Category: Health

What To Consider When Hiring Your Wedding Photographer?

You finally start planning the day you’ve always dreamed of. Your wedding day!! It’s a once in a lifetime event and everything should be perfect, don’t you agree?

It’s essential to hire vendors you fully trust and love. Especially when it comes to your wedding photographer. Not only is it important that you like his/her photograph style but you should also be at ease with your photographer’s personality.

Why? Well, let me tell you — you’ll spend almost the entire day with them. That’s why my first and most important advice is to always meet and interview your wedding photographer in person or at least talk to them via video call before you finally sign the contract.

Besides your memories, your wedding photographs will be the only way to relive and share your wedding day over and over again with friends and family. A photograph of your first look might be displayed on the fireplace or on your night stand to remind you of this special day.

So, I recommend you spend some time and thoroughly research the professional who will accompany you throughout your wedding day.

1. Decide on the Photography Style first

Today, there is a wide range of photography styles. From light and airy to classic and timeless all the way to dramatic, dark and moody. Before you even start researching, ask yourself what style do you feel drawn to instantly.

Create a board on Pinterest and collect images you love most. Go through Instagram or Facebook and get inspired. Then think about what it is you like about those photographs. Do not only consider the colors but also the emotional and artistic feel of those images.

2. Do your research!

As soon as you’ve narrowed down your wedding photographer short list, do your research. Read through recent reviews from newlyweds and how each photographer responded.

Check on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as well and their interaction with followers. Carefully review the photographer’s websites and blogs and get a better idea of their work. All of this will tell you a lot about a photographer’s personality and sensibility and if they shoot the moments that are most important to you.

3. Check the availability ASAP

You’ll want to reach out to your potential wedding photographer as soon as possible. Many photographers are booked up to two years in advance and it’s always heartbreaking if the photographer of your dreams is not available on your wedding day.

4. Look at a full wedding gallery

The photographs you’ll see on a photographer’s website, blog or social media account most likely show their best work. Those are usually the photographs that were taken in a gorgeous location and in optimal lighting conditions. However, a wedding usually includes many changes in setting and light.

From the getting ready images inside a hotel room, to the ceremony photographs in bright sunlight to dancing pictures long after the sun has set. A wedding photographer should be able to handle all different kind of lighting situations and if the full wedding gallery looks cohesive you are on the right track.

5. Know your Budget and compare Packages

To avoid any disappointments when you receive your wedding gallery, it’s important to understand what’s included in your photographers wedding package before you book. The price range can be huge and so are the options on what’s included and what can be booked on top in advance(?)

For example, some photographers include all images in your final wedding gallery and other photographers just promise a certain amount of wedding photographs and up-sell if you would like to purchase more. This might explain the price difference between two photographers. If you prefer getting all images of your wedding you might want to consider a photographer that includes all the pictures in your gallery right away.

You also want to make sure how many hours of photography coverage is included. A typical wedding day usually requires between eight and ten hours.

If your photographer includes an engagement session in your wedding packages, that’s a big plus. They are usually really interested in getting to know you better before your wedding and want to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly.

Your Must Know Questions Guide To Choose The Wedding Photographer That Is Perfect For You!

1. When I will be able to see my wedding photos?

What are the turnaround times for wedding images and albums? Shockingly, I hear a lot of horror stories from brides that haven’t seen images even a year after their wedding!

My turnaround time is 2-4 weeks for images and a month for the wedding album, depending on when you approve the design. You also need to consider the size of the digital files, will you be able to make prints up to certain size or images will be a full resolution for you to print wall art.

2. Can you tell me what excites you about photographing weddings?

When selecting a wedding photographer, you are selecting more than just an individual to take pictures of your wedding day. You’re hiring someone who will be an integral part of the entire celebration, with you, your family, and your group all day on your wedding day.

Personality is an important factor in the selection process and should not be overlooked or discounted in any way.  I always say in order to create beautiful artwork you need to be able to connect and feel completely at ease with your photographer.

3. May I see wedding albums from a complete wedding?

When selecting a wedding photographer, you should look for an album that best represents you and your new family. Wedding albums come in all shapes and sizes. A few questions you should ask your wedding photographer are: How many pages come in the wedding album? How many images will be in the wedding album? What cover options are available?

What do you plan to do with all the images from your wedding photographer? Most photographers will offer packages that include a wedding album. For those couples who are not considering an album as a part of their package, I always ask what they are planning to leave behind for their kids?  While digital is convenient, leaving a USB/DVD as a family heirloom just doesn’t cut it.

4. How many hours of photography are included? How much extra hours.

Something often overlooked when selecting a wedding photographer is the number of hours that will be offered for the coverage of your wedding.

Typically, you will want your wedding photographer to be with you to document all of the amazing and quirky moments of your wedding day. After all, thats what you are hiring them for! That being said, typical coverage requirements for your wedding day should be about 8-10 hours to capture the magic from the initial preparations to the party. If you have a small wedding, then maybe hourly coverage is a better option.

5. How many photographers are included in the package?

How many wedding photographers will be at your event? Most events need at least two wedding photographers. This ensures that your main wedding photographer is focused on working with your wedding party and directing the day, while the “second shooter” has additional coverage going on at the same time, like photographing the guys during the morning preparations, guests arriving to the church, candid shots, etc.

