DFWChild The Well Guide

T H E MAG A Z I N E PA R E N TS L I V E BY I N DA L L A S - F O R T W O R T H

2018

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THE WELL GUIDE

Find health care providers recommended by local moms and dads, p. 16, 24, 35, 46

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31

40 Cover Illustration: Carolyn Ridsdale

CONTENTS

8 Urgency vs. Emergency

Decoding the often confusing choices of urgent care, emergency care and hospital-run ERs

13 Women’s Health

Fast facts & surprising statistics

14 Morning Sickness

Tips from a doctor and a doula for combatting nausea during pregnancy

16 Women’s Health

22 Keeping Kids Safe

Household hazards that may surprise you

24 Kids’ Health

Mom-approved pediatricians

31 Oral Health

Fast facts & surprising statistics

Mom-approved counselors, therapists & alternative health practitioners

50 Making the List

What it means to be mom-approved

32 The Nightly Grind

The truth about bruxism and how to make it stop

35 Oral Health

Mom-approved dentists

39 Whole Health & Wellness

Mom-approved OB/GYNs, midwives & fertility specialists

Fast facts & surprising statistics

21 Kids’ Health

Living with love, chaos and a child with a mental illness

Fast facts & surprising statistics

46 Whole Health & Wellness

40 Beneath the Surface

DFWChild’s The Well Guide is published annually by Lauren Publications, Inc. DFWChild’s The Well Guide is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Additional copies of DFWChild are available for $2 per copy at the offices of Lauren Publications, Inc. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. DFWChild’s The Well Guide is ©2018 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.

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2018 / dfwchild.com

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6 Hello / Editor’s Note words Joy Niebes

The Cook Children’s name you trust, right in your neighborhood.

We know there’s one child that matters most...yours.

From routine checkups to serious issueseven parenting questions- Cook Children’s is with you every inch of the way.

Find a Cook Children’s pediatrician or urgent care center at:

cookchildrens.org/findcare

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EDITOR’S NOTE

mother knows best

The Weekend Guide Handpicked events for your family to enjoy every weekend. Subscribe at dfwchild.com/newsletter.

Follow Us on Instagram @dfwchildmag Email Us Let us know what’s on your mind. editorial@dfwchild.com

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W

hen my kids were younger, I had my mother on speed-dial. I’d call her anytime I had the slightest concern about my kids’ health, particularly with my oldest. My mom’s instincts and advice were usually right—like when my firstborn was sent to the neurologist because her pediatrician suspected that her head was growing too fast for her little body. Though my mom dutifully went with us to the appointment, she was convinced there was nothing wrong with my daughter. Nevertheless, she saw the specialist, and many tears (ours, not hers) and tests later, she was cleared. She just had a big head. My mom was right, but even more important, she was with us through it all.

With my second and third, instead of alarming my mom for every cough, rash or symptom I didn’t recognize, I searched the internet.

Then when I couldn’t diagnose the problem via WebMD, I’d call her, as well as friends who had been in the trenches with their own kids. My network of mom friends was also how I found all my kids’ doctors. In my opinion, there’s no better endorsement than the recommendation of someone you trust.

Which brings me to why we created our annual Mom-Approved Doctors listings. We wanted to expand your network of trusted referral sources to include all our readers who, like you and me, want to find the very best care for their kids. No amount of accomplishments and accolades on a health care provider’s resume will tell you how good they are with patients, or how well they listen to a mother’s intuition. So we asked you, our readers, to tell us which doctors and health care professionals you really love and would recommend to your friends and family—and to tell us why. The results are the Mom-Approved Doctors listings in this magazine. (If you’re curious to learn more, turn to page 50 for an overview of how we compile these lists.)

We hope you find this issue useful, and if you do, pay it forward by sharing your recommendations through our Mom-Approved Doctors surveys, which you can find on our website. And keep an eye out for updated listings throughout the year in each of our four magazines: CollinChild, DallasChild, FortWorthChild and NorthTexasChild.

Thank you for adding your voice—the rest of us moms are listening.

6

2018 / dfwchild.com

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URGENCY VS. EMERGENCY

decoding the often confusing choices of urgent care, emergency care and hospital-run ERs WORDS PAMELA HAMMONDS

K

im Bullock’s daughter Sasha, then 13, returned home from ballet class one evening complaining of leg pain. When the Dallas mom took a closer look, she noticed an enlarged vein. “My dad has a history of deep vein thrombosis, so I didn’t want to wait until the next morning to take Sasha to our pediatrician,” Bullock recalls. She remembered seeing a new stand-alone emergency room nearby and went online to check out their information. “I figured if I took Sasha there, we wouldn’t have to wait to be seen as opposed to taking her to the hospital,” shares Bullock.

Her assumption proved correct. She and Sasha were taken immediately into an exam room, and the doctor came in within five minutes. There was a slight delay for a precautionary ultrasound. But, while they waited, the physician remained with them and even gave Bullock a referral to a physical therapist to address Sasha’s unrelated knee pain. “The doctor was fabulous, the diagnosis was accurate and everyone treated us so well,” Bullock says. She didn’t even have to pay before being seen; she just presented her insurance information and ID upon checkin and was told they’d submit the bills for her.

When your child becomes ill or injured and your pediatrician’s office isn’t an option, where’s the best place to go for care? Do you head to the nearest hospital, find a convenient urgent care clinic or visit one of the many new freestanding emergency rooms popping up 8

2018 / dfwchild.com

around town? Your choice can make a difference in the level of care you receive, how long you wait to be seen and the amount you pay for services.

URGENT CARE = CONVENIENT, ROUTINE SERVICES

When your pediatrician’s office is closed and your child is too sick to wait until it’s open, it’s nice to know you have options beyond the sliding glass doors of your local hospital emergency room.

Dr. Justin Smith, a Cook Children’s pediatrician in Trophy Club, urges parents to call their pediatrician first if it’s not a true emergency. “Even if the office is not open, our parents can get advice from our pediatric nurses who take calls overnight,” he says. “Or they can check out one of our urgent care centers in the area.”

Cook Children’s Health Care System operates five pediatric urgent care centers in Fort

Worth, Mansfield, Southlake and Northeast Hospital to treat children with nonemergency medical concerns, theoretically easing the patient load in Cook Children’s emergency room.

Urgent care centers offer extended hours—evenings and weekends—and provide a convenient option for nonemergency medical care. Great for working parents or those times when you can’t reach your family physician, your neighborhood urgent care center is equipped to handle routine medical conditions and concerns, as well as vaccinations, sports physicals and strep tests.

They also do a good job of keeping the local hospital emergency rooms from filling up with minor cases of fevers, vomiting, sore throats and ear infections, and most allow you to check in via an online portal. Physicians at urgent care centers are not required to have emergency medicine experience and are often board certified in family medicine.

Dr. Halim Hennes, medical director of emergency services at Children’s Health, says their hospital has a good working relationship with local urgent care centers. “We see quite a few patients who have been to an urgent care center and receive very good advice and yet come to our emergency room [unnecessarily] for a second opinion,” says Hennes. “[Urgent care physicians] will also call us for advice and send us patients when necessary.”

FREESTANDING ER = LESS WAIT, HIGHLY TRAINED DOCS

Freestanding emergency centers offer a higher level of care than urgent care centers, and patients are attended to by physicians and nurses with hospital emergency room experience. The centers must also be licensed by the state, remain open 24/7, provide an ambulance entrance and have transfer agreements with local hospitals in case patients need admission. A red and/or white sign with EMERGENCY in all caps will be easily visible from the street. The physician must hold a current certification in advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and advanced trauma life support.

If it’s determined that you need care beyond what’s available at a freestanding ER, you may request to be transferred to the hospital of your choosing or use one of the hospitals with which the facility has a transfer agreement.

Medical City Children’s Hospital, which operates six pediatric urgent care facilities and several freestanding ERs across North Texas, shuttles their ER physicians between the hospital and freestanding centers for a very good reason. “At the hospital, we see the sickest of the sick so we’re always prepared,” says Dr. Mini DeLashaw, medical director of emergency medicine at Medical City Dallas Hospital and Medical City Children’s Hospital. “But freestanding ERs tend to experience a lighter patient load than hospital emergency rooms.” If a patient needs to be intubated at either facility, she expects their teams to be ready. “It’s important for doctors to keep up their skills,” she adds.

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PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL ER = SEVERE TRAUMA, SPECIALISTS ON HAND

It’s reassuring to know our area is home to several pediatric hospitals should a need arise. These hospital emergency departments are well-equipped to care for the most fragile patients—from newborns to teens. If your child has a medical emergency that could possibly require hospitalization or has received a traumatic injury, call 911 or take him to the nearest hospital ER. If you’re able to get him to a pediatric hospital ER, even better, but getting him seen

quickly so he can be stabilized is show that children who received the goal. Transfers can always be care in medical homes were less considered later if deemed neceslikely to have unmet medical sary by the physician. and dental needs and were more Children’s Health is the only likely to have annual preventive Level I Pediatric Trauma Center medical visits. Children should in North Texas and therefore is have not only a usual source of capable of providing total care care and a personal physician for every aspect of injury, from or nurse, but also care that is prevention through rehabilitafamily-centered and provides tion. “We can provide pediatric ready access to referrals and care surgical and subspecialty services coordination when needed. An 24/7,” Hennes says. “If a child urgent care center or your local comes into the ER with a fracture, ER does not meet the definition we have orthopedics. If a child of a “medical home.” has complex lacerations, we have plastic surgeons. If a child has THE COST OF CARE …

VARIES DRASTICALLY seizures, we have neurologists.”

Read any online reviews of freeUnfortunately, hospital ERs standing ERs, and you’ll likely are notorious for long waits. see five-star services flanked by “When you’re in the waitone-star complaints about fees. ing room, what you don’t see Bullock is among those patients. is what’s happening in the While she left her visit feeling emergency department,” Hennes confident in the level of care says. “We might be getting one Sasha received, weeks later, when trauma after another, and those the bills began to arrive, Bullock take priority.” Patients who come questioned her choice. to Children’s Health Emergency “Just to walk through the Department are sorted (triaged) door was $1,900,” she says. In by a nurse based on the severity total, Sasha’s short visit cost of their illnesses or complaints to over $3,000 out of pocket due to either the emergency department the high deductible with their (patients with serious complaints insurance policy. Bullock admits or illness) or the Fast Track area the bill was (minor illness). a shock and Patients are says next seen in order time she of arrival, their would intriage level and quire about availability of fees before exam rooms.

At a local pharmacy or submitting Cook Chilretailer’s clinic: $89 to to tests. dren’s Emer$129 for exam (some have Corinth gency Departadditional charge of $25 to parents ment, which $35 for test) Kathy and sees 120,000 At an urgent care center: Jon Schultz patients per $125 to $165 for exam (some (whose year, expanded have additional charge of names its emergency $25 to $35 for test) have been services in At a pediatric urgent care changed) 2016. The center: $125 to $200 for the suffered South Tower exam (no additional charge similar expansion for strep test) sticker was designed At a freestanding ER: shock. They to lessen wait

$275 for exam took their times and (no additional son, Conaccommodate charge for nor, then higher patient strep test) 12, to a volumes. freestandHennes ing ER says families for severe are best served by establishing a stomach pains medical home (e.g., a pediatric and later their daughter, Millie, practice) where their children then 11, to the same center for can be seen for minor illnesses a strep test. Jon called an urgent and save trips to the ER for care center first for Millie, but emergencies only. there was a three-hour wait to The American Academy of be seen. Neither child ended Pediatrics agrees. Their studies

how much for a strep test?

dfwchild.com / 2018

9

URGENCY VS. EMERGENCY

up with a serious diagnosis and spent less than 30 minutes per visit. Likewise, their bills were around $1,000 each.

Jon Schultz, who is a surgical physician’s assistant, knew the true costs of the tests administered and disputed the expenses.

“I was able to get both of the clinic bills reduced to below half of what the initial charges were,” he says. He didn’t question the doctors’ fees since he felt they were fair. “The actual patient care part of the experience was quite good; the staff was friendly and knowledgeable.” He was informed during the bill negotiation about a cash discount at the time of services, but the clinic didn’t present this option upon check-in.

Urgent care centers also typically charge higher rates than your family doctor. You’re paying for the extended hours and the convenience, plus they offer X-rays and perform lab work onsite. Freestanding ERs have an even higher overhead due to costly imaging and diagnostics such as CT scanners, ultrasounds and EKGs. Plus they undergo state licensing expenses and must be staffed 24/7 just like a hospital ER. Therefore, you should expect to pay ER rates even if the care you need is nominal.

To avoid paying more than you’re prepared, check out your options in advance. Consult with your insurance company to see what co-pays apply at your neighborhood centers. Many policies have one co-pay for general practice, a slightly higher

one for specialists and a significantly higher fee for urgent and emergency care. You can also ask providers if discounts for paying cash out of pocket are offered if you have a high deductible.

“Before we took our daughter in, we called to see if the emergency center would do a strep test,” Kathy Schultz recalls.

“And the receptionist said yes, but they were not an urgent care center.” She didn’t know the difference between urgent care and emergency care and didn’t ask about fees.

“Later a friend told us the same test can even be done at our local pharmacy.” Area retailers such as MinuteClinics at CVS pharmacies and Walgreen’s Healthcare Clinics do offer routine vaccinations, physicals and services (including strep tests) for patients 18 months and older; care is provided by a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant.

