive on routines, so having one can be incredibly helpful to give structure to the time before bed.  A quiet routine is calming to them and helps them relax and ease into bedtime. It can be as simple as pajamas on, brush teeth, read a book/sing a song, lights out.  Don’t make it overly complex. You want this to be replicable daily, and easily done by a babysitter in your absence.  

Minimize exposure to electronics at least an hour prior to bedtime. This is true all year round, but especially now when we’re trying to help kids adjust to a time change. Electronic screens emit a blue light that mimics a bright, sunny sky and tricks the body into thinking it is daytime.  The result of this is that melatonin, the hormone that helps induce sleep, is suppressed, making it more challenging to fall asleep.

If all else fails, find a big mug and fill it with coffee. I’m sure you’ll be in good company!

Lauren Lappen is a Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions.  As a mom of daughter Ellie and twins Rebecca and Kira, Lauren recognized the importance of self-care and sought to instill healthy sleep habits in her children so that she could ensure her own rest and be at her best as a parent, wife and friend.   
 
Lauren studied under Deborah Pedrick, a pioneer in the field and founder of the Family Sleep Institute (FSI) and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is thrilled to be able to educate families on the importance of sleep and to empower parents with the knowledge and ability to teach their kids to love sleep as much as her girls do!

​Look no further. After more than 150 years of maternity experience and with a history of delivering more babies than any other hospital in Westchester County, St. John’s have been recognized as a 5 Star Maternity Department for over 13 years and we know how to make moms, partners and their babies feel well cared for.
 
The St. John’s Riverside Hospital Maternity team consists of the area’s leading doctors and compassionate nurses all of whom are certified in neonatal resuscitation. St. John’s Riverside Hospital Maternity team delivers the latest and most advances care in a comfortable, home-like environment that includes updated labor, delivery, and recovery rooms.
 
In addition, the Maternity Department now features all brand new state-of-the-art, private, luxury post-partum suites for the comfort of all our new moms. Most of the suites have sweeping river views.
 
The personalized pre-natal education program enhances the birthing experience providing comprehensive classes from Lamaze to breastfeeding.  Once your baby is delivered, you can rest assured that our state-of-the-art, Level II, Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery is equipped to provide comprehensive medical service if your baby is born prematurely or has other special needs.
 
St. John’s Riverside Hospital offers its Maternity patients large private Hudson River view rooms, award winning obstetrical care, nationally recognized safety program, a neonatal intensive care unit and a peaceful, post-partum recovery which overall offers a unique and comfortable environment for the newest members of our community.
 
If you would like a tour of the Maternity Department or a referral for an OB/GYN physician, feel free to call 914.964.4DOC or email [email protected].

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​These medical professionals bring a personal dimension to your delivery.  

Despite midwives being the norm in Europe, the trend has been slow to catch on in the US. Only 8% of American women use a midwife for birth. Often times, misconceptions about this profession cause many women to miss out on a comprehensive, holistic and safe approach to pregnancy and delivery.

Here are the three biggest misconceptions about midwives – all cleared up:

Midwives Are Medical Professionals
Midwives (translated to mean with women) are medically trained and certified in gynecological and obstetrical care. Many are registered nurses and have master’s degrees. They are qualified to sub in for a physician during a low-risk birth and should not be confused with doulas (who are not medically trained and play more of a general support role for the mother). At White Plains Hospital, our midwife program is integrated within our OBGYN practice – patients are seen in the same office and there is close collaboration with the physicians when needed.


Midwives Provide a Personal Touch to Standard OBGYN Care
With a midwife, obstetrical care is approached holistically rather than specifically through a medical lens and incorporates all aspects of pregnancy such as social skills, coping mechanisms and exercise programs. But perhaps the biggest difference between midwives and OBGYNs is the time that these professionals spend with the laboring mother, either at the hospital or at home. We are there from the beginning, and provide 100% support in labor, including guiding the mother through different positions to help her be as comfortable as possible. As a midwife, I strive to give our patients as close to a “homebirth” experience as possible -- within our modern, comfortable delivery suites at the hospital. If an emergency arises, everything we need is right outside the door, including access to an OBGYN who is always on call and available. 


Midwives’ Role Extends Beyond the Delivery Suite 
After the birth, midwives stick around to help with lactation. The profession advocates for exclusive breastfeeding, which is known for providing superior benefits for mother and baby, and they will continue to support new mothers once they are discharged home. Midwives will continue to provide postpartum support and gynecologic care, including pap exams and education, until the patient is ready to have their next child and the process starts all over again. 
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Midwives can add a holistic, personal touch to your birth experience, with the peace of mind of knowing that the traditional medical resources and expertise is readily available should it be needed.

Written by Lucille Milne, a certified nurse midwife, seeing patients in White Plains. To make an appointment, please call 914-328-8444.

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You don’t need expensive toys to give your baby’s development a boost. 
 
