DFWChild Well Guide 2020 Collin + Dallas Counties Edition

DFW THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN DALLAS AND COLLIN COUNTIES

2020

THE WELL GUIDE

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Dallas | Plano | Allen | Flower Mound

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pages / T H E

WELL GUIDE

Find health care providers recommended by local moms and dads, p. 9, 16, 26, 34

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14 Cover Illustration: Joy Gallagher

CONTENTS 5

Fast Facts / Moms & Babies Pregnancy and newborns, by the numbers

6

Wine Down?

Reassessing women’s drinking culture words Nicole Jordan / Additional Reporting Maya Butler

9

Mom Approved / Moms & Babies Readers’ favorite OB/GYNs and midwives

13 Fast Facts / Kids Health Tips and truths about your little’s well-being

©ISTOCK.

14

Matters of the Heart Hypertension in children words Carrie Steingruber + Leslie Chatman

16 Mom Approved / Pediatricians Readers’ top docs for kids 21

22

Fast Facts / Oral Health Bad habits, best foods and more

26

Mom Approved / Oral Health Readers’ recommendations for dentists and orthodontists

32 How Healthy Is Your Child?

Use this quiz to evaluate sleep, mental well-being and nutrition words Alex Mitchell Mortenson

Straighten Up Brace yourself: Orthodontic visits start earlier than you may think words Alexis Patterson

31 Fast Facts / Children’s Whole Health Info on body and mind wellness

34

Mom Approved / Whole Health & Wellness Readers’ picks for counselors, therapists and alternative health

38 Making the List What it means to be Mom Approved

DFW

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 ©2020 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.

dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

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TRUSTWORTHY PRIMARY CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.

Your neighborhood Methodist Family Health Center is nearby to keep your family healthy. Whether you need a routine checkup, immunization, school physical, or treatment for colds, cuts, sports injuries, or preventive care, our board-certified family medicine and pediatric doctors are equipped to provide top quality care. With more than 20 locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our healing hands are conveniently close at hand. Trust. Methodist.

To find a location nearest you, go to MethodistHealthSystem.org/FamilyHealth.

Methodist Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are owned and operated by MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group and are staffed by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group. The physicians and staff who provide services at these sites are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its affiliated hospitals.

MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

MHSDFHCIV00141703 DFW Child Annual Well Guide.indd 1

12/19/19 1:32 PM

MOMS & BABIES

fast facts about pregnancy and newborns C O M P I L E D B Y E M I LY Y E A R W O O D

BEST FOODS TO EAT WHILE BREASTFEEDING

EGGS

SOURCES: HEALTHLINE; TEXAS CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS; STATISTA; PYSCHOTHERAPY.COM; AMERICAN PREGNANCY ASSOCIATION; CASTLIGHT HEALTH

POTATOES

MEAT

DARK CHOCOLATE

TWIN BIRTHS ACCOUNTED FOR 3% OF ALL TEXAS BIRTHS IN 2015, WHILE OTHER MULTIPLES OCCURRED IN 0.1% OF ALL TEXAS BIRTHS

MALE CHILDREN BORN IN 2019 ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE TO THE YEAR

2095 WHILE FEMALE CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE TO

2099 Dallas has the

PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD LIMIT THEIR CAFFEINE INTAKE TO LESS THAN

200 MG PER DAY

12TH HIGHEST

average cost for routine vaginal deliveries in the United States

DURING PREGNANCY REPRODUCTIVE HORMONE LEVELS IN A WOMAN’S BODY ARE

20–30 TIMES HIGHER THAN USUAL

dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

5

alcohol abstinence and “mommy needs a drink” are buzzy topics W O R D S N I C O L E J O R D A N / A D D I T I O N A L R E P O R T I N G M AYA B U T L E R

F

or mom of two Ashley Hall, each day is a blur of mealtimes, messy faces, dried-up tears and diaper changes. Like most stay-at-home moms, she finds the work rewarding, albeit exhausting. Hall—not her real name—loves spending time with her husband and her boys. She loves every first step and new word she’s able to witness. She loves being a mom. And she loves alcohol.

Not all (but most) days, Hall anxiously awaits bedtime, counting the hours until her standing date with the bottle in the fridge.

“I can’t wait,” the Dallas mom says. “I’m just looking at the clock, waiting for them to go to bed so I can sit on the couch and have silence with a glass of wine.”

Hall says she doesn’t drink to excess and typically corks the bottle after a glass or two. (The current U.S. dietary guidelines define drinking “in moderation” as no more than one daily drink for women.) The evening ritual is 6

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

a welcome respite for Hall from the hectic yet monotonous world of motherhood. “You’re doing kid stuff all day,” Hall explains. “It’s the point where you feel like an adult. I feel like I’ve earned it after working hard during the day.”

The idea of wine, beer or vodka (or your drink of choice) as a reward is hardly novel. Hall is one of many moms who likes to imbibe at the end of a long day.

There are also moms who drink here and there—a glass to relax before the school pickup rush, maybe another during a group

©ISTOCK

WINE DOWN?

playdate and one with dinner.

But as brands like Skinnygirl Cocktails and Mommy’s Time Out wine continue to cater to women, there’s something else brewing: the “sober curious” movement.

Dry January. Sober September. Alcohol-free bars. Hashtags like #SoberCurious and #SoberIsSexy. They’re all the signs of moms (and others) taking a step back from alcohol. Some are not avoiding it completely but reassessing the circumstances in which they drink as well as how often. Others are giving it up altogether.

Actress Anne Hathaway recently helped bring the idea into the mainstream. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres last year, Hathaway said she decided to stop drinking as long as her son (who will turn 4 this year and has since gained a sibling) lives at home.

“I don’t totally love the way I [drink], and he’s getting to an age where he really does need me all the time in the morning,” Hathaway explained. “I did one school run one day where I dropped him off at school—I wasn’t driving, but I was hung over, and that was enough for me.”

Research shows Hathaway isn’t alone in her desire for a more sober lifestyle. A 2019 Nielsen study showed that almost half of adults are trying to cut back on alcohol. Among millennials, that figure is 66%. In 2018, author Ruby Warrington published Sober Curious, the book that popularized the term.

The subtitle (The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting All of Us on the Other Side of Alcohol) makes clear why Warrington believes people could benefit from examining their relationship with alcohol.

Her book posits that cutting back on drinking “is the next logical step in the wellness revolution.” But the “Cocktail Moms” culture is a hard one to change. A new crop of moms is using “playdate” as a sort of code word for happy hour, drinking at neighborhood parks and during Little League games, reaching for an afternoon cocktail (and then another and another) to take the edge off of a rough day.

“It’s a bigger epidemic than people think,” says Avery Rowles, clinical director at the Santé Center for Healing in Argyle. “These are well-educated women. These aren’t mal-intentioned women or career drinkers. It’s part of new identity as a cool, hip mom.”

©ISTOCK

THE NEW NORMAL

“We’ve seen the trend, definitely,” says Robb Kelly of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group in Dallas, though he is reluctant to use the word “epidemic.”

Even as abstaining from alcohol becomes more discussed in popular culture, Kelly saw an increase in patients who are moms over the last 12 months (from 14 percent to 28 percent of all patients).

Alcohol use and misuse are on the rise among women across the country. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that in 2018, around 5.3 million women met the criteria for alcohol use disorder. Between 2006 and 2014, there was a 47% increase in the rate of alcohol-related emergency department visits, with the increases bigger for women than for men. And from 2000 to 2016, there was a 10% increase in the prevalence of drinking for women—and a 23% increase in binge drinking. Those rates did not change for men.

For all strides in equality, alcohol has different effects on women compared to men. Even when consuming the same amount, women have more alcohol in their bloodstreams and are affected more quickly and for a longer period of time. The CDC notes that because of those differences, women are more likely to experience health problems from drinking compared to men.

Excessive drinking can lead to cirrhosis and other alcoholrelated liver diseases, memory loss and brain shrinkage, heart muscle damage and cancer.

It’s not just a long-term concern, obviously; the consequences of intoxication can be immediate and horrific. Just a few months ago, a Texas mom was charged with the murder of her 3-year-old son after police say she crashed her car while driving drunk. Her 8-year-old

broke his leg in the wreck.

Most of the women we’re talking about won’t be arrested (though you’ll meet a local mom who was later in this story). For the majority of these mothers, acquaintances and coworkers might never know about their habit. They’re the vice president of their company. The school volunteer. The woman whose life you admire on Instagram. They have one thing in common: They like to drink frequently and, in some cases, heavily.

But why?

IN SEARCH OF SOMETHING

“It’s to de-stress,” Hall says of her drinking. “Things are going 100 mph. Even if I just sit, it doesn’t calm me. It’s either this, or … I guess there is no ‘or.’”

She’s certainly not alone.

Kelly says stress is among the top reasons he sees moms drink frequently or heavily; he also identifies trauma and divorce as major factors. For other moms, drinking is a way to remember who they were before they answered to “Mommy.” And, Rowles says, it’s a way for mothers to connect. “They’re finding companionship in it,” she explains. “Camaraderie.”

Admittedly, it all seems fairly innocuous. Moms we interviewed say they’re conscious of the impact their alcohol use will have on their children, so they imbibe cautiously, rarely drinking in front of their kids, and never driving while intoxicated.

Hall’s family history (which includes relatives who have struggled with alcoholism) makes her particularly careful. “I know it could be a problem if I let it,” she says.

Experts are the first to admit that alcohol can be enjoyed moderately and responsibly by some (key word: some). And while most agree one or two glasses of wine with dinner a few days

a week probably isn’t cause for concern, trouble can ensue for those whose drinking increases.

“It’s gradual,” Rowles says of alcoholism’s progression. Increased tolerance and a preoccupation with where your next drink will come from are telltale signs of problem drinking, but there are other indications that something is awry. “If you’re in touch with yourself, you’ll start seeing some changes,” Rowles says, outlining these signs: • Your priorities will change.

• You might notice a change in your mood.

• You might become

more depressed.

• You might start comparing yourself to others more and liking yourself less.

• You might stop doing things you once enjoyed.

“If you’re unfortunate enough to be alcoholic,” Rowles adds, “once you start drinking, you’re not going to want to stop. Eventually you’re going to cross a line, and it’ll take over your life.”

LOSING CONTROL

While the “sober curious” movement has drawn some praise, others worry the attention comes with a misleading implication: that getting sober is as easy as posting a picture of yourself on social media with a mocktail in hand. The Guardian quotes Sober Curious author Warrington: “Talking about sobriety as a trend is not OK. The point of sober curious is to differentiate between those of us who have the privilege to be sober curious and perhaps dabble [in alcohol] here and there, and those for whom drinking and alcohol is a mortal danger.”

A local mom we’ll call Angela Morris knows all about that.

“It’s a very dangerous drug,” dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

7

WINE DOWN?

she says. “It crosses all socioeconomic boundaries. I lost my job, my home and my freedom. I lost my child for two months. I let myself and my family down.”

Morris is a mom of two. She also is a recovering alcoholic. For years, she repeated a vicious cycle of sobriety followed by relapse— but when she was pulled over for drunk driving with her son in the backseat, she hit a new low.

Morris didn’t remember putting the key in the ignition, let alone strapping her son, then 9 months, into his car seat.