Realizing that the biggest complaint patients had was not the level of care provided but the cost associated with it, some centers have unveiled hybrid models, allowing them to treat both urgent and emergency situations under one roof. Legacy ER & Urgent Care, with locations throughout North Texas, was founded to provide and bill for the level of care a patient needs without the patients having to self-triage.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

Medical concerns can arise at any time and accidents happen

to even the most cautious of families so it makes sense to plan ahead. Ask your pediatrician whom she recommends you see for care when her office is closed.

If your concern is urgent and not an emergency, calling her afterhours line might alleviate your fears and point you in the right direction for care.

Know your local options.

If you drive by an urgent care center or a freestanding emergency room every day, go online and look at their services. See who the practice manager is and what his or her qualifications are. Determine if they accept your insurance and what your co-pay might be.

Stop by and visit, especially if you have a child with a chronic condition, and see if the staff is comfortable providing treatment. “You want to know who works there and that they’re competent and trustworthy,” Hennes advises. Reviews from patients are also prevalent online through Google and Yelp.

Whenever your child is seen by someone other than his pediatrician, make sure you get detailed information about what services were performed and what medication was administered so you can relay this information to your child’s medical home. “We use a pretty robust electronic system that notifies the physician that we’ve seen the child and what tests were run,” says DeLashaw. “In turn, they can follow up with us to see the results of those tests.”

choosing between urgency and emergency While the list below is meant to provide examples of conditions most often seen at urgent care and emergency facilities, every child and each situation are unique and the list is not exhaustive. “If you think you might need to call 911, you should call 911. Always err on the side of caution,” says Dr. Mini DeLashaw, medical director of emergency medicine at Medical City Dallas Hospital and Medical City Children’s Hospital.

URGENT CARE Possible broken bone Vomiting a couple times but taking in fluids and responsive Low-grade fever controlled by over-the-counter meds Stomachache Cuts that need stitches

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PREGNANCY & BIRTH

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WOMEN’S HEALTH

fast facts & surprising statistics COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

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OF U.S. BIRTHS TAKE PLACE IN HOSPITALS. 0.5% OF U.S. BIRTHS TAKE PLACE IN BIRTHING CENTERS.

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SOURCES: THE HENRY J KAISER FOUNDATION; AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF BIRTH CENTERS; UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH; TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES; MIDWIVES ALLIANCE OF NORTH AMERICA; SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

OF TEXAS WOMEN WHO GIVE BIRTH

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AGE 6 MONTHS. and Liam, Sebastian, Daniel, Matthew dfwchild.com / 2018

13

MORNING SICKNESS

tips from a doctor and a doula for combatting nausea during pregnancy WORDS CARRIE STEINGRUBER

I

t’s midafternoon, and you’re working your way down this week’s grocery list. You picked the basket with the squeaky wheel (again), and you’re clack-clack-clacking your way up the freezer aisle when—ugh!—you fumble through your purse, and somewhere amidst the tissues, lip-gloss tubes and Tylenol, you find a handful of peppermints, a.k.a. your lifesavers, and right now your favorite food in the whole wide world.

They might not hit the spot like all that ice cream you were craving last month or the Nacho Cheese Doritos you just threw in the cart, but these peppermints are exactly what you need.

Peppermints are a mom-tested remedy for morning sickness, that most loathsome of misnomers and your mortal enemy right about now. You feel hungry and full at the same time, like you need food but you won’t be able to keep anything down. It’s uncomfortable and obnoxious, and it’s really cramping your mommy-to-be style.

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Why are you experiencing this tummy-twisting sensation?

“There’s no one hard and fast answer to that question,” says Dr. Xercerla Littles, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.

She explains that scientists have yet to hammer down a universal cause for morning sickness,

though they strongly suspect it’s associated with a change in hormone levels.

Research suggests that rising levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acids to re-enter the esophagus. This results in acid reflux and the feeling that you need to vomit. Littles says the buildup of acid is exacerbated by lying down all night, so pregnant women “just have a lot of acid on board in the morning”—hence the moniker.

Though it’s named for that queasy feeling that sets in before you even get out of bed, morning sickness is actually an umbrella term that encompasses the nausea pregnant women feel any time during the day. Littles says that some women do not feel sick until early afternoon or evening, and that many find their nausea set off at random by strong smells or other trig-

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gers. The symptoms generally start manifesting about six weeks into pregnancy, peaking at eight to 10 weeks.

Your morning sickness could predict the sex of your baby if you believe the old wives’ tale.

Melissa Espey-Mueller, founder of North Dallas Doula Associates, explains that those raging hormones causing your illness are traditionally associated with carrying a baby girl. Though she’s skeptical, the mom of five does admit that she had terrible morning sickness with her three girls and none with her boys.

Espey-Mueller believes strongly in wellness practices such as acupuncture and chiropractic care, explaining that these holistic treatments can relieve morning sickness.

Moms can also make simple lifestyle changes to combat nausea, such as lying in bed for a while after turning off their alarms. (Finally—a legitimate excuse to hit snooze.) Eating a little something in the morning before rolling out of bed can also keep things quiet, but during the day Littles recommends that moms refrain from reclining for 35–45 minutes after eating.

Both Littles and Espey-Mueller report success with acupressure bands, the same kind used to allay motion sickness. Even a basic wardrobe shift—wearing less confining clothing—can relieve pressure on the belly and ease morning sickness.

But your diet is where big changes may need to happen.

Littles recommends eating small, snack-size meals throughout the day. “That does not mean you have Jack in the Box and Wendy’s every two hours,” she clarifies, no matter what your cravings tell you.

Instead, stock up on bland foods and lean proteins. The BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce and toast, often recommended for patients with diarrhea—can be effective against morning sickness as well.

Anything that doesn’t smell good is a no-go, as hormones can cause your nose to work overtime. “A lot of people feel like they have a much stronger sense of smell,” Littles says, and this heightened sensitivity often

correlates with a heightened gag permints, all consumable in reflex. One whiff of his cologne small bites to ease the burden on or your leftover pizza might have your stomach. you racing to the restroom.

Espey-Mueller relied heavEspey-Mueller says essential ily on ginger tea during her oils may help to mask unpleasant pregnancies. Ginger is a proven odors and soothe your sniffer— remedy for morning sickness. but make sure you find scents Other herbs may be effective, that your stomach can handle. but Littles advises women to Prenatal vitamins can relieve consult their doctors before nausea while supplementing starting an herbal tea regimen as the nutrients you might be some herbs can do more harm forgoing because of dietary than good. changes. Espey-Mueller stresses Above all, it’s important just the importance of vitamin B in to eat something. “Sometimes particular. “Increasing your viwhen we feel nauseated or feel tamin B is always a really good like we want to vomit, we don’t option,” she says, speaking want to eat anything,” Espeyagain from experience with her Mueller says. “Don’t let your own five pregnancies as well stomach get empty.” as scientific evidence. “Studies Littles does warn moms-to-be show that if you increase your that morning sickness can bevitamin B, you decrease acid come a serious condition called reflux and nausea.” hyperemesis, which she sees in Littles 8–10 percent of agrees but her patients. “If cautions you’re not makmoms against ing urine—or it’s overdoing it; superconcentratshe prescribes ed—or if you’re 10–25 milnot able to keep ligrams of down liquids We asked our Facebook followers for their antivitamin B6 or solids, or if morning sickness secrets. two to three despite your best Here are some of the times a day, efforts goodies they suggest: but no more you’ve than 100 millost a Sour Patch Kids ligrams a day. lot of Other weight Jolly effective pills in a Ranchers include overshort Starburst the-counter period (lemon-flavored) Emetrol of time, and you need to Dry Cheerios sleep see your doctor.” aid You might need Red Hots Uniintravenous som. treatment to Animal crackers Littles replenish fluids Preggie Pops says taking and nutrients. half a tablet of Thankfully, Coca-Cola Unisom daily most moms has helped will never Mentos many of her need an IV to Protein shakes patients. treat morning There sickness, just Breakfast in bed are other gobs of pepanti-nausea permints. While medications some moms your OB/ may experience GYN could prescribe, but a little nausea throughout their many moms are cautious about pregnancy, Littles reports that medicating during pregnancy. most women feel their stomachs Instead, women swear by snacks settle around 12–14 weeks. “It’s such as saltine crackers, peanut like everything else,” she emphabutter with apple slices or pepsizes. “This too shall pass.”

home remedies

dfwchild.com / 2018

15

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Dominguez, Donnellyn CPM All About Babies May, Kathaleen CPM All About Babies

Burleson

Hydnes, Judith CPM In the Palm of His Hand Childbirth Ministries Miller, Mollie CPM Maternal Instincts Midwifery

Celina

Young, Krista CPM Midwife Krista

Cleburne

Gockenbach, Mary CPM Edenway Birthing Center Gyde, Terry CPM Edenway Birthing Center 16

2018 / dfwchild.com

Drupp, Kristina RN, CNM, MSN Parkland Hospital

Eizenga, Mercy CPM Comforts of Home Midwifery Groom, Holly RN, CNM Caring For Women Sala-Smith, Jean RN, CNM Inanna Birth & Women’s Care

Flower Mound

Caudell, Heather RN, CNM Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates Smitherman, Cheryl DNP, CNM Women’s Wellness at Flower Mound “Cheryl listens to me and takes her time.

She’s extremely knowledgeable and takes all of my concerns seriously.”

Hicks, Candis RN, CNM, MSN Acclaim Nurse Midwives Hopkins, Katie RN, CNM Acclaim Nurse Midwives Morrow, Carla RN, CNM Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center “Carla has a wonderful bedside manner, is loving, and is also extremely knowledgeable of evidence-based care.”

—Jennifer, Midlothian

Prouty, Amanda CPM Beautiful Beginnings Midwifery

—Jennifer, Lewisville

Trahan, Crystal RN, CNM Her Complete Health Care

Fort Worth

Frisco

Alpha, Meagan RN, CNM, MSN Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center “Meagan was so supportive and encouraging to me during my prenatal appointments and birth.”

Mitchell, Teri RN, CNM Bundle Born Midwifery

—Carrie, Benbrook

Nelson, Joyce CNM Family Centered Maternity Care

DaSilva, Shannon RN, CNM Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center “Shannon empowers clients and spends quality time with them. Patients choose their care rather than it being dictated.”

—Jennifer, Arlington

Diamond, Hannah RN, CNM, MSN Acclaim Nurse Midwives Donaldson, Kathleen RN, CNM, MSN Acclaim Nurse Midwives

Garland

DeStefano, Robin CPM Family Centered Maternity Care

Grand Prairie

Allred, Amy CPM Birth Blessings Midwifery Care Anderson, Roxanne CPM Family Birth Services

Grapevine

Daly, Kim CPM Grapevine Birthing Center Hogan, Danielle CPM Grapevine Birthing Center

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Jones, Sarah CPM Grapevine Birthing Center

Weise, William MD Office of Dr. Weise

Heintges, Michelle MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare

Miller, Donna CPM Grapevine Birthing Center

Arlington

Lawson, Yolanda MD MadeWell OB/GYN

Hurst

Friesen, Angela CPM Gentle Beginnings Birth & Wellness Center Martin, Christy CPM Celebrate Birth Midwifery Massey, Michele CPM Gentle Beginnings Birth & Wellness Center Saenz, Teree CPM Gentle Beginnings Birth & Wellness Center

Atkins, Baron MD USMD Bergstrom, Joan MD Women’s Health Services Cornwell, Janis MD Matlock OB/GYN Luck, Mindy MD Omega OB/GYN Associates Seligman, Steven MD Omega OB/GYN Associates

Bedford

Leinauer, Meghan MD Lakewood Women’s Center Littrell, Christina MD Swiss OB/GYN Lopez, Jorge MD Office of Dr. Lopez Martin, Amy MD Carter, Hays, Martin & Associates McClintock, Jean MD Northlake OB/GYN

Parikh, Manisha MD USMD

Newsom, Elizabeth MD Dallas OB/GYN

Spurdon, Chantal MD USMD

Oliveira, Marci MD Office of Dr. Oliveira

Irving

Carrollton

Oliver, Frank MD Office of Dr. Oliver

Kaufman

Cleburne

West, Cheryl CPM Gentle Beginnings Birth & Wellness Center Santangelo, Traci RN, CNM BirthPointe Turner, Linda CPM Delivered with Love Birthing Center

Keller

Perez, Katie CPM Wonderfully Made Midwifery Salstrand, Sue CPM The Hatchery Midwife Thomson, Gina CPM Origins Birth Services Wages, Kaitlyn CPM Origins Birth Services

McKinney

Carter, Jeanean RN, CNM Adriatica Women’s Health Marley, Elizabeth RN, CNM Adriatica Women’s Health Mayorga, Kathleen RN, CNM Bella Births

Peaster

Thomas, Julie MD Women’s Contemporary Care Farzam, Steven MD Cleburne OB/GYN Puentes, Aubrey MD Cleburne OB/GYN

Colleyville

Unell, Alan MD Fem Centre

Cross Roads

Bartos, Heather MD Be Women’s Health & Wellness

Dallas

Ruk, Todd MD Northlake OB/GYN Ryder, Kristi MD Northlake OB/GYN

Simmons, Chad MD The Simmons Center

Brothers, Sandra MD Women’s Health Alliance

Smith, Kamilia MD Magnolia OB/GYN

Chhutani, Sheila MD Gynecological and Obstetrical Associates

Tilman, Felicia MD Health Central Women’s Care

Crochet, Melissa MD UT Southwestern OB/GYN & Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic

Sachse

Rosenfield, Laura MD Office of Dr. Rosenfield

Bertrand, John MD Walnut Hill OB/GYN

Richardson

Rowe, Tina CPM Heavenly Hands Birthing Center

Richards, Hampton MD Walnut Hill OB/GYN

Sigman, Amy MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare

Crable, Quanita MD Office of Dr. Crable

Rockwall

Peveto, Joy MD Women’s Health Alliance

Behan, Joseph MD Office of Dr. Behan

Germash, Molly CPM Heart’s Desire Midwifery Care Waranch, Dinah RN, CNM Lovers Lane Birth Center

Parnell, Winfred MD Carlos & Parnell, MD

De Los Santos, Humberto MD Methodist OB/GYN Elmquist, Alison MD Vernon & Waldrep OB/GYN

Vernon, Kim MD Vernon & Waldrep OB/GYN Walker, Angela MD Vernon & Waldrep OB/GYN

Denton

Dooley, Christina MD USMD Reddy, Indrani MD Denton OB/GYN

Duncanville

Stewart, Renee CPM Renee Stewart Midwife

Frieden, Blake MD Office of Dr. Frieden

OB/GYNS

Gunby, Robert MD Swiss OB/GYN

Carreno, Megan MD Modern OB/GYN

Hagood, Julie MD Walnut Hill OB/GYN

Allen, Vicki Jo MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates

Merideth, Sherri MD Modern OB/GYN

Harris, Steven MD OB/GYN Associates of Dallas

Banks, Lauren MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates

Allen

Dotson, Ronald MD Office of Dr. Dotson

Flower Mound

dfwchild.com / 2018

17

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

OB/GYNS, MIDWIVES & FERTILITY SPECIALISTS

Davis-Herr, Jackie MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates Mitchell, Janice MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates Osborn, Rachel MD Caring for Women OB/GYN Van Dell, Guyton MD Flower Mound Women’s Care

Fort Worth

Arnold, Laura MD Her OB/GYN Benz, Karen DO Office of Dr. Benz Bevan, Catherine MD Texas Health Care Bradford, Laura MD 8th Avenue OB/GYN Burkett, Danielle DO Texas Health Care Combs, Shanna MD Acclaim Women’s Health

Bailey, Melissa MD Centennial OB/GYN Boyd, Suzette MD Office of Dr. Boyd Branning, George MD Texas OB/GYN Fong, David MD Office of Dr. Fong Harper, Elise MD Health Central Women’s Care McClure, Meredith MD Frisco OB/GYN Pepperell, Michele MD Frisco OB/GYN Weinstein, Jonathan MD Frisco Women’s Health Welborne, Leslie MD Centennial OB/GYN

Grand Prairie

Elmazi, Fundime DO Baylor Family Medical Center at Riverside

Grapevine

Deem, Adrianne MD Women’s Health Medical Group

Chen, Barbara MD Heritage Women’s Health

Erwin, Jamie MD Texas Health Care

Flowers, Julia MD OB/GYN of North Texas

Firouzbakht, Noushin MD Office of Dr. Firouzbakht

Rost, Timothy MD Grapevine OB/GYN

Glenn, Sunny MD Texas Health Care

Irving

Hooper, Mickey DO Texas Health Care Irwin, Peter MD Office of Dr. Irwin Larsen, Alicia MD Texas Health Care Robbins, Cynthia MD 8th Avenue OB/GYN Snead, Jonathan MD Alliance Women’s Healthcare Song, Cheng MD Office of Dr. Song Tabor, Bannie MD Obsterix Medical Group Tse, Gladys MD USMD Wiley, Ruth DO 8th Avenue OB/GYN Zwernemann, Robert MD Texas Health Care

Plano

Aman, Zarmina MD Texas Premier OB/GYN Bellanger, Heather MD Plano Women’s Healthcare Burt, Randall MD OB/GYN Associates of North Dallas Campbell, Jennifer MD Northlake OB/GYN Coronado, Elizabeth MD Women’s Specialists of Plano Dang, Quyen MD Women’s Specialists of Plano Desai, Shuchi MD Women’s Specialists of Plano Endelman, Irwin MD Northern Bay Women’s Health Center Fleming, Berry MD Personalized Women’s Healthcare Garner, Garrett MD Northlake OB/GYN Hartley, Cindy MD Associated Women’s Healthcare Jacoby, Eric MD Personalized Women’s Healthcare

Dominique, Colette, MD MacArthur OB/GYN

Mos, Amy MD Plano Women’s Healthcare

Garcia, Gonzalo MD Las Colinas OB/GYN

Reisler, Keith MD Office of Dr. Reisler

Gray, Rebecaa MD MacArthur OB/GYN

Spooner, Melinda MD Specialized Women’s Healthcare

Livingston, Jeff MD MacArthur OB/GYN

Taylor, Marcia MD OB/GYN Associates of North Dallas

O’Neil, Kevin MD MacArthur OB/GYN Sakovich, Stephen MD MacArthur OB/GYN Villalba, Veronica MD Office of Dr. Villalba

Lake Worth

Carnevale, Kristina MD USMD

Lewisville

Fliedner, Thomas MD North Texas OB/GYN Associates

Bailey, Jennifer MD Frisco OB/GYN

Moore, Natalie MD USMD

2018 / dfwchild.com

Reyes, Cesar MD Comprehensive OB/GYN

MacDonald, Steven MD OB/GYN Associates of North Dallas

Mansfield

18

Banks, Tracey MD Adriatica Women’s Health

Chandrasekhara, Darshna MD Healthcare Associates of Irving

Frisco

Allen, Jennifer MD Frisco OB/GYN

McKinney

Havener, Heather MD USMD

Trylovich, Courtney MD Northlake OB/GYN Vu, Julie MD North Texas OB/GYN Associates Woods, Christina MD Northlake OB/GYN

Richardson

Downey, Charles MD Women’s Health Associates of Richardson Khan, Yasmin MD Office of Dr. Khan Risden, Jan MD Women’s Health Associates of Richardson

Rowlett

Hearne, Monika MD Lake Pointe Medical Partners

Cheryl Smitherman, DNP, CNM Midwifery As a certified nurse-midwife with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Cheryl sees women from adolescence through geriatric patients, performs well-woman exams and, of course, delivers babies in the hospital setting. “I, like Dr. Paroski, am very patient oriented and feel that my primary role in the practice is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare concerns and needs.”

With more than 20 years of experience in the medical field, Cheryl brought expertise in nursing administration and teaching to Women’s Wellness at Flower Mound in 2014. Cheryl is married and has three children.

3051 Churchill Dr., Ste. #220, Flower Mound, TX 75022 972-355-9436 • womenswellnessfm.com

5-TIME

Karina Marr, DDS

WINNER

Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Karina Marr has spent her life serving North Texas. She was in the charter class of the International Baccalaureate magnet program at Plano East Senior High School and graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University in 2000. She graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry–Texas A&M Health Science Center in 2005, earning a place on the Dean’s Cumulative Honor List and the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. Dr. Marr completed her pediatric specialty training at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., in 2010, and is a board-certified pediatric dentist. Dr. Marr is also a clinical professor at Baylor College of Dentistry and is the current co-president of the Greater Dallas Pediatric Dental Society. Dr. Marr lives in Dallas with her husband, Peter; 6-year-old daughter, Olivia; and 4-year-old son, Deacon.

Come by and meet her at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda!

9409 Garland Rd. #110 Dallas, TX 75218 214-321-4880 • info@pdckids.com pdckids.com

dfwchild.com / 2018

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2701 Old Settlers Road, Flower Mound, TX 75022

(972) 724-1617

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©

KIDS’ HEALTH

fast facts & surprising statistics COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

O N AV ER AG E,

PEDIATRIC APPOINTMENTS

1

COST $95 W I T H O U T

MOST The kitchen is the

GERMIEST PLACE in the house

WITH SPRING ALLERGIES

COLDS PER YEAR

OLD IS WHEN THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS RECOMMENDS THAT KIDS START GETTING ANNUAL FLU SHOTS

8–10

SHOULD KIDS

3

KI N

DO

LE SCE N

T S

E

RG A R T E N

S

AG

DE

9 ER

Y TION B

P

BA

AN

5O U

T

VE

FEC

O S C H O LE

HOW LONG

HANDS? AT LEAST IN

RE

RS

IDS WILL 6K H

WASH THEIR R

S & TODDL S

F

A

O

IE

ER

B

FOR

A

3

CHALLENGING PLACE TO LIVE IN THE U.S.

6 MONTHS

EA

SOURCES: KIDSHEALTH.ORG; COOK CHILDREN’S; AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS; HEALTHYCHILDREN.ORG; MEDLINEPLUS; NSF INTERNATIONAL; WEBMD; ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA; COSTHELPER

DALLAS IS THE

2

KIDS AGES 2–12 GROW 2–3 INCHES PER YEAR

I N S U R A N C E

20 SECONDS

12

2–4

dfwchild.com / 2018

21

©ISTOCK.COM/LIDERINA

22

2018 / dfwchild.com

KEEPING KIDS SAFE

household hazards that may surprise you WORDS LESLIE CHATMAN

I

t’s a no-brainer. Even before our babies became crawlers, most of us probably put child-safety locks on the cabinets where the household cleaners and medications in our homes live. But new statistics show that these locks might not be enough.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 300 children, nearly half under the age of 6, treated in emergency rooms each day as a result of poisoning injuries, typically from ingestion.

During a regular 10-hour shift, Dr. Audra McCreight, a pediatric emergency room doctor at Cook Children’s in Fort Worth, says she sees at least one poisoning injury from ingestion. “The types of accidental poisonings I see range from medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen to detergent pods, nail polish remover and extremely toxic button batteries from watches,” she says.

MEDICATIONS

“Most ingestions by toddlers are medicine, both over the counter and prescription,” says Dana Walraven, community health outreach manager at Cook Children’s and Safe Kids Tarrant County coordinator. So it’s no surprise that medications still top the list of household hazards for kids. The hard-to-open bottles weren’t designed to prevent a child from getting in but simply to slow him down.

And in the four years between 2011 and 2015, the number of kids exposed to essential oils doubled.

Some kids ingested the aromatic liquids used to treat everything from allergies to depression; others were dosed incorrectly—both of which caused chemical burns, breathing problems and more.

Experts recommend storing all medicines (including essential oils)

And avoid putting the pods in the same type of containers in which you store cereal and baking needs.

VAPE PARAPHERNALIA AND E-CIGARETTES

The liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes is so highly concentrated in their original bottles and keepthat even a tiny sip might cause a ing them locked in top cabinets child’s heart to race or make them that are completely out of sight vomit or sweat. And vape liquid is from curious kiddos. Also, never often scented or flavored, making use a medicine bottle as a rattle it appealing to kids. or other distraction for little ones.

Experts recommend never And never ever tell a child taking using e-cigarettes or vaping medicine that it’s candy. Explain around kids, keeping materials in to kids that despite the fruity taste, a locked box at the top of a high what they are cabinet and distaking is mediposing of used cation to help components them heal. according to the manufacturer’s DETERGENT instructions PODS so children Store the Poison Help Nearly 12,000 don’t fish them hotline 1-800-222-1222, children age 5 out of the a 24/7 service, in your and younger kitchen trash. phone and call if you suswere exposed to pect a possible poisoning. detergent pods BEAUTY Call 911 if the child PRODUCTS last year. Conis drowsy or unconCosmetics suming a descious, having trouble and personal tergent pod can breathing, extremely care products cause coughing, agitated or restless or contain loads of breathing having seizures. chemicals, may difficulty and “If a child has ingested smell nice and possibly death. a harmful substance, do are therefore “The detergent not attempt to induce dangerous in washes away vomiting,” cautions a little one’s the protein Audra McCreight, a hands. in the lungs pediatric emergency Experts recthat keeps room doctor at Cook ommend never them inflated,” Children’s in Fort Worth. storing lotions, McCreight “It is quite possible that creams or explains. the substance has caused sprays in the reExperts injury to the esophagus.

Forced vomiting could frigerator. They recommend cause additional injuries.” might easily be ditching the mistaken for pods until all juice or yogurt, children in especially by a the house are child who can’t read. And don’t school age or older. If you just let your little one play in your can’t do without, put them up makeup bag or purse. high and in a container that locks.

in case of emergency

dfwchild.com / 2018

23

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

KIDS’ HEALTH mom-approved pediatricians COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

ALLERGY

Dallas

Bird, John MD Children’s Health “Dr. Bird is very knowledgeable on new procedures and testing and is a very caring doctor.” —Robin, Little Elm

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Dallas

Mendeloff, Eric MD Congenital Heart Surgery Center

CRANIOFACIAL SURGERY

Fort Worth

Hubli, Eric MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Hubli is one of the best surgeons I have ever dealt with. He is very patient and answers every question. He is up to date on the latest research.”