Small weddings can be covered by one photographer too. Large 200+ guests weddings sometimes require even 3 or 4 photographers to cover all events throughout the day.

6. Is the pre-wedding tester session included?

While most of the photographer offers this option, very often it is just a simple, quick portrait session in the couples/photographers’ chosen location. For your own peace of mind, there is another option available to you.

All of my wedding couples always go for a pre-wedding session at their chosen wedding venue. Couples LOVE this idea. I would walk you through the photography ideas and we would take test images around various venue locations.

This way on your wedding day you know exactly what options are available, and have discussed the plan with your photographer. If the couple has a locale that is particularly special to them, we can visit this location on the same day as your pre-wedding photos at the venue.

Wedding Day Photography Timeline Tips, and F.A.Q.s

Here’s a rough and dirty guide to how much time we need to do the various types of photos that we usually do at your wedding:

• Getting Ready: At least 30-45 minutes with both the guys and the girls, but the more the better (see the F.A.Q.s below for how to figure out our start time)!
• Bride + Bridesmaids: 30 minutes (before the ceremony is recommended)
• Groom + Groomsmen: 30 minutes (before the ceremony is recommended)
• Wedding Couple Together: 45 minutes-or-so. If you do a “first look,” that usually takes about 10 minutes and we usually recommend scheduling about 15 minutes right before sunset for the best light.
• Whole Wedding Party: 20-30 minutes
• Immediate Family: This is based on how many groups you want to do. We usually recommend about 1.5 minutes per small group (2-8 people) and about 5 minutes per large group (8+ people).
• Extended Family: We usually recommend keeping family formals to immediate family and then doing less “formal” photos with extended family members as you see them during reception. But, if you would like to include extended family in the formals, then use the same timing calculations as for immediate family.
• Ceremony Prep Time: 15-30 minutes. Don’t schedule any other photo sessions for the 15-30 minutes right before your ceremony so we can get set up, communicate with videographers about how we/they plan to shoot, etc.

How ready should we be when you get here/what should we have ready?

We usually recommend that we start when our brides have their hair close to completed and just before they are starting make-up. We recommend that our grooms be showered (because we are pretty confident that you don’t want photos of that…) and have their pants and undershirt on (no collared shirt, tie or jacket on). You will also want to plan on having any details you want photographed out and readily available (dress, shoes, invitations, garter etc). That way we get to experience and capture all the parts of your day and really tell the full story.

How long should we set aside for sunset photos in our wedding day photography timeline?

This will vary a little depending on your location/how much time we have already spent shooting with the two of you. If we have already gotten around 20-30 minutes of couples photo time then setting aside 10-15 minutes for a few sunset photos in gorgeous light should be perfect.

TIP: Sunset times change everyday and vary depending on where your wedding is located! So, look up the sunset time for your wedding day/location here and schedule a little reception “down-time” (maybe during dinner or near the beginning of open dancing?) during the 15 minutes before sunset so that you don’t have to worry about missing anything important during your sunset photos.

When should we feed you?

Much like with a mogwai, making your photographer wait to eat until after midnight is a bad life decision. Wedding photography is a super active profession and by the time your reception starts we will have trekked several miles with very heavy equipment hanging off of us the whole time. So, we need to eat or else we risk passing out or getting sick from our blood sugar getting too low. A nice hot meal will get us back in action, refreshed and ready to rock the rest of the evening!

Traditional Vs Unusual Shots

There’s nothing more important than a great variety when it comes to composing your wedding photographs. You should know the classical rules but also be able to break them in a meaningful way.

The rule of thirds is one of the most typical rules and while it’s probably over-hyped, it can still help you become mindful of off-centre compositions.

You have to be aware that every setting has its own ‘’default rules’’ and you shouldn’t force your ideas before considering these rules. For example, when you encounter a scene with almost perfect symmetry in the background, a symmetrical composition is something you should start from.

The same goes for asymmetrical backgrounds; instead of trying to fix them, you can align your subjects in a rather unusual way or come up with some avant-garde posing ideas.

Finding a New Dentist

When you move into a new home, the first places you probably want to get acquainted with are your kids’ new school, daycare, the family doctor, grocery store, gym, and restaurants. Finding a new dentist might not be very high on your list, but it should be. Finding the right dentist for you and your family when you are new to the area can take some time, but it’s time well spent.  The sooner you start, the better.

What You Should Look for in a New Dentist

It goes without saying that you want your new dentist to be a good dentist. They should make you feel comfortable every step of the way, from scheduling an appointment to the appointment itself, be it a check-up or a more involved dental procedure. They should consider not only your dental health but also your overall health. And they should have hours, a location, and prices that work for you.

These are some other considerations:

• Is the dentist accepting new patients?
• How long has the dentist been in practice?
• What is the dentist’s approach to preventive dentistry?
• Do they provide the services you need? (Family dentistry, orthodontics, etc.)
• Does the dental practice have a payment plan?
• What is their policy on missed appointments?
• Does the dentist participate in your dental health plan?

How to Find a Dentist

• Contact your insurance company to get a list of dentists that participate in your dental plan.
• Contact your local or state dental society.
• Ask for referrals from your former dentist, your new doctor, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
• Research online and look for dentist reviews from people who have had good experiences.