“We all think, ‘These things won’t happen to me,’” she says. “‘Well, this is an alarming story, but it doesn’t apply to me.’ I was one of those people.”

Morris grew up in a middleclass family, by all outward appearances the vision of suburban bliss. But Morris says no one knew about her father’s alcoholism. Alcohol was a fixture in the family’s home, making it easy for Morris to experiment as a kid—but she says it was when she reached adulthood that things began to spiral out of control. A few drinks on Friday and Saturday quickly turned into many drinks all day, every day.

She shudders to think of what could have happened had state troopers not picked her up while she drove under the influence with her son. After spending two months in county jail, Morris sought treatment at Dallas’ Nexus Recovery Center, a rehabilitation facility that specializes in substance abuse services for women.

Morris has come to believe parenting is something that should be done stone-cold sober.

“Playdates and ‘mommy and me’ time—alcohol should have no place in that,” she says. “Alcohol and raising children really don’t mix.”

CHILDREN SEE, CHILDREN DO

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) says 1 in 4 children is impacted by a parent abusing alcohol or drugs, and the consequences for these children are heavy: anxiety and depression, mental, physical and behavioral problems and poor academic performance. But 8

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

even children who grow up in households where alcohol has a more subtle presence—perhaps they know wine as “Mommy’s juice” but not as an overt problem—can face negative outcomes.

For one, kids are perceptive, and if you’ve had too much to drink, they know. “They might not be able to say what’s changed, but they know something happened,” says Natalie Baerwaldt, former children services director at Nexus Recovery

find help Losing control or neglecting responsibilites because of drinking can be signs of an alcohol problem. Here are local resources to get you on the road to recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Dallas area; 214/887-6699 aadallas.org National aa.org Arise Recovery Centers Multiple locations; 877/738-6350 ariserecoverycenters.com Solutions Outpatient Services (SOS) Dallas; 214/369-1155 sosdallas.com Serenity View Recovery Center Princeton; 214/495-1764 serenityview.com Robb Kelly Recovery Group Dallas; 214-600-0210 robbkelly.com Santé Center for Healing Argyle; 866-238-3154 santecenter.com Recovery Resource Council Dallas, Fort Worth and Denton; 214/522-8600 or 800/246-HOPE (4673) dallascouncil.org

Center. “I’ve had 4-year-olds say, ‘Mommy goes into the bathroom and she comes out and she’s different.’”

Kids are also sensitive, and as drinking by a parent escalates, they often begin to feel as if they’re playing second fiddle to alcohol. According to Rowles, kids pick up on the fact that Mom (or Dad) has temporarily checked out and “begin to internalize that they’re a burden,” even if they can’t put their feelings into words.

Above all else, kids are easily influenced. Research shows that parental drinking habits influence the choices of children, both the extent of their drinking and the age at which they choose to start. Children who grow up seeing Mom and Dad drink regularly and heavily are more likely to binge-drink as teenagers and to try alcohol at an early age, and children of alcoholics are four times more likely than children of non-alcoholics to develop their own addiction, according to NACoA. IT’S JUST ALCOHOL

As a parent, Rowles says she understands the feelings that drive so many women to drink. Motherhood, wonderful as it is, can be an isolating experience riddled with feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. As a concept, the “Mommy needs a drink” movement is meant to relieve mothers of these pressures. But some say the promotion of alcohol—as an escape or coping mechanism, or something deserved as a reward for a long day—is problematic at best.

It’s too early to determine the true social impact of the “sober curious” push. But as women who decide to abstain from alcohol talk about that choice, moms concerned about the impact of their drinking may feel empowered to take similar action. And that’s a choice that should be based on an objective evaluation of your drinking.

“Look at the big picture of your life. … It’s just alcohol. In and of itself, a glass of wine is just a glass of wine,” says Rowles.

“When it becomes a focus and takes up more time than it should, there’s an issue.”

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Mom Approved

MOMS & BABIES mom approved midwives and OBGYNs COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

MIDWIVES

ADDISON

Lively, Cori CPM Barefoot Midwifery

ALLEN

Bhansali, Rebekah CNM, MSN Allen Birthing Center Conroy, Kristen CNM, MS Allen Birthing Center Giles, Amy CNM, MS Allen Birthing Center Olvera, Lauren CNM, DNP Allen Birthing Center

DALLAS

Drupp, Kristina CNM Parkland Memorial Hospital Hosek, Claire RN, CNM Parkland Memorial Hospital Houser, Taylor DNP, CNM Dallas Midwife Associates Jones, Adrienne MSN, RN, CNM Modern Midwifery & Wellness Moreau, Christine CNM Origins Birth & Wellness Dallas Morrow, Carla DNP, CNM Dallas Midwife Associates Tate, Amy CPM, LM, CLC Origins Birth & Wellness Dallas Tawater, Kristine LM, CPM Dallas Birth Center Whitehurst, Meagan MSN, CNM Dallas Midwife Associates

FRISCO

Mitchell, Teri APRN, CNM, IBCLC Bundleborn Midwifery & Pediatrics

GARLAND

Buchanan, Christina CNM Family Centered Maternity Care Nelson, Joyce CNM Family Centered Maternity Care

GRAND PRAIRIE

Anderson, Roxanne LM, CPM Family Birth Services Hare, Jeanne LM, CPM Family Birth Services Knox-Yankus, Lincey LM, CPM Family Birth Services

Pierce, April CPM Family Birth Services

Antonetti, Alfredo MD, FACOG Women’s Specialty Center

Welch, Lisa LM Due Rewards Midwifery

Benjamin, Shruti MD, FACOG Legacy Women’s Health

IRVING

Bertrand, John David MD Walnut Hill OBGYN

Santangelo, Traci RN, MS, CNM BirthPointe Sartini, Anissa LM, CPM Metroplex Midwifery

KAUFMAN

Turner, Linda LM, CPM Delivered With Love Birthing Center

MCKINNEY

Blewett, Kavitha MD Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas Brough, Jonathan MD Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas Browning, Adrianne MD, FACOG Baylor Scott & White Women’s Health Group

Carter, Jeanean CNM Adriatica Women’s Health

Caram, Bianca MD Legacy Women’s Health

Destefano, Robin LM Legacy Midwives

Chhutani, Sheila MD GynOb Associates

Marley, Liz CNM Adriatica Women’s Health

Collins, Linden MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Dallas

Mayorga, Kathleen APRN, CNM Bella Births Watson, Courtney CNM, WHNP Adriatica Women’s Health

PLANO

Crable, Quanita MD Dr. Crable OBGYN Crochet, Melissa MD UT Southwestern Medical Center

Tate, Jeannine MSN, RN, CNM Plano Birthplace

Culpepper, Kelli MD, FACOG Dallas Obstetrics & Gynecology PA

RICHARDSON

De los Santos, Humberto MD Dallas Methodist OBGYN “Great doctor. Concerned about his patients and has an excellent approach. The staff is very friendly.”

—Ana, Colleyville See ad on page 4.

Sloan, Emily MD Lovers Lane Birth Center Waranch, Dinah CNM Lovers Lane Birth Center

WYLIE

Hammack, Kristy LM The Birth House

Diaz, Monica MD Carlos & Parnell, MD, PA

OB/GYNS

Dinh, Quynh-Chi Thi MD, FACOG Dallas Obstetrics & Gynecology PA

ALLEN

Weise, William MD Texas Health Allen

CARROLLTON

Dullye, Tara MD OB-GYN Dallas

Jacob, Shaheen MD Contemporary Women’s Care

Elmquist, Alison MD Vernon & Waldrep OB-Gyn Associates

Rice, Nedra MD Contemporary Women’s Care

Elwell Silver, Kyler MD UT Southwestern Medical Center at Park Cities

Stimage, Rachnetta MD Women’s Premier OBGYN

DALLAS

Angel, Angela MD Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas

Fogwell, Ted MD OB-GYN Dallas Foxworth, Kecia MD Kessler Women’s Health dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

MOM APPROVED / MOMS & BABIES

Gaitonde, Ashwin MD Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates of Dallas Garcia, Tiffany MD Baylor Scott & White Park Lane OB/GYN Associates Godat, Mark MD Mark J. Godat, MD, PA Gunby, Robert MD Swiss OB-GYN Gunderson, Rachel MD Carlos & Parnell, MD, PA Haddock, LeAnn MD Magnolia OBGYN Hagood, Julie MD Walnut Hill OBGYN Haley, Lindsey MD Dallas Women’s Healthcare Specialists Harms, Heidi MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare Hyslop, Alvin Thomas MD UT Southwestern Medical Center at Park Cities Kurian, Rachel MD Women’s Health Alliance Lawson, Yolanda MD, FACOG MadeWell Obstetrics & Gynecology Leinauer, Meghan MD, FACOG Baylor Scott & White Women’s Health Group

Parnell, Winfred MD Carlos & Parnell, MD, PA

Welsh, Brian MD Swiss OB-GYN

Payne, Paul MD Swiss OB-GYN

Woodbridge, Ann MD Health Central Women’s Care Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility

Perugini, Francesca MD Health Central Women’s Care Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility

Woodus, Tiffany MD UT Southwestern Medical Center

Peveto, Joy MD Women’s Health Alliance Plank, Mary MD Women’s Health Alliance Richards, Hampton MD Walnut Hill OBGYN Rinehart, Brian MD Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Roberts, Bruce MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Romberg, Lori MD Women’s Health Alliance Rosenfield, Laura MD Laura Rosenfield, MD, PLLC Ruk, Michael Todd MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Ryder, Kristi MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Santiago-Munoz, Patricia MD UT Southwestern Medical Center Schermerhorn, James MD Dr. James E Schermerhorn MD

Littrell, Christina MD Swiss OB-GYN

Shimer, Tricia MD Tricia Shimer, M.D., P.A.

Lombardi, David MD GynOb Associates

Sigman, Amy MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare

Lopez, Jorge MD Jorge Lopez, M.D.

Singer, Alejandro MD Dallas Women’s Healthcare Specialists

Martin, Amy MD Carter, Hays, Martin & Associates McClintock, Jean MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Murray, Lauren MD Walnut Hill OBGYN Myears, Hillary MD Women’s Health Alliance Napier, Amie MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare Newman, Erin MD Magnolia OBGYN Newsom, Elizabeth MD Women’s Health Alliance

Smith, Kamilia MD Magnolia OBGYN Speight, Tracy MD Health Central Women’s Care Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility Stevenson, Elizabeth DO Baylor Scott & White Park Lane OB/GYN Associates Tillman, Felicia MD Health Central Women’s Care Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility Tovo, Ashley MD Women’s Health Alliance

FORNEY

Nelson, Jeffrey MD Lake Pointe Women’s Center

FRISCO

Allen, Jennifer MD Frisco OB/GYN Bailey, Melissa MD Centennial OBGYN, PA Boyd, Suzette MD Suzette L. Boyd, M.D. Branning, George MD Texas Gynecology Dobi, Brittany MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Duncan, Gary MD Legacy Frisco Obstetrics Gynecology & Infertility Elliott, Tracy MD Health Central Women’s Care Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility Fong, David MD David W. I. Fong, M.D. Gulick, Jennifer MD Dr. Jennifer Gulick Obstetrics & Gynecology Harn, Jason MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Harper, Elise MD Health Central Women’s Care Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility Harris, Steven MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates of Dallas Hays, Tracy Diane MD Carter, Hays, Martin & Associates Heintges, Michelle Lynn MD Advanced Women’s Healthcare Holt, Catherine MD Holt & Mitchell OBGYN McClure, Meredith MD Frisco OB/GYN Mitchell, Jordan MD Jordan Mitchell M.D.