—Shawna, Watauga

DERMATOLOGY

Grapevine

Ghali, Fred MD Pediatric Dermatology of North Texas

Richardson

Koriakos, Angie DO K Dermatology and Wellness Institute

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Dallas

Sher, Ellen MD Office of Dr. Sher

Fort Worth

Thornton, Paul MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Thornton made understanding my son’s illness easier and a lot better to cope with. He did everything to help my little man, and I’m really thankful for him.” —Jamie, Azle 24

2018 / dfwchild.com

FAMILY MEDICINE

Fort Worth

Richwine, Randall DO Family Centered Medical Group

Grand Prairie

Weaver, Mary MD Methodist Family Health Center

Plano

Kainth, Manvinder MD Maple Primary Care

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Dallas

An, Jack MD Digestive Health Associates of Texas Russo, Michael MD Digestive Health Associates of Texas

Plano

Fort Worth

Acosta, Fernando MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Acosta helps us understand what is going on with my kid’s brain and helps come up with an appropriate treatment plan. Every kid is treated as an individual.” —Stephanie, Fort Worth

ORTHOPEDICS

Fort Worth

Mayfield, Matthew MD Cook Children’s “Out of all the doctors and nurses, Dr. Mayfield is the one who most helped to calm us, explain the situation in a manner we could understand and made our son smile even through his pain.”

—Clarissa, Haslet

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

Dave, Mona MD Texas Digestive Disease Consultants

Bedford

HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY

Coppell

Fort Worth

Vallance, Kelly MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Vallance is easily reachable and is willing to answer any and all questions no matter how trivial. She explains things in depth and never seems rushed.” —Chelci, Joshua

Grapevine

Beam, Donald MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Beam is positive and makes us feel that no matter what happens with our child’s health, we can fix it.”

—Tammye, Jacksboro

NEUROLOGY

Dallas

Golla, Sailaja MD Children’s Health “Dr. Golla is always kind, nice and very understanding of all my kids with different developmental delays.” —Amanda, Garland

Ashmead, Mary MD Texas ENT Specialists Bauer, Paul MD ENT for Children

Frisco

Brenski, Amy MD Frisco ENT for Children

Plano

Peskind, Steven MD Office of Dr. Peskind

PEDIATRICS

Allen

Cook, Yuri MD Raintree Healthcare Moulton, Daniel MD TLC Pediatrics Smith, Chad MD Raintree Healthcare

Arlington

Carlson, Ken MD Arlington Prime Pediatrics

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Dao, Vuong DO Cook Children’s “Dr. Dao is knowledgeable and answers all my questions. He is very good with children and you can tell he loves his job.” —Kelsey, Arlington

“Dr. Smith provides exceptional care, has an awesome bedside manner and employs a kind office staff.” —Kayla, Burleson

Fikkert, Chimene DO Collins Street Pediatrics

Vert, Deborah DO Cook Children’s “Dr. Vert is incredibly knowledgeable, the consummate professional and just about the warmest individual you could ever hope to meet.” —Danielle, Aledo

Gibson-Hull, Stacey MD SGH Pediatrics Gold, Stephanie MD Gold Pediatrics Hampton, Earl MD Arlington Pediatrics Harris, Desiree MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Harris is so kind and caring, and you know she wants nothing but the best for your child.” —Amanda, Fort Worth Masters, Heeten DO Cook Children’s “Dr. Masters is so personable and really makes sure to go into detail to explain what all the medical terms and diagnoses really mean.” —Carissa, Arlington Meyer, Matthew MD USMD South Arlington Pediatrics Raine, Wilfred MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Raine answers all questions with clear answers and doesn’t make you feel stupid for asking. He is quick to respond to questions and has a great bedside manner.” —Nicole, Burleson

Azle

Hudman, Jennifer MD Azle Pediatrics

Bartonville

Butler, Rebecca MD Lantana Pediatrics

Bedford

Jackson, Sharon MD Cook Children’s “On the first visit with my daughter, Dr. Jackson ‘heard’ me. She ordered tests and found out what was really going on.” —Carmalea, Irving Leung, Christina MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Leung is wonderful with my kids and they never dread being in her office. She provides information to my husband and me that is easy to understand.” —Shawna, Richland Hills

Burleson

McClain, Lanna MD Cook Children’s “Dr. McClain listens to our concerns and makes sure that we are comfortable with her recommendations and advice before moving forward with any treatment.” —Ann, Burleson Smith, Carla DO Cook Children’s

Trivedi, Bhargav MD Child Care Pediatrics PA

Carrollton

Aslam, Qamar MD Carrollton Pediatrics Mirza, Muhammad MD Carrollton Pediatrics Naz, Farah MD Office of Dr. Naz Rivera, Richard MD KidsDoc Tucker, Michelle MD Castle Hills Pediatrics

Colleyville

Henderson, Elizabeth MD Colleyville Family Medicine

Coppell

Georgulas, Anne MD Dr. Anne Pediatrics Holt, Mark MD MD Pediatric Associates McAnelly, George MD Dr. Mac’s Pediatrics and Allergy Schlichtemeier, Tammi MD Coppell Pediatrics Ulanoski, Pam MD Stepping Stones Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Venkatachalam, Vani MD MD Pediatric Associates

Crowley

Clarke, Adrian MD Forest Lane Pediatrics Clifford, Jenny MD Baylor Pediatric Center Curry, Daryl MD Office of Dr. Curry Day, Gustavo MD Office of Dr. Day Denison, Early MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Deuber, Christina MD Inwood Village Pediatrics Diaz-Esquivel, Maribel MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Do, Bich MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Dreiling, Chris MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Fernandez, Ernesto MD Clinical Pediatric Associates Gore, Lauren MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Gray, Larry MD Woodhill Pediatric Associates Halsell, Karen MD Pediatricians of Dallas Hanig, Joseph MD Clinical Pediatric Associates Hart, Chafen MD Pediatricians of Dallas Jowdy, Michelle DO Lakewood Pediatrics “Dr. Jowdy has a way of connecting with children that makes them and their parents feel at ease.” —Missie, Garland Karam, Albert MD Office of Dr. Karam Kravitz, Michelle MD Forest Lane Pediatrics

Ragland, Moluk DO Total Care

Liu, Ann MD Forest Lane Pediatrics

Dallas

McClard, Karen MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas

Acosta, Veronica MD Children’s Health “Dr. Acosta is professional and takes time to answer my concerns. She educates me about medical treatments for my children.” —SC, Dallas

Milici, Marjorie MD Baylor Pediatric Center Mitchell, Damien MD Forest Lane Pediatrics

Anderson, Howard MD AIM Center for Health and Wellness

Neely, Joe MD Pediatricians of Dallas

Bacsik, Susan DO Pediatrics at Campbell Center

Peterman, Joe MD Preston Centre Pediatrics

Bergman, Barry MD Bergman Pediatrics

Roberts, Tana MD Pediatrics at Campbell Center

Bourland, Christina MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas

Rogers, Donza MD Kessler Pediatrics

Brown, Michael MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas

Shinn, Victoria MD Clinical Pediatric Associates dfwchild.com / 2018

25

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

P E D I AT R I C I A N S

Simon, Matthew MD Park Cities Pediatrics

Hunke, Louis MD Pediatric Southwest

Somer, Curtis MD Pediatricians of Dallas

Longshaw, Jacquelyn MD Pediatric Southwest

Straughn, Christopher MD Forest Lane Pediatrics

Sejour-White, Jeannette MD Children’s Health

Strong, Lily MD Forest Lane Pediatrics

Towns, Mark MD Pediatric Southwest

Tauseef, Muhammad MD Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic

Euless

Thomas, Elizabeth DO Children’s Health “Dr. Thomas has a wonderful bedside manner. She has treated my children since birth; she knows their names and doesn’t have to be reminded of their medical issues.” —Melissa, Dallas

Farmers Branch

Thomas, Michelle MD Children’s Health Complex Care “If your child with special needs has any medical issues day or night, seven days a week, Dr. Thomas is there.” —Lisa, Forney Waters, Melissa MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Wimberly, Kelly MD Office of Dr. Wimberly Wolovits, Laura MD At Home Pediatrics Yaeger, Matthew MD Pediatricians of Dallas

Denton

Day, Jeff MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Day takes his time at every appointment. He listens to me and never rushes through. They always try their very best to get you in when you need an appointment.” —Mallori, Roanoke Goff, David MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Goff makes my son smile; he doesn’t overprescribe and he listens!”

—Katie, Frisco

Jones, Carrie MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Jones truly cares about her patients, but what makes her most special is that she takes plenty of time with the parents, asking them about any questions or concerns.” —Keri, Highland Village Sanborn, Cheryl MD Nuby Pediatrics Squiers, Milton MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Squiers has been taking care of my kids since birth and he has adjusted at every age for them. He took time at well visits, asking them questions so he could get to know them.” —Alechia, Justin

DeSoto

Deacon, Thomas MD Pediatrics Southwest 26

2018 / dfwchild.com

Nnamani, Ijeoma MD Ivy Children’s Clinic Seidel, Jack MD Office of Dr. Seidel

Flower Mound

Burgess, Kim MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Kim Burgess is knowledgeable, always available and has a calming bedside manner with kids and parents.”

—Sarah, Flower Mound

Fitzgerald, Ralph MD MD Pediatric Associates Forbes, Michelle MD MD Pediatric Associates Naylor, Debra MD 18 and Under MD Pape, Jennifer MD 18 and Under MD

Fort Worth

Amaya, Zeda MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Amaya is empathic, compassionate and intelligent—everything you could want in a pediatrician.”

—Shannon, Haltom City

Brennan, Mary Carol MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Brennan is very knowledgeable, kind and patient. She always has the children’s best interest at heart.”

—Quinn, Arlington

Bui, Priya DO UNT Pediatrics Champion, John MD Office of Dr. Champion Charette, Vanessa MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Charette has exceptional communication skills and is very patient with answering any questions I have. It’s easy to see how much she cares about children.” —Kim, Arlington Crawford, Julie MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Crawford has always been honest and thoughtful every time one of my kiddos has an appointment. She is one of the most relaxed doctors I’ve been around!” —Kristin, Burleson Dosu, Babatunde MD Metroplex Pediatrics

Friedman, James MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Friedman talks to my boys and treats them with respect and as ‘little adults.’ He listens to them and has a conversation with them about life.”

—Shannon, Fort Worth

Gronberg, Michael MD Alliance Pediatrics of Heritage Trace Halpenny, Walter MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Halpenny is research driven and uses clinical knowledge to diagnose and treat.” —Carley, Fort Worth Hampton, Catherine DO Cook Children’s “Dr. Hampton is so kind, knowledgeable and empathetic. She always takes the time to thoroughly check over my children and answers my extensive list of questions.” —Jennifer, Fort Worth Hanson, Natalia MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Hanson is very sweet, understanding and always takes her time when my kids need to see her, whether it be a checkup or a sick visit.”

—Christina, Fort Worth

Hayes, Eriel MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Hayes practices thoroughly and conservatively—she cares for the whole child and their family.”

—Aubrey, Fort Worth

Hayward, Tamara MD Cook Children’s “She listens attentively to any questions or concerns that I may have, no matter how remedial it may have seemed.”

—Demitra, Fort Worth

Jones, Mark MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Jones is unbelievable. He not only remembers everything about my child from visit to visit, he truly cares about my son.” —Jacqueline, Fort Worth Lewis, Lisa MD Kid Care Pediatrics Mandal, Kathryn MD Continuum Internal Medicine & Pediatrics Martin, Bruce MD Alliance Pediatrics Matches, Sarah DO UNT Pediatrics McGehee, Frank MD Cook Children’s “Dr. McGehee is so kind and knowledgeable and answers all my questions. He is great with my kids and makes going to the doctor not so scary for them, or for me!” —Meghan, Fort Worth Mercer, Bradley MD Cook Children’s “He makes you feel at ease, especially as a new parent. He came highly recom-

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

mended and did not disappoint.”

—Sabine, Fort Worth

Morrow, Julee, MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Morrow is supportive of my choices as a mother. I have never once felt rushed out of the office or pressured into treatment or medication I was unsure of.” —Christina, Azle Murchison, Lesley Caron MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Murchison is a very caring and compassionate doctor. She actually spends time with you and your child when she comes into the room.” —Sarah, Fort Worth Natterer, Ann MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Natterer is always so sweet and really gives you her full attention and time when expressing your concerns. She does not rush to prescription medication when there is a problem.”

—Jordan, Fort Worth

Olvera, Rebecca MD Cook Children’s “The doctor is extremely personable and talks to the kids so gently. She makes us feel like she remembers us on a personal level.” —Brooke, Fort Worth Phillips, Alice MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Phillips is an exceptional pediatrician. She exudes professionalism and truly cares about your child and their health.” —Amanda, Benbrook Pradhan, Monica MD Cook Children’s “They provide excellent services and have an amazing staff. The location and parking are great.” —Veronica, Fort Worth Readinger, Robert MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Readinger is always very thorough and keeps up with all the latest medical research. He’s coached me through every illness and childhood stage with grace and tremendous patience.”