Marketers do a great job at making parents feel guilty for not buying the latest baby toy, promising hours of entertainment and developmental benefits. They soon find out that a baby’s attention span is about two to three minutes per year of their age, meaning that your six-month-old is going to lose interest very quickly. In baby terms, think of “play” as simply encouraging them to move and to see, touch, and hear new things and experiences.

These tried-and-true methods are very effective at boosting your child’s development. They are also free and allow you to put your toy money much better use, such as compounding in a 529 college savings account.

Here are some helpful ideas to stimulate your baby:
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• Find a colorful garden and let your baby look around for visual stimulation.
  
  
• Watch moving cars from your window – this helps with object tracking and building visual skills.
  
  
• Place baby on his or her back, and let them swat at a mobile to build their motor skills and learn to understand cause and effect
  
  
• Pull out your favorite playlist and jam to the tunes while your baby watches and listens – all genres of music are baby-friendly and helps to develop language skills (just make sure not to crank the volume too loud).
  
  
• Guide them through the motions of clapping, peddling the bike and stretching their legs to develop motor skills.
  
  
• When they are able to lift their head, place them on their tummies for 3-5 minutes, three times a day to build neck strength. Challenges can be fun too!
  
  
• Have a blast at bath time! It offers tons of different tactile, fine motor and sensory experiences.
  
  
• Also, there’s a reason peek-a-boo has been the go-to baby game for generations – it never ceases to entertain, and it teaches object permanence – understanding that things they can’t see still exist, which is a steppingstone to other milestones.
  
  
• Finally, when your infant is older and eating solids, encourage play with food of different textures and tastes – hopefully at least some of it ends up in their mouth!
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If you have a particular concern about an aspect of your baby’s development, make sure to raise the issue with your pediatrician at your baby’s next well visit. 

Written by Dr. Ellen Lestz, a board-certified pediatrician, seeing patients at White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk. To make an appointment, please call 914-849-7900

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Moms have had a rough year. In general, moms’ mental health has experienced declines and can be considered in crisis. Moms who work for pay outside the home may have endured additional mental health symptoms of anxiety and depression due to stress from disruptions in childcare and intense pressure to be both the ideal worker and the ideal mom. So what do you do if you feel overworked, wherever and however you work? Try to work on taking care of yourself. 
 
I firmly believe that moms can’t take care of others if they are not taking care of themselves. If you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, try to engage in the following strategies to improve your mindset little by little. With time and practice, it could become as easy as A-B-C!

 
Adjust Your Perspective

Strive to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. With a compassionate-focused therapy approach, you can overcome your self-critical tendencies by highlighting the positives, the same way you likely would for a friend who came to you for guidance. It’s also helpful to accept any negative feelings, which are natural. Being mindful of your emotions in the present moment and acknowledging that it is just a moment – meaning, temporary – is an extremely effective way to create calm. A conscious shift in perspective can change a distorted thought (“I’m a bad mom for not being able to put my kids to bed because I have to work instead”) to a to a rational one (“I have a lot of work to get through tonight and I need time to focus. I am feeling sad right now because I won’t get to tuck in my kids, but I know they are safe and that they love me. I will feel relief as soon as tomorrow when this project is complete, and then I’ll be able to really focus on family time.”).
 

Be an Advocate for Yourself

The ability to advocate for yourself, whether at work, home, or otherwise, is integral to achieving your goals. Try speaking honestly and directly with your partner and family’s inner circle about your mental load and what would be valuable to alleviate it (if applicable, for example, perhaps the kids’ dad can handle their doctors’ appointments and school meetings). In the corporate world, many companies and industries are still behind when it comes to their family-friendly policies; they may simply need a request for change to be made, and who better to make a request that would improve your life than you? To learn more about how to successfully advocate for better workplace policies and find support while doing so, please join me on June 17, 2021 in Scarsdale at a free happy hour & shopping networking event; optional contributions will be donated to a nonprofit committed to accelerating equity for working moms of color.

 
Connect with Your Community
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After all these months of isolation due to literal social distancing, it’s common to feel lonely and like your network is in shambles. But it is more crucial than ever to foster relationships and build your village. Try going for a walk or running an errand with a friend. Catch up with a long-distance relative on the phone while driving or cleaning. Rely on a trusted neighbor to watch your kids while you handle a meeting or other things on your to-do list, and you can return the favor at a later date. And if you’re feeling a bit lost, perhaps because of a pandemic-related move to a new town or other life transition, look for opportunities with others who share your interests or current life stage. It’s been meaningful to see how several moms in the parent groups I facilitate, who were in quarantine for most of their pregnancies, appreciate the opportunity to share with others who can relate to their daily struggles while offering ideas and encouragement. Everyone requires various forms of assistance at different times for different reasons. It is so important to get the support you need!
 
 
Written by Lauren A. Tetenbaum: a social worker, lawyer, professional coach, and Westchester Mom whose mission is to empower and support women, including working and new moms. To learn more about her clinical therapy and consulting services, please email [email protected].