Moving Tips: How To Find A New Dentist

Whether it’s across town or cross-country, moving means staying on top of big and little tasks. In the flurry of packing, renting moving trucks, changing addresses and all of the other checklist items that come with moving, don’t forget that one of the most important moving tips isn’t how you pack your china, but when and how you choose a new dentist. Switching health care professionals should never be done lightly or without the proper research, so if your move requires a new dentist too, make sure you take the time to choose one you’ll love. Try these tips for a perfect fit post-move.

1. Look for ADA-Certified

The American Dental Association requires its certified dentists to abide by certain codes of both ethics and professional conduct when dealing with patients. As such, its database is a great place to start when searching for a trustworthy, skilled dentist in your new area. You can find ADA-certified dentists across the country by using the ADA Find a Dentist tool.

2. Ask for Recommendations

One of the most reliable ways to find out more about dentists in your new area, is to ask around. If you already know some people in your new neighborhood – coworkers or community acquaintances, for example – ask which dentist they visit. If you don’t know anyone in your new location, go online and reach out to others on social media. A city social media group or parenting group can be a wealth of knowledge for someone who’s new in town, and you can rest assured you’re choosing a dentist with a proven track record.

3. Schedule a Consultation

Before you commit to becoming a new patient, schedule a consultation. During a consultation, a dentist and his or her staff will show you around the office, explain common procedures, talk to you about dental insurance, and answer any questions you might have about policies and protocols. This initial consult goes a long way in quelling any concerns you might have about switching dentists, as well as giving you a feel for whether or not a particular dentist is the right fit for you and your family. Schedule consults with two or three dentists and you can choose the one who you feel is best.

4. Consider Your Family Members

Consider your family members, like their ages and special needs, to narrow your search. If you have little ones, think about finding a family practice that can handle pediatric dentistry. If your teen (or you!) may need braces soon, check out an office that specializes in orthodontics as well.

5. Transfer Your Records

Call your old dentist and make sure that your dental records from that office are transferred to your new dentist. Your new dentist will need to know about your past dental health, including checkup records, surgeries and any medications you may be taking. Transferring your records can help make the switch to a new office seamless.

Dental Clinic Near Me: Arranging a “Meet & Greet”

Once you have narrowed your search to 2-3 candidate offices, reach out to see if they will provide a complimentary “Meet & Greet” appointment. A lot of offices do this now and it’s a great opportunity for you to meet staff and Dentist. It’s also a great way to get a “feel” for the facility.

I find that patients get the most out of these meetings when they bring a few questions. They may also have a dental problem or concern and will use the appointment to get a second opinion. When you bring a question or concern to the candidate Dentist, you get to see how they think. Also, you will be able to see if their priorities and ways of thinking are similar to yours. And, furthermore, you’ll get a feel for their style. Do they like to listen a lot? Do they ask you lots of questions while giving you the opportunity to speak and share ideas? You’ll find this out easily if you plan ahead and bring questions with you.

Figure out Your “Must-Haves”

Remember: it’s not “just the dentist.” Before you start searching, think about the criteria that matter most to you. How important is the location? Many people prefer their dentist to be close to home, work or their child’s school. Having a dentist close by makes it easier to stop by for an appointment if there’s been a cancellation or if you have an emergency.

What kind of dentist do you want? If you have children, you might want a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating kids. If you use a wheelchair or have difficulty climbing stairs, you might want to visit an office that is handicap accessible. Maybe you want a dentist who speaks another language.

Questions to Ask When You’re Looking for a New Dentist

Before you make an appointment, do a little research. You might find out it’s not worth scheduling an appointment in the first place. Make a list of questions to ask the dentist. It might seem like an unnecessary step, but not all dental offices are created equal and you probably don’t want to waste your time. Some things to ask a new dentist include:

• Are they accepting new patients?
• What kind of insurance do they accept?
• Where is the office located?
• What are the office hours?
• What is appointment availability like?
• Do they offer after-hours, emergency care services?
• How long has the dentist been practicing?
• Is the dentist a member of a state or national dental society?

Of course, this is just a sampling of things to consider. Take your time and write down what is really important to you. Keep in mind you might have to visit several dentists before you find one you really like, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Don’t Take Your Baby To The Chiropractor, Top Doctor Warns Parents

Thinking of taking your baby to have their spine adjusted by a chiropractor? Don’t do it, warns the Medical Association.

for any health concerns with their children, according to NT News. Babies and young children can’t communicate about their pain easily, and any potential complications could be quite serious,

in response to a mom’s post seeking chiropractor recommendations for her 17-month-old, according to NT News.

“Unless there’s scientific evidence for any complementary therapies — we can’t recommend that they go there, and that includes chiropractory,”

Treatment for children and infants is modified for their smaller frames, they noted, and it “frequently involves gentle touch and spinal massage, stretching, exercises, soft tissue therapy, and postural counselling.” Chiropractors require informed consent from a parent or legal guardian before initiating a clinical encounter with a child, they added.

Safe For Children: Chiropractic Corrections For Scoliosis

Scoliosis predominantly affects pre-pubescent children during adolescent development of the spine and its proper curvature. As children begin to experience growth spurts, the spine is driven out of alignment via translation of discs. Because the body is growing at such a rapid pace, these translations become cemented, setting the tone for long-term spinal dysfunction.

