August 2013

It was 1986 when Sharon Ledford of Hopewell became a mother. Her son, Justin, was born by cesarean section that January, healthy and robust at 7 pounds and 14 ounces. Like most new parents, Sharon was looking forward to the milestones to come: first words, first steps, all the exciting…

Have you wondered if your child may have ADHD? Read on to learn how to spot the symptoms, get a diagnosis, and find helpful resources. You may have noticed that your child can’t sit still, seems to be in motion constantly, cannot pay attention, or moves quickly from one activity…

The long, sonorous call of a train whistle and the hypnotic rhythm of wheels across the seams of the steel rails can capture the attention of a small child and a wise old adult. One may gaze wide-eyed as the huge cars pass by, while the other may be moved…

Have you wondered if your child may have ADHD? Read on to learn how to spot the symptoms, get a diagnosis, and find helpful resources. You may have noticed that your child can’t sit still, seems to be in motion constantly, cannot pay attention, or moves quickly from one activity…

Yes, it’s August in Richmond. Hotter than hot, we’re all desperately trying to squeeze everything into summer we have yet to accomplish – beach trips, pool visits, splashes through the sprinkler, and the dreaded back-to-school shopping. We here at RFM are anxiously awaiting one of our favorite Richmond events of…

I could almost feel the cold, hard stare on the back of my head. I did not glance up into the rearview mirror. Doing so would not turn back time. The question could not be un-asked. School had just let out in mid-June and my medium-sized daughter, Robin, was in…

My buck-toothed and rather beefy 2-year-old thinks he’s Jamaican Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world. One minute, he delights in holding my hand at the store, pulling merchandise off the shelves, flirting with the cashier. Then without warning, he’ll squeeze his paw out of mine…

We’ve all heard it said that teenagers want to get as far away from their parents as possible, but come on! Did Ben, my sixteen-year-old, really have to take things so literally? When he signed up for a school-sponsored exchange program, I pictured Italy, South America, or someplace exotic like…

Toward the end of this past June, my Facebook feed was filled with lots of “White Hot” posts about the Miami Heat and the NBA Championships. Ubiquitous during the playoffs, cheers for a favorite team or player are about as common as the food-I’m-about-to-eat photos people share. But then a…

Q: My 8-year-old son was disciplined by his school last year for bullying other children. The new school year is upon us, and I’m worried about him continuing this behavior. What should I do? A: Talk with your son about the bullying behavior that occurred in the past, and be…

Tykara Evans was given up for adoption at four months old and spent most of her early years in the child welfare system.After unsuccessful foster care placements, 17-year-old Tykara was placed in a group home at Virginia Home for Boys and Girls (VHBG). It was the first place that felt…

Back-to-school time usually means a visit with the pediatrician for many school-age children. Completed sports forms and school physicals are necessary for participation and school enrollment and allow doctors an opportunity to discuss growth, development, and preventative healthcare for your school-age child. Of the many questions we field, one of…

The big-head, or capgrosso, is a traditional Spanish art form made of paper maché and donned for parades and celebrations.Use a similar technique to make a maraca or puppet. What you need: • Small pieces of flat cardboard • Small balloons   • Masking tape • Newspaper • Flour and…

A strategic plan is a compass for business. It gives direction, helps organizations make good decisions, and supports balance. Typically, it involves collaboration and helps employees confidently say yes or no to ideas and opportunities that arise. A strategic plan also guides the company in staying on point to accomplish…

In human medicine, physical therapy has been a long-standing practice for a variety of disorders with proven results. Today, those same principles of rehabilitation have become integrated into veterinary medicine.The goals are the same and include improving mobility, decreasing pain, and expediting surgical recovery time. Physical therapy can benefit three…

Go-To Spinach and Artichoke Dip Combine an 8-oz package of room-temperature low-fat cream cheese, ½ cup chopped spinach (thawed frozen or cooked), and one 6-oz jar of marinated artichokes, drained. Reserve the marinade. Pulse all ingredients in a food processor while slowly pouring in half of the reserved artichoke marinade.Blend…