A high-speed train in 1960 zipped along at 100 mph; today the speeds are twice that. Locomotion has gotten faster with every generation, but we can't say the same about our kids. According to an Australian study that looked at 20 million children world-wi

4 Smart Ways to Keep Kids Healthy

One out of three American kids ages 6 to 11 is overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to serious health problems down the road. Conditions like high cholesterol, asthma, a weaker immune system, arthritis, cancer, heart disease and diabetes can develop if t

Ask the Pediatrician: Is My Child Overweight?

How can I keep my child safe from injury? - Make sure infants sleep alone, placed on their backs on a firm surface. Keep cleaning solutions and other toxic products in original packaging and where children can't get them. Learn more from our experts about

All children experience injuries at some point. Falls, collisions, and accidents do happen. But there are some things you can do to try to keep your child as safe as possible.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Proper car seat, booster seat, and seatbelt use is vital to keeping your child safe during a car accident.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Your child should wear a well-fitting helmet while riding on anything with wheels (bikes, scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades).</li>
	<li>Children love to play in water. NEVER leave your child alone in or near a bathtub, bucket of water, wading or swimming pool, or any other body or water, even for a moment.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>If you choose to keep a gun in your home, keep it unloaded and in a locked place, with the ammunition locked separately.</li>
	<li>Ask if there is a gun or guns in the homes where your child visits or is cared for have guns and how they are stored.</li>
</ul>

This answer was created with the help of physicians at South Riding Pediatrics (www.SouthRidingPediatrics.com) and www.HealthyChildren.org

How can I keep my child safe from injury?

Ask the nurse to always apply numbing gel before a shot and set limits with the medical staff. Learn more from our experts about ways to make a child more comfortable in the hospital.

Does your child have a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or toy? Does she have a hat from her favorite sports team or music she likes? Make sure you bring these things to the hospital (and put her name on them). Having these things nearby can help your child feel loved, understood, and connected with life outside the hospital.

How can I make my child more comfortable in the hospital?

The role of a child life specialist is to help with medical preparation and support. Learn more from our experts about the role of a child life specialist.

The role of a child life specialist is to make children feel comfortable and able to cope with a stay in the hospital. A child life specialist can provide toys, movies, music and much more to make this happen.&nbsp; Being in the hospital can be very difficult for children.

What is the role of a child life specialist?

A primary care physician can help prevent disease. Learn more from our experts about the importance of having a primary care physician.

It&#39;s important to have a primary care doctor because they are the entry point to healthcare. Usually when patients get sick, that&#39;s the first place they go. And depending on their age, sex and medical history, patients can also get preventative care.

Primary care doctors also have long-term relationships with their patients. They know their patient&#39;s medical history, family history and mental health status. Primary care is more of a holistic care approach than specialty care. At a specialty care center, you&rsquo;re focusing on only one field.

Why is it important for adults to have a primary care physician?

You will have to see a primary care provider for referrals to specialists if your insurance plan requires this. Learn more from our experts about primary care providers and referrals to specialists.

Most health plans will require a referral from a primary care specialist before seeing another specialist such as a cardiologist or neurologist. However, some plans do not require a referral. It is best to check with your health plan before seeing another specialist to see if a referral is required. If one is required and you do not have one, you could end up paying the entire bill.

Will I have to see a primary care provider for referrals to specialists?

You can prevent falls by assessing health, physical fitness and home safety. Learn more from our experts about preventing falls.

Falls can result from a host of factors, some health-related and some environmental, such as failing vision or hearing; impaired muscle strength, coordination and reflexes; dizziness (sometimes caused by medications); bad lighting; wet floors; and obstacles in pathways. 
&nbsp; 
Here are some ways to protect yourself against dangerous falls:

<ul>
	<li>Clear your floors of clutter and any items that could trip you up, including loose wires, cords and throw rugs.</li>
	<li>Make sure that stairways, entrances and walkways are well lit, and install night lights in your bedroom and bathroom.</li>
	<li>Clean up spills immediately.</li>
	<li>Wear rubber-soled shoes for better traction. Avoid walking around in socks.</li>
	<li>Limit your intake of alcohol.</li>
	<li>Keep items that you use often in easy-to-reach cabinets. Also, consider using reaching and grasping tools to get at difficult-to-reach items.</li>
	<li>Add grab bars to your tub, and use nonskid mats on bathroom floors.</li>
	<li>Be careful when pets are nearby. Tripping over a pet, most often a dog or cat, is a common cause of falls.</li>
	<li>Talk to your doctor about whether any medications you are taking can cause dizziness or impair balance.</li>
	<li>Perform exercises such as tai chi or yoga that can improve your balance, coordination and muscle strength.</li>
	<li>Have your eyes checked regularly.</li>
</ul>

Dr. Caroline Taylor, MD

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Dr. Caroline Taylor, MD

Dr. Taylor's Locations

Practices

Dr. Taylor's Accepted Insurance Carriers & Plans

Dr. Taylor's Accepted
Insurance
Carriers & Plans