Is chiropractic safe for children?

Many concerned parents question the efficacy and safety of chiropractic for children. This is a valid concern. The spine is at a developmental stage and chiropractic involves things such as via low-velocity adjustments, traction, and mirror-image adjusting.

Why chiropractic?

If left unresolved, scoliosis can cause lifelong issues for a person. To compound issues, correcting scoliosis in adults is infinitely harder than in children, simply because the spine has gone beyond its developmental stages and become cemented in its dysfunction.

Chiropractic adjustments for scoliosis

For scoliosis occurring beyond the average (10-15 degree so deviation), bracing is likely going to be a component of chiropractic adjustment. Beyond this, mirror-image adjustments, low-velocity adjustments, traction, and more may all be employed to pull the spine back into alignment, below an acceptable degree of deviation.

Preventing a Lifetime of Trouble

To avoid chronic ailments caused by nerve compression, disc herniation, general spinal dysfunction, and more, it’s imperative to identify and correct scoliosis at a young age. Chiropractic offers the recourse parents need for the wellness of their children, without the stigmas and invasiveness of other corrective methods.

what is chiropractic?

The purpose of chiropractic care is not the treatment of conditions or disease; rather, it is the restoration of normal body function. As chiropractors, we work with the nervous system via gentle spinal adjustments. We reduce stress related interference to the nervous system, thereby enhancing overall body function. All the systems of the body — circulatory, digestive, eliminatory, hormonal, glandular, immunological, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, and skeletal — depend on the optimal function of the nervous system.

conventional healthcare system is mechanistic in that it views the body broken down into its distinct mechanical parts and there’s a specialist responsible for caring for each individual system. A healing model based on vitalism, however, believes that the body is a dynamic, ever-changing organism, continuously changing and adapting to its needs and desires. Vitalism also assumes that there is an intelligence and order within the organism that is designed to heal the body, and every system in the body coordinates functions with each other system.

Chiropractic is designed on the concept of vitalism. It is believed that the body has an Innate Intelligence to healing, and dis-ease occurs when the body’s natural ability to adapt to life’s forces (stress, environmental toxins, traumatic events) is interrupted. The thing that disrupts this communication pathway is called a subluxation, which interferes with the normal function of the nervous system. By removing subluxations through a very safe, specific, and controlled force applied to a joint, the interference is removed and the body’s nervous system is able to function fully and properly.

In essence, with chiropractic, true healing is coming from within the body rather than from the chiropractor’s adjustment. Overall, conventional medicine is based on an outside-in approach where healing comes from something being added to the body, such as medicine or surgery, while chiropractic is based on an inside-out approach where healing occurs when the body’s own healing powers are activated.

who is chiropractic for?

I absolutely believe that everyone should be under chiropractic care. Regardless of the choices you make, the chiropractic approach will improve your inherent ability to function. Doesn’t it make sense to have your body functioning at an optimal level for healing no matter how (or if) you choose to treat various symptoms?

Things You Need On Your Chiropractic Website

There are a lot of chiropractic websites out there, and getting your visitors to pick up the phone and make an appointment requires something special to catch their eye and set you apart from the rest of the sites out there. Patients who are looking for a provider like to get a feel for their dentist before they ever pick up the phone. By following some of the chiropractic marketing ideas listed below, you’ll be able to turn your site into one of the best chiropractic websites around.

This is one of the staples of any business’ website, but it also tends to be the section that is barely given any consideration. A stock piece of information is often included, modified slightly to fit the individual practice, leaving it dry and generic. This is a huge mistake, as this is your opportunity to introduce yourself to your clients and set yourself apart by telling your story. Take a little extra time to let your customers get to know you as a person, and they’ll be quicker to pick up the phone.

The idea that it’s better to show someone is better than telling someone is as true for chiropractic internet marketing as it is for any venue. Even if you’re advertising your site or blog through PPC advertising (pay-per-click) the images you include are an important part of your SEO plan.

Videos – The Ultimate Storytelling Device

If one picture is good, a million pictures strung back to back is even better. With video you’ll be able to explain your chiropractic practices, welcome them to your site, and create the foundation of a personal relationship with your clients before they ever pick up the phone. You’ll also have an opportunity to tell them what your practice can ease their pain and promote good health in a way that can’t be done with mere pictures and text on a screen

When potential patients visit your page, they’re looking for solid content that will provide them with information about their conditions and the procedures you’ll use to treat them. Additionally Google checks to see how fresh the content on your site is, and how relevant to its topic. This is where having a steadily updated blog comes in, providing your patients with a steady stream of up to date information on chiropractic treatments and conditions

Chiropractic Care For a Quick, Thorough Recovery

Is pain getting in your way? we focus on your quick recovery so you can get back to doing the things you love most. With chiropractic care, you can heal from the inside out, leaving you feeling better than before.

Chiropractors for Results You Can Feel

treatment methods obtained through the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician program. “We’ll show you exercises to do at home to help you heal faster and stay healthy.”

You are always in control of your treatment. “We’ll make the suggestions, but you’ll make the calls.”