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As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and more Americans (especially those of us in New York) are getting vaccinated, you might be feeling a huge sense of relief not having to worry as much about a severe case or long-term effects from COVID-19. However, while COVID-19 case numbers are dwindling, there are many other health risks to consider as we move into the warmer summer months. 
 
As a mom-led urgent care, we know that your family calendar is likely starting to fill up with vacations, beach days and BBQs – we’re so excited for these events with our families too! As you are penciling in your various plans, be mindful of these five common health concerns so you can maximize your fun summer moments.
 

1. Healthy habits for skin protection as you enjoy fun in the sun 

We’re all craving days at the beach or pool to soak up some vitamin D. How can you and your family prepare for your fun day in the sun? We recommend staying hydrated, protecting your skin with sunscreen and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sunlight, especially during the peak hours (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) when the sunshine is the strongest. 
 
To help prevent dehydration, make sure your family is drinking clear fluids consistently throughout the day. If you’re like some of the parents on our medical team, you probably love a refreshing iced coffee, but remember that caffeine is a diuretic which means an excessive amount can affect how hydrated you are.  
 
While most sunburns do go away on their own, there may be a chance that sunburns could blister or scar if severe enough. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the day to minimize the risk of such injuries. Every two hours or so, reapply sunscreen on yourself and to your little ones, especially if they are sweating or enjoying ocean waves or some time in the pool. 
 
Lastly, you can prevent your body from overheating, which can result in possible heat stroke, by limiting the amount of time spent in the direct sun or hot weather. A fun way for families to do this is to check out a local ice cream shop or head inside for a cool afternoon movie.  
 

2. Tips and tricks for planning a safe and relaxing pool or beach day 

As many of our medical team are working moms and dads (our chief medical officer is the mom of three and our regional medical director is a dad to five), we know that now is the time when many of us take off our pool covers or head over to our local community pools, lakes or beaches. Whether your child is just learning how to swim or you have been a seasoned swimmer for many years, we want you to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe in the water this summer.
 
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
 
In an effort to avoid swimming injuries or drowning, never leave a child or someone who does not know how to swim unattended, swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards when available and maintain constant supervision of those in the water. If your children have a small kiddie pool in your yard, designate a responsible adult to supervise playtime in the water. 
 
You may see news stories or social media posts warning of “dry drowning” or “secondary drowning” — this is when a person ingests water through their nose or mouth and later experiences symptoms like difficulty breathing, fatigue or irritability. It can be successfully treated, and the earlier it’s caught, the better.  While it’s important to remember that this is fairly uncommon, it’s best to see a medical provider if your child or a loved one has spent time near the water and exhibits any symptoms related to secondary drowning. 
 

3. What to keep in mind as you dust off your grill and fire pit 

Many of us have long-waited for the end of winter to reconnect with loved ones around a campfire or in the backyard. Before you invite your family and friends over to grill or make s’mores, we suggest creating a safety plan. Your heat-related safety plan should include a checklist to ensure your grill or fire pit are a safe distance from your house, deck railings, and overhanging tree branches. We also recommend having a hose or fire extinguisher nearby.  
 
To grill up perfect hot dogs and keep your kids and guests safe, don’t leave your grill unattended while it’s on. While you likely will take care to not burn yourself in your backyard, make sure to cover any burns with a clean, dry cloth in the event of an accident. If you have any concerns, our centers in Mamaroneck, Mohegan Lake and Somers are open seven days a week to check out any concerning burns or other injuries. You can schedule a virtual visit or check-in ahead of time on our website here.
 

4. Steps to avoid food-related illnesses at your backyard BBQs  

Most of our fondest summer moments occur at our summer picnics and BBQs with family and friends. However, when the temperature gets warmer outside, foodborne germs are more common (including Norovirus and Salmonella). 
 
Before you flip a juicy burger or leave a delicious potato salad out for your child to eat once they’re done playing, we recommend following the CDC’s four steps to food safety - Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. These steps will ensure that you and your loved ones don’t develop food poisoning or other related sickness. A general best practice is that hot foods should stay hot, and cold foods should stay cold. Leaving any food too long at ambient temperature increases the changes of bacteria growing and can make you sick. 
 
We also recommend staying vigilant when using sharp objects to cut your meats or any other items you plan on grilling. Some general guidance to avoid cooking injuries includes wearing gloves resistant to punctures, cuts, or moisture; selecting the right tool for the job; sharpening cutting tools and knives on a regular basis (dull blades require more force and may be more likely to slip, cutting the handler); and taking care to cover/store/dispose of sharp objects properly. 
 

5. Advice to help keep rashes and bug bites at bay this summer 
​
Getting outdoors after a long cold winter in quarantine is great for our physical and emotional health. If you plan on hiking, spending time in or near wooded areas, or participating in other activities where you may encounter plants or bugs, you may run across poison oak, poison ivy and sumac, or find yourself with an insect sting or bite. 
 
To avoid the unpleasant rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac remind children to be careful brushing up against or near any plants. While mowing the lawn or gardening, wear clothing or protective equipment to reduce the likelihood of a reaction to these plants. 
 
