Dr. Lori Gore-Green | Women's Health Professional

Dr. Lori Gore-Green's Portfolio of Experience as a Women's Health Professional

Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

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Homeschooling has gained popularity recently, with more parents considering it for their children. While it offers distinct advantages, homeschooling also comes with its challenges. 

Pros of Homeschooling:

  1. Personalized Learning

One of the primary benefits of homeschooling is the ability to tailor the curriculum to your child’s specific learning style and pace. This personalized approach can lead to a deeper understanding of subjects and a love for learning.

 

  1. Flexible Schedule

Homeschooling allows families to create flexible schedules. This flexibility can accommodate travel, extracurricular activities, and a better work-life balance for parents.

 

  1. Individualized Attention

Children receive one-on-one attention from their parents or educators in a homeschooling setting. This focused interaction can help address learning challenges and nurture their strengths.

 

  1. Safe Learning Environment

Homeschooling provides a safe and controlled learning environment, reducing exposure to bullying, peer pressure, and other negative aspects of traditional schools.

 

  1. Customized Curriculum

Homeschooling enables parents to select curricula that align with their values, beliefs, and educational goals. This freedom allows for a more comprehensive and meaningful education.

 

  1. Flexibility in Teaching Methods

Parents can choose various teaching methods and materials to accommodate their child’s learning style. This adaptability can make learning more engaging and enjoyable.

 

  1. Strong Family Bonds

Homeschooling fosters strong family bonds through shared educational experiences. It provides opportunities for parents and children to bond and develop a deeper connection.

 

  1. Enhanced Safety and Health

Homeschooling can reduce exposure to health risks, such as contagious illnesses, and safety concerns associated with traditional schools.

Cons of Homeschooling:

  1. Lack of Social Interaction

Homeschooled children may have fewer opportunities for social interaction with peers. This can affect their social development and ability to navigate group dynamics.

 

  1. Limited Extracurricular Activities

Traditional schools often offer extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and cultural events. Homeschooled children may have limited access to these opportunities.

 

  1. Parental Commitment

Homeschooling requires a significant time commitment from parents, which can be challenging for working parents or those with multiple children.

 

  1. Potential Gaps in Education

Inexperienced homeschooling parents may inadvertently overlook important subjects or teaching methods, resulting in gaps in their child’s education.

 

  1. Lack of Accreditation

Some colleges and universities may have specific admission requirements for homeschooled students, which can pose challenges for higher education.

 

  1. Resource Costs

Homeschooling can incur costs for educational materials, textbooks, and resources. It may also require one parent to stay home, impacting the family’s income.

 

  1. Legal Requirements

Homeschooling is subject to varying legal requirements depending on the state or country. Parents must navigate these regulations and meet educational standards.

 

  1. Potential for Isolation

Homeschooled children may experience feelings of isolation or a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

 

Homeschooling offers personalized learning, flexibility, and a safe environment, but it also poses challenges related to social interaction, parental commitment, and potential educational gaps. The decision to homeschool should consider your child’s needs, ability to provide a well-rounded education, and your family’s unique circumstances. Ultimately, homeschooling can be a rewarding experience when approached with dedication and a clear understanding of its pros and cons.

 

8 Ways to Get Your Children More Excited About Reading

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Encouraging a love of reading in children is a gift that can last a lifetime. However, getting kids excited about reading can be a challenge in today’s digital age. To help foster a passion for books, here are eight effective strategies:

 

  1. Create a Reading-Friendly Environment

A welcoming reading environment can make all the difference. Designate a cozy reading nook with comfortable seating, good lighting, and various age-appropriate books. Make it a special place where your child can escape the world of stories.

 

  1. Lead by Example

Children often model their behavior after adults, so they’re more likely to follow suit if they see you reading and enjoying books. Set aside time for family reading, where everyone can read their book or share a story.

 

  1. Offer a Diverse Selection

Stock your home with a wide range of reading materials, from picture books to graphic novels and non-fiction titles. Encourage your child to explore different genres, topics, and authors. Tailor their reading choices to their interests to keep them engaged.

 

  1. Make Reading an Adventure

Transform reading into an adventure by incorporating fun activities. For instance, you can:

 

  • Visit the Library: Take regular trips to the library, allowing your child to select books.
  • Read Aloud: Read stories aloud enthusiastically, using different voices for characters to make it entertaining.
  • Book Club: Organize a family or neighborhood book club where kids can discuss books they’ve read.
  • Book-related Outings: Plan outings related to books, such as visiting places mentioned in a story or attending author events if possible.