—Megan, Colleyville

Ruas, Virginia MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Ruas is very thorough and always answers all my concerns. I never feel rushed during appointments.” —Edyta, Grand Prairie

Senevey, Steven MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Senevey’s bedside manner is above and beyond. I love his genuine concern and attention he gives me as well as my grandchild.” —Victoria, Fort Worth Shaw, Daphne MD Cook Children’s “I appreciate Dr. Shaw’s candor and tenacity for sleuthing out what’s really going on.” —Jennifer, Fort Worth Smith, Justin MD Cook Children’s

“The first thing we loved was the amount of time and concern Dr. Smith gave us. He listened and truly cared. We love how advanced he is with virtual visits.” —Naureen, Trophy Club Worsley, Ben MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Ben has an excellent bedside manner, is honest and listens to our family’s needs.” —Tsianina, Fort Worth Young, John MD Young Kids Pediatrics

Frisco

Capote-Piga, Versallie MD Piga Primary Care Associates Cavalier, Mary Ellen MD Joy & Crown Pediatric Specialists Chang, Christina DO Pediatric People Faulkner, Cheryl MD Collin County Pediatrics Gondol, Sara MD Starside Pediatrics Guetersloh, Chad MD Centennial Pediatrics Hingle, Laurie MD Best Nest

Harston, Melanie DO Cook Children’s “Dr. Harston is thorough in her exams and always gives me time to ask all of my many questions. She takes the time to develop a relationship with me and my daughter.” —Megan, Arlington Hopkins, Eric MD Cook Children’s “My three children love to go to see Dr. Hopkins even if it’s a visit that immunizations are a part of. They love all his jokes.” —Tamara, North Richland Hills Kushwaha, Shari MD Dr. K’s Kids Pediatrics McCoy, Michael MD Practical Pediatrics Shori, Vanita MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Shori is always ready to listen. She takes her time with you while you are in the office and isn’t in a rush to get to the next patient. She will talk with you until you are clear on any and all questions or diagnoses.” —Joelle, Grapevine

Haslet

Gomez, Omar MD Kid Care Pediatrics

Highland Village

Hsu, Alison MD Starside Pediatrics

Sias, Tricia MD Kids First Pediatrics

Jagani, Azra MD Frisco Family Clinic

Hurst

Kaplan, Seth MD TLC Pediatrics of Frisco Linck, Audra MD Pediatric People McClendon, Laura MD Centennial Pediatrics Newton, Christopher “Kit” MD Centennial Pediatrics Oved, Kfir MD All Star Pediatrics Piga, Naomi MD Piga Primary Care Associates Saleha, Khanum MD Healing Care Pediatrics Schwartz, Jay MD Collin County Pediatrics Terry, Stacy MD Best Nest Pediatrics

Garland

Davila, Holanda MD MD Kids Pediatrics McKnight, Andrea MD Family Medical Center at North Garland

Grapevine

Ghaffar, Faryal MD Dallas Pediatrics

Coutoumanos, Julia MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Coutoumanos is always friendly and is truly great with my daughter as well as my new son! You can ask any question and she doesn’t make you feel like you’re inadequate.” —Maggie, Bedford Dalton, John MD Cook Children’s “There is not anything that does not make Dr. Dalton exceptional—from pediatric care to bedside manner—he is amazing. He was my doctor as a child and now he is my children’s doctor.”

—Meagan, Mansfield

Deitchman, Michael MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Deitchman has an exceptional bedside manner that makes kids laugh, and the care he provides is second to none.

He listens patiently and shows a high level of compassion.” —Byron, Fort Worth Lopez, David DO Cook Children’s “Dr. Lopez is the most caring, compassionate and thoughtful pediatrician. He always comes down to the child’s level and makes them comfortable.”

—Addison, North Richland Hills

Nash, Lisa MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Nash has such a wonderful bedside manner and is so loving to each child she sees. She always has a smile on her dfwchild.com / 2018

27

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

P E D I AT R I C I A N S

face and is engaging with my kids.”

—Marjorie, Colleyville

Saksena, Prem MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Saksena trusts moms and works with you to help your child. I always know she truly has my child’s best in mind—whole child, not just medically.”

—Emily, North Richland Hills

Irving

Brown, Mary MD Clinical Pediatric Associates of North Texas Dickey, Elizabeth MD Clinical Pediatric Associates of North Texas Holland, Karen MD Medical & Surgical Clinic of Irving Kay, Joan MD Medical & Surgical Clinic of Irving McColm, Vincent MD USMD MacArthur Meyer, Carissa MD Pediatric Center of Las Colinas Powell, Susan MD MacArthur Pediatrics Raja, Kalyani MD USMD MacArthur

“Dr. Philipp provides excellent care and is up to date on medical practices.”

—B, Fort Worth

Souers, Rachel MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Souers is friendly and truly cares for our child’s well-being. She reviews our child’s development progress and explains in ways we understand.”

—Linda, Fort Worth

Terk, Jason MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Terk is an exceptional doctor. He is very kid friendly and makes sure to always connect with the child, whether they are a newborn or 9 years old. My kids love him. I love him.” —Jennifer, Keller Terrell, Amani MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Terrell has an amazing bedside manner, and she is a mom and can understand having sick kids.” —Jessica, Keller Wineriter, Nicole MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Wineriter is so kind and has a calm manner. I have messaged her many times with concerns for my children and she calls the same day.” —Lena, Keller

Lake Worth

Williams, Tammi MD Medical & Surgical Clinic of Irving

Jain, Rashmi MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Jain’s kindness and genuine concern for my children’s well-being radiates from her, and she always explains carefully and clearly so I know how I should proceed.” —Ashley, Fort Worth

Keller

Lewisville

Tomecko, Wincy MD Pediatric Center of Las Colinas

Davis, William MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Davis has a wonderful bedside manner. He listens to what you have to say and is always willing to look further into things if you want to.” —Lisa, Haslet Garza, Sara MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Garza is wonderful. She always gives a detailed exam and explains everything well. She also has a good bedside manner!” —Hilary, Keller Jacob, Shelby MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Jacob is awesome! My daughter loves her! Dr. Jacob always gives you whatever time you need and discusses everything no matter how small.”

—Mandy, Fort Worth

Leffel, Alicia MD Kid Care Pediatrics Mangham, Kim MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Mangham has always been available at the times we needed her. She is very personable and to the point.”

—Heather, Fort Worth

Philipp, Amy DO Cook Children’s 28

2018 / dfwchild.com

Peak, Sandra MD Cook Children’s “We absolutely love Dr. Peak. We have referred every friend to her. She never rushes appointments and explains everything in detail in every visit.”

—Robin, The Colony

Varughese, Lizy MD Cook Children’s “Dr. V has the best bedside manner I’ve ever seen. She is kind, warm, caring and truly listens when I talk.” —Sara, Lewisville

Little Elm

Lestz, Leslie MD Centennial Pediatrics, Little Elm

Mansfield

Daniels, Clive MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Daniels always takes his time and never makes you feel rushed. I never leave the office feeling like I had any unanswered questions or feeling uneasy about anything.” —Samantha, Arlington Joki, Melvin MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Joki talks to our son directly for better understanding. He’s a very friendly man that takes his work seriously. He’s very knowledgeable and always talks

through both sides of every situation.”

—Diane, Fort Worth

Mann, Robert MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Mann always makes me feel comfortable and explains things in a way I understand. He is never in a rush.”

—Kayla, Mansfield

Phan, Linda MD USMD Mansfield Pediatrics Tomberlin, Julie MD Office of Dr. Tomberlin Wallace, Erin MD USMD Mansfield Pediatrics Willie, Katrina MD USMD Mansfield Pediatrics

McKinney

Alvis, Jeffrey MD Stonebridge Pediatrics Dollins, Kathleen MD Stonebridge Pediatrics Eley, Cheryl MD Children’s Choice Pediatrics Lawrence, Christopher MD Healthcare Associates of Texas Menchaca, Virginia MD Pediatric Healthcare Associates Reyes, Paul MD Stonebridge Pediatrics Smith, Christine MD Stonebridge Pediatrics

Midlothian

Sweet, Kimberly MD Baylor Family Medicine

Murphy

Fisch, Jason MD Baylor Family Medical Center Kotas, Robert MD Baylor Pediatric and Adolescent Associates

Plano

Berkowitz, Jeffrey MD Pediatric Specialists of Plano Berry, Marcy MD A Bright Future Pediatrics Dickschat, Diana MD Forest Lane Pediatrics Gair, Ashley MD West Plano Pediatrics Goebel, Charles DO Pediatric Specialists of Plano Han, Lily MD Windhaven Pediatrics Hebbur, Malini MD Village Health Partners Hidalgo, Hector MD Trinity Pediatrics

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Kaplan, Aaron DO Kaplan Pediatrics Katz, Scott MD Plano Pediatrics Kim, Danny MD Windhaven Pediatrics Le, Janet MD Willow Bend Pediatrics Mannering, Isha MD Forest Lane Pediatrics

Richardson

Henderson, Allison MD Office of Dr. Henderson Lange, Rose MD Rainbow Pediatrics

Naidoo, Randy MD Shine Pediatrics

Willow Park

Porter, John MD Office of Dr. Porter

McDonald, Russell MD Plano Pediatrics

Santiago, Aralis MD Rainbow Pediatrics

McElroy Ryan MD Pediatric Associates of Plano

Smith, Abbie MD Richardson Pediatric Associates

McGonnell, Christopher MD Forest Lane Pediatrics

Troendle, Sarah MD Richardson Pediatric Associates

Merchant, Rhonda MD Legacy Pediatrics

Wheelahan, Patricia MD North Texas Pediatrics

Michaels, Shobha MD Willow Bend Pediatrics

Yedwab, Alan MD Office of Dr. Yedwab

Moshier, Jason MD North Dallas Pediatric Associates Okammor, Chioma MD Village Pediatrics Punita, Shah MD Pediatrics with a Mission Rylie, Sarah MD A Bright Future Pediatrics Seibert, Lori MD North Dallas Pediatric Associates Semrin, Mhammad MD Children’s Health “Dr. Semrin takes time to answer all questions, and we never feel rushed. He is very easy to talk to.” —Alishia, Fate Shridharan, Lata MD Natural Pediatrics Sickler, Susan MD Willow Bend Pediatrics Wiener, Sharon MD Pediatric Offices at Willow Bend

Prosper

Rayabhari, Ananth MD Children’s Health “Dr. Rayabhari makes each and every one of his patients feel special. When you walk into his office, you’re greeted with a warm smile and a huge hug.”

—Christila, Rockwall

Henry, Travis MD Baylor Family Medical Center Wagner, Haley DO Baylor Family Medical Center

Randles, Norah MD Richardson Pediatric Associates

Mohiuddin, S. Ovais MD Honey Pediatrics and Family Medicine

Waxahachie

Miller, Amy DO Family Healthcare Associates

Maun, Dimple MD A Bright Future Pediatrics

Mix, Angela DO West Plano Pediatrics

Stellman, Harry MD Office of Dr. William Paruolo

Rockwall

Becker, Christopher MD Pediatric & Adolescent Specialists of Rockwall Drake, Casey MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics

Arnaout, Diane MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Arnaout’s calm, warm and friendly demeanor instantly relaxed my terrified toddlers and instantly put me at ease.”

—Catherine, Fort Worth

Martin, Devona MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Martin is a phenomenal pediatrician! She does such a great job of listening to the parents’ concerns while also eliciting information from her patients.”

—Cortney, Fort Worth

Rose-Stine, Jenica DO Cook Children’s “Dr. Rose-Stine remembers everything, is so in tune with each individual patient, listens intently and is proactive in her education about what to expect/what to start before the next checkup.”

—Meagan, Fort Worth

Wylie

Pecson, Grace MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics

Ewert, Anne MD Pear Pediatrics

Tran, Mai MD Pediatric Associates of Wylie

Pascoe, Rama MD Pediatric & Adolescent Specialists of Rockwall

Dallas

Sonnen, Gregory MD Pediatric & Adolescent Specialists of Rockwall

Saginaw

Davis, Samuel MD Child Plus Pediatric Health and Wellness

Southlake

Benzick, Eric MD Southlake Family Medicine Hunt, Agatha MD Southlake Family Medicine Nichols, David MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Nichols is exceptionally intelligent, courteous with parents and family members, and has a blast with the kids! My daughter constantly asks to go see him, even when she’s not sick!”

—Madison, Euless

Zwernemann, Erica MD Southlake Family Medicine

The Colony

Paruolo, William MD Office of Dr. Paruolo

PULMONOLOGY

Gelfand, Andrew MD Pediatric Pulmonary Sleep Specialists

Fort Worth

Newman, Errin MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Newman calls after hours to check on my kids and double checks labs when they look a little off. She is so personable and genuinely cares about her patients.” —Danielle, Justin Schultz, Karen MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Schultz is very attentive to the child’s overall medical history, which allows her to correlate all medical conditions of those with extensive medical complexities.” —Heather, Hurst

RHEUMATOLOGY

Fort Worth

Guirola, Ricardo MD Cook Children’s “Dr. Guirola is a very thorough doctor.

He takes as much time as needed to go through things with you. He engages with the child just as much as the parents.” —Chelci, Justin dfwchild.com / 2018

29

We Specialize in Pediatric Dentistry so Your Child Leaves Our Office with a Healthy Smile and a Positive Attitude Towards Dental Health Serving Children as Infants Through Their Teenage Years Including Those with Special Needs Variety of Sedation Services Available Lip/Tongue Tie Services for Infants with Feeding Difficulty (972) 317-6997 PediatricDentalWorld.com

2300 Village Parkway, Highland Village, TX 75077

Jeffrey D. Holt, DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry A board-certified specialist in pediatric and adolescent dentistry, Jeffrey Holt is the founder of KidsDental, a favorite of both kids and parents alike in the Dallas area. Dr. Holt has strategically changed the way children experience dentistry by providing positive and exciting atmospheres custom designed with children’s needs in mind. Kid-friendly diversions like SuperSlide PlayScapes, video games, trendy music, cool light shows and inviting colorful dental chairs equipped with DVD movies help keep each visit fun! With an emphasis on early childhood intervention, cosmetic restorative pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Holt and his expert team focus on specialized and preventive dentistry during the growth and development years. A commitment to the highest level of quality care assures a healthy smile for life.