Bites from mosquitos, horse flies or other bugs can also cause a reaction.  If you or your child is bitten by an insect or any kind of animal, be sure to clean the wound properly to avoid any type of potential infection. If you have any concerns about wounds like these, you can seek treatment at facilities like a PhysicianOne Urgent Care location near you.
 
Check the scalp, elbows, behind the knees and all over for ticks after being in long grass or wooded areas for ticks. If you find a tick on you, monitor for any flu-like symptoms days or weeks after being bitten by a tick or notice that the skin surrounding a tick bite is becoming more swollen with enlarging areas of redness. These symptoms can indicate Lyme disease or something more serious. Consult a doctor or visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care to have the bite, rash and any Lyme symptoms evaluated.  

From our team to your family, we hope you have a summer full of much needed fun and relaxation. PhysicianOne Urgent Care is led by moms like you who understand what it’s like keeping a family safe throughout the year – we’ve got you!

​Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube for more health tips and to stay connected.

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Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine has just been approved for 12 to 15-year-olds – here’s what you need to know and why you should schedule a shot as soon as possible.
 
As a pediatrician and someone who is very familiar with all types of childhood vaccines, I encourage everyone to sign their tweens and young teens up for a vaccine appointment as soon as they are able to do so. As the parent of a 14-year-old (and an 18-year-old who is already vaccinated), I know I will – and here’s why:

​
1. COVID-19 cases are growing in children. 
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children now represent over 20% of all new infections. With the loosening of restrictions at school, as well as more transmissible mutations, this is a concern. While the effects in children have been reported to be less severe than adults, COVID-19 is still a serious illness that has resulted in pediatric hospitalizations and even deaths. Young children are also more likely to be asymptomatic carriers and could put our more vulnerable or unvaccinated family and community members at higher risk. 


2. It’s safe! 
Despite the false perception that this vaccine was “rushed,” the mRNA technology that is being deployed in the Pfizer vaccine has been under development for the past decade. This technology essentially “tricks” our body’s defenses into activating without the virus actually being present (it bears reminding that there are no live viruses in the vaccine). These advances were one of the reasons the vaccine was brought to market expeditiously – because we already had all the molecular-level background to begin work on a safe and effective vaccine against it. 


3. It likely works even better in kids.
While studies are still under way to prove just how much better the vaccine works in children, it makes sense this would be the case. As has been shown in some of the other routine childhood vaccines that we administer, the immune system of younger children recognizes and responds to the “appearance” of a viral infection more robustly than older children or adults. You can be confident that the vaccine is doing its job in protecting your most cherished asset and closing the door on this health pandemic.


Written by Dr. Ellen Lestz, a board-certified pediatrician, seeing patients at White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk. To make an appointment, please call 914-849-7900. 

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Your child’s pediatrician is often attuned to subtle signs of preventable problems.  
Written by Dr. Amanda Menco, Pediatrician
​
When it comes to kids’ health, the sooner you can identify a problem, the less of a big deal it may become. Sticking to regular well-visits is an opportunity for your child’s doctor to look for those less obvious signs that something may be off with their physical and mental health. It may turn out to be nothing, but sometimes it allows us to catch a condition early when it is most easily treated or can be evaluated further by a specialist. 

Here are four common conditions that pediatricians look for:

Speech Delays
A large part of your child’s development happens in early childhood, even before the age of four, and their social development is extremely important during these years. During the pandemic, many children were unable to play with other kids and were not exposed to a normal amount of language outside the home. This has led to an increase in pediatric speech delays, so much so that the State’s Early Intervention program has been inundated with scheduling evaluations, leaving many private speech therapists overwhelmed with referrals. With speech development, time is truly of the essence, so the sooner your pediatrician identifies an issue and can make an appropriate referral the better. 

Accelerated or Delayed Growth
Early adolescence is a critical time to check in with your pediatrician to monitor your child’s growth and development. It’s no secret that the pandemic caused many families to delay regular visits this past year. With this drop-off, we are suddenly picking up many cases of “precocious,” or early, puberty and advanced bone age. When a child’s skeletal and reproductive growth outpaces their chronological age, this can lead to various problems including inability to reach their full height potential. With proper imaging, we can confirm this condition and refer you to an endocrinologist who can provide various treatment options to slow down the process, so your child grows normally.

Chronic Digestive Problems
Tracking your child’s growth year-over-year also allows us to watch the trend on their growth chart more clearly. While a small drop in either their height or weight percentile usually isn’t cause for concern, seeing a significant drop in one percentile or the other, or even a subtle drop in both measures, can alert us to a possible chronic digestive issue like celiac disease or Crohn’s – even if the child doesn’t yet exhibit any gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Depression
Kids who sleep a lot more than usual, or who are always tired and bored, especially in their teenage years could be suffering from improper thyroid function…. but these symptoms could also point to depression and anxiety. Allowing us to talk with your child and check simple bloodwork can help us discover the exact cause as quickly as possible so we can make the proper referrals. The past year has been incredibly stressful on kids who are lacking social interaction, struggling for privacy with everyone working from home, and, for high school seniors, trying to make immense decisions about college with limited access and information. The amount of referrals to therapists and psychologists has been tremendous lately, so the sooner we identify the issue, the sooner we can get your child the support he or she needs.
​
Now is a great time to check in with your pediatrician to make sure your child’s health is on track and to beat the summer camp and back-to-school rush. Let us know how we can help!
​

Dr. Amanda Menco is a pediatrician with Scarsdale Medical Group, seeing patients in the Mamaroneck location. To make an appointment, please call the Pediatrics Department at (914) 989-1111. 