Truong, Tam MD UT Southwestern Medical Center

Ortiz, Christopher DO Frisco Women’s Health

Vernon, Kim MD Vernon & Waldrep OB-Gyn Associates

Patterson, Carrie Kim MD Nurture Women’s Health

O’Connor, Tara MD Vernon & Waldrep OB-Gyn Associates

Waldrep, Kathryn MD Vernon & Waldrep OB-Gyn Associates

Pendley, Nicole MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology

Oliveira, Marcia MD Women’s Healthcare Specialist

Walker, Angela MD Vernon & Waldrep OB-Gyn Associates

Petrovski, Pauline MD Frisco OB/GYN

Parnell, Wendy MD Carlos & Parnell, MD, PA

Wells, Lauren MD Magnolia OBGYN

Ricks, Jon MD Jon T. Ricks, M.D.

Nokleberg, Jane MD Walnut Hill OBGYN

10

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Ward, Alisa MD Centennial OBGYN, PA

Luciani, Gerald MD, FACOG Comprehensive OB/GYN

Mos, Amy MD Plano Women’s Healthcare

Weinstein, Jonathan MD Frisco Women’s Health

Pierce, Lawrence MD McKinney OB-GYN

Ngoc Bao Dang, Quyen MD Women’s Specialists of Plano

GARLAND

Rajala, Bruce DO Women’s Medical Associates of North Texas

Reisler, Keith MD Obstetrics & Gynecology: Dr. Reisler

GRAND PRAIRIE

Reyes, Cesar MD Comprehensive OB/GYN

Adami, Bernard MD Bernard Adami Wiegman, Ralph MD Ralph T. Wiegman, M.D. Obstetrics & Gynecology

IRVING

Robert, Sara MD Craig Ranch OB/GYN

Roberts, John Paul MD OB/GYN North Dallas Rovner, Ivan MD, FACOG North Texas OB/GYN Spooner, Melinda MD Specialized Women’s Healthcare

Arguello, Andrea MD MacArthur Medical Center

Sadler, Sean DO Comprehensive OB/GYN

Carleo, James MD MacArthur Medical Center

Shimer, Andrew MD Craig Ranch OB/GYN

Carmichael, Kristen MD Baylor Scott & White Medical and Surgical Clinic

MESQUITE

Chandrasekhara, Darshna Somaiya MD Gateway Obstetrics & Gynecology

PLANO

Bellanger, Heather MD Plano Women’s Healthcare

Walsh, Katrina MD Dr. Katrina Walsh Obstetrics & Gynecology

Enggano, Brian MD MacArthur Medical Center

Broderick-Thomas, Jenifer Arlene MD Harmony Women’s Healthcare

Watson, Angela MD OB/GYN North Dallas

Fanous, Elia MD MacArthur Medical Center Forney, Teri MD MacArthur Medical Center Freeman, Wiyatta MD MacArthur Medical Center Hoffman, Steven MD UT Southwestern Medical Center at Las Colinas Livingston, Jeff MD MacArthur Medical Center Lopez, Adriana MD MacArthur Medical Center Sakovitch, Peter MD MacArthur Medical Center

McCants, Shannon MD Women’s Health Alliance

Campbell, Jennifer MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Chowdhury, Julia FACOG Center for Women’s Healthcare Coronado, Elizabeth Neugart MD Women’s Specialists of Plano DaVolio, Julie Ann MD Plano Women’s Healthcare Desai, Shuchi Gitesh MD Women’s Specialists of Plano Eisenberg, Dennis MD, FACOG North Texas OB/GYN Garner, Garrett MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology

Staud, Jennifer MD UT Southwestern Medical Center at Las Colinas

Gebert, Alvin MD Alvin R Gebert, MD, PA

Villalba, Veronica MD Medical City Las Colinas

Hartley, Cindy MD Associated Women’s Healthcare

MCKINNEY

Hsu, Nora MD, FACOG North Texas OB/GYN

Baidwan, Christine MD Craig Ranch OB/GYN Banks, Tracey MD, FACOG Adriatica Women’s Health Beauchamp, Luanna MD North Texas Perinatal Associates Chan, Renee MD Comprehensive OB/GYN

Jacoby, Eric MD Personalized Women’s Healthcare Kaye, Richard MD, PA Dr. Kaye OB/GYN Lee, Yu MD Plano Healthcare for Women

Derrick, Heather MD Craig Ranch OB/GYN

Leveno, Joseph MD Dr. Joseph Leveno Obstetrics & Gynecology

Halderman, Lori MD, FACOG Adriatica Women’s Health

MacDonald, Steven MD OB/GYN North Dallas

Taylor, Marcia MD OB/GYN North Dallas Trylovich, Courtney MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Vu, Julie MD, FACOG North Texas OB/GYN

Watts, Jenelle MD Specialized Women’s Healthcare Webster, Gwen MD Plano Healthcare for Women Woods, Christina MD, FACOG Northlake Obstetrics & Gynecology Zhang, Wei MD Midway Medical Center

RICHARDSON

Bankston-Troiani, Dawn Collette MD Women’s Health Associates Downey, Charles MD Women’s Health Associates Mosier, Elizabeth MD Advanced OB-GYN Associates Norton, Carol MD Women’s Health Associates Salter, Richard MD Advanced OB-GYN Associates

ROCKWALL

Do, Linda MD Baylor, Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology Malick, Jewell DO The OB-GYN PLACE, P.A. Potter, Cheryl MD Metroplex Women’s Care Ward, Jenaya MD Baylor, Scott & White Obstetrics & Gynecology

ROWLETT

Zandomeni, Gabriela MD Dr. DeLeon’s Woman’s Health Care dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

11

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Prosper Trail

Little Elm-Frisco

4300 W. University Drive Prosper, TX 75078 682-303-8050 (also urgent care)

1350 N. Preston Rd. Suite 40 Prosper, TX 75078 817-347-4100

2043 FM 423 Ste. 110 Little Elm, TX 75068 469-362-6522

KIDS HEALTH

fast facts about your little’s well-being COMPILED BY EMILY YEARWOOD

MOST COMMON FO O D A L L E RG I E S I N C H I L D R E N :

MILK

PEANUTS

SORE THROAT?

SOURCES: NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL; NEMOURS KIDSHEALTH; JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE; FOOD ALLERGY RESEARCH & EDUCATION (FARE); AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRICS; CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

EGGS

Pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least 12 months old before introducing honey.

SOY

HOW SICK IS TOO SICK?

FOREARM FRACTURES ARE THE

MOST COMMON F R A C T U R E S

40%

I N

C H I L D R E N

MORE THAN

OF KIDS WITH FOOD ALLERGIES HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION

IF YOUR CHILD FEELS TOO SICK TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES OR REQUIRES EXTRA CARE, IT’S BEST TO KEEP THEM HOME.

88.3%

OF CHILDREN

ages 5–11 are in “excellent” or “very good” health dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

13

MATTERS OF THE HEART

The lowdown on high blood pressure in kids C A R R I E

H

STEINGRUBER + LESLIE CHATMAN

ypertension is a word you expect to hear at your mother or grandmother’s yearly physical—not your fourth-grader’s. But since the late ’80s, there’s been a growing number of pediatric hypertension cases, enough that in recent years the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated guidelines for detecting and treating high blood pressure in kids.

14

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

©ISTOCK

WORDS

©ISTOCK

The AAP states that 3.6% of children ages 3–18 have hypertension. That’s more prevalent than past studies indicated.

“Elevated blood pressure in children often goes undetected,” says pediatrician Dr. Stormee Williams, vice president and medical director of Network Development and Innovation at Children’s Health. “This is partially why the American Academy of Pediatrics’ clinical guidelines for addressing pediatric hypertension were updated.”

The scary part?

Hypertension, ominously known as the “silent killer,” has serious health ramifications.

Undiagnosed cases in childhood can result in progressive health complications, like organ damage and cardiovascular disease.

But because high blood pressure is “silent,” there are no obvious signs or symptoms to set off a parent’s warning alarm, explains Dr. Deborah Schutte, medical director of cardiology at Cook Children’s.

Consequently parents have to rely on blood pressure tests at the doctor’s office to catch a number that’s too high.

Even when kids notch several high blood pressure readings, they may not get diagnosed.

A 2016 study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that three-quarters of kids with repeated high blood pressure readings went undiagnosed—and therefore untreated.

The old pediatric blood pressure screening tables were difficult for doctors to navigate. The AAP designed the revised guidelines in order to help kids get the treatment they need. But why is it needed in the first place?

WEIGHT UP “For most infants and young children, hypertension is most likely secondary to an underlying disease often involving the kidneys or cardiovascular systems,”

Williams explains. Studies have shown that sleep disorders and premature birth can also trigger high blood pressure.

For kids who’ve reached puberty (say, mid- to lateelementary years), high blood pressure is usually the primary problem, due to genetics, poor diet, inactivity or environmental factors.

But weight is a major factor. “Obesity in this country has increased tremendously over the past two decades,” Williams says.

The prevalence of high blood pressure leaps significantly higher among kids in this category.

The connection between obesity and high blood pressure is one reason the AAP made some changes to its blood pressure screening tables, which provide normal blood pressure levels based on age, height and sex. The previous tables factored in measurements from kids who are overweight or obese; the updated tables are based on normalweight children.

As a result, the threshold for what’s considered elevated blood pressure was lowered, meaning more kids—overweight and normalweight both—are likely to get flagged for high numbers.

And, should kids register on the high side, the revised guidelines recommend ambulatory monitoring—taking blood pressure readings over a 24-hour period while the child goes about her day, instead of relying only on the reading from the clinic.

This will help clear the kiddos whose blood pressure spikes because of doctor’s office anxiety.

CHECKUP The AAP guidelines make it easier to evaluate, diagnose and treat high blood pressure, but all of it is for naught if your child’s blood pressure isn’t tested regularly.

“Because there are no symptoms of hypertension, the key is screening at well-child checks,”

Schutte says. She points out that for kids 3 and older, the AAP says blood pressure should be checked at least annually. And since conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol can go hand in hand with high blood pressure, those routine health checks are even more important.

Since genetic risk factors can predispose kids to hypertension, talk about your family history with your pediatrician, Williams says.

If needed, the doctor may prescribe lifestyle changes or medication to get your child’s numbers back on track—a small price to pay for a healthier heart down the road.

go low If your child’s blood sugar is on the high side, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends changing some of your kid’s habits—or what you pack in school lunches: Get Active: Any type of exercise can help lower blood pressure, but the AAP recommends 30–60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity three to five days a week.

Skip The Sugar: Focus on fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, nuts, fish, poultry and lean red meats. Limit sugar and sodium—that means choosing water over sodas and sports drinks.

