Resources

In March 2025, Utah became the first state in the U.S. to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, following the passage of House Bill 81, signed into law by Governor Spencer Cox. This legislation prohibits municipalities from adding fluoride to their water systems, emphasizing individual choice over community-wide dental health measures.

Understanding when to monitor growth more closely — and when to take action — is key to ensuring your child reaches their full potential, both physically and developmentally.

We see the long-term effects that pregnancy experiences can have on parents and babies alike — which is why early support during pregnancy is so important. One condition that is often under-recognized, under-treated, and incredibly taxing is Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).

When cold symptoms drag on for weeks — especially in spring or fall — it's worth considering that allergies, not illness, could be the cause. If everyone in the family is sneezing, congested, or sniffling around the same time each year, seasonal or environmental allergies may be to blame.

Using simple hypnotic techniques at home, you can teach your child how to quiet their mind, relax their body, and naturally ease themselves into restful sleep. Clinical hypnosis for children isn’t about “mind control” — it’s about teaching kids to focus their attention in helpful ways and activate the natural relaxation systems in their bodies.

One of the most contagious and dangerous of these diseases is measles. While the measles vaccine has proven to be an effective and crucial part of public health, the disease remains a serious threat to children who are not vaccinated or are in communities with low vaccination rates.

There are several approaches to managing seasonal allergies, combining both standard medical treatments and integrative solutions to help minimize triggers and improve your child’s quality of life.

This article aims to clarify the facts about GBS, the benefits of antibiotics during labor, and how to optimize newborn health if a mother tests positive for GBS.

Q-tips are a commonly used method for keeping ears clear for both children and adults, but you may have heard safety warnings about them. It’s true that Q-tips come with safety risks, but does that mean you should avoid them altogether?

One of the most common concerns parents have is when their child develops a fever. While fever can be alarming, it’s important to understand that a fever itself is not necessarily dangerous—it’s often a sign that the body is fighting an infection (most commonly a virus). However, knowing when to be concerned and when to remain calm can make all the difference in how you care for your child during these times.

One of the most common respiratory illnesses I see during the colder months is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). While many parents may not be familiar with it, RSV is one of the leading causes of respiratory illness in young children, particularly those under the age of 2.

While there's no magic cure for the common cold, several natural remedies may help alleviate symptoms and support your child’s immune system.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is an infection of the respiratory system caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. This causes severe coughing spells, which can result in a “whooping” sound when the child breathes in.

Essential oils can have many health benefits but some caution should be used in children - especially young children. Children have more sensitive skin & lungs compared to adults, making them more susceptible to adverse reactions.

As parents, we’re always looking for safe, evidence-based ways to support our children’s development. If your child or teen has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you may have heard about a supplement called leucovorin.

Also known as folinic acid, leucovorin is gaining attention in the autism community for its potential to improve not just language and communication, but also emotional regulation and anxiety in some children and teens.

As the summer sun warms up our days, families head outside to make memories at the pool, park, and on vacation. Along with the fun comes the need for a few extra precautions to keep kids safe from drowning risks, sun damage, and pesky mosquito bites. Here’s a guide—with some integrative medicine insights—to help your family enjoy the season with confidence.

Summer is prime time for hiking, camping, fort-building in the woods, and barefoot backyard adventures. Unfortunately, it’s also peak season for itchy rashes caused by plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and stinging nettle. At Healing Arts Pediatrics, we often see a spike in visits during this season related to these irritating, but preventable, skin reactions.

In recent years, mold exposure has become a go-to explanation for a wide range of childhood symptoms—everything from fatigue and brain fog to behavioral challenges and chronic congestion.

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids. Costumes, candy, and glowing jack-o’-lanterns make for magical memories. At the same time, it’s important for parents to plan ahead so the night stays safe, healthy, and enjoyable for the whole family.

The holiday season brings joy, connection, and travel—but also an increased risk of catching and spreading viruses like colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19. With families gathering indoors and children sharing space and hugs with relatives, it’s the perfect environment for germs to circulate.

Here are evidence-based strategies to help your family stay healthy, plus guidance on what to keep in your medicine cabinet in case illness strikes.

Vitamin D, often called the "sunshine vitamin," plays a crucial role in the overall health and development of children. As a pediatrician, I encourage supplementation with vitamin D, especially during the winter and flu season. Vitamin D is not just important for bone health; it has a broad range of benefits for immune function, growth, and development.

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, many families find themselves battling more frequent colds, coughs, and fevers. Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet can turn stressful sick days into more manageable ones. Preparing now means fewer late-night pharmacy runs and more confidence in keeping your child comfortable when illness strikes.

Torticollis, also referred colloquially to as "wryneck" or "twisted neck," is a rare medical condition characterized by the contraction of muscles causing the head to twist to one side.  

Vitamin K is a critical nutrient that plays a key role in various physiological processes, particularly in blood clotting and bone health. For newborns and infants, maintaining adequate vitamin K levels is especially important due to their unique nutritional needs and vulnerability to certain health conditions.

As flu season approaches each year, one of the most important steps we can take to protect our children is getting them vaccinated against influenza (the flu). The flu is more than just a common cold—it can lead to serious health complications, especially in young children.

As of late June 2025, measles cases have been officially reported in Utah. While this disease was once considered eliminated in the U.S., it is making a comeback due to international travel and pockets of under-vaccination.

Utah’s newborn screening program is a vital safety net for your child’s health. It’s fast, painless (aside from a brief heel stick), and can detect more than 40 rare but serious health conditions before symptoms ever appear. Early detection can make the difference between a life filled with opportunity and one limited by illness or disability.

Ear pain is one of the most common reasons parents reach out to their pediatrician—and understandably so. It’s distressing for children and parents alike. But not all ear pain is created equal. Understanding the most likely causes can help you make informed decisions about when to treat at home and when it’s worth coming in for a visit.

If you’ve ever wondered whether this vaccine is truly necessary so early, or if you’ve hesitated because of questions or concerns you’ve heard, you’re not alone. Many thoughtful, loving parents wrestle with this decision. In this article, we want to offer a calm, evidence-based explanation of the risks of hepatitis B, how it’s transmitted, and why the vaccine—especially in the first year of life—is such an important layer of protection.

Over the past year, headlines have reignited concern about whether taking acetaminophen (Tylenol or paracetamol) during pregnancy could increase a child’s risk of developing autism or ADHD. As pediatricians, we understand how unsettling these stories can feel for expectant and new parents.

Let’s take a closer look at what the most reliable studies actually show, why some of those fears have been overstated, and how you can use medications safely and confidently.