How to Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child

Being the parent of a little one (or a couple or a few) means making a lot of decisions each day—what to dress them in, what to feed them, what books to read, toys to purchase, schools in your district. There are also a lot of questions you’ll ask, such as: “How do I care for my child’s oral health? How do I help them through teething? When is fluoride toothpaste safe for them to use?”

It can feel a little overwhelming to think about. We’re pleased to provide supportive care and education that teaches children the importance of oral health and good habits that will keep their smile happy and healthy for life.

1 Tooth, 2 Teeth, Red Tongue, Blue Toothpaste

Did you know Dr. Seuss was a dentist? We joke (but first a little bit of trivia: the beloved writer and illustrator wasn’t actually a doctor at all, but wrote under the pen name Dr. Seuss because his father wanted him to practice medicine), but this is to emphasize how we like to make the dental world a fun, creative, exploratory, and yes, sometimes silly place for children to visit. That’s one difference you might find between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist

Olly Olly Oxen Free

Finding the right pediatric dentist for your child doesn’t have to be a tricky game of hide-and-seek. The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentists) has a search tool that can help you narrow your selection based on your location.

How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist

A Lifetime of Oral Health Starts Early

Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating the unique needs of children. A pediatric dentist has completed two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school. He or she limits the practice to treating the oral health needs of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Consider education and experience.

Once you have a list of a few pediatric dentists, do a little research. Find out about their educational background, where they went to school, and what kinds of continuing education or specialty training they’ve had. Before you set up an appointment, make sure the candidate is a licensed member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This ensures that he or she remains up to date on the newest and most effective clinical procedures.

Make sure your child is comfortable.

It’s very important for your child to feel comfortable with the pediatric dentist. Does the doctor have a pleasant chairside manner? Do you feel like he or she really pays attention to your concerns? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Does the office have a fun atmosphere that your child enjoys? Take all this into consideration when choosing a pediatric dental office.

Ask questions.

During your initial consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions. After all, that’s why you’re there! It’s important for you to understand every aspect of your child’s dental health and the available treatment options. The more informed you are about your child’s dental health, the better decisions you will be able to make.

A few things to consider:

Is the office located near your home or work to make appointments as convenient as possible?

Do they offer extended office hours before or after work and school?

What types of insurance does the office work with and what kind of financing do they offer?

Do the dentist and staff seem interested in making your child’s experience personalized, or do you feel like “just a number?”

How to Choose a Dentist for Your Child in Frisco

From the moment they’re born, you can’t enough of your child’s smile. Knowing how to choose a dentist for your child is one of the most important jobs you have as a parent

Even though your child will lose their baby teeth, early dental care is still important. You’re helping them to form healthy habits early and help them keep a sparkling smile for life.

Check That They Have Pediatric Dental Experience

Children’s dental needs are different from adult dental needs, and your child will benefit from going to a dentist designated for their unique care.

Request a Consultation

When choosing a dentist for your child, it’s good practice to request a consultation with the dentist and their team. This gives you a chance to ask questions about their treatment options and approach to dental care, as well as discuss costs and insurance.

Tour the Facilities

Call the dentist’s office to see if you and your child can come in for a tour. This should tell you immediately whether the practice is kid-friendly or not.Some offices that call themselves kid-friendly aren’t geared specifically toward kids. Instead, their office looks like any other dentist office and treat patients of all ages.

Pediatric Walker Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best

Although most people may think of walkers as a tool for the elderly, they can provide excellent mobility assistance for people of all ages. Specifically, children and teens living with disabilities or recovering from illnesses utilize walkers to safely and easily move through the world.

Pediatric walkers are designed somewhat differently than those made for adults. In addition to coming in smaller sizes and bright colors, pediatric walkers often include advanced adjustability to better accommodate growth and changing needs over time.

Who Uses Pediatric Walkers and Gait Trainers?

Because the human body functions best when it’s upright and able to bear weight when walking or standing, these are activities you want to encourage your children to perform on a regular, daily basis. When children need help with standing or walking due to any number of disorders, conditions, and disabilities, it’s important to provide them with supportive devices like walkers and gait trainers so they can enjoy the multiple health benefits upright mobility offers.

Children who aren’t walking unassisted by the age of 2 or 3 may benefit from the use of a walker, as long as they can walk with handheld support. Any ambulatory kids who need to strengthen leg muscles, or need help with alignment, stride, cadence, and step length can also find great developmental assistance with a walker or gait trainer

Walkers vs Gait Trainers: What’s the difference?

Walkers, also known as rolling walkers, walking frames, rollators, and standard walkers, are also sometimes referred to as gait trainers. While they may offer similar features, walkers and gait trainers are used for different stages of walking ability, especially when they’re used by children and teens.

How to Choose a Pediatric Dentist

A Lifetime of Oral Health Starts Early

Pediatric dentists are specialists in treating the unique needs of children. A pediatric dentist has completed two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school. He or she limits the practice to treating the oral health needs of infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs.

Choosing a pediatric practice to trust with the health and beauty of your child’s smile is an important decision. Making a positive first impression at the dentist can influence children’s view of dentistry for the rest of their lives, so it’s important to make sure your child is comfortable with the doctor and staff.

Consider education and experience.

