Q: I've seen books and DVDs about teaching sign language to babies. Why is sign language beneficial?
A: Infants and babies develop fine motor skills in their hands and fingers before they develop the ability to talk. Most babies voice their first word around a year, but they can learn to sign much earlier, around 9 to 10 months. More >>

Q: My child has been sick, and he plays outside a lot. Could he have Lyme Disease?
A: In the early stages, Lyme Disease mimics many other flu-like illnesses. Fatigue, fever and aching joints could be Lyme or many other conditions. More >>

Q: My son sometimes complains of tummy aches. What could be causing them?
A: Almost everyone has a belly ache at one time or another. They can be associated with food, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, an infection, appendicitis or stress. More >>

Q: I don't know CPR. Why is it important for me to learn it and how much of a difference can it make?
A: CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In sudden cardiac arrest, a person's chance for survival decreases by 10 percent every minute that CPR and defibrillation does not occur. More >>

Q: I had always thought that Ipecac was essential to have on hand in the case of poisoning. Now I hear that may not be the case. Can you help me figure this out?
A: Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that parents discontinue the use of ipecac when children ingest toxic substances and now recommend that you call the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. More >>

Q: I heard that some children may be more sensitive to second-hand smoke than others. Does this mean that only those children are at risk from second-hand smoke?
A: Your question probably stems from a recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine. More >>

Q: I heard that using antibacterial hand soap doesn't prevent germs or illness. In fact, I heard it's harmful to my health. How can that be true?
A: An FDA panel has confirmed after numerous studies that the use of antibacterial soap is no better than plain glycerin hand soap to reduce infectious disease. More >>

Q: I’ve heard that there are new recommendations to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). What do I need to know to protect my baby?
A: You’re right. This October, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expanded its recommendations made in 1992. There are three things you need to know. More >>

Q: My 15-year-old son was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a year ago. How can I help him to manage his diabetes without feeling like I am always nagging him?
A: If your teenager has diabetes, you may feel scared and nervous, because the disease requires daily attention and management and can result in serious consequences. More >>

Q: My child has been diagnosed with asthma. What now?
A: Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States. It is estimated that there are approximately five million children in this country with asthma. More >>

Q: When should my daughter have her first gynecologic visit?
A: We recommend your daughter have her first exam at least age 18 or when she becomes sexually active. A gynecologist or nurse practitioner can care for your daughter. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with additional education who is licensed to do exams, prescribe medications and interpret test results, and who specializes in educating patients. More >>

Q: What is Scoliosis and how is it treated?
A: Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine. Instead of the spine being straight it assumes an “S” shape. More >>

Q: Are cartoons OK for my kids to watch?
A: Many parents feel confident that cartoons and other programs aimed at children are harmless, but even cartoons can contain violence, fighting, sexual content and disrespectful, risky or aggressive behavior – often more than prime time television. More >>

Q: Does eating while watching TV contribute to childhood obesity?
A: Most experts agree that eating while watching TV encourages mindless eating. Children (and adults) who are focused on other things tend to ignore signals telling them they are full. Some children get so full on an after-school snack during TV time that they can't eat dinner. More >>

Q: If I'm in an auto accident with my child in the car, should I call 911 even if she seems okay?
A: That depends, of course, on the severity of the accident. More >>

Q: I’m worried that my child may be depressed. What are the symptoms?
A: Depressed young people are more likely to be irritable than sad, and the other telltale symptom is a loss of interest in favorite pastimes. More >>

Q: I’ve heard that more toddlers are getting their hands on medicine they should not have access to. Is this a common problem?
A: I see enough toddlers for this reason in the emergency room to concern me. And studies have shown this is a significant problem. More >>

Q: I heard something about a 'revolutionary' new drug for treating children with rheumatoid arthritis. What is it?
A: What you've probably been hearing about is the drug Humira (adalimumab). Since 2002, this drug has been successfully used in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). More >>

Q: I read that the immunization schedule just changed. What should I do?
A: It is likely your pediatrician already knows about the changes to the immunization schedule. Every year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) change the guidelines because of new research into the effectiveness of a particular vaccine or because of new vaccines. More >>

Q: My son fell and hurt his arm. I don’t have medical insurance. What should I do?
A: Take him to Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network’s (LVHHN) emergency department. We treat all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for care. More >>

Q: What is an auto-immune disease?
A: An autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system mistakes healthy cells for harmful invaders and attacks them. There are more than sixty different auto-immune diseases, affecting different organs and parts of the body. More >>

Q: Do I need a flu shot this year?
A: If you want to reduce your chance of getting the flu (influenza), you should get vaccinated. More >>

Q: My child spits out any medicine I give him. How can I get him to take it?
A: You can try a number of remedies. Here's our advice. More >>

Q: My child was just diagnosed with asthma. What do I need to know about inhalers?
A: Treating asthma today is much different than it was even just a few years ago. Newer inhaler options give better flexibility in how the medicine is delivered and the type of medicines you can use. More >>

Q: Could my child have an ulcer?
A: Ulcers (open sores in the stomach lining) occur rarely in children. Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) is much more common. More >>

Q: Could my child have reflux disease?
A: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach up into the esophagus. Babies, children and teens can have GERD, although it is much more common in adults. More >>