Giddy Up Pediatrics
Hello! My name is Amber Chanler. I am from the hometown of Arcadia, La. I graduated college in 2009 with my Master’s Degree in Pediatric Acute and Continuing Care. Throughout my 12 years of experience, I am blessed to say that I have made a …
The Power of Play: What is Occupational Therapy?
As an occupational therapist, I am frequently asked what it is that I actually do. Specifically, in the field of pediatrics, how do I help children in their daily lives? Occupational therapy has many levels that tend to place the specifics in a “grey” area. …
The Power of Play: The Perfect Playroom
What makes a good playroom? The playroom in our house is actually an old formal sitting room. It’s a small place, but it works perfectly for our family. Since it’s situated right off of the kitchen, I can see both boys while I’m cooking. This …
Juvenile Arthritis: What You Need To Know
July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness month. Not everyone knows that kids can present with arthritis as early after first year of their age. Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis (JIA), also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, is an umbrella term to describe the inflammatory rheumatic diseases that develop …
The Importance of Instilling Resilience
As we all grapple with the violence seen both locally with the shooting in South Highlands and nationally with the recent Uvalde shooting, our community needs to know that LSU Health Shreveport is working behind the scenes to address youth violence. The Institute for Childhood Resilience …
The Power of Play: Visual Tracking & Visual Scanning
Visual tracking is a skill that we often don’t think of until our children begin to engage in sports or learn how to read. However, visual tracking is a skill that is established early on in a child’s life. Babies first begin by establishing visual …
Teen Mental Health
In December 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murthy, issued a rare public health advisory, warning that American youth were experiencing a mental health crisis that had only been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted the alarming rate of increase in suicide …
Tiffany Cruz: The Fabulous Mom
Tiffany Cruz, long-time parenting blogger, mom to two amazing kids, widowed at age 35, shares her story of triumph through heartbreak. Being a parent isn’t for the faint of heart…but your heart wouldn’t want it any other way. Sure, you’re over-scheduled, over-worked, and your entire life feels …
The Power of Play: Bilateral Coordination
Bilateral coordination is the ability to coordinate both sides of the body together in a coordinated fashion. From the time we wake up to the time we go to bed we use bilateral coordination to complete simple tasks like squeezing toothpaste onto a toothbrush or …
Ballgame: When Your Kid Quits Your Favorite Sport
My daughter retired from gymnastics, and I’m certain that I need therapy. Her decision to quit was not a hasty one. It was accompanied by handwringing and tears. But after 18 months of chronic shoulder pain, we knew that the only option was to hang …
Birthdays on the Bayou
In the great debate of children’s’ birthday parties, some say go all out, and some say keep it simple. Nicole Davidge, owner of Southern Shutter Photography and mom to Dixon (5) and Maison (2), has an undisputed knack for planning the most magical celebrations. When …
Kids and Vaccinations
Written by Dr. Andrew D. Yurochko, Ph.D., Professor and Carroll Feist Endowed Chair in Viral Oncology Vice Chairman, Dept of Microbiology and Immunology Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Emerging Viral Threats Director, CoBRE Center of Applied Immunology and Pathological Processes LSU Health …
Go for the Gold!
Setting Up Students Of All Ages For Success Dedication and practice are two recurring words that one will hear for every Olympian who is interviewed about their road to the gold. The best way to prepare for success is to be deliberate in setting aside …
10 Tips for the Best School Year Yet
With the rocky pandemic school year behind us, including virtual learning and hybrid learning, many parents are looking forward to returning to a “traditional” school year. Some parents (and kids) are feeling anxious about returning to this format, as their child may have lost some …
Summer DIY Crafts
Summer has started, school is out, and entertaining our kids while they’re home 24/7 can be challenging for even the most studious parent. Make some new favorite memories this summer with any of these family-fun summer crafts! Squirt Gun Painting #1: If your kids aren’t …
Summer Slide
… is everything destined to go down the Brain Drain this summer? By Donesa Walker, M.Ed., Board Certified Cognitive Specialist, Owner LearningRx Shreveport I love sliding down slides with the curves and free fall experience of freedo, but I so do not want that ground …
The Sports Mom’s Ultimate Survival List
Before having my kids, I dreamed of twirling tutus, music lessons and maybe some low-key sporting activities here and there. I quickly realized that my kids were heading in a different direction and I was about to be thrown into a club of sweat, cleats, …
The Power of Play: Time for Travel
Getting there is half the battle Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner. This means it is time for family vacations, and your little ones will be in the car for long hours on the road. It may be your first trip …