Once you have a list of a few pediatric dentists, do a little research. Find out about their educational background, where they went to school, and what kinds of continuing education or specialty training they’ve had. Dr. Tam and Dr. Cottrell are both board-certified pediatric dentists with more than 30 years of combined experience. They have completed an additional two years of post-doctoral training in the recognition and treatment of children’s dental services. This specialty education includes child psychology, behavior guidance, preventive techniques, restorative dentistry, and the treatment of children with special needs. Dr. Speaker is our resident orthodontist that monitors patients during early treatment, and creates straight, beautiful smiles through their teen years into adulthood. Before you set up an appointment, make sure the candidate is a licensed member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This ensures that he or she remains up to date on the newest and most effective clinical procedures.

Make sure your child is comfortable.

It’s very important for your child to feel comfortable with the pediatric dentist. Does the doctor have a pleasant chairside manner? Do you feel like he or she really pays attention to your concerns? Is the staff friendly and helpful? Does the office have a fun atmosphere that your child enjoys? Take all this into consideration when choosing a pediatric dental office.

Ask questions.

During your initial consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions. After all, that’s why you’re there! It’s important for you to understand every aspect of your child’s dental health and the available treatment options. The more informed you are about your child’s dental health, the better decisions you will be able to make.

Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician

A Personal Decision

Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child’s health. Your pediatrician serves as your child’s primary care doctor. Your pediatrician will guide you through many decisions about protecting your child’s health or treating a condition. How do you find the best pediatrician who is right for your family? Here are important factors to keep in mind.

Get Referrals

Start with a referral list from your own doctor. You can also ask family, friends, and other healthcare providers for recommendations. If you’re new to an area, ask your former pediatrician for a referral in your new town. Then, take the time to research the pediatricians’ credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. As you narrow your list, visit open houses that many practices offer so you can learn about the practice. You can also make appointments to meet and interview the pediatricians

Research the Pediatrician’s Credentials

Board certification is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a pediatrician. It tells you that the doctor has the necessary training, skills and experience to provide healthcare for your child. Also confirm that the pediatrician has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. You can find the pediatrician’s medical school, training hospital, certifications, and malpractice and disciplinary history on Healthgrades.com and state websites.

Consider the Pediatrician’s Experience

Parents call upon their pediatrician for everything from well-child visits and routine physicals to allergy and chronic headache treatments. So experience matters. The more experience a pediatrician has, the better your results are likely to be. If your child has a specific condition, such as ADHD, ask how many patients with the condition the pediatrician has treated. If you know that your child will need a specific procedure, ask how many of the procedures the doctor has performed and find out about complication rates—complications the doctor has encountered as well as your own risk of complications.

Consider Gender

Most likely, your baby or toddler will not care whether a doctor is male or female. While you may have your own preference for your child, think about the years to come. For example, embarrassment or fear of a pelvic exam or breast exam may be a reason that a teenage girl would prefer a female doctor. If gender is not something you want to base your decision on right now, consider choosing a larger practice with both male and female doctors

How to Find the Best Pediatrician for Your Child

BECOMING A PARENT IS both a joyful and stressful time. The arrival of a baby signals not only a shift in lifestyle and priorities, but also the need to care for another person in a way you may not have had to previously. A pediatrician may be able to help you in this journey, and that’s why finding a good one you can work with for the next two decades or longer is so important

According to a policy statement issued in September 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics, “pediatrics is a multifaceted specialty that encompasses children’s physical, psychosocial, developmental and mental health.” Pediatric care may begin before birth and typically ends sometime during young adulthood. Previously, the academy recommended that pediatricians refer patients to other primary care providers when they reach age 21 but recently removed that upper age limit. “Recent research has begun to shed more light on the progression of mental and emotional development as children progress through the adolescent years into young adulthood. It is increasingly clear that the age of 21 years is an arbitrary demarcation line for adolescence because there is increasing evidence that brain development has not reliably reached adult levels of functioning until well into the third decade of life.”

Regardless of the exact exit date, the pediatrician will be with you every step of the way, from birth to young adulthood. Most patients see a pediatrician for routine exams and health measures as well as vaccines, common ailments and other general health care. Pediatricians can also offer support and advice on how to parent, how best to care for your child if he or she has a specific medical need and what to do if something goes wrong, in which case you may be referred to a pediatric subspecialist to treat the specific health issue. The primary care pediatrician is similar to a family physician or primary care doctor, but may have more specific training in the needs of young patients who are fundamentally different from their parents in terms of health needs because of their rapid rate of development.

Ann E. Burke, professor of pediatrics and program director of the pediatric residency program at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, says when selecting a pediatrician for your child, parents should consider their training and certification status. As chair of the American Board of Pediatrics, she says “I may be biased, but I think [board certification] is a good way of assuring the public that a doctor has gone through legitimate channels to meet a certain requirement.” You can check whether a certain doctor is board-certified via the American Board of Pediatrics’ doctor search tool.

