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Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My 6-year-old daughter has recently been sneezing, coughing and is tired. How can I tell if this is caused by allergies or if it's a common cold?
A cold will typically start with a sore throat, then lead to thick yellow or green mucus and possibly a cough. The symptoms last about seven to 10 days. Allergy symptoms include itchy eyes and throat, and clear... continue reading about My 6-year-old daughter has recently been sneezing, coughing and is tired. How can I tell if this is caused by allergies or if it's a common cold?
Dorothy M. Coleman-Riese, M.D.
Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods
My sister-in-law's pediatrician recommended melatonin to help her three-year-old go to sleep at night. She says it works well. But how safe can this type of thing be for toddlers?
The short answer to your question is that for healthy kids, melatonin is probably safe and effective in small doses, under the direction of a physician, for two to four weeks. Outside of these conditions, thing... continue reading about My sister-in-law's pediatrician recommended melatonin to help her three-year-old go to sleep at night. She says it works well. But how safe can this type of thing be for toddlers?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My 17-year-old son got a tattoo about two weeks ago. The skin is now looking red and bumpy. Could this be an infection ot just a skin irritation? Should he see a doctor?
It is normal for the site of the tattoo to have a little swelling, due to skin irritation, immediately after the procedure. This may last up to 48 hours. However, anytime the skin is broken - whether due to a p... continue reading about My 17-year-old son got a tattoo about two weeks ago. The skin is now looking red and bumpy. Could this be an infection ot just a skin irritation? Should he see a doctor?
Sue Hazeghazam, R.D.
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
My kids drink those energy drinks every day. Is this bad for their health? How would I convince them of that?
Energy drinks are advertised to give a person a boost of energy. A lot of that claim comes from the effect of the caffeine and sugar content of the drink. Sugar content in energy drinks vary by brand, but somet... continue reading about My kids drink those energy drinks every day. Is this bad for their health? How would I convince them of that?
Brian G. Tang, M.D.
Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group
My 2 1/2 year old was once a great eater, but now wants to eat only cereal - plain Cheerios to be exact. He won't eat any dinner but complains he's hungry before bed, so I let him have some cereal. How do I break the cycle?
Food jags, or when a child will only eat one food item at a time, is a common behavior in early childhood. It usually represents a way for children to show growing independence and is a normal part of their dev... continue reading about My 2 1/2 year old was once a great eater, but now wants to eat only cereal - plain Cheerios to be exact. He won't eat any dinner but complains he's hungry before bed, so I let him have some cereal. How do I break the cycle?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I chose not to circumcise my son. Now the AAP issued a policy statement that actively endorses circumcision. While my son is only two years old, I worry that I made the wrong decision. Should I have him circumcised now?
As it stands now, the AAP does not actively endorse routine circumcision, but is leaning more in favor of recommending circumcision to expectant parents of boys. Current evidence suggests the medical benefits t... continue reading about I chose not to circumcise my son. Now the AAP issued a policy statement that actively endorses circumcision. While my son is only two years old, I worry that I made the wrong decision. Should I have him circumcised now?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How old must a child be before a reliable hearing test can be done?
Children can be tested as young as birth with special tests called Auditory Response Brainstem testing (ABR). Other names for this test are: BSER (Brainstem-Evoked Response testing) and AEP (Auditory-Evoked Pot... continue reading about How old must a child be before a reliable hearing test can be done?
Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
Is it healthy for children to be vegetarians or vegans? I am a vegetarian, but I have some concerns that my children (4 and 8) might not get enough nutrients.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vegetarian and vegan diets can meet all nutrient needs for infants and children. Diets for infants and children should contain enough calories to support gro... continue reading about Is it healthy for children to be vegetarians or vegans? I am a vegetarian, but I have some concerns that my children (4 and 8) might not get enough nutrients.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My 10-year-old daughter is having trouble with comprehension and focus in school. Do you think that her hearing should be tested?
When a child is struggling in school, especially with comprehension and focus, hearing and vision could be a factor. Children can sometimes do okay in school until the upper elementary grades when the school wo... continue reading about My 10-year-old daughter is having trouble with comprehension and focus in school. Do you think that her hearing should be tested?
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