BY: ALISON MITZNER, MD Everyday stressors from parenting and work can make it hard to de-stress, and the additional strain from the pandemic certainly isn't making it any easier (48% of parents said their stress levels have increased since Covid-19). Therefore, it is no surprise that throwing moving into the mix can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. And not just for adults, children too.  For kids, moving away from their familiar home, going to a new school, and leaving behind friends are common sources of moving stress. Then, there is also the frequently overlooked parental stress ..read more

BY: ALISON MITZNER, MD Say what?! There are things you have to think about beyond that baby growing inside your belly? Yes. Newsflash: Your responsibility as a parent begins before you even meet the baby.  Good news: We’re talking largely paperwork. But, like, really important paperwork.  If you already have kids, getting these documents in place at any point is a good idea and never too late! The following for more info on the important paperwork: Living Will A living will is a written statement that communicates your medical wishes to others in the event you become incapacitated ..read more

BY: ALISON MITZNER, MD As we watched the chaos and violence at the Capitol and one of the worst days in U.S history… really just when we all thought the past year couldn’t get any worse, it did. The devastation, the fear… There really are no words. And as we watched so did our children. How do we even begin to explain this to our children? Parents everywhere are still dealing with the stress and anxiety of the pandemic on their children and now this. Children whether on their own cell phones seeing footages, overhearing adult conversations, hearing other kids speak about what is going on, wil ..read more

BY: ALISON MITZNER, MD Fitness and moving our bodies is especially important right now. When you’re living your entire life ‘at home’ you are likely busier than ever and that’s even more reason to ensure you move each and every day. Exercise aside from all of the physical benefits we all know of, it boosts your immune system, helps wake you up physically and mentally, and improves your mood. It gives you more energy during the day, helps you fall asleep faster, and improves the quality of sleep. Exercise also reduces the body’s stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. BUT, you also don’t ..read more

BY: ALISON MITZNER, MD When I first heard about Jim McKelvey’s book, The Innovation Stack I was so intrigued to read more. As the co-founder of Square, his book is an inspiring and entertaining story of what it means to be an entrepreneur and what it takes to build a resilient company. It sounded like such an inspirational book for entrepreneurs who want to tackle everyday problems. I quickly learned it was that and so much more! There are countless problems that arise in our life - not only professionally but personally, and this book shows the common themes of innovation for both. Some prob ..read more

By ALISON MITZNER, MD Parents often experience stress, and more so these days. There are so many discussions going on about  stress and our health and how to cope. But what about our children. They too can have stress.  With all going on in the world that they may not even understand, they can experience stress. Smaller things that adults may not consider stress may be stressful for a child as well.  That said, parents may not realize or be aware that their child is having stress.  That stress, even small, can impact a child feeling safe and secure and lead to anxiety if ..read more

By ALISON MITZNER, MD Most adults dread going to the gym and working out, so add in being an exhausted new mom- you are not alone! New parents dread starting a workout. They are not only tired but also often can feel overwhelmed with a new little one and are feel like they are just too busy to workout. There is a lot to do and learn all at once.  Getting started with exercise and a fitness routine is often the hardest part! Small amounts of exercise, even to just moving (15-20 min) can really help; walk around the block with the stroller, workout with a YouTube video in your living room ..read more

By ALISON MITZNER, MD I’m sure most soon-to-be moms and moms have heard of this term! And if not yet, if you are expecting, you will soon. Pregnancy brain and mommy brain does really exist. Some moms feel less mentally clear or in a fog or just forgetful. In pregnancy, this is due to changes in brain regions and hormones and may last even a couple years after delivery. Mommy brain, is due to different reasons including change in hormones, usually stress hormones (increased cortisol), lack of sleep, diet changes, often lower iron, multitasking and also just as you are preoccupied learning so ..read more

By ALISON MITZNER, MD The always asked about questions. New moms are tired and overwhelmed and want to lose the baby weight! What are some misconceptions about losing the baby weight? The weight loss doesn’t happen overnight or as fast as you see in celebrities.  Initially, it is important to be clear on expectations. It is true you can lose about half the weight quickly in the first month or two, but the remainder can take months or even a year or so! If you did gain more than the average 25-35 pounds, then it may take longer. It took the entire pregnancy to put on the weight and ..read more

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