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Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Have you talked with a genetic counselor yet? At one time, talking with a counselor and pursing genetic screening was something reserved only for older moms, typically those over 35 year of age. But today, leading maternal-fetal medicine experts are recommending that women of all ages should be offered genetic screening.

So, who are genetic counselors and what do they do? These licensed professionals work closely with your OBGYN to identify and recommend screening for potential genetic abnormalities that could affect your baby’s health. While age does raise the chances of certain risks, your birthdate is not the only factor you should consider. 
 
The first step is having sit-down meeting, usually informal to start, so the counselor can get to know more about you. They will speak with you to get more information about any inherited diseases and ask questions about your medical history.
 
“Genetic counseling can add so much to the experience of being pregnant,” says Dr. Caroline Stella, Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at White Plains Hospital. “Even if you aren’t interested in having a genetic screening, it always helps to sit down with a counselor and hear about various options.”
 
Not all counseling sessions lead to testing. Sometimes just talking it through and getting the facts can help to set your mind at ease or help you make a decision about next steps. But if you are at least 10 weeks along, you may be offered non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). You’ll be asked to give a blood sample that looks for small fragments of DNA circulating in your blood, as well as undergo an ultrasound to try to spot any physical signs of abnormality.  
 
The conditions doctors are specifically looking for include:  

• Down syndrome (presence of an extra chromosome 21)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome – the presence of an extra chromosome 13)

• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome – the presence of an extra chromosome 18)

  

Of course, this test is also a great opportunity to learn your baby’s gender. Sex chromosomes XX means your baby is a girl while an XY combo reveals that a son is on the way!

Should the screen come back positive or any of the abnormal conditions, further testing will be used to definitively confirm or rule out a condition. Genetic testing can also be customized based on family history or specific concerns, and additional tests include cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy, among others.

“It’s not just about getting excellent maternal-fetal care, it’s about supporting the expectant parents’ emotional aspect during this exciting time of life, and all the worry and hopes that go along with it,” says Dr. Stella. “Genetic counseling is one important part of that. We want to make sure our patients have the most comprehensive experience possible, including access to various diagnostic testing options should they be needed, depending on what the results of the screenings determine.”
​
To find an OBGYN at White Plains Hospital, call (914) 681-MyMD.

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2020 was quite a year.  But it is now behind us (ahhh... big sigh of relief). A new year feels like a fresh start. A clean slate. And now more than ever that feels GOOD! 

Many of us enjoy making New Year's resolutions as a way to look forward, establish better habits, improve areas of our life that we want to work on, focus on our health, and jump start our ambitions. New year, new you, right?!

Over the course of this pandemic I immersed myself in the world of self-help books to find some inspiration, motivation, entertainment and guidance to make life feel a little more opportunistic. A little more in control. A little less overwhelming. Reading stories about others overcoming obstacles, having life altering experiences and finding love can be so inspiring. 

I discovered four books that really filled me up. They taught me a lot. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Gave me epiphanies. Helped me let go of past disappointments. Uncovered ways to be the best mom I can be. Motivated me to start taking care of ME. Gave me the courage to accept that there are things I do not like and have the power to change... NOW. Perhaps they will bring the same comfort and inspiration to you. And give you the tools and guidance to build your own resolutions for a transformational 2021.

I'm sure many of the moms out there struggle to find the time to read. I struggle with that too. So I found a way to combine exercise and books by listening to them while walking or jogging. You can also listen to them in the car or at home if you find that convenient. 

Check out these four books to get you inspired to develop your New Year's resolutions, start making positive changes and pave the way for— what might just be— the best year of your life.

Wishing all of our readers a happy and healthy 2021! You got this.

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​One thing we love about raising our families in Westchester is that we have access to state-of-the-art pediatrics without the hustle and bustle of the city. Westchester is filled with great institutions such as Westchester Health, part of Northwell Health Physician Partners and an affiliate of Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center. With a team of board trained and certified physicians who specialize in providing a broad range of comprehensive care, managing both common and complex illnesses in infants, children, adolescents and young adults 21 and under, we know our babies are always in good hands. (They’ll always be our babies, right?!) 
 
