My doctor said I am 1 cm dilated. Does that mean I should expect to go into labor any moment? I am regularly approached with this question. The answer is very simple – No. Many women can walk around for weeks with their cervix slightly dilated. This is not necessarily an indicator of the onset of […]
Tag: Safety


How to Keep Tweens Safe Online
There is no denying the fact that Internet can be a dangerous place for tweens, who are too young and naive to protect themselves against the many threats that are on the prowl in cyber space. There are over 100,000 websites involved in child pornography, whereas 75 percent of Internet crimes involving sexual solicitations of […]

Our Fight for an AIDS Free Generation
“This is not about charity. This is about justice.” -Bono Our habits are changing dramatically in the ways that we consume, educate and share. What we choose to do and buy creates new economies that can affect someone’s life on the other side of the world. There is no doubt that the tremendous power of […]

Moso Bags: Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic Air Purifiers
*This is sponsored product review Part I: THE SKINNY (in other words, what’s the product being reviewed, why is it different and why should I consider buying it?) What is a Moso Bag? The Moso Bag is a “non-toxic, eco-friendly, fragrance free, extremely effective air purifier that absorbs odors, bacteria, harmful pollutants and allergens. It […]

Can I Do Abdominal Exercises During Pregnancy?
Can I still do abdominal exercises – like crunches – while I’m pregnant? It is very important to maintain strength and stability in the core to help support the exaggerated curves of the spine and the weight of the growing fetus during pregnancy. However, one needs to be mindful of the manner in which it […]

On the Field and Off
The start of school brings many new, exciting, and sometimes stressful changes for kids, including getting up early, daily homework, reconnecting with friends, and beginning fall sports. For those who play contact or collision sports, like football and soccer, this can be a time of great excitement and anxiety for parents as well. The concussion […]

Ask Dr. Gramma Karen: We Worry about Our Kids Visiting Homes Where There Are Firearms
My husband, two young children (ages two and four), and I are now living in a community in which gun ownership and NRA (National Rifle Association) memberships are commonplace. We moved from the East where guns were not as common. Growing up I knew that some families had guns, but I never saw them or […]

Keeping Summer Safe for Your Children
As a mom, I love summer. It is such a great time to enjoy the outdoors – beaches, parks, swimming and more. And as a mom and a pediatrician, I also know that applying sunblock to your little one (except babies younger than 6 months) is easier said than done and one battle worth fighting […]