To become board certified, a pediatrician must graduate from an accredited medical school and then complete an intensive three-year residency program at one of the nearly 200 pediatric residency programs around the United States. To complete a residency program, pediatricians must complete training and pass several exams covering a wide range of specialty areas within pediatric medicine. By the end of the program, pediatricians are well-equipped to deal with most any health issue experienced by an infant, child, adolescent or young adult. According to 2015 data from the ABP, there are currently about 115,000 certified general pediatricians in America, and roughly 3,000 new pediatricians graduate from residency programs each year, about 60 percent of whom go into general pediatrics versus a subspecialty

Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing the right physician for your child and family can be a long process. Read our tips to find a pediatrician that meets your requirements.

Many of us view our family pediatrician as a long-term partner in caring for our children, from birth through adolescence. In addition to providing routine medical care, and treating illness and injuries, pediatricians provide guidance in a wide variety of related areas. We often turn to pediatricians for advice when our infant doesnt sleep, our toddler bites her friends, our preschool child becomes a picky eater, or our teenager is moody. Whether were first becoming parents, moving to a new area or changing our health insurance provider, selecting a pediatrician requires thought and research

Start by seeking referrals from people you respect. Approach friends, family, neighbors, and your obstetrician or midwife; ask people who are aware of your style, values, and culture when choosing a pediatrician

There is no one size fits all when it comes to choosing a pediatrician. Deciding upon the best physician for your child is a personal decision for every family. Weigh these factors carefully in making the best choice for your child and family

What are some tips to find the best pediatricians?

I would think that the most important criterion for choosing a pediatrician would be the ability to trust the doctor’s judgement when it came to the evaluation and management of medical problems that your child may have over the years. Secondarily, but still important, is the doctor’s ability to have a good rapport with both parents and children. Thirdly, are the practical concerns.

How do you know if you will trust his/her judgement? This is the most difficult to ascertain as most pediatrician’s reputation among other mothers you will talk to is based on the rapport and personality factors. I agree with Dr. Cho’s answer that getting recommendations from doctors or nurses who work with pediatricians in your community is probably the best way to find this out. You can look online for where they went to school and did their residency, but I don’t think that matters all that much.

In teams of practical stuff: Consider the distance his/her office is from your home, office hours, what hospital she uses (not only for admissions of sick kids but whether she comes to the hospital where you are planning to deliver), reputation for staying on time, gender, language (are you OK with someone where English is their second language or conversely are you looking for someone who speaks your language), age (do you really want to start out with a newborn with a doctor close to retirement), etc.

Ask a nurse or a doctor who they take their children to. Not all physicians will provide quality care just as not all lawyers will give you the best advice. Unfortunately it is difficult for a lay person to determine whether they are receiving quality medical care because medicine is complex. A doctor who orders lots of tests or prescribes antibiotics freely may not be providing the best medical care. Many times I am asked by parents to prescribe their children antibiotics for a viral infection that will not help their child. Instead of writing the prescription and quickly ending the visit, I will take the time to explain the reasons why antibiotics were not the best choice. The parent may not be happy with me and may write an unfavorable review on internet sites but I don’t care—I will do what is best for their child whether they know it or not. That is my fiduciary duty—to provide the care that is in my patient’s best interest not my convenience.

As Rahul Gupta said diet is very important please read “Eat to Live” and “How not to Die” but immunizations also are extremely important and not to be avoided. In general the infectious diseases are much less virulent than in the past due to a better diet I believe.

Tips For Choosing A Pediatrician

Start gathering names

There are several ways to obtain the name of a well qualified pediatrician. For instance, Doylestown Health offers “Find a Provider” search tool that lists all the local pediatricians who are on the Doylestown Health Medical Staff.

Check credentials

Once you have some names singled out, call each practice and find out about the doctor’s education and training. Is she or he board certified? How long has the doctor been practicing medicine?

Do some research

You may want to prepare a list of questions you’d like to have answered by the pediatrician and/or office staff. First make sure the practice is accepting new patients. Try to find out the doctor’s current hospital appointments and where your child would be admitted if hospitalized. Ask about office hours and who handles phone calls during off hours. Also be sure the practice accepts your insurance.

Set up an interview with the pediatrician

Both parents should attend interviews if possible. This is a good chance to have your questions answered and see if a particular physician is a good fit for you in terms of personality and philosophy of care.

Consider communication

Good communication with your child’s doctor is vital. Find out when and how the doctor is available (by phone or email). Learn who covers the practice when your pediatrician is unavailable. Consider the connection between the practice and the hospital and how they would coordinate care and information should your child be hospitalized

Tips for Choosing a Pediatric Doctor

Be comfortable with your choice of pediatric doctor

It is important that you are comfortable with the choice that you make. In fact, if your family is currently being treated by another physician, but the fit does not seem right, we can help. Finding the right one for you may take a few tries, but it is worth the effort to find the right one.

Evaluate the office

The pediatric doctor is not the only one that should be evaluated. Decisions should be mostly based on the doctor, but also the staff and office. The nurses should be kind and work well with children. They will see the children as much as the pediatrician will see them, they should be well-trained and like kids.

Questions to ask when meeting the pediatrician

It is important to get a sense of what the pediatrician offers. Plus, feeling comfortable with them and their level of care is essential. To find out more about them and their practices, ask questions. The answers to these questions can help to determine if they are right for you.

Tips for finding a pediatric doctor your kids will enjoy visiting

Here are some tips and guidelines to follow while choosing the best one for you. Each child and family is different so it is wise to take time in getting to know pediatricians, how their office functions and selecting one who is a good fit.