Stress Less, Sleep More: Kids who get seven hours of sleep or less per night are at greater risk for hypertension, and lowquality sleep has been associated with high blood pressure. Enforce bedtime routines and practice deep breathing exercises together before bed to reduce stress and help your child sleep better.

After all, studies suggest that meditative breathing and even yoga can lower blood pressure too.

dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

15

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Mom Approved

KIDS HEALTH mom approved pediatricians COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

FAMILY DOCTORS

DALLAS

Wimberly, Kelly MD Kelly Wimberly, MD PA

FRISCO

Clarke, Roy Adrian MD Forest Lane Pediatrics Denison, Early MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas

Holtz, Christina DO Texas Health Family Care

Do, Bich MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas

SUNNYVALE

Dreiling, Christopher MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas

Fontenot, Patricia DO Texas Health Family Care

PEDIATRICIANS

ALLEN

Gray, Larry MD Woodhill Pediatric Associates, P.A.

Maddox made us feel like we have known her for years. She helped us with resources, was available by phone on the weekend and provides us with the best care.”

—Nicole, Little Elm See ad on back cover.

McClard, Karen MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas McGonnell, Chris MD Forest Lane Pediatrics

Cash, Jenna DO, FAAP TLC Pediatrics

Grysen, Lisa MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas

Milici, Marjorie MD Baylor Scott & White Pediatric Center

Moulton, Daniel MD, FAAP TLC Pediatrics

Goh, Ewe MD Dr. Ewe G. Goh Pediatrics

Nale, Daniel MD Daniel D. Nale, M.D., P.A.

CARROLLTON

Gore, Lauren MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas

Neely, Joe MD, FAAP Pediatricians of Dallas

Grubb, Thomas MD North Carrollton Pediatric Associates Wardell, Deborah MD North Carrollton Pediatric Associates

COPPELL

McAnelly, George MD Dr. Mac’s Pediatrics & Allergy Venkatachalam, Vani MD MD Pediatrics “Dr. Vani is an excellent physician. Her diagnosis is spot on, and she does not prescribe unnecessary medications. She also suggests holistic home remedies.”

—Umashree, Carrollton See ad on page 29.

DALLAS

Agrawal, Anuradha MD PGV Pediatrics P.A. Blankson, Kwabena MD Girls to Women Health & Wellness / Young Men’s Health & Wellness Bourland, Christina MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Browning, Celia MD Inwood Village Pediatrics 16

Jindal, Meenu DO Comprehensive Pediatric Care Johnson, Dawn MD Children’s Health Pediatric Group “She took and still takes the time to get to know our family on a personal level. She is timely when we’re waiting in the exam room, and she is very knowledgeable about what works specifically for my son.

She does not give general, blanket medical advice, but instead knows my child enough to give appropriate recommendations. She has become like our family, and we always know that our son’s care is in great hands!”

—Bri, DeSoto See ad on back cover.

Roberts, Tana MD Pediatrics at Campbell Center Rogers, Donza MD Kessler Pediatrics Straughn, Christopher MD Forest Lane Pediatrics Strong, Lily MD Forest Lane Pediatrics Waters, Melissa MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Weiss, Shelley MD Healthy Texan Pediatrics & Family Medicine

Jowdy, Michelle DO Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine Lakewood

Yaeger, Matthew MD, FAAP Pediatricians of Dallas

Lewis, Hilary MD, FAAP Pediatricians of Dallas

Keyes, Elizabeth MD Pediatrics Southwest

Maddox, Katherine MD Children’s Health Pediatric Group “My son has special needs after he was born at 1.7 lbs and 23 weeks, and despite our relocation to Dallas, Dr.

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

DESOTO

Longshaw, Jacquelynn MD Pediatrics Southwest Towns, Mark MD Pediatrics Southwest

Casey Drake, MD & Grace Pecson, MD Pediatrics 7x Mom Approved Lakewood and the surrounding areas now have a new option when in need of pediatric care. Drs. Casey Drake and Grace Pecson are happy to announce they have expanded Pecan Tree Pediatrics to 6301 Gaston Avenue/Lakewood Towers. Drs. Drake and Pecson founded Pecan Tree Pediatrics in Rockwall in 2009 and expanded to Wylie in 2011 in the endeavor to provide compassionate and high-quality care for their pediatric patients. Pecan Tree Pediatrics now has nine board-certified pediatricians to serve these locations. Pecan Tree Pediatrics is proud to have physicians voted DFWChild’s “Mom Approved Pediatricians” consecutively since 2013. They hope you will consider choosing Pecan Tree Pediatrics for your child’s medical care at one of their locations.

Pecan Tree Pediatrics

6301 Gaston Ave., Suite 125P Dallas, TX 75214 • 214-214-3100 1005 W. Ralph Hall Pkwy., Suites 135 & 145 Rockwall, TX 75032 • 972-772-3100 3360 W. FM 544, Suite 910 Wylie, TX 75098 • 972-429-4800 pecantreepediatrics.com

Developmental Preschool | Therapy Services

Now Enrolling!

Developmental Preschool Applied Behavior Analysis Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Speech Therapy Nursing Services 6025 Sports Village Road Frisco, TX 75033 frisco@pediatricsplus.com PediatricsPlus.com 214.687.9374 dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

17

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

M O M A P P R O V E D / K I D S H E A LT H

FLOWER MOUND

Fitzgerald, Ralph MD MD Pediatric Associates “Dr. Fitzgerald truly cares for his patients. He is so kind and patient with all of the children that come to see him.”

—Lauren, Flower Mound See ad on page 29.

Forbes, Michelle MD MD Pediatric Associates “I am a new mom, and Dr. Forbes was very helpful and answered every question I had. She takes time with her patients and was good with my son.”

—Emily, Carrollton See ad on page 29.

FRISCO

Bain, Deborah MD, FAAP, ABIHM, IFMCP Healthy Kids Pediatrics Chang, Christina DO, FAAP Pediatric People Harn, Laura MD BestNest Pediatrics Hoang, Thai MD Stonebriar Pediatrics Linck, Audra MD, FAAP Pediatric People Nail, Richard MD Centennial Pediatrics Oved, Kfir MD All Star Pediatrics Piga, Naomi MD PIGA Primary Care

GARLAND

Diaz, Tania MD Pediatric Clinic of Garland

GRAND PRAIRIE

Ahmad Anwar, Ayesha MD, FAAP Pediatric Center of Grand Prairie

IRVING

Edenhoffer, Ildiko MD Kids Klinic Hasham, Sarah MD Irving Pediatrics Meyer, Carissa MD, FAAP Pediatric Center of Las Colinas Raja, Kalyani MD Baylor Scott & White Pediatrics

LITTLE ELM

Bridgewater, Erin MD Centennial Pediatrics

MCKINNEY

Alvis, Jeff MD, FAAP Stonebridge Pediatrics Davis, Suzanne MD ABC Pediatrics

Rodrigues, Steve MD ABC Pediatrics

MURPHY

Kotas, Robert MD Baylor Scott & White Pediatric and Adolescent Associates

Smart, Susan MD Lake Ray Hubbard Pediatrics

PLANO

Sonnen, Gregory MD Pediatric & Adolescent Associates of Rockwall

Berger, Laurie MD West Plano Pediatrics Berkowitz, Jeff MD Pediatric Specialists of Plano Hayes, Amy Lynn MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas Kaplan, Aaron DO Kaplan Pediatrics Le, Janet MD Willow Bend Pediatrics Leon, Elizabeth MD West Plano Pediatrics McDonald, Russell MD, DABP, FAAP Plano Pediatrics McElroy, Ryan MD Pediatric Associates of Plano Mix, Angela DO West Plano Pediatrics Mannering, Isha MD Forest Lane Pediatrics Mehendale, Kim MD Willow Bend Pediatrics Mohiuddin, Syed MD Honey Pediatrics Moshier, Jason MD North Dallas Pediatric Associates PA Rylie, Sarah MD A Bright Future Pediatrics Seibert, Lori MD North Dallas Pediatric Associates PA Shah, Punita MD Pediatrics With A Mission Smith, Jeanette MD Pediatric Associates of Plano Taneja, Nancy MD Collin County Pediatrics

RICHARDSON

Naidoo, Randy MD, FAAP, ABIHM Shine Pediatrics Porter, John MD John Porter, M.D. Pounds, Natalie MD Richardson Pediatric Associates

ROCKWALL

Dollins, Kathleen MD, FAAP Stonebridge Pediatrics

Chinn, Elena Nohemi MD Lake Ray Hubbard Pediatrics

Fatiregun, Agboola MD MD Kids Pediatrics

Drake, Casey MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics “Dr. Drake is always so friendly and thorough. She always takes her time and answers any questions I may

Reyes, Paul MD, FAAP Stonebridge Pediatrics 18

have about my daughter’s health.”

—Kathleen, Terrell See ad on page 17.

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

ROWLETT

London, Dynal MD Lake Pointe Pediatric Associates

WYLIE

Pecson, Grace MD Pecan Tree Pediatrics “When my kids have been sick, I’m able to get same-day appointments with no problems. The staff is great at listening to my concerns, and they’re all so knowledgeable that I trust them. Dr. Pecson and Dr. Wakeen have given me calls after hours to follow up on my kids and provided their cell numbers to me should I have concerns. (High fever, croup and RSV got us one year.) The whole practice is amazing, but Dr. Pecson and Dr. Wakeen go above and beyond to ensure the best care for children.”

—Izzy, Sachse See ad on page 17.

Tran, Mai MD Pediatric Associates of Wylie

PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS

DALLAS

Lin, Constance PNP Children’s Health Pediatric Group “Dr. Connie is absolutely amazing.

She is so gentle and sweet with our daughter and takes the time to truly listen to parent concerns and questions. She makes sure you are 100% satisfied before your visit ends.

Our daughter loves her and is never afraid of the doctor’s office because of Dr. Connie.”

—Nicole, Dallas See ad on back cover.

FLOWER MOUND

Mowery, Kim RN, CPNP MD Pediatric Associates “Kim is great with both of my sons, one of whom has a learning disability and developmental delays, and the other who is asthmatic.

She spends time listening to your concerns, while at the same time relates well with parents as well as my teens. We always ask for an appointment specifically with her!

She is an RN and also a certified pediatric nurse practitioner.”

—Anne, Flower Mound See ad on page 29.

PEDIATRIC SURGEON

DALLAS

Megison, Steve MD UT Southwestern Medical Center, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas

We are your family’s healthcare champions ★★★★★

Check Out Our 5-Star Google Reviews

n

24/7 Urgent & Emergency Care

n

No “Surprise” Balance Billing

n

Minimal Wait Times

n

Board-Certified Physicians

FRISCO

PLANO

5600 Eldorado Parkway Frisco, Texas 75033

3960 Legacy Drive Plano, Texas 75023

469-392-4000

469-392-4100

www.medcoer.com

Zac Grisham, MS, LPC-Supervisor Counseling

4x Mom Approved Certified Diplomate with the Academy of Cognitive Therapy I’ve learned and developed many different ways of adapting cognitivebehavioral interventions that meets the developmental needs of children from ages 8–18. I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 15 and I am passionate about advocating for children that have been diagnosed with ADHD. I have received training and have insight in order to relate to the ADHD child in a therapeutic setting. I also recognize the difficulty in raising an ADHD child and offer parent training in order to help bridge the gap between performance and potential.