As a fellow mother, it’s so reassuring to have this exceptional resource nearby. Knowing I have trusted and caring doctors so close to home makes routine checkups and the possibility of unforeseen emergencies so much less nerve-wracking. Plus, should there ever be an emergency, affiliate Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center boasts 88 outstanding sub-specialties and programs and was named the largest provider of pediatric health services in New York State and one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
 
Westchester Health Pediatrics is there for all of parenthood’s what-ifs, from “How do I get my baby to sleep at night?” to “Why does my teen sleep all day?” With pediatricians who have extensive experience in their field, using the latest technology and techniques to diagnose, treat and provide preventative care for all types of children’s illnesses, injuries and medical conditions, including asthma, acne, obesity, diabetes, learning disabilities, STDs, eating disorders, ADHD, depression and more, Westchester Health has you covered.

As a parent, nothing is worse than feeling like your concerns aren’t being heard, which is why the team at Westchester Health firmly believes that good treatment starts with good listening. This ethos extends to their belief that the best patient is an informed patient, and that patient education is critical to long-term health (not to mention your health as a worried mother!). Whether you have been with Westchester Health for years or are new to the practice, you quickly recognize that their Pediatrics Department truly cares about each and every one of their patients and their families.
 
If you are interested in learning more about Westchester Health Pediatrics, you can call 914-232-1919 to talk to a Westchester Health specialist or find the location nearest you.
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Life is full of challenges these days, one thing for certain, making time for self-care doesn't always seem like the priority. 

As moms we are dealing with homeschooling, the pandemic, the holidays and trying to keep up with everyday responsibilities. This can feel, well, overwhelming. Under normal circumstances mothers are faced with multiple demands, but the duration and chronic nature of this situation is unprecedented. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide counseling, spending my days helping others navigate through the stressors of life. Recently, I find myself wondering if I have enough emotional energy to do the same for myself.  On a typical day I am trying to work from home, stopping constantly to help my children, juggling laundry, dishes, the dog etc. etc. But recently I began asking myself how am I caring for me?  What do I need to be able to be available for my family?

This reminded me of the instructions given when flying on an airplane, put your oxygen mask on first before you place it on your children. At first that order seems wrong.  When it is symbolic of something, we all must do before we can help anyone else.  When we are sleep deprived, hungry, stressed or worn down we don't have much left to give.

Self-care is not a treat we give ourselves as a reward; it should be part of our everyday, a moment we take to refuel to go the distance and be our best self. So, prioritize making time for you. Here are a few other quick tips.

• Take care of your physical needs- Make sure you get enough sleep, eat nutritiously, and find ways to move your body regularly.
  
  
• Practice gratitude- Each day, take a few minutes to think about the things in your life you are thankful for. Try a guided gratitude meditation cultivate gratitude during the holidays  and  guided gratitude meditation.
  
  
• Surround yourself with positive people- Make sure you’re spending time with people who support your goals and encourage you when times are tough.
  
  
• Do mini check-ins several times a day- Throughout the day, take a few deep breaths and do a quick body scan. Notice and release tension and ask yourself what you can do in that moment to care for your needs. 
  
  
• Ask for help when you need it- Don’t overthink it. Be specific,clear and direct and ask for what you need.
  
  
• Be kind to yourself- We are all doing the best we can, in this moment in time. Ask yourself, would I ever speak to a friend the way I  am speaking to myself? If not, change it.​

Written by Robin Hershkowitz, LCSW-R

Robin Hershkowitz is a  Licensed Clinical Social Worker and  Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at  New York Medical College where she provides counseling to students. Robin is also a therapist in Psychiatry at Memorial Sloan Kettering, working with young and older adult patients and caregivers.  She has over 20 years of experience working in Hospital Systems, Nonprofit Organizations, and Health Services Programs. Robin has earned her Masters of Social Work Degree and a Post Master’s Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice from New York University as well as being certified in Problem Solving Therapy, trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Crisis Prevention Intervention. 
 
Robin currently lives in Westchester with her husband and two children.  She can always be found spending time volunteering at her children's school, local Synagogue or anyplace that asks nicely. 

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It feels like the phrase "Why didn't anyone tell me this was going to be so hard?!" comes out of our mouths five times a day as parents. When it comes to feeding our little ones, we think about it for every meal. Yes, we all know that nutrition is critical for our children’s healthy development— but between trying to find fresh, nutrient-dense meals to figuring out how to get our kids to actually eat their food, all on top of our daily to-dos, the anxiety can really start to kick in. 

Little Spoon was started because of these exact pain points, so when we say we’ve been there, we’ve really been there. We created Little Spoon to make parents’ lives easier, with all of our products delivered right to your door and our community just a click, call, or message away. We know how crucial nutrition is during the first few years of life, and how difficult it can be to get your little to eat what’s good for them, so we do the heavy lifting for you. Our Babyblends and toddler & kid's meals, Plates, are made with recipes that keep nutrition and development top of mind, using only the freshest ingredients and free of preservatives, GMOs, additives, and added sugar. 

Here are eight reasons Little Spoon is the ultimate parenting hack:

1. Delivered right to your door
   Put down the kitchenware. Little Spoon delivers fresh, nutrient-dense Babyblends and big kid meals right to your door. We make sure that all your littles, from baby to big kid, are covered at mealtime so you don’t have to. 
   