Affiliations: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; American Dental Association; Texas Dental Association; Dallas County Dental Society; Greater Dallas Society of Pediatric Dentists; former Clinical Director and Professor, Baylor College of Dentistry and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Board Certified: Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry DallasChild Mom-Approved: 2012–2017

Plano: North Dallas Tollway @ Parker 972-378-5437 Carrollton: Hebron @ Josey 972-394-2140 kidsdentalonline.com

30

2018 / dfwchild.com

ORAL HEALTH

fast facts & surprising statistics COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH EVERY

3–4 MONTHS O R

W H E N

I T

S TA R T S

TO

F R AY

OF KIDS MO S T C H I L D R E N

GR

BEGIN TREATMENT IND H O THE R CLENC IR TEE TH

WITH BRACES

BET WEEN AGES

8 & 14

starts to show around 6 months

BAD HABITS

THINGS THAT

STAIN TEETH

FO R A CH I LD’ S D E NTA L H YG I E N E:

TAKING A BOTTLE TO BED

ER

AGE, B R

A

0

ES

ON

V

C

A

SWALLOWING TOOTHPASTE

T

7, $3 ,000–$

0

O

S

0

C

SOURCES: COLGATE ORAL CARE CENTER; MOUTH HEALTHY; AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

(Most outgrow it.)

BABY’S FIRST TOOTH

SHARING UTENSILS

PROLONGED THUMB SUCKING

BRUSHING SHOULD START BEFORE A CHILD HAS TEETH. WIPE BABY’S GUMS WITH A SOFT INFANT TOOTHBRUSH OR WET CLOTH.

BERRIES

SODA

SPORTS DRINKS

MEDICATIONS

SOY SAUCE

PASTA SAUCE

dfwchild.com / 2018

31

32

2018 / dfwchild.com

THE NIGHTLY GRIND

the truth about bruxism and how to make it stop WORDS CARRIE STEINGRUBER ILLUSTRATION MEREDITH MOSSHART

I

t’s the middle of the night. A persistent noise tickles the edge of your consciousness, and you wake up to the clock ticking, the heater humming and a squeaking, rattling theme drifting from your child’s bedroom. The sound is like nails on a chalkboard, and it makes you want to grind your teeth.

In fact, that’s what your child is doing.

Dr. Randy Hamilton, founder of iKids Pediatric Dentistry, knows the feeling all too well.

“It sounds like two skeletons are fighting on the roof of the house,” he says. “It’s amazing that something that loud can come from something so small and sweet.” The father of four has one child of his own grinding, but as a dentist, Hamilton is not too concerned—yet. He just gives her cheeks a squeeze and returns to bed.

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common occurrence among children; a 2005 study published in the Journal of Dentistry for

Children reports that 38 percent of children grind their teeth.

Bruxism is especially manifest in toddlers and children under 7, and it happens almost exclusively during sleep—much to the chagrin of light-sleeping parents and siblings. And though you desperately want to make it stop, “continuing to wake up the child is not a good idea,” says Dallas pediatric dentist Dr. Alex Villaseñor. The mom of two assures parents of children who grind that “it’s self-limiting and typically does not create any problems.”

Even babies may grind what teeth they have as their mouths begin to grow and change, Villaseñor says. Earaches can dfwchild.com / 2018

33

T H E N I G H T LY G R I N D

also induce grinding in babies and toddlers. As they get older, children continue to grind as a result of the unevenness that accompanies their wiggling teeth and growing jaws. “The bruxism is considered to be merely an effort to find a comfortable position,” says Dr. Jeffrey Holt, father of three and founder of Kids Dental. Occlusion, or the alignment of the jaw, settles when the 6-year-old molars come in; after that, Holt says, most children stop grinding.

Bruxism’s bark is certainly worse than its bite for younger grinders. No matter how alarming the sounds emanating from your child’s bedroom, the possibility of damage is slim.

Children may report sensitivity or soreness in the jaw, “but that typically doesn’t occur in young children,” Villaseñor says. Other possible effects include headaches and loose or broken teeth, but these too are rare in younger children. As such, Holt explains, “The majority of pediatric bruxism cases do not require any treatment.” Nevertheless, he recommends that parents who suspect bruxism consult their child’s pediatric dentist, just in case—though most of the time, a little cotton in your ears at night will be the best solution.

Older kids may experience more wear or jaw pain so parents should pay attention to those 6-year-old molars. If the molars have arrived and the grinding isn’t on its way out, then it’s time to do more than put cotton in your ears.

In addition to causing damage, bruxism in older kids may signal that other problems are brewing in your child’s mouth, his health or even his social life.

Most infamously, teeth grinding is a red flag for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ), a painful dysfunction of the jaw. But thankfully, that’s not always the case. Holt and Villaseñor agree that the cause of grinding might be as basic as allergies or congestion, easily relieved by a dose of antihistamine or a trip to the ENT. Large tonsils or adenoids can also block your child’s airway and cause bruxism, but adenotonsillectomy has been shown to reduce the effects. And 34

2018 / dfwchild.com

Hamilton adds that the problem child a massage or do some could simply be dehydration. stretching exercises (if moveOne of the most promiment seems to relax your child, nent causes of teeth grinding Martilik recommends kids’ yoga in children of all ages is stress, classes). And tell your child to though it is particularly prevalent hold his tongue between his teeth among older children and teens. as he’s counting sheep—though A sudden increase in homework it feels funny, this action relaxes and hormones means more the jaw muscles before sleep. stress, noisy nights and possible Hamilton also tells his patients dental damage. So while it’s wise to avoid stimulants before bed— to consult a dentist if your child TV, caffeine, even homework is grinding, (your child sometimes definitely the solution won’t comis outside the plain about dentist’s ofthat). Martilik fice—in your agrees, and home life or especially your child’s warns parents Practice these easy routine. against letting exercises from local “Predicttheir kids therapist Susan Martinez ability is watch the and counselor Angela comforting to news at night.

Powell to help your child children,” says You may get breathe better. Your Angela Martian earful when teen may think they’re silly, but teeth grinders lik, a licensed you whisk of any age can benefit professional away the iPad, from better breathing, counselor at but hopefully no matter how they Family Tree you won’t get master it. If your child Counseling in an earful of responds best to one exPlano. Keep gnashing teeth ercise in particular, add the family at three in the it to the daily bedtime routine stable morning. routine to reduce grindand familiar, as And whething at night. big changes— er or not you Birthday – Pretend to new school, identify the blow out a cake full of new schedule, root source birthday candles. new acne—can of grinding, trigger stress there is an Beanie Baby – Put a subconsciousorthodontic Beanie Baby on your tummy and breathe ly, especially solution for in and out so that the during sleep. the noise and Beanie Baby moves up Or your the threat of and down. child could wear: a mouth be anxious guard. VillaseBaby Bump – Try to about a social ñor doesn’t “look like a pregnant or academic recommend lady” as you breathe. issue at school, this avenue Bubbles – Try to blow in which case for kids with the biggest bubble you should “mixed possible—the slower and schedule a dentition,” a deeper the breath, the parent-teacher combination bigger the bubble. conference to of baby and Balloons – Blow up a brainstorm permanent balloon or three before solutions. teeth, as you bed (what you do with To miniwill need to all those balloons is up mize stress adjust the to you). and maximize mouth guard relaxation beevery time the fore bedtime, tooth fairy practice an visits. But for age-appropriate breathing exerolder kids, the mouth guard can cise; young children may need prevent grinding at night—and a creative impetus, like blowing ensure a better night’s sleep for bubbles. You can also give your everyone in the house.

5 breathing b’s

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ORAL HEALTH mom-approved dentists COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

FAMILY DENTISTRY

Allen

Toney, David DDS Office of Dr. Toney

Arlington

Attar, Masoud DDS Pride Dental

Bartonville

Corbitt, Renee DDS Office of Dr. Corbitt Harlin, Justin DDS Smile Fort Worth Ku, H. Peter DDS Office of Dr. Ku Laska, Justyna DDS Office of Dr. Laska

Mansfield

Rudd, Jeremy DMD Broad Park Family Dentistry

Murphy

Najari, Masoud DDS Murphy Family Dentistry

North Richland Hills Bohannan, David DDS Bohannan Dentistry

Artho, Matthew DDS Country Lakes Family Dental

Wilkinson, Matthew DDS, DMD Smile Fort Worth

Perry, Chad DDS Office of Dr. Perry

Benbrook

Windmiller, Glory DDS Windmiller Dental “I absolutely love Dr. Windmiller. The care is pain free, and that means I leave with happy kids.” —Eric, Fort Worth

Plano

Knight, Ryan DMD Chisholm Trail Dental

Carrollton

Proctor, Ronald DDS Office of Dr. Proctor

Dallas

Jones, Aaron DDS Highland Park Dental Jones, Demetra DDS South Dallas Smiles Nalla, Suman DDS Amerismiles Dental Ombrello, Jill DDS Central Dentist Shaw, Robert A. DDS Dental Associates of North Dallas

Denton

Leatherwood, Samantha DMD Leatherwood Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Flower Mound

Huynh, Peter DDS Office of Dr. Huynh

Fort Worth

Bacon, Jason DDS Delmar Dental Cook, Justin DDS The Parkway Dentist Cook III, William DDS Office of Dr. Cook

Frisco

Lo, Wilson DDS Texas Dental Madhav, Anita DDS Preston Bend Dental

Gandy, Kelara DDS Twins Family Dentistry

Pincus, Scott DMD Parkhaven Dental

Nooraee, Pantea DDS Twins Family Dentistry

Tehrani, Ahmad DDS Perfect Smiles Plano Family Dentistry

Garland

Kerbel, Gregory DDS, PLLC Office of Dr. Kerbel Musso, Mark DDS Musso Family Dentistry “Dr. Musso takes a personal interest in each of his patients. He is great with kids and helps them with bed wetting and sleep disordered breathing by using an oral appliance.” —Shonda, Dallas Musso, Mike DDS Musso Family Dentistry “They treat my son like he matters and they talk to him, so he loves going to see them.” —Tammy, Cleburne

Heath

Ambramczyk, Robyn DDS Smile Ranch Family Dentistry

Highland Village

Thomas, Ryan DDS Highland Village Family Dentistry

Irving

Thomas, Vilija DDS Office of Dr. Thomas

Richardson

Chang, Hank DDS Flossmore Dental Clayton, Neill DDS Office of Dr. Clayton Fleming, Brent DDS Richardson Dentistry Guirguis, James DDS Richardson Dentistry Guirguis, Michael DDS Richardson Dentistry

Rowlett

Faucheu, Frederique DMD Peppermint Dental

Royse City

Davong, Andy DDS Fate Family Dental

Saginaw

Libling, Jennifer DDS Brush Dentistry Walsh, Lindsey DDS Brush Dentistry dfwchild.com / 2018

35

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

DENTISTS

Southlake

Darnell, Reid DDS Darnell Dentistry

Gandy, Allen DDS, MS Gandy Orthodontics

Keller

Choate, Barrie Barber DDS, MSD, PA Office of Dr. Choate

Patel, Anthony DMD, MSEd Anthony Patel Orthodontics

Colter, Diane DDS All About Kids Dentistry

The Colony

Mansfield

Harrington, Erik DDS, PhD Highland Park Dental

Seidler, Richard DDS Richard Seidler Family Dentistry

McKinney

Frank, Angelica DDS Southlake Family Dental Care Manning, William DDS Ridgepointe Dental

ORAL SURGERY

Dallas

Sanovich, Randy DDS Dallas Surgical Arts

Machicek, Steven DDS, MSD iKids Orthodontics Lofgren, Trent DDS, MS McKinney Orthodontics

North Richland Hills

Delgado, Michael DDS, MS Delgado Orthodontics

Plano

ORTHODONTICS

Goldreich, Hilton DDS Goldreich Orthodontics

Birth, Sheila DDS, MS Orthodontics by Birth, Stewart and Fletcher

Jones, Tamara DDS, MSD Willow Bend Orthodontics

Fletcher, Christi DDS, MPH Orthodontics by Birth, Stewart and Fletcher

Lewis, Rodney DDS, MS LT Orthodontics

Burleson

Coppell

Bonilla, Trevor DDS, MS Ideal Orthodontics Heano, Anabella DDS Bliss Orthodontics Martin, Benjamin DMD, MS Martin Orthodontics

Richardson Sachse

Kapadia, Hardik DMD Smile Brite Orthodontics

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Allen

Hunter, Jessie DDS Allen Pediatric Dentistry

Dallas

Arlington

Fashemo, Deji DDS, MPH Fourth Dimension Orthodontics & Craniofacial Orthopedics

Lindsay, Michelle DDS Children’s Dentistry of Arlington

Cope, Jason DDS, PhD Cope Orthodontics

Harris, Nathan DDS, MSD Harris Orthodontics Lepley, Casey DMD Lepley Orthodontics

Ketchel, Jennifer DDS, MS Arlington Pediatric Dentistry

Witte, John DDS Children’s Dentistry

Burleson

Holly, Lara DDS Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas Lindley, Anne DDS Highland Park Dental Marr, Karina DDS Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda “Dr. Marr treats my kids like they are her own. She’s so kind and patient, and she staffs her office with friendly, helpful people. They all make my children look forward to going to the dentist.”