ClearView Counseling

17330 Preston Rd. #104D Dallas, TX 75252 214-396-6526 • zgrisham@cvcounselinggroup.com cvcounselinggroup.com

Gymnastics skills that improve independence and coordination.

Or as they see it,

The Little Gym offers a wide variety of classes to help children ages 4 months through 12 years reach their greatest potential. Structured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing environment build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Come try us out!

Arlington/Mansfield (817) 465-9296 Fort Worth (817) 346-9655

Frisco (972) 704-1819 Keller (817) 562-4466

N. Fort Worth 817-996-3691 Rockwall (469) 769-1190

TheLittleGym.com

dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

19

ORAL HEALTH

fast facts about those pearly whites COMPILED BY EMILY YEARWOOD

BAD HABITS

BEST FOODS

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

TOO MUCH TOOTHPASTE

SHARING UTENSILS

UNLIKE BONES OR OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY, TEETH ARE

INCAPABLE OF SELF-REPAIR

SUGARY DRINKS

A CHILD CAN EAT FOR GOOD ORAL HYGIENE:

THUMB SUCKING

A BABY IS BORN WITH

20

RAISINS

ORANGES

SOURCES: BABY TOOTH CENTER; SCIENCE FOCUS; AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION; IMAGINE SMILES; COLGATE

TEETH BELOW THE GUMS

THEY USUALLY START COMING THROUGH BETWEEN 6 MONTHS AND A YEAR

CARROTS

AMERICANS BUY MORE THAN

14 GALLONS OF TOOTHPASTE EVERY YEAR

MILK

TOOTH ENAMEL IS THE HARDEST SUBSTANCE IN THE HUMAN BODY

FISH

dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

21

STRAIGHTEN UP don’t wait for your child’s permanent teeth before making an orthodontic appointment W O R D S A L E X I S PAT T E R S O N

L

eaf through your seventh grade yearbook, and you’ll probably see many kids smiling up at you with braces on their teeth. It’s a middle school right of passage … right? Not necessarily. Brace yourself: Orthodontic treatment may need to begin a lot earlier to head off significant problems.

22 The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

Ava Shortnacy of Southlake got her braces just after she turned 8. Believe it or not, 7 is the age by which the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends all children get an orthodontic evaluation.

For most kids, their permanent

© ISTOCK

P. 24 // AVA SHORTNACY OF SOUTHLAKE GOT HER BRACES ON AT AGE 8. “AVA WAS OK WITH OUR DECISION [TO START ORTHODONTICS], SO IT REALLY HELPED,” SAYS HER MOM, PETRA CRUZ-SHORTNACY.

Jeffrey D. Holt, DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry 8x Mom Approved 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 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.

Education: DDS, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry; Post-Doctoral MS, Baylor University; Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry, Baylor College of Dentistry; Specialty Residency Programs, Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children 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 KidsDental

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

Melissa Rozas, DDS & Loria Nahatis, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 7x Mom Approved Dr. Melissa Rozas and Dr. Loria Nahatis, moms themselves, know the importance of making a child feel comfortable and safe in the dental office.

They are passionate about creating a positive dental experience that is also fun and educational for the entire family. “Good communication, trust, and common goals towards a healthy and happy smile is our mission,” says Dr. Rozas.

Both Dr. Rozas and Dr. Nahatis love seeing patients as infants or by age 1 year. “Seeing the babies early in life, allow us the ability to help the parents establish proper oral hygiene techniques and assess the child’s risk for cavities. We are also able to evaluate potential problems such as tongue and lip-tie, mouth breathing, and their effects or oral development,” says Dr. Nahatis.

They are passionate about working with special needs children and their families to customize an oral health plan that suites their dental needs.

Dr. Rozas and Dr. Nahatis are both board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and are active members in American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, The Greater Dallas Pediatric Dental Society and the Academy Laser Study Club. Dr. Rozas is past president of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is currently serving as co-chairman of the Greater Pediatric Dental Society.

Melissa Rozas, DDS Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens, PA

Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens, P.A.

632 E. Sandy Lake Rd., Coppell, TX, 75019 972-393-9779 • info@rozasdds.com rozasdds.com

dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

23

STRAIGHTEN UP

with a blanket or stuffed animal, make that item less available.

Don’t have it in the car or while watching TV, maybe just in bed at night.”

Pediatric dentists can provide some orthodontic services; Ettelbrick sometimes utilizes palate expanders and space maintainers in her practice. But she refers out the vast majority of orthodontic cases.

That’s what happened with Ava. Her pediatric dentist noticed crowding and recommended an orthodontist visit. Not long after, Ava became the first among her friends to have braces.

It’s important to not wait for all permanent teeth to come in before exploring orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics—the specialty’s official name—for your child, according to Collins. We discussed pictures on the AAO website showing the problems to watch for in 7-year-olds: crossbite, protrusion and open bite, among others. (See the sidebar.)

“What these photos do not show is the consequences of a poor facial growth pattern left untreated for another five to seven years waiting on all the teeth to erupt,” cautions Collins. “No parent wants to hear their doctor say, ‘I wish I had seen your child five years ago.’”

Worried that your younger child won’t cooperate with orthodontic treatment? You probably don’t need to be concerned.

Collins says kids who require early treatment are generally very positive about it. “There are no anesthesia shots, and braces are a cool thing at this age,” he observes.

Cruz-Shortnacy concurs.

“Honestly, I think Ava was pretty excited,” she says. “It made her feel like a big girl. Dr. Collins is great, and the staff is pretty amazing. And Ava really enjoys the Starbucks across the street.

It’s her post-appointment treat.”

Even if an orthodontist identifies issues, not all 7-year-olds will immediately need braces or other interventions. Mild or moderate crowding, with an appropriate pattern of jaw growth, can wait for permanent

24 The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

teeth. When earlier treatment is warranted, the child will most likely still benefit from comprehensive orthodontic treatment after permanent teeth all come in.

Ava is now 12 and preparing for her second round of braces.

“I was one of those parents who assumed this treatment was for older kids,” says CruzShortnacy—who found out that her daughter wasn’t alone in needing an orthodontist in elementary school. “We had a few families ask us for advice, and soon after, there were some others in braces.”

Wondering if your child needs to join them? Get an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, say the experts.

“You would be surprised at the number of dental abnormalities that will show up on a panoramic X-ray at this age—extra teeth, missing teeth, misdirected teeth,” shares Collins.

Ettelbrick adds that there’s not a downside to an orthodontic evaluation for your child. “It’s just a consultation, and they’re often free,” she points out. “Why wouldn’t you? It could save you from more extensive treatment down the road.”

tooth troubles The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a checkup no later than age 7. Here are some of the problems they’re looking for: • Anterior (front) crossbite • Posterior (back) crossbite • Crowding • Open bite • Protrusion • Ectopic eruption (tooth growing in the wrong place) • Underbite • Diastema (gap between teeth) • Oral habits (sucking on fingers, mouth breathing)

Crowding

Ectopic Eruption

Diastema

PHOTO COURTESY OF PETRA CRUZ-SHORTNACY; © ISTOCK

6-year molars and permanent central incisors will have erupted by that point.

“Ava’s mouth is pretty small, so she didn’t have much room for her adult teeth coming in,” says Petra Cruz-Shortnacy, Ava’s mom.

“It was causing crowding and pushing her front teeth forward.”

So Ava found herself in a chair at Johnson & Collins Orthodontics the summer after first grade.

“This is the time when we can best identify if there are potential jaw growth discrepancies or severe crowding problems,” explains Dr. Monte Collins, Ava’s orthodontist and a part-time clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas.

“Many times these issues can be addressed with an early, limited phase of treatment to improve the jaw growth pattern and create space for the larger, developing permanent teeth.”

The issues with a child’s mouth may be obvious; if so, an orthodontic evaluation is advised earlier than age 7. Other times, your little’s smile may seem modelperfect. Beware: That can be the sign of a problem.

“If baby teeth are straight and close together, that’s when the adult teeth will most likely be crowded,” says pediatric dentist Dr. Kelli Ettelbrick (just “Dr. Kelli” to her patients at Frisco Dentistry for Kids). “The adult teeth are much bigger than the baby teeth and need more room to come in. You want baby teeth to look like a picket fence, with space for permanent teeth.”

Ettelbrick notes that some common behaviors can cause orthodontic problems. “Mouth breathing affects jaw growth and development,” she says. “And if a 2-year-old or 3-year-old is still sucking on a pacifier or a thumb or finger, we try to correct that, as it is easier at that age than later. I tell parents to discontinue pacifiers by age 3. Sucking on a finger is more difficult to stop since it is attached to the child— but if the child tends to do it

Rawaha Memon, DDS, MSD Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Memon is a board certified Pediatric Dental Specialist. His hard work in earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree shines through in his professionalism and extensive knowledge. He went on to earn a specialty certificate in Advanced Pediatric Dentistry and a Masters of Dental Science degree because of his love for children, and his unique ability to connect with them through jokes, games, and TV shows. Dr. Memon has also published research in the Journal of Molecular Autism and the Journal of Stem Cell Research.

Pacific Hearts Dentistry means practicing dentistry from the heart—with care, compassion, and good intentions. At Pacific Hearts Dentistry, parents are always allowed to stay with their children during exams and treatment. Dr. Memon ensures that children are happy and comfortable, and that parents are involved in their child’s dental care.

Pacific Hearts Dentistry

1932 N. Story Rd., Irving, TX 75061 972-957-3577 info@PacificHeartsDentistry.com PacificHeartsDentistry.com

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BUDDY SYSTEM HOW A DIAGNOSIS CREATED A STRONGER FRIENDSHIP

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EVENTS TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR

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MEET MOM NEXT DOOR

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HOW TO RAISE A BILINGUAL CHILD

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Mom Approved

ORAL HEALTH

mom approved dentists and orthodontists COMPILED BY DFWCHILD EDITORS

FAMILY DENTISTRY

ALLEN

Toney, David DDS David Toney, DDS

DALLAS

DeSutter, Brent DDS East Lake Dental Fatourehchian, Ara DDS Mighty Smiles Marsaw, Belinda DDS Dental DeLite Ngo, Stanley DDS SK2 Dental Nguyen, Jeff DDS Henderson Family Dental Shirey, Hollie DDS Infinity Dental Care

FARMERS BRANCH Hong, Marry DDS Family Tree Dental Care

FARMERSVILLE Bates, Carole DDS Farmersville Dental

FRISCO

Lee, Clyde DDS Lee Dental

IRVING

Henegar, Arthur W. DDS, MS, PA Henegar Dental Roy, Jeff DDS 21st Century Dental & Sleep Center

MCKINNEY

Nguyen, William DMD Arte Dental

MESQUITE

Lam, Christopher DMD Texas Dentistry for Kids (also Kaufman and Terrell) Tran, Thanh DMD Texas Dentistry for Kids (also Kaufman and Terrell)

MURPHY

Glazer, Brittaney DDS Glazer Family Dentistry

PLANO

Haight, Fred DDS Haight Family Dentistry Hoang, Dominic DDS Dr. Smile Dentistry Jung, David DDS, MS, PhD Jung Dental Implant Center of Plano Kososki, Joseph DDS Kososki Dental

Taiym, Sal DDS Jupiter Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics

COPPELL

Nahatis, Loria DDS Melissa Rozas, DDS “They are caring and friendly.”