Ask for a referral

If moving or needing to switch to a new physician, it can be helpful to ask for a referral. Our office may know of another pediatrics office that is highly regarded. Otherwise, parents at school can be a helpful source of information.

tips to get more pediatric patients through your door

Be prepared.

At Dr. Zolman’s practice, doctors and staff share informational folders with patients who mention children and grandchildren. The folder contains an InfantSEE pamphlet and a vision simulator card (from the Ohio Optometric Association). “Make sure staff are well-versed on your practice’s services,” Dr. Zolman says. Whether it’s handing out folders or helping contribute to a team managing a practice’s social media, “having staff involved is a huge part of it,” she says.

Be strategic about your social media.

Facebook and Instagram are great places to catch the attention of and educate information-hungry parents, the doctors say. “Had the best time giving sweet little Rosie her first eye exam!” reads an Instagram post by Dr. Zolman’s practice. “The AOA recommends scheduling your baby’s first eye assessment at 6 months to ensure healthy visual development.” Using photos of patients, with their approval, makes eye care ‘real’ to the public,”

Be open to leaving the office and going into the community.

Talk to parent groups, nurses, child care providers and physicians. “Our largest referral source for the program is our local pediatricians,” Dr. Gregory says. “They include the information about the program in their well-child visits. This brings into our clinic many new families as well as educates our current patients who are new parents. Once they are in for the infant eye assessment, we make sure we explain why this no-cost assessment is so important to ensuring the proper development of their child. We also let them know that we will send our assessment information back to their clinic, so it is in the child’s health record. This shows that we are coordinating care with the pediatrician and that we are part of their children’s health care team.”

Create welcoming, kid-friendly spaces in the office.

“We have a children’s space in the waiting room with a colorful wall mural and toys for them to play with,” Dr. Gregory says. “We also include toys and children’s books in each exam room. I have outlet covers on all electrical outlets in the exam rooms. This shows parents you have thought through having children in your space and are welcoming them. Another aspect to consider in making your patients feel welcome is the greeting and reaction from your staff. Our staff comment on the babies when they are checking in and often start conversations with the parents about their children. This adds to the environment and impression you are creating for your new patients.”

How to Choose a Pediatrician

Interviewing Pediatricians

With a list of doctors in hand, call the office of each. Explain that you are looking for a pediatrician for your child, and inquire about the doctor’s background and training, as well as general office procedures. If you are impressed with what you hear, arrange for an interview during which you can meet the doctor and ask some additional questions. It may be more convenient to do this interview by telephone.

Here are some key questions to ask and things to consider during this first meeting:

What medical school did the pediatrician attend, and w​here did he or she undergo postgraduate and residency training? (Medical directories in many public libraries and online—such as the American Board of Medical Specialists Directory​—can also help answer these questions.)

What are the doctor’s present hospital appointments? If it becomes necessary for your child to be hospitaliz​ed, where would he or she be admitted?

Tips for Selecting a Pediatrician

What to ask at a first meeting

At your first consultation, it’s important to determine whether you feel confident having this doctor take care of your baby. You may find it helpful to talk with the pediatrician about practical and philosophical concerns you may have about your baby’s care. Remember, you have a choice in selecting your child’s pediatrician, and you may find it helpful to visit more than one office or physician. Below are considerations, topics and questions you may want to discuss.

Practicalities of care

How do the office staff and nurses treat you? The pediatrician and staff should follow the “no-question-is-stupid” philosophy. These are the people you will turn to for assistance the first time your baby develops a rash, gets a fever or takes a tumble, and you want to be confident that your questions and concerns will be addressed by professionals with whom you can develop a caring relationship.

Talking to your pediatric patients: Tips from a pediatric hospitalist

Communicate on their level

Pediatricians treat a wide range of patients, from newborns to young adults. Dr. Lloyd’s approach to engaging patients depends on their age, maturity and developmental level.

“With little kids, you kind of try to be silly,” she explains. “With school-age kids, you find some common ground, like talking about a Disney character or TV show. For teenagers or young adults, you talk to them with the same respect you would use when talking to a grown-up.”

Determining the appropriate way to communicate with developmentally delayed patients often requires talking to the parents in advance. “A patient might be 15 years old but developmentally be more like a 6-year-old. In that case, it’s really important to chat with the family and get a sense of where the child is at.”

Engage the parents

For shy or stoic children, pediatricians must rely on parents for both information and assistance.

Dr. Lloyd says toddlers, in particular, often hesitate to talk to doctors. So she steps back and has parents ask questions for her. “The family can tell you a lot, but it’s important to hear symptoms in the child’s words, too,” she says. “Some patients might be too intimidated to talk to me, but if their parents repeat my questions, they’ll usually answer.”

She also relies on parents when communicating with children who don’t want to admit how bad they feel. “We see this a lot with chronically ill kids,” says Dr. Lloyd. “It’s a defense mechanism. They know if they say something hurts, you might poke them again for blood or do more procedures on them. Parents will often say, ‘He won’t tell you when something is really hurting and his face won’t change.’ Knowing that is really helpful because you need to do more investigation and reassure the child that it’s important to discuss his or her pain with us so you can help diagnose the issue and make it better.”