   
2. Nutrient-dense, balanced recipes
   Little Spoon works alongside renowned pediatricians and nutritionists to create nutrient-dense, balanced recipes for your little one. We use fresh and diverse ingredients to expose your mini to critical vitamins, minerals, and key nutrients that they need at every step of development. Whether you’re looking for an immunity-boosting Babyblend like our Carrot Apple Ginger blend or veggie-packed Plate like our Broccoli Bites, we’ve got you.
   
   
3. Clean, preservative-free ingredients 
   Most grocery store kids products have preservatives, added sugars, and other things you can't pronounce. At Little Spoon, making the safest, highest quality food for your little is our priority. That’s why we have a zero-tolerance policy for preservatives, fillers, additives, and heat-processing. Our Babyblends are made using 100% organic, non-GMO ingredients while our Plates include antibiotic and hormone-free protein, non-GMO fruits and veggies, and organic ingredients where it matters most. 
   
   
4. Meals for babies AND big kids 
   Little Spoon is there to cover everything from first bites to big appetites, making it easy for your mini to transition from Babyblends to Plates. Both menus incorporate a wide variety of recipes made for all developmental stages, so that your mini can eat right every step of the way.
   
   
5. Say goodbye to picky eaters
   From babyhood to big kid and every phase in between, Little Spoon is here to help your kiddo develop a diverse palate. Even from your babe’s very first bites, it’s vital to expose them to a robust array of flavors, textures, and foods. Our Babyblends are carefully crafted with over 100 ingredients, with options for every type of eater. Starting with our single-ingredient blends such as Pear or Zucchini will help prime your babe for the more complex blends that incorporate flavors like mint, spirulina, and hemp like our ever-popular Sweet Potato Apple Blueberry Flax blend. Introducing complex flavors helps expand your little’s palate until they’re ready to dive into our veggie-packed toddler meals. Our Plates menu offers everything from kid classics like Chicken Super Nuggets to adventurous toddler meals like Cheesy Black Bean Pupusas, packed with veggies and superfoods in every bite.
   
   
6. Clean line of vitamins and natural remedies 
   From iron deficiency to cold prevention and constipation, Little Spoon’s line of clean vitamins and natural remedies was created to give your kiddo that extra boost. Sneak our easy-to-use powder formulas into your mini’s Babyblends, breast milk, water, you name it; say hello to your new superpower. 
   
   
7. Online community of mamas who like to get real 
   Ever find yourself asking one of your mom friends “but seriously...is this normal?” You’re not alone, that’s why Little Spoon created Is This Normal a parenting portal and online community of parents who like to have candid conversations about the ins and outs of parenting. 
   
   
8. Here for you, 24/7
   We know that being a mama means absolutely no days off. That’s why Little Spoon’s Care Team, an epic group of mamas who just get it, are here to help you with any questions or concerns you have, day or night. Whether you have a question about your order or need a little help introducing your babe to a new ingredient, we’re here for you.

Ready to give Little Spoon a try? Head over to littlespoon.com to get started and use code WMBLENDS75 for $75 off Little Spoon Babyblends or code WMPLATES75 to save $75 on Plates!

By Little Spoon,  Originally published on Is This Normal.

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​There are different types of UI like leaking with laughing or sneezing, leaking with a strong urge to urinate or even a mixture of both.

So when this happens to us, what do we do? Most of us reach out to our girlfriends, sisters or mothers and it is all too common that we hear similar stories that reinforce the thought that we just have to deal with this issue or that there is nothing you can do about it.

But there is good news- you ​CAN​ do something about it. Your pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that affect your ability to hold in your pee. If you optimize those muscles, you can help improve your leaky bladder! Sometimes we leak because our muscles are too weak, sometimes we leak because our muscles are coordinating incorrectly, and sometimes we leak because our muscles are holding too much tension.
​

Not sure if you are leaking because your pelvic floor muscles are too weak, uncoordinated or too tight? Not sure what foods, drinks or activities are affecting your ability to stay dry? Want to improve your bladder situation as much as you can regardless of WHY it might be happening? Many women go see a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, but that requires going to an office, spending a good amount of time and money. As Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists, we acknowledge that not everybody can invest in themselves in that way, especially during these uncertain times.

That is why we created a self-paced, online program for moms of any age who are leaking! It’s called ​Leak-Free After Baby Bootcamp​.

Learn how to help yourself live leak-free from the comfort of your own home and on your own time! It’s jam packed with ​Five 30 minute educational videos​, ​Three Coaching Calls over the time of the course, ​handouts​ for each lecture and ​bonus videos​. Learning how your body should work and how to heal yourself using the tricks we give our clients all the time!