—Mohammad, Irving See ad on page 23.

Rozas, Melissa DDS Melissa Rozas, DDS “Dr. Rozas is very friendly, and she answers whatever questions you may have. The office is very clean and welcoming, and everyone in the front office is very friendly and helpful. I have recommended this dentist to several of my friends, and my nephew goes here too!”

—Krista, Carrollton See ad on page 23.

DALLAS

Braidfoot, R. Blake DMD R. Blake Braidfoot, DMD Pediatric Dentistry Bushey, Nicholas DMD Lakewood Pediatric Dentistry “Nice location, good with kids.”

—Yuri, Dallas See ad on page 20.

Kuipers, Jonathan DDS North Garland Dental & Orthodontics

ALLEN

Coe, Karen DDS Allen Pediatric Dentistry

Colter, J. Diane DDS All About Kids Dentistry “Dr. Diane Colter is the best around, she has an amazing bedside manner with children. She always makes them feel comfortable with whatever treatment they are having. She has a kind heart and listens to the needs of her patients along with the parents to be able to treat them properly. She is patient and takes her time. We love Dr. Colter and her staff.”

—Michelle, Forney See ad on page 27.

Musso, Mark DDS Musso Family Dentistry

Hunter, Jessie DDS Allen Pediatric Dentistry

Curtis, Ben DDS Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas

Musso, Mike DDS Musso Family Dentistry

John, Liny DDS The Children’s Dentist of Allen

Dad, Neema DDS White Rock Pediatric Dental

Newhouse, Charla DDS Musso Family Dentistry

Kamali, Elizabeth DDS Jupiter Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics

Garza, Ronald DDS, MS White Rock Pediatric Dental

Lee, Julie DDS Lee Dental Maxwell, Joshua F. DDS, FAGD, FICOI, PC Renew Family Dentistry Sokransky, Vlad DDS VS Dental Group

GARLAND

ROYSE CITY

Davong, Andy DDS Fate Family Dental

WYLIE

Gebrehiwot, Fesaha DDS Trusted Dental

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

26 The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

J. Diane Colter, DDS Pediatric Dentistry 8x Mom Approved Dr. Diane Colter’s passion to be the most caring and compassionate pediatric dentist led her to open All About Kids Dentistry, which specializes in treating infants, children, teens and kids with special needs. She loves working with children and has a very caring and compassionate personality. It is of utmost importance to provide outstanding care along with an inviting atmosphere where both the parent and child will have a positive experience.

Dr. Colter grew up in Athens, Texas. She completed her degree from Baylor College of Dentistry, where she graduated in the top of her class. She completed a Residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of California Medical Center in Los Angeles, serving as chief resident.

Dr. Colter is a board-certified pediatric dentist recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

She also holds a staff appointment at Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Colter is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas Dental Association and Dallas County Dental Society. Dr. Colter has also been recognized many times by her fellow dental professionals as a top pediatric dentist in the area as published in D Magazine D Best and Texas Monthly’s Super Dentists.

Away from the office, Dr. Colter enjoys spending time with her husband, Dr. Shandon Colter, their beautiful children, Sydney and Landon. Dr. Colter also enjoys traveling, and time spent with friends and family.

All About Kids Dentistry

12300 Inwood Rd., Ste. 220, Dallas, TX 75244 972-233-4439 allaboutkidsdentist.com

Michael Ragan, DDS Orthodontics Dr. Michael Ragan and his team believe that successful orthodontics is patient-focused and based on leading-edge treatment in a warm and friendly environment where you are treated like family. Dr. Ragan has been treating adults and children for over 25 years. Utilizing the latest 3D x-ray technology to take digital scans of your mouth, teeth, jaw and airway to establish a treatment plan. He works with a variety of appliances including palatial expanders, thumb appliances, mouth guards and motion appliances.

A motion appliance is a tiny specialized appliance that can fix bites and replace bulky bite correcting appliances and even headgear. Dr. Ragan looks forward to helping you select the right orthodontic treatment to fit your lifestyle: invisible braces (Invisalign), fast-action self-ligating braces, clear self-ligating braces, lingual braces, implant braces, laser-enhanced braces, indirect bonding, and more for straight teeth.

Dr. Ragan travels and lectures when not in one of his three orthodontic offices in Park Cities, Preston Hollow and Lakewood. “We have seen our treatments change children’s lives, including my own. As a parent I know the immense sense of responsibility to try and make sure we care for all aspects of our kids’ well-being,” says Dr. Ragan.

“My staff and I are grateful to be able to help parents create beautiful smiles for their children, while also looking out for their overall health.”

Ragan Orthodontics

Park Cities 8100 Lomo Alto, Ste. 204, Dallas, TX 75225 Preston Hollow 12300 Inwood Rd., Ste. 110, Dallas, TX 75244 Lakewood 6316 Gaston Ave., Dallas, TX 75214 214-363-8893 • raganortho.com

dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

27

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

M O M A P P R O V E D / O R A L H E A LT H

LITTLE ELM

SUNNYVALE

MCKINNEY

Crabtree, Kristen DDS Texas Pediatric Dentistry

Reddy, Anil DDS, MPH, MSND, RCSED Children’s Dental Care

Ombrello, Jill DDS Central Dentist

Gehani, Dan DDS Showtime Smiles Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Shields, Joel B. DDS, PC Joel B. Shields, DDS, PC, Dentistry for Children & Teens

Petrocchi, Sandra DDS Dr. Sandra Petrocchi & Dr. Luis Arango

MESQUITE

TERRELL

Harrington, Erik DDS, PhD Preston Hollow Specialists Marr, Karina DDS Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda Munawar, Moniza DDS Oak Cliff Dental Center

Plunk, Michael DDS, MSD Plunk Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Masoud, Ziad DDS, MDS Lucky Teeth Pediatric Dentistry

Preece, Anya DDS, PSM Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry

Lee, Yosuk DMD Texas Dentistry for Kids (also Kaufman and Terrell)

Lindley, Anne DDS Texas Dentistry for Kids

PLANO

Pearson, Allen DDS Wylie Children’s Dentistry

WYLIE

Lalani, Zarmin DDS, MS Discovery Kids Pediatric Dentistry

Holt, Jeffrey DDS, MS Kids Dental (also Carrollton) “Dr. Holt takes care of all three of my children! Love him! He is the only dentist that I would take my kids to. Both offices are child-friendly, with playgrounds, cool art and movies to watch during appointments. My children love going to see him! As someone who grew up scared to go to the dentist, I am thrilled for my kids. He never rushes us through and explains all the procedures with care and understanding. I recommend him to all my friends, family and other moms!”

—Ali, Carrollton See ad on page 23.

Rubin, Paul DDS Frisco Kid’s Dentistry

Jaynes, Jeffrey DDS, PA Jeffrey C. Jaynes, DDS, PA

Pollan, Sarah DDS, MS Park Hollow Orthodontics

Sentelle, David DMD, PhD, MPH Frisco Kid’s Dentistry

Judd, Catherine DDS Catherine Judd, DDS

Shir, Solmaz DDS, CAGS Sheer Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

Kwon, Kee-Won DDS Lucky Kids Dental

GARLAND

McDougal, Sandra DDS Plano Pediatric Dentistry

Ragan, Michael DDS Ragan Orthodontics “Kid friendly. Staff and Dr. Ragan are always so happy. Dr. Ragan is smart, patient-focused and efficient.”

—Sharon, Dallas See ad on page 27.

Shanadi, Arvind DMD Smile Safari Pediatric Dentistry Villaseñor, Alejandra (Alex) DDS, MS, PA myKIDSdds

FRISCO

Catmull, Jeremy DMD My Kid’s Dentist Davis, Mila DDS Healthy Smiles Children’s Dentistry

Preece, Adam DDS The Dental Specialist Talaiver, Julie DDS Firewheel Dentistry for Kids

GRAND PRAIRIE Chen, Yi-Ju DDS The Kid’s Dentist

IRVING

Kuba, Reena DDS Children’s Dental Centre of Irving “Exceptional docs and staff! They all make my daughters feel welcome and explain each treatment in a way they will understand.”

—Parneet, Irving See ad on page 29.

Memon, Rawaha DDS Pacific Hearts Dentistry “He is so gentle and friendly with the kids. He also understands the emotional aspect of the special needs kids and is able to suggest procedures that will be less invasive.

His staff is also very helpful. They honor the appointment timings and are very flexible in providing appointments.”

—Pooja, Irving See ad on page 25.

Ryan, Patrick DDS Grin Pediatric Dentistry

ORTHODONTICS

ALLEN

Kraus, Collin DDS Kraus Orthodontics

COPPELL

Bailey, Luke DDS, MSD Bailey Orthodontics Henao, Anabella DDS Bliss Orthodontics

DALLAS

Arango, Luis DDS Dr. Sandra Petrocchi & Dr. Luis Arango

FRISCO

Gandy, Allen DDS, MS Gandy Orthodontics

Smith, Nathifa DDS Teeth R Us

Greenberg, Greg DDS RxSmile

PROSPER

Iacob, Elena DDS, MS 121 Orthodontics

Roberts, John DDS, MS Roberts Dental Ranch

RICHARDSON

Hutcheson, Candice DDS Children’s Dental Specialists Simpson, Harold DDS Children’s Dental Specialists Train, Terri DDS Children’s Dental Specialists

ROCKWALL

MURPHY

Fesler, Michael DDS, MS Fesler Orthodontics

PLANO

Elvebak, Bryan DDS Elvebak Orthodontics Jensen, James Dean DDS, MS, PA James Dean Jensen, DDS, MS, PA Jones, Tamara L. DDS, MSD Willow Bend Orthodontics

Chou, Jennifer DDS The Smiley Tooth Pediatric Dental Specialists

THE COLONY

Morgan, Benjamin DDS, MS Rockwall Pediatric Dentistry

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

ROWLETT

Pollock, Tera DDS Rowlett Dental Associates

28 The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

Baharvand, Kaveh DMD, MS Elate Orthodontics

DALLAS

Schlieve, Thomas DDS, MD Thomas Schlieve, DDS, MD

Reena Kuba, DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry 5x Mom Approved A proud Dallas native, Dr. Reena Kuba received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Texas at Dallas.

She then earned her DDS degree from Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. While at Baylor, she completed her certification in pediatric dentistry in addition to a Master of Science in oral biology. Dr. Kuba is a certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Dentistry. In addition to her passion for preventive dental care, Dr. Kuba and her team specialize in laser dentistry, infant tongue and lip tie release, serving the pediatric special needs population, and creating a positive dental experience.