—Jennifer, Dallas

Plunk, Michael DDS, MSD Plunk Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Tujios, Aleco DDS, MS Woodhill Dental Specialties

Denton

Rodriguez, Francisco DDS Pediatric Dentistry of Denton

DeSoto

Ayars, Todd DDS, PA Office of Dr. Ayars

Duncanville

Barefield, Donna DDS, MSD Barefield Pediatric Dentistry

Flower Mound

Duffy, Debra DDS, PA Office of Dr. Duffy “Very knowledgeable and lots of patience with the kiddos. She has a knack for making the dental experience less scary for kids.” —Esther, Flower Mound

Laborde, Elizabeth DDS Burleson Pediatric Dentistry

Wickersham, Tom DDS Dental Care 4 Kids

Pollan, Sarah DDS, MS Park Hollow Orthodontics

Walton, Chris DDS Burleson Pediatric Dentistry

Fort Worth

Duncanville

Cedar Hill

Henderson, Marlon DDS Henderson Orthodontics

Clark, Shelly DDS Dentistry for Children

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Castano-Rendon, Maria DDS, MSD Rendon Orthodontics 36

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chad c. perry, dds FA M I LY D E N T I S T RY Working with families, especially children, is a significant part of Chad Perry’s practice and office culture. Since he opened for business 12 years ago, he has had the pleasure of watching families evolve and kids grow. Experiencing life events with his patients means the world to him, and being a part of so many lives is what makes him passionate about the care and quality of dentistry he delivers. Maintaining and promoting a relaxed dental atmosphere with an emphasis on providing families with the most pleasant dental experience possible is a priority for Chad and his staff.

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Born and raised right here in the Fort Worth area, Chad is a dedicated husband and father. His 6-year-old daughter, pictured left, is his greatest joy. He and his wife both graduated from Nolan High School and TCU, and then Dr. Perry went on to earn his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. Growing up in and being a part of this community makes it easy for Chad and his office to provide high-quality dentistry with a hospitable service that is unlike any other office in the area. Most of his patients are referred by existing patients and from trusted specialists in the area, the highest compliment a dentist can receive! His mission is to give his patients the best dental visits of their lives!

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behaviorexchange.com

Plano | Frisco 10/25/17 10:51 AM

WHOLE HEALTH & WELLNESS fast facts & surprising statistics COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

E V E R Y

Y E A R ,

A B O U T

1 I N 3 YO UTH

FOOTBALL

PLAYERS SUFFERS AN INJURY.

CHILDREN

OF CHILDREN

IN NEED OF MENTAL H E A LT H S E R V I C E S

IF THEY DO AEROBIC A C T I V I T Y F O R 1/2 H R ,

3–4X/WEEK

TIPS FOR PREVENTING SPEECH SOUND DISORDERS:

IS

AN

ACUPUNC

TU

R

L E? ED NE .

HOW

TH

K

READ & PLAY WITH YOUR CHILD EVERY DAY

E

IC

GET YOUR CHILD’S HEARING CHECKED

KA

AI

IC

T

H

RS

AS

SOURCES: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF AUDIOLOGY; AMERICAN SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING ASSOCIATION; CHILDREN’S HEALTH; COOK CHILDREN’S; NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN IN POVERTY; SEATTLE CHILDREN’S; UNC FAMILY MEDICINE CENTER

RECEIVE THEM

ARE LESS LIKELY TO HAVE BACK PAIN

S T WO H UM A N

H

TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILD’S TEETH & MOUTH

SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE INACTIVE FOR MORE THAN 2 HOURS AT A TIME UNLESS THEY’RE SLEEPING.

65% OF YOUTH RUNNERS SUFFER INJURIES each year. Most are caused by overtraining or overuse.

Prolonged exposure to

NOISES >85 DECIBELS

CAN CAUSE HEARING LOSS

90 DB: Hairdryer

110 DB: Sporting event

130 DB: Ambulance dfwchild.com / 2018

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40

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BENEATH THE SURFACE

living with love, chaos and a child with a mental illness WORDS ELAINE ROGERS

F

or Frisco mom Kristien Graffam, the frightening roller-coaster ride of raising a child with a mental illness—and finding the help and treatment that is so desperately needed—started when her son was only 9. He was in the fourth grade, and she and his teacher both noticed he had become preoccupied, anxious and easily agitated. It wasn’t a sudden change, Graffam recalls, but something that seemed to escalate.

dfwchild.com / 2018

41

B E N E AT H T H E S U R FA C E

“He seemed especially worried about death and things that might hurt him,” Graffam recalls. “He was always asking about this snake or that, and whether they were poisonous. I guess he started showing a lot of obsessive-compulsive behaviors.”

During a Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test, the anxious student spent hours repetitively writing and erasing answers.

This went on all day, Graffam says, and finally the proctors took the test away. Graffam was told that the test couldn’t be scored. So she made appointments with school counselors and scheduled play therapy sessions with a psychologist. Her son was prescribed a five-week stint of intensive outpatient therapy at University Behavioral Health of Denton and diagnosed with anxiety disorder and obsessive-complusive disorder (OCD). But by summer, the diagnosis had been upgraded to severe anxiety disorder and severe depression.

Kids may lack the vocabulary, developmental abilities, skills and life experiences to explain their concerns and manage conditions as overwhelming as depression or anxiety so it comes out in other ways, like not being able to complete a test.

Jodi Paul was first alerted to her son Joey’s forgetfulness and lack of retention from his concerned teacher when he was in kindergarten. Early psychological evaluations revealed issues with attention deficit disorder and anxiety, and various medications were prescribed for those issues “with little success,” the Rowlett mom notes.

In fifth grade, Joey was tested at Dallas’ June Shelton School, a private school for “learning-different students,” and the psychologist suggested that the family pursue additional psychological testing, this time with bipolar disorder in mind, but doctors quickly ruled that out completely.

“Teachers are often the first ones to notice that something is wrong and alert the family, but they don’t always know what they’re seeing,” Paul adds. “And I think doctors are very hesitant to saddle a young person with a very heavy diagnosis like bipolar. The average person takes something like 10 years to get diagnosed properly. It’s a long time for families to wait, and that’s a lot of years they can’t get back. Kids suffering from mental illness lose friendships and damage relationships along the way. There’s a lot of collateral damage as a result of this disease.”

That was true for Joey. His bipolar disorder diagnosis didn’t come until years later and only after his manic depressive mood swings and drug addiction surfaced.

While a majority of psychiatric disorders emerge before a child’s 14th birthday (according to a 2005 study supported by the National Institute of Mental Health), it can be difficult to separate the symptoms of a mental illness—impulsive behavior, aggressiveness or extreme anxiety, for example— from the child’s character,

are common—meaning mental illness categories like ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and eating disorders may accompany other conditions like anxiety, depression and bipolar disorders later.

That’s how it started for Liz Allen. Warning signs started in elementary school where Liz bullied kids and experienced migraine headaches. She was classified as having ADHD, reveals her mom, MaryAnn, of Arlington (their names have been changed at their request).

But there was a lot more going on inside, things Liz says she knew were wrong but that she couldn’t control. Eventually, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

SPOTTING TROUBLE

While experts say recognizing definitive symptoms of mental illness in very young children can be a challenge, Dr. Lisa Elliott, a psychologist and clinic manager for Cook Children’s Medical Center in Denton, says 1 in 5 children suffer from some sort of behavioral health illness, and symptoms can manifest as early as age 3.

“A change in behavior that lasts more than two weeks should always be investigated,” she adds.

Aside from obvious glaring red flags such as a child who hurts himself, others or an animal, for instance, parents should be aware of the following signs: separation anxiety or extreme clinginess; withdrawal; overwhelming worries and fears; an increase in headaches and stomachaches; problematic or out-of-control behaviors; inattention or irritability; difficulties with nap or bed time; excessive crying; hypersensitivity to physical contact, sudden movements or loud sounds; or a regression in previously mastered developmental skills.

“Plenty of people are suffering with serious depression but know how to put on a face every day and function, and kids are no exception.”

42

2018 / dfwchild.com

especially when they’re really young. Parents might reason that it’s simply another phase, like waking multiple times at night was.

Mental illness is far from a one-size-fits-all condition, and dual or comorbid conditions

“[Kids] will often have a lot more aches and pains,” Elliott explains, “plus a hypersensitivity to criticism, sleep changes, lack of energy and fatigue, difficulty concentrating and—a biggie—withdrawing from family. And there’s often a lack of enthusiasm and enjoyment and motivation to do things that they enjoyed before.”

Be aware of how these signs affect a child. Some worry is normal, especially when a kid is thrust into change like moving or dealing with the loss of a grandparent, for instance.

However, when worry or stress becomes persistent and interferes with a child’s daily activities, there might be an underlying mental illness starting to surface.

And kids may exhibit symptoms of a mental illness differently than adults do. A child suffering from depression, for example, often becomes irritable instead of sad and withdrawn, like adults.

BUBBLING BENEATH THE SURFACE

On the outside, Vanita Halliburton’s son Grant was well liked and smart.

“The challenge when you talk about mental health is you think you know what it looks like,” says the mom who founded the Grant Halliburton Foundation, a Dallas nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy and support for families dealing with mental illness and suicide. “Like it’s a Cymbalta commercial and that person is going to be hiding in a dark corner wrapped in a blanket. Plenty of people are suffering with serious depression but know how to put on a face every day and function, and kids are no exception.”

Halliburton’s foundation was inspired by her own experience parenting a child with mental illness. She launched the organization in 2005 after her son, then 19, tragically committed suicide after an extended hospitalization and treatment for bipolar disorder and psychosis.

She says it all started when Grant was 14 and showing outward signs of being a “happygo-lucky” eighth grader while

where to get help for your child—and you

danger sighave a prenals erupted disposition internally. to depres“I got a sion, so that call from should tell us the school something counselor right there While the list below is meant to provide examples and she said about our of conditions most often that he was assumptions.” seen at urgent care and self-injuring, emergency facilities, every that he was WHAT child and each situation are cutting,” CAN AND unique and the list is not Halliburton SHOULD exhaustive. “If you think you rememPARENTS might need to call 911, you bers. “I was DO? should call 911. Always err shocked that Parents need on the side of caution,” says he would be to slow down Dr. Mini DeLashaw, medical doing someand pay director of emergency thing that attention. medicine at Medical City indicated Admitting Dallas Hospital and Medical emotional that there’s City Children’s Hospital. pain and a problem is Depression and Bipolar that he was the first step.

Support Alliance (DBSA) dealing It may seem Multiple locations with it in obvious, but dbsalliance.org that way.” because of Wellness Alliance for Total The the stigmas Children’s Health (WATCH) family took surroundDenton County immediate ing mental watchdenton.org action and illness, it can got him be a hard Denton Regional Suicide Prevention Coalition psychiatric thing for Denton, 940/565-5295 help, and parents—and dentonmhmr.org/DRSP things got kids—to better—for come to Grant Halliburton Foundation a while— terms with.

Dallas, 972/744-9790 but in 10th Parents granthalliburton.org grade, he shouldn’t Mental Health America of was skipblame Greater Tarrant County ping school, themselves.

Fort Worth, 817/335-5405 sleeping While, yes, mhatc.org a lot and environment Mental Health America crying, all and relationof Greater Dallas in secret. ships can afDallas, 214/871-2420 “On the fect a child’s mhadallas.org outside, his mental state, life looked research National Alliance on Mental golden,” suggests that Illness (NAMI) Texas his mom Multiple locations disorders like namitexas.org recalls. “He anxiety and was voted depression teen of the can also stem Valentine’s from biologiDance cal causes. by his 1,200 peers. This did “Don’t deny it, and don’t get not look like a kid who was hung up on the label, whether struggling, but in fact, he was it’s ADHD, anxiety or something struggling deeply. There’s a lot else,” Paul advises. “Most parents of documented research now dealing with this are afraid of the about the link between depresdiagnosis, but you should go to sion and highly creative, highly the doctors’ appointments and charismatic, highly intelligent learn as much as you can, as fast people. In fact, some people say as you can. The most important it almost goes hand in hand that thing is to deal with it head-on.” people who have those levels of A psychiatric disorder is an creativity and charisma actually illness just like childhood leukemia dfwchild.com / 2018

43

or diabetes and requires treatment.

Research shows that treatment is most successful during the first few years after symptoms appear.

Typically, teachers are the first to bring light to the dark situation, as was the case with Joey.

“The stereotypical situation with mental illness is that the behaviors become a problem at school, so that starts a family on the path for answers,” says Matt Roberts, former president of Mental Health America of Greater Dallas. “Parents can get frustrated because they don’t know where to turn, and schools are limited with what they can do in terms of testing.”

Like other professionals in the mental illness field, Roberts advocates for early psychological testing whenever parents have concerns about their children’s behaviors.

“With mental illness, it’s really important to identify what you’re dealing with as early as possible,” he says.

“The earlier we start treatment, the better the outcomes and the less severe symptoms might be down the road.”

Elliott suggests that any par-

ent troubled by a child’s unusual behaviors make an appointment with the family pediatrician and other specialists such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, mental health counselor or behavioral therapist.

Besides helping families track possible comorbid diagnoses— for instance, a mix of depression and anxiety—she says psychological testing has the benefit of revealing a child’s strengths and weaknesses, which can help professionals determine effective therapies.

COMMUNICATION AND TREATMENT

Don’t let the stigmas—fear and shame—often associated with mental illness prevent you from seeking help for your child. A psychiatric disorder diagnosis isn’t a reflection of you and doesn’t necessarily mean your child is damaged for life. In fact, research shows that there’s a good chance that with the right treatment (or combination of treatments), she can develop into a healthy adult.

It’s important for parents with worries that their kids’ mood swings or irritability may be a sign of more than angst to put communication on the front burner.