This is our pilot program and we are offering a special introductory price of $99, but the entire course is valued at over $300. ​There are only 15 spots available. Once filled, the course will be closed and we don’t know when we will offer it again.
​

Reference: ​https://www.ics.org/publications/ici_4/files-book/comite-1.pdf

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Cognitive and Behavioral Consultants (CBC) has announced openings in their ongoing intensive program for young adults and their families. SAGE, The System for Adult Growth and Emergence, formerly known as the STEPS program, is available to clients using a state-of-the-art virtual platform.
 
Admission is now open for SAGE which utilizes both CBT and DBT strategies and is designed for young adults with a primary diagnosis of a mood or anxiety disorder who have difficulty regulating emotions and behaviors and present with multiple problems. The program, which will be conducted virtually, is for young adults whose lives may have been further disrupted by school closings, loss of part-time employment, difficulties transitioning from college to full-time jobs, and enforced social isolation. Parents, who also attend virtually, may particularly benefit from learning validation and conflict resolution skills at a time when more young adults are living at home, and families are spending many hours together.
 
“Our group and individual virtual therapy sessions are designed to support young adults whose lives may have been further disrupted by school closings, loss of part-time employment, difficulties transitioning from college to full-time jobs, and enforced social isolation,” says Dr. Lata K. McGinn, co-founder of CBC. “Parents may also benefit from the coordinating parent program, learning validation, and conflict resolution skills at a time when more young adults are living at home, and families are spending so many hours together.” Accepted participants are generally high school graduates aged 18 to 26, with a primary diagnosis of mood or anxiety disorder.
​
SAGE for Young Adults is a 2-part program with a Coordinating Parent program.
 
In Sage 1, Young Adults, typically between the ages of 18-26, attend groups between 10 am-12:30 pm four mornings per week for six weeks. New members join each Monday.
 
Sage 2 is for young adults who have completed SAGE 1 and is aimed at increasing skills generalization and improving executive functioning skills, as well as learning new skills. Clients attend two groups per week for a minimum of six weeks and work on specific, measurable goals. After six weeks, as goals are met, clients may attend one group session a week.
 
CBC also provides a coordinating Parent Program to help parents learn skills to communicate effectively to their young adults and to regulate their emotional responses.
 
Young adults are required to be in ongoing individual therapy in addition to the SAGE program, which may be provided by one of our therapists. Parent management training, couples therapy, or individual therapy for parents may be recommended on a case-by-case basis. 
 
Interested participants should contact Dr. Michelle Greenberg at (914) 385 x 1150 to schedule an intake assessment with Dr. Suzanne Davino or another SAGE team member. Visit the CBC website to learn more about the SAGE program at this link: SAGE Program for Young Adults.
 
Cognitive and Behavioral Consultants (CBC) is an evidence-based clinical and training center comprised of internationally recognized mental health professionals who have researched, pioneered, and are highly experienced in delivering cutting edge treatments that help adults, adolescents, and children live more fulfilled lives. Founded in 2004 by Dr. Lata K. McGinn and Dr. Alec L. Miller, leaders in the fields of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, the CBC team provides a large array of Clinical and Wellness services to the public, provides Custom Designed Programs for schools, agencies, and businesses, and Continuing Education for Professionals in the field of psychology. More information can be found at www.cbc-psychology.com  or by calling 914-385-1150.
 
 
SUMMER GROUPS ANNOUNCED 
Social Anxiety Summer Virtual Groups:
www.cbc-psychology.com/events/social-anxiety-group-for-high-schoolers-and-young-adults
These groups are for teens and young adults who would benefit from learning skills to reduce anxiety in social situations. Participants will learn strategies to challenge worry thoughts experienced in social situations, enhance conversational and assertiveness skills, and practice these skills in different real-life activities through exposures.
Interested participants should contact Dr. Michelle Greenberg at (914) 385-1150 x 1 or email [email protected]
 
DBT Summer Virtual Groups:
www.cbc-psychology.com/events/summer-dbt-skills-groups-for-young-adults
Designed to support a successful transition into young adulthood, this group is for young adults (18-26 years old) who would benefit from learning skills to regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, improve their interpersonal relationships, and increase their self-awareness and focus.
To attend this group, participants must meet regularly with a therapist or psychiatrist (who may be outside of CBC).  Interested participants should contact Dr. Michelle Greenberg at (914) 385-1150 x 1 or email [email protected]
 
CBC offers comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluations to help identify problems in cognitive, motor, behavioral, linguistic, and executive functioning in children, adolescents, and adults. We also offer both individual and group coaching for individuals who present with executive functioning difficulties. 
 
Autism Diagnostic Evaluations - The range of presentations in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders can make these patients difficult to diagnose. Our evaluations include an ADOS-2, as well as other tools to evaluate cognition, social skills, language pragmatics, and behavior. Significant components of the evaluation process include a thorough clinical history and comprehensive treatment planning.
 
CBC also offers the Parent Child Interactive Program. The PCIT program is an evidence-based treatment for young children between the ages of 2-7 who display emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. It teaches parents specialized, therapeutic parenting strategies to use with children who have these difficulties. 
 
If you are interested in additional virtual programs for your child or yourself, please contact us. 914-385-1150, option 1.

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