Children’s Dental Centre of Irving

8870 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. A-101 Irving, TX 75063 214-484-3199 • irvingchildrensdental.com

dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

29

Dean Beckloff, PhD; Vera Leipold, MEd, LPC; Patty Gobin, MEd, LPC & Trisha Makan, LPC-Intern Counseling 2x Mom Approved Beckloff Behavioral Center is a child, teen, young adult, adult and family counseling center. Our awardwinning therapists work hard to get a child or teen back on track in the family. We work with the family to help in any number of areas: depression, anxiety problems, learning and school issues, ADHD, Spectrum (ASD) issues, social problems and the like. We work with the young adult on struggles with school, “launching� and mood/anxiety issues. We believe in working with the whole family, bringing to bear what is needed to exercise change. We always have two therapists on every case, believing that two heads are better than one. We congratulate our Mom Approved therapists this year: Dean Beckloff, PhD; Vera Leipold, MEd, LPC; Patty Gobin, MEd, LPC and Trisha Makan, LPC-Intern.

We do everything we can to help, whether that is in the family, school or social arena. Let us get to work for your family.

BPBC

where kids become kids again

30

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center 17210 Campbell Rd., Ste. 200 Dallas, TX 75252 972-250-1700 drbeckloff.com

CHILDREN’S WHOLE HEALTH fast facts on body and mind wellness COMPILED BY EMILY YEARWOOD

SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY

IMPORTANT FOODS FOR

PROPER GROWTH

HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS: ??

IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS:

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

BEHAVIOR CHANGES

7.5%

DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING

UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS

HOW MANY HOURS SHOULD YOUR KID SLEEP

AGES 6–12

9-12 HOURS OF KIDS UNDER AGE 18 CURRENTLY

SOURCES: MAYO CLINIC; CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION; SLEEP AND HEALTH

HAVE ASTHMA

FRUITS & VEGETABLES

WHOLE GRAINS

AGES 13–18

8-10 HOURS

FAT-FREE AND LOW-FAT DAIRY PRODUCTS

A VARIETY OF PROTEINS

93.6%

O F K I D S H AV E H A D CO N TAC T W I T H A H E A LT H C A R E PROFESSIONAL IN THE

PAST YEAR

SUGAR-SWEETENED

beverages account for 10% of the daily caloric intake of children and adolescents.

OILS dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

31

HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR CHILD? Get a sense with this quiz WORDS

W

hile you don’t want to leave seven messages for your child’s pediatrician at the first sign of a sniffle, you also want to make sure that you’re not overlooking anything major. So how do you know your kids are on the right track for well-being? Take our quiz—and talk to your pediatrician.

mental health _______ My child feels that he is good at things. _______ My child has friends or other solid ties in the community. _______ My child has personal interests or hobbies outside school. _______ My child’s negative emotions, like anger and sadness, appear infrequently. _______ My child tells me about positive interactions with peers. _______ My child generally responds appropriately to pressure from school (i.e., doesn’t panic, cry or get excessively angry about upcoming tests). _______ My child doesn’t excessively worry. _______ My child says positive things about their physical appearance. _______ My child comes to me when facing a problem.

_______ My child treats animals kindly. _______ My child generally feels good in their body and doesn’t complain too much of aches or pains. _______ My child’s behavior and personality remain relatively constant. _______ My child can sit still and pay attention when necessary. _______ My child generally respects parental authority. _______ My partner and I refrain from arguing in front of our child.

TOTAL 32

___

ALEX MITCHELL MORTENSON

If your child has a score of 9 or less in this section, reach out to your pediatrician or a mental health specialist. Whatever the quiz score—if your child displays concerning behaviors or says they want to hurt themselves or others, or if your gut tells you something’s wrong, get immediate help.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHANGES Tips from Tiffany Smith, clinical director of Tiffany Smith Counseling and partner and site supervisor for Flower Mound Counseling 1. Monitor eating and sleeping “Seek help for your child if you notice a large change in appetite … if your kid starts eating much more or much less than usual,” says Smith. Excessive sleeping is also a concern.

2. Pay attention to their interests “A red flag … is your kid losing interest in something they used to love for no obvious reason,” Smith says. Be alert to sudden friendship changes or increased irritability.

3. Physical Changes Watch for weight fluctuations and signs of self-harm. “You need to question any bruises, cuts or scratches that can’t be accounted for,” Smith advises.

4. Stay up on their grades A sudden academic drop may reflect a problem.

5. Keep an eye on screen activity Kids may make cries for help through text messages and social media.

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

LOCAL RESOURCES Alliance Child & Family Solutions Multiple locations; acfstexas.com Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center Dallas; drbeckloff.com Children’s Health Pediatric Psychiatry & Psychology Dallas and Plano; childrens.com Dallas CBT Dallas; dallascbt.com HOPE Child & Family Center of Texas Dallas; hopecentertx.com Jacqueline Hood, Ph.D. Plano; dallaschildpsychologist.com Metrocare Child & Adolescent Center Dallas; metrocareservices.org Therapy Dallas Dallas; therapydallas.com Tiffany Smith Counseling Flower Mound; heartyourfamily.com

nutrition _______ My child eats three meals a day, plus 2–3 snacks. _______ My child eats a breakfast that includes a lean protein every morning. _______ My child ages 4–8 eats two and a half dairy servings per day.

_______ My child ages 9–12 eats three dairy servings per day. _______ My child ages 4–8 eats four or five servings of grain foods (preferably whole grain) per day. _______ My child ages 9–12 eats five or six servings of grain foods per day. _______ My child eats five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. _______ My child ages 4–8 eats three or four servings of protein per day. _______ My child ages 9–12 eats five servings of protein per day. _______ My child eats fatty fish two or three times per week. _______ Less than 10 percent of my child’s daily caloric intake comes from sugar. _______ My child eats less than a teaspoon of salt a day. _______ I model appropriate dietary patterns and practices for my child. _______ A majority of my child’s meals are eaten with family. _______ My child mostly drinks water or milk, occasionally drinks fruit juice and rarely drinks soda. _______ My child eats mostly homecooked meals.

_______ A majority of my child’s meals are eaten away from the TV, computer and other distractions.

TOTAL

___

If your child’s nutrition score is 12 or less, or you still have concerns, touch base with your pediatrician or another dietary expert.

BALANCED DIETS Tips from Angela Lemond, registered dietitian and co-owner of Lemond Nutrition

© ISTOCK

1. No tricks “I’m not a big fan of sneaking veggies into children’s meals,” Lemond says. “When you’re doing it behind their back it doesn’t encourage them to make good choices on their own.”

2. Start ’em early The earlier you can introduce a healthy food into your child’s diet, the better. “Even if they ini-

tially reject a food, keep offering it,” Lemond advises.

3. Monkey see, monkey do Take a good, hard look at your own diet. “Model optimal eating behavior and eat a variety of foods,” Lemond recommends.

asleep in school.

_______ My child does not snore loudly or have pauses in breathing while sleeping.

TOTAL___

LOCAL RESOURCES Dallas Nutrition Therapy Irving; dallasnutritiontherapy.com DietGenics Nutrition Consulting Dallas; dietgenics.com Lemond Nutrition Plano and Rockwall; lemondnutrition.com

If your child’s sleep score is 7 or less, that’s a sign you should talk to your pediatrician or a sleep specialist. (Talk to them anyway if your child is excessively sleepy in the daytime, or if your child snores or pauses while breathing during sleep.)

GETTING BETTER ZZZs Tips from Dr. Angela Mix, West Plano Pediatrics and UT Southwestern Medical Center clinical teaching faculty

LifeCycle Nutrition Allen; lifecycle-nutrition.com

sleep _______ My child ages 3–5 gets 10–13 hours of sleep in 24 hours. _______ My child ages 6­–12 gets 9–12 hours of sleep in 24 hours. _______ My child seems relatively alert and awake during the day. _______ My child’s sleeping environment is cool, dark and quiet. _______ My child and I have a nightly bedtime routine. _______ We turn off all blue-light emitting screens (TVs, tablets and computers) well before my child’s bedtime.

_______ My child avoids spending time in bed except for sleeping. _______ My child doesn’t get caffeine. _______ My child usually stays in his own bed at night. _______ My child does not fall

1. Consistency, consistency “Allowing your child to stay up extra late [on weekend nights] may backfire,” Mix warns. “They will not necessarily sleep in longer and may in fact get up even earlier and be more irritable.”

2. Keep evenings low key “Avoid high-stimulation activities such as video games, TV, movies and exercising at least one hour before bed,” Mix advises.

3. Keep technology out of the bedroom “[Gadgets] can disrupt sleep throughout the night,” Mix says.

Try a central docking station.

LOCAL RESOURCES Children’s Health Sleep Disorder Center Dallas; childrens.com Dallas Sleep Multiple locations; dallas-sleep.com Pediatric Pulmonary & Sleep Specialists Dallas and Plano; pediatricpulmonary.com Pediatric Sleep Institute Plano; pediatricsleepinstitute.com Simple Sleep Snoring & Apnea Center Dallas; simplesleepservices.com

This quiz assesses well-being for ages 4–12 and is based on advice from Dr. Kim Mangham, Cook Children’s Pediatrics Keller • Angela Lemond, Lemond Nutrition in Plano and Rockwall • Araceli Vázquez, DietGenics Nutrition Consulting, LLC in Dallas • Tiffany Smith, Tiffany Smith Counseling and Flower Mound Counseling • Dr. Angela Mix, West Plano Pediatrics dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

33

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Mom Approved

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

ACUPUNCTURE

DALLAS

Guevara, Emily LAc The Acupuncture Juncture

PLANO

Tong, Jianting LAc Chinese Medicine Wellness Center of America

ABA THERAPY

CARROLLTON

Dudgaonkar, Sonia BCBA Therapy & Beyond “Sonia is an amazing BCBA! She is great about communicating with me about my son’s goals and progress. She collaborates with his speech team and implements OT strategies to help my son. She goes out of her way to help us work on challenging behaviors.”

—Vanessa, Lewisville See ad on page 30.

