As a parent, I have always wanted to do what is best for my children. Making decisions about vaccinations was not a slam dunk. Even though I am a pediatrician, I still took extra time to try to sort through what is fact and what is the fiction. I made the decision to immunize my own children for the following reasons: (more…)

Wisconsin’s statewide smoking ban went into effect today. This law bans smoking in all restaurants and bars, retail businesses and public places. While this new law may be inconvenient to those who smoke, it serves to protect others from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Did you know that every year secondhand smoke:

• Causes 3,400 lung cancer deaths in nonsmoking adults?

• Can be blamed for 46,000 deaths from heart disease in nonsmokers who live with smokers? (more…)

Having fun in the water is one of the best ways to cool off on a hot summer day. For most children, safety is not top of mind, which is why parent or guardians need to help children understand that safety comes first. According to Safe Kids USA, during the warm months of summer, there is an 89 percent spike in child deaths due to drowning.

Who doesn’t want to go swimming when the water is warm? Sadly, according to Safe Kids USA, 9 out of 10 child deaths from drowning happen when the parents looked away for a second . Parents and guardians need to know a few quick tips and requirements about water safety. (more…)