Diagnosing mental illness in children can be difficult because young children often have trouble expressing their feelings, and normal development varies so much from kid to kid.

Dr. Beth Kennard, of the Suicide Prevention and Resiliency Center (SPARC) at Children’s Health in Dallas, notes that it can be hard to distinguish whether a child’s anger or sadness

“It’s easy to fall into a black hole of not knowing what to do and not being able to see any kind of a future when your child is struggling with this.”

44

2018 / dfwchild.com

might signify a deeper problem because some children hide emotions very well.

“It’s possible that the outward signs might not be there, so talk to [your kids], ask them how they’re feeling and try to be as connected as possible to them and their world,” she explains.

When it comes to recognizing a problem—and diagnosing it—Elliott advises staying cognizant that “this is a potential cycle” that requires being very aware and vigilant about what is going on and making sure to address everything.

“Maybe you’re doing a type of therapy and using cognitive behavioral treatment techniques, then teaching them coping tools,” she adds. “Or maybe you’re looking at medication or the option of biofeedback, plus creating school modifications.

Whatever the approach, it really needs to be a holistic treatment so that your child has a greater chance of success.”

Symptoms of mental disorders can change over time as the child grows so treatment options can be fluid. What works this month might not work as well in the future. As hard as it is, treating a child’s mental illness takes a tremendous amount of patience and trial-and-error experimentation with therapies and/or medications.

After Graffam was finally aware of what was going on with her son mentally, she had hopes that the well-implemented treatments the doctors suggested would produce quick and promising positive results. Not the case. When treating mental illnesses, especially in children, it can be touch-and-go.

“It’s easy to fall into a black hole of not knowing what to do and not being able to see any kind of a future when your child is struggling with this,” Graffam explains. “I just tell other parents to keep believing that it can get better. You just need to seek out support from psychologists, the schools and elsewhere, and trust yourself to find help where you can.”

Mental illness is a lifethreatening disease, “but with tremendous support, it can be managed,” Paul says.

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WHOLE HEALTH & WELLNESS mom-approved counselors, therapists & alternative health practitioners COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

ACUPUNCTURE

Highland Village

Gin, Wilson LAc Trinity Wellness Center

Keller

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APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS

Plano

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AUDIOLOGY

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MacGregor, Mary PhD, LMFT Office of Dr. MacGregor McLaughlin, Laura LPC, RPT HeadFirst Counseling Rosenberg Waks, Helen LCSW Office of Helen Waks Sewell, Erica LCSW, RPT, CAS Full Circle Counseling and Family Services Van Pelt, Emily LPC-S, PhD, RPT-S Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center “Caring, funny, approachable, truly listens to both parent and child. Direct.

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Richardson

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Shepherd, Natalie LPC, LMFT, RPT Office of Natalie Shepherd dfwchild.com / 2018

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McBride, LaDonna LCSW, LMFT Logos Counseling

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Dallas

Schulenburg, Julia BSN, ND, CLT Center for Holistic Healing

MUSIC THERAPY

Fort Worth

Belshe, Nikki MT-BC Heart and Harmony Music Therapy

NEUROTHERAPY

Dallas

Walker, Jonathan MD Neurotherapy Center of Dallas

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Bedford

Burget, Frankie OTR/L, LMT Windsong Therapy & Wellness Inc.

Colleyville

Hamilton, Carla OTR, MOT Child’s Play Pediatric Therapy

Dallas

Civello, Ashley MA, OTR Theraplay Associates Suggs, Jennifer MOT, OTR, SIPT Suggs Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Services “Jennifer Suggs and her staff have years of experience providing the best quality care I have ever seen.” —Anna, Dallas Washer Reneau, Keelie MOT, OTR Theraplay Associates

Plano

barely use a walker. Now, he is on crutches and soon forearm crutches.”

—Paul, Lancaster

PSYCHOLOGY

Denton

Harrier, Laurie LP, LSSP United Through HOPE

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Dallas

Miltenberger, Paula PhD Women’s Mental Wellness

SPEECH THERAPY

Colleyville

Norman, Carrie SLP, LSLS, AVEd Collaborative Communications

Coppell

Berry, Berkley SLP Holland Speech and Consulting Cato, Jamie SLP Holland Speech and Consulting Pourchot Neale, Hannah SLP Holland Speech and Consulting Townsend, Cynthia SLP Holland Speech and Consulting

Dallas

Davis, Maggie SLP Let’s Talk Speech Therapy Eskridge, Mallory SLP Apraxia Dallas Fitzgerald, Morgan SLP-A Let’s Talk Speech Therapy Friedman, Laura SLP Bloom Speech and Language Therapy

Bragers, Mary Pat OTR Plano Therapeutic Services

Garrett, Jean SLP Office of Jean Garrett

Sanders, Crystal MOTR, SIPT Progressive Pediatric Therapy of Texas

Sorokwasz, Meredith SLP Let’s Talk Speech Therapy

Sullivan, Nancy OTR Speech and Occupational Therapy of North Texas

Richardson

Carnine, Patricia OT A Therapy Connection

Southlake

Johnson, Monica OT PediaPlex

Weatherford

Valenzuela, Bre’Anna SLP Let’s Talk Speech Therapy Waldrup, Breanna SLP Apraxia Dallas

Denton

White, Kimberly SLP Kimberly White Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Services

Frisco

Ahmed, Amanda SLP, EdM Summit Speech Therapy

Bass, Bridget OT Green Apple Therapy

Reva, Jessica SLP Speech & Feeding of Frisco

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Hurst

Dallas

Stryk, Lance PT, DPT Children’s Health Specialty Center “Lance Stryk is simply amazing. When he and my son first met, my son could 48

2018 / dfwchild.com

Boylan, Natasha CF-SLP Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy “Ms. Tasha is an amazing therapist. She is so sweet and caring to my daughter!

My daughter spends all week talking about her!” —Duncan, Fort Worth Dillon, Kim SLP Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy “Kim provides speech and feeding therapy. My daughter loves her! It’s fascinating the many techniques and strategies she uses to meet needs.”

—Carrie, Fort Worth

Ethington, Lindsey SLP Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy “Lindsey truly cares about the victories and the slumps and sees my child as an individual. She is an encourager and approaches speech therapy in creative, fun ways.” —Emily, Weatherford Jenkins, Jamie SLP Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy “Jamie is just so amazing with our son.

She is patient, caring and thorough!”

—Jamie, Denton

Rollins, Kristi SLP Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy “Best speech therapy around. They think outside the box and do a wonderful job.”

—Denise, Hurst

Rustad, Nikki SLP Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy “Nikki is one of the best speech therapists in the area because she is a professional. She is excellent working with kids and is a patient and caring person.” —Zeida, Fort Worth Sas, Rebecca SLP Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy “Rebecca has the most creative ideas and has gotten a lot more out of her than anyone in years!” —Lauren, Grapevine Stewart, Stacey SLP Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy “Stacey is patient, considerate, caring and continues to study and grow in her field.” —Jill, Frisco Wasser, Kim SLP Monkey Mouths Pediatric Speech Therapy “Kim took the time to gain my son’s trust and is always so patient with him. We have seen such a positive change in his behavior now that he can communicate with us.” —Katy, Coppell

Richardson

Crespi, Brittney SLP A Therapy Connection Mathis, Downie SLP A Therapy Connection

Southlake

Clark, Kelsey SLP PediaPlex

It takes a family.

That’s why DFWChild publishes six magazines reaching more than 400,000 readers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. happy campers MEET OUR MOM NEXT DOOR

MILK SNOB’S MELANIE DISBROW TEACHING KIDS TO THINK ON THEIR OWN

KIDS & COSTUMES:

98 WAYS TO ENJOY

MAY

FAMILYFRIENDLY BICYCLE TRAILS

Where to play dress-up

WOMB FOR RENT looking at both sides of gestational surrogacy

september 2017

which celebrity mom are you?

SMALLTOWN FAMILY FUN

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REASONS TO LOVE

SEPTEMBER

how to graciously host a birthday party YOUR MOMAPPROVED DENTISTS

the effects of a parent’s addiction on a child

THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN TARRANT COUNT Y

45 june 2017

how to guide

FAMILY OUTINGS IN DECEMBER

DR. LINDA ABRAHAMSILVER

ing section : rtis ve ad

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school guide

baby dallas - fo r t wo r t h ' s hy per- lo c al res o u rc e fo r all t h i ngs pregnanc y and b aby spring/summer 2017

D E C E M B E R 2 01 7

WHAT TO DO THIS

WINTER BREAK

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family vacation planning

REASONS TO LOVE

JUNE

Babysitting services compared

CAN’TMISS DATE NIGHTS

family memberships worth every penny

MEET OUR MOM NEXT DOOR

13 places to nurse comfortably around town

WITHOUT A HOME HOW TO HELP THE HOMELESS FAMILIES LIVING AMONGST US

Best for moms & babies winners

curbside services for busy moms

p u b l i s h e d by

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MEET OUR DAD NEXT DOOR

special sponsored section:

map your summer

KISS FM’S J-SI CHAVEZ

thrive DALL AS-F OR T WOR TH

VOL. 9 ISSUE NO. 5

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2017

A RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES LIVING WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

HAPPY CAMPERS THE BEST STATE PARKS WITH ACCESSIBLE FUN

SHARN BARBARIN ion g sect : sin rti ve

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POISONS HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

MEET FELECEIA+ ZOE THE ENTREPRENEUR MOM AND HER DAUGHTER

massages for mama-to-be

PUPPY LOVE: GETTING YOUR FIRST FAMILY DOG

YOUR MOMAPPROVED PEDIATRICIANS

HOT SPOTS FOR COOL TREATS

summer fun spots

MEET OUR MOM NEXT DOOR

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special sponsored section:

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THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN DENTON COUNT Y

BEST FOR FAMILIES: KIDS’ PARTIES WINNERS

T H E MAG A Z I N E PA R E N TS L I V E BY I N DA L L A S CO U N T Y

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may 2017

HIGH LIFE

PARTY TIME!

take a trip to texas’ best state parks for families

T H E MAG A Z I N E PA R E N TS L I V E BY I N CO L L I N CO U N T Y

TAKE THERAPY TO THE GYM

THE GOOD FIGHT

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TEXAS PARENTS BAND TOGETHER TO BATTLE FOR THEIR KIDS’ HEALTH CARE

PHOTO BY CARTER ROSE

For over three decades, our family of magazines has been the region’s most trusted guide for parenting.

dfwchild.com

MAKING THE LIST

what it means to be mom-approved WORDS DFWCHILD EDITORS

WHAT IS A MOM-APPROVED DOCTOR? A Mom-Approved

Doctor is a health and wellness professional—be it a pediatrician, orthodontist, OB/GYN or family counselor—who has earned the trust, admiration and respect of parents. Local parents reached out to our magazine, recommended these providers and told us why.

Whether it’s for their professional acumen, flexibility or gentle demeanor, these providers have impressed moms and dads like you who love their kids and care about their whole health. All of these health care professionals are licensed (if applicable) and were in good standing with their respective certification or examination boards at press time.

50

2018 / dfwchild.com

WHAT MAKES MOMAPPROVED DOCTORS DIFFERENT? Each year various

publications come out with lists ranking area health care professionals. Often these providers are chosen not by patients and clients but by other providers. We think Mom-Approved Doctors are special because they’ve been nominated by the consumers: local moms and dads. These providers didn’t make it on our list by purchasing space in the magazine, and their inclusion doesn’t imply an endorsement by DFWChild. This is truly a parent-to-parent referral list. It is a labor of love for us.

IS THE LIST EXHAUSTIVE?

There are likely many outstand-

ing professionals who aren’t on the list because our readers didn’t pass on a recommendation. If you have a local health care provider you love, tell us.

HOW DO I RECOMMEND A PROVIDER? DFWChild holds

four surveys a year for readers to nominate their favorite health care providers in the following categories: • Pediatricians, pediatric specialists and family doctors • Dentists and orthodontists • OB/GYNs, midwives and fertility specialists • Counselors, chiropractors and other wellness professionals Visit our website at dfwchild.com/ doctors to complete the current Mom-Approved Doctors survey.

We ask that you leave comments telling us why you love this particular provider. Is it her empathy?

Her listening and communication skills? Other parents want to know why you think this professional is special. Comments we publish will be edited for grammar and clarity.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MOMAPPROVED DOCTORS? The

full list of Mom-Approved Doctors with comments from the parents who recommended them can also be viewed online at dfwchild.com/doctors.

©ISTOCK.COM/PEOPLEIMAGES

P

icking a doctor is a lot like picking a partner.

You need to find someone you trust, someone who makes you feel at ease, someone whose philosophies align with your own and someone with whom you can see yourself or your child long term.

Unfortunately, there’s no Match.com equivalent to finding the right health care providers for your family. Just like with dating, turn to your innermost circle first. Ask trusted friends, neighbors and family members who parent the way you do for an introduction to a doctor, dentist or therapist they love. If you’re new to the area or looking for a fresh start, begin with our Mom-Approved Doctors.

So your little dreamer can conquer the world.

At Children’s Health SM , we’re here so every child’s dreams can have the chance to grow.

That’s why we’re the highest-ranked pediatric hospital in North Texas by U.S. News & World Report and the only pediatric hospital in the area designated a Level 1 Trauma Center.

With Magnet recognized nurses, renowned physicians and medical staff at our 40 locations across the metroplex, we’re always close to home and by your side ® so that today’s little dreamers can grow into tomorrow’s doers.

Learn more at childrens.com/littledreamers