GRAND PRAIRIE

Smith, Jessica MA, BCBA LoneStar Solutions

PLANO

Wood, Kelsey DC True Light Chiropractic

Irwin, Meghan DC Invigorate Chiropractic

COPPELL

Osterman, Lacey DC Invigorate Chiropractic

Dodge, Daniel DC, CACCP Dodge Family Chiropractic Frye, Derek, OPA-C, DC Integrative Medical of Coppell

DALLAS

Berry, Stephanie DC Mother Me Chiropractic Cardwell, Katrina DC Katrina Cardwell, DC Carlin, Maxwell DC Vibrant Life Chiropractic Johnson, Sarah DC, Webster Certified Next Level Chiropractic

Romanies, Jackie DC Dr. Matt’s Wellness Center Spector, Ashley DC Spector Chiropractic

ROCKWALL

Marzluff, Cassidie DC T3 Chiropractic

Maurer, Anne DC Adjust Chiropractic

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

ROCKWALL

Weber, Denisa DC Serving Life Chiropractic

ALLEN

Mize, Milton DC Mize Chiropractic

Vogt, Jennifer DC T3 Chiropractic

Miller, Meier DC Restoration Dallas Chiropractic

CHIROPRACTIC

Chin, Shannon DC Power & Life Family Chiropractic

Katz, Brianne DC Uprise Chiropractic

Moses, Nikki MEd, BCBA Consulting 4 the Spectrum Shojaei-Scott, Karri BCBA Marigold ABA Therapy Center

PLANO

Wuistinger, Jamie DC Pro Motion Chiropractic

DALLAS

Minze, Laura PhD Dallas CBT

COUNSELING

ADDISON

Lozano, Rusty MEd, LPC, BCB, IMC Center for Biofeedback & Behavior Therapy

Castillo, Samuel DC Forever Wellness Family Chiropractic

FRISCO

Jackson, Nicole DC Grounded Wellness

Mewett, Mary Grace LPC The CrossRoads Group

Francescangeli, Jaime DC Forever Wellness Family Chiropractic

IRVING

Wicks, Tiffany MS, LPC, NCC Push Counseling & Coaching

Harrison, Jonathan DC New Directions Chiropractic

MCKINNEY

CELINA

Wood, Colton DC True Light Chiropractic 34

Price, Jamienne DC Mindful Chiropractic & Wellness

ALLEN

Galipp, Amber DC Legacy Family Chiropractic

Burson, Jackie MS, NCC, LPC-S, RPT-S North Texas Counselors

Hall, Camhy DC, MAOM Family Tree Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Peltier, Mariah MEd, LPC Peltier Family Counseling, PLLC

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

35

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

M O M A P P R O V E D / W H O L E H E A LT H & WELLNESS

Walls, Vicki EdS, LPC A Better You Counseling Services

FARMERS BRANCH Shaw, Lori LPC-S Taylor Counseling Group

FRISCO

Larsen, Dani MS, LPC Apple Counseling & Consulting Maupin, Jennifer MA, LPC-S Apple Counseling & Consulting

GRAND PRAIRIE

Willis, Harold L. MA, LPC, LCDC, SAP Willis Counseling

IRVING

Harris, Bridgette PhD, LCSW Counseling & Wellness Institute

MCKINNEY

Grandjean, Brian PhD LPC Emerald Palace Practice Hekmatyar, T. Kim LCSW New Horizons Center for Healing Kazemi-Mohammadi, Leza (Reza) LPC New Horizons Center for Healing Quan, Jeff LPC-S New Horizons Center for Healing Ritzi, Rochelle LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S, CCPT-S, CPRT-S Therapy on the Square

DALLAS

Apple, Michelle LCSW Apple Counseling & Consulting Beckloff, Dean PhD, LPC-S Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center “Super smart and so good with the kids. They trust him.”

—Erin, Dallas See ad on page 30.

Campbell, Kittie LPC Center for Social Success Fedro, Holly LCSW Center for Social Success Gobin, Patty MEd, LPC Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center “Patty exudes a patience and calmness that puts children at ease. Her kind and soft demeanor has helped my daughter open up to her very quickly. Patty has been such a help to our family, and we love her so much!.”

—Lauren, Dallas See ad on page 30.

Grisham, Zac MS, LPC-S ClearView Counseling “He has been amazing in helping my super-emotional son navigate his feelings and manage his anger.

He has also helped him, me and my husband (his stepdad) deal with some very difficult times that my 36

son is going through. I will recommend him every time!”

—Tara, Carrollton See ad on page 19.

Istre, Susan LPC-S, BCPC Center for Social Success James, Vicki LPC, LMFT Vicki James, LPC, LMFT Jones, Myron LPC-S, LCDC New Outlook Counseling & Wellness Center Kanne, David MA, LPC Center for Biblical Counseling Kertsburg, Kim LCSW Dallas Postpartum Support Leipold, Vera MEd, LPC Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center “Vera has been very helpful to my kid and also us parents. I’ve seen improvements all around since using her services. The location is easy to get to, and appointments are easy to schedule. The waiting room is great for the siblings to play in while the other has play therapy.

Very satisfied with Vera’s care.”

—Hannah, Fate See ad on page 30.

Manes, Gretchen MEd, LPC, NCC Gretchen Manes, MEd, LPC, NCC Mathis, Aletha LCSW Harmony Counseling Center Orr, Laura MA, LMFT HeadFirst Counseling

The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

PLANO

Benoit, Laura Lyn MA, LPC HopeWorks

RICHARDSON

Cravens, Carrie LCSW Lifeologie

ROCKWALL

Moore, Lauren MS, LPC, RPT Lauren Moore, MS, LPC, RPT

ROYSE CITY

Webb, Sascha MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC The Well Counseling

HOLISTIC MEDICINE

DALLAS

Schulenburg, Julia BSN, NMD, CTN, CLT Center for Holistic Healing

MEDICAL MASSAGE

PLANO

Frank, Victoria ALMT Amazing Therapeutic Touch of Eden

NEUROFEEDBACK

DALLAS

Bell, Pamela EdD, LPC Advanced Neurofeedback Center

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

DALLAS

Aderholt, Suzanne OTR, MOT, CST-D Integrative Pediatric Therapy Buttine, Sandy OTR, SIPT, NDT Playworks

PHOTO COURTESY OF ©ISTOCK

ARLINGTON

Reyna, Valerie LPC, RPT Mariposa Counseling Center

Schumann, Brandy LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S Therapy on the Square

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

hours. But more importantly, they care.”

—Aaron, Dallas See ad on page 30.

McLaughlin, Laura MEd, LPC, RPT HeadFirst Counseling Pierce, Laura LMFT, RPT Insights Collaborative Therapy Group Sewell, Erica LCSW Full Circle Counseling & Family Services

LaJoie, Barbara OT, SIPR Cert, IM Cert Integrative Pediatric Therapy Lyle Fryer, Meghan OTR, MOT, CST Integrative Pediatric Therapy Rhea, Casey OTR, SIPT Playworks

Skinner, Jessie MS, LPC-S, RPT-S Sparrow House Counseling

Hood, Jacqueline PhD, LP, LSSP Jacqueline Hood Oppenheimer, Rachel PsyD, LSSP Upside Therapy & Evaluation Center

SPEECH THERAPY

Cato, Jamie CCC-SLP Holland Speech & Consulting

PLANO

DALLAS

Hibbard, Heather MA, LPC-S Heather Hibbard Counseling

Vitale, Harpreet OTR, MA, CST Integrative Pediatric Therapy

House, Kim LPC-S, RPT Brave Space Counseling

Washer, Keelie MOT, OTR Theraplay

Rees, Sara LPC, RPT, NCC Brave Space Counseling

PHYSICAL THERAPY

PLANO

Heath, Robi LPC Kid Talk

Farrokh, Yas MS, LPC Apple Counseling & Consulting

Suggs, Jennifer MOT, OTR, SIPT Suggs Pediatric Outpatient Therapy Services (SPOTS)

DALLAS

Strenger, Nathaniel PsyD Pastoral Counseling Center

COPPELL

D’Amore, Kelsey MS, LPC, RPT, EMDR-Trained Connect to Thrive

Vadlamani, Sudha OT Comprehensive Therapy Services

Sevadjian, Cristina PhD, LP, LMFT, LPC-S, LSSP Sparrow House Counseling

FRISCO

Rodin, Devorah OTR, MS Integrative Pediatric Therapy

RICHARDSON

Sahl, Gayla PhD Gayla Sahl, PhD

Augustine, Molly CCC-SLP Holland Speech & Consulting

Betzen, Rachel, MA, CCC/SLP Dallas Reading & Language Services Brooks, Kassi MS, CCC-SLP Pediatric Plastic Surgery Institute Friedman, Laura MS, CCC-SLP Bloom Speech & Language Therapy

FRISCO

Ahmed, Amanda MA, EdM, CCC-SLP Summit Speech Therapy

PSYCHIATRY

Martinez, Daisy SLP-A Summit Speech Therapy

Zrnic, Uros MD Coppell Counseling

Stoneman, Katie CCC-SLP Frisco Speech & Language Therapy

PSYCHOLOGY

IRVING

COPPELL

Fletcher, Melanie PT, DPT, IM, ImPACT, V2FIT Integrative Concussion Therapy

DALLAS

Martino, Brigitte PT, CST-T Integrative Pediatric Therapy

Nichols-Jones, Natalie PsyD Natalie Nichols-Jones, PsyD

Webb, Deanna PT, DPT Integrative Pediatric Therapy

Ruberu, Maryse PhD Dr. Maryse Ruberu

Nichols, Jill PhD, LP Jill H. Nichols, PhD

Garcia Hunter, Diana CCP-SLP Pediatric Rehab

PLANO

Bober, Sally MA, CCC Sally Bober & Associates Henderson, Staci MS, CCC-SLP Speech Nest

FARMERS BRANCH Thomas, Mary PT Innovative Therapy

RICHARDSON

Mills, Lissa MSPT Comprehensive Therapy Services

ROCKWALL

Thomas, Jeanine PT Excel Pediatric Therapy

PLAY THERAPY

DALLAS

PHOTO COURTESY OF ©ISTOCK

Carlson, Sarah PhD, LPC-S, RPT, RYT Mighty Oaks Counseling Lozano, Erin MEd, LPC-S, RPT-S Center for Social Success Lucas, Shannon LPC-Intern HERE help redefined Makan, Trisha LPC-Intern Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center “Very kid-friendly place. Convenient dfwchild.com / The Well Guide

37

MAKING THE LIST what it means to be mom approved WORDS

DFWCHILD EDITORS

C

hoosing a health professional to care for your child can be a little like searching for your significant other. They first have to check all the boxes (education, area of specialty, location)—and then there’s the question of chemistry. Does this doctor feel like the right fit? Does she “connect” with your family? It’s not uncommon to visit a few different providers before you commit. We wanted to make that process easier. That’s why DFWChild compiles our Mom Approved lists. They include doctors (and dentists and counselors and midwives and more) recommended by our readers—other DFW parents—who are equally passionate about finding the best of the best for their children. We hope this helps you connect with your health care match.

WHAT IS A MOM APPROVED DOCTOR (OR DENTIST, ETC.)?

Mom Approved health and wellness professionals are those who have earned the trust, admiration and respect of our readers.

Parents reached out to us, recommended these pediatricians, OB/GYNs, fertility specialists, therapists, orthodontists and other providers—and told us why. Whether it’s about their professional acumen, flexibility or gentle demeanor, these health care professionals have impressed moms and dads like you who care deeply about their kids’ whole health. All these providers are licensed (if applicable) and were in good standing with their respective certification or examination boards at press time.

WHAT MAKES MOM APPROVED DOCTORS DIFFERENT? Each year, publications come out with lists ranking area

health care professionals. Often these providers are chosen not by patients and clients but by other providers. Mom Approved Doctors are unique 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.

IS THE LIST EXHAUSTIVE? The list is by no means exhaustive—there are likely many outstanding 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:

38 The Well Guide / dfwchild.com

• Pediatricians, pediatric

specialists and family doctors • Dentists and orthodontists • OB/GYNs, midwives and

fertility specialists • Counselors, chiropractors and other wellness professionals

We post surveys at different points during the year on our website; visit dfwchild.com/directory and look for Mom Approved Docs.

We ask that you leave comments telling us why you love a particular provider—other parents want to know why you think a health care professional is special. (Comments we publish may be edited for grammar, clarity and length.)

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE MOM APPROVED DOCTORS? The full list of Mom Approved providers, with comments from the parents who recommended them, can be viewed in the Mom Approved Docs section at dfwchild.com/directory.

KIDS BELIEVE ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. SO DO WE. KIDS RULE. TM

childrens.com