 

  1. Celebrate Milestones

Recognize and celebrate your child’s reading achievements. Set small goals, like completing a certain number of pages or finishing a book series, and reward them with praise or a small treat. Celebrating these milestones can boost their motivation to read.

 

  1. Participate in Reading Challenges

Join reading challenges or programs at your local library or school. These challenges often include incentives and prizes for meeting specific reading goals, adding an element of competition and excitement.

 

  1. Engage in Discussion

After your child finishes a book, engage them in discussions about the story. Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and exploration of themes and characters.

 

  1. Incorporate Technology Sparingly

While digital devices can be distracting, they can also be used to foster a love of reading. Consider e-books, audiobooks, or interactive reading apps that bring stories to life engagingly.

 

Remember that every child is unique; what excites one may not work for another. Be patient and adaptable in your approach, and always keep the focus on the joy of reading rather than pressuring your child. By implementing these strategies and nurturing a positive reading environment, you can help your children develop a lifelong love of books.

 

How to Make Your Kids Feel More at Home After Moving

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Moving can be a challenging experience for both parents and children. It can be difficult to adjust to a new home and community, especially for kids who may have to leave behind familiar surroundings, friends, and routines. However, there are steps you can take as a parent to help your kids feel more at home after moving. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for making the transition to a new home easier for your children.

Involve Your Kids in the Moving Process

One way to help your kids feel more at home after moving is to involve them as much as possible. This can help them feel like they have some control over the situation and give them a sense of ownership over their new home. Consider letting them help pack their belongings, choose decorations for their new room, and even pick out furniture or paint colors.

Create a Familiar Environment

One of the challenges of moving is that everything can feel new and unfamiliar. To help your kids feel more at home, try to create a familiar environment by unpacking their belongings as soon as possible. This can include their favorite toys, books, and clothing. Setting up their room to look and feel like their old room can also be comforting.

Establish Routines

Routines can be comforting and familiar for kids, especially in a new and unfamiliar environment. Try to establish routines as soon as possible after moving. This includes meal times, bedtime routines, and extracurricular activities. Stick to these routines as much as possible to help your kids feel more at home.

Explore the New Community

Exploring the new community can be fun to help your kids feel more at home after moving. Take them on a tour of the new neighborhood, including parks, playgrounds, and other local attractions. This can help them feel more connected to their new surroundings and can also help them make new friends.

Get Involved in Local Activities

Getting involved in local activities can be an excellent way for your kids to make new friends and feel more at home in their new community. Consider signing them up for sports teams, clubs, or other extracurricular activities. This can help them meet other kids with similar interests and give them a sense of belonging.

Stay in Touch With Old Friends

Moving doesn’t mean your kids have to lose touch with their old friends. Please encourage them to stay in touch through phone calls, video chats, and social media. This can help them feel less isolated and give them a sense of continuity and connection to their old home.

Be Patient and Supportive

Adjusting to a new home and community can take time, and your kids may experience various emotions as they navigate this transition. Be patient and supportive, and listen to their concerns and feelings. Encourage them to discuss their experiences and offer reassurance and guidance when needed.

Moving can be a challenging experience for kids, but there are steps you can take as a parent to help them feel more at home in their new environment. By involving them in the moving process, creating a familiar environment, establishing routines, exploring the new community, getting involved in local activities, staying in touch with old friends, and being patient and supportive, you can help your kids adjust to their new home and make a positive transition.

3 Things To Expect In The First Year Of Parenthood

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Even if parents think they’re prepared, there will still be something that they will not be able to anticipate during the first year of parenthood. This is, if not the most challenging job in the world. There are tons of books, articles, and advice that will help parents get through their first year, but chances are they’ll never truly be prepared. Of course, that doesn’t mean it hurts to try. Here are a few things you can expect in the first year of parenthood.

 

It’s More Expensive Than You Think

One of the biggest factors that parents face when it comes to dealing with kids is their unpredictable behavior. For instance, they may love a certain type of food you give them one day, but refuse to eat it the next. Chances are they’ll outgrow their clothes quicker than you anticipated, or destroy the clothes that do fit, and you’ll have to go and get new clothes almost regularly. And let’s not forget about diapers. All of these things can lead to unexpected expenses that are hard to anticipate. While we usually assume our children will be expensive, it’s safe to assume they’ll be even more expensive than that, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency fund for when you have to make purchases you never would have imagined.

 

You’re Going To Lose A Lot Of Sleep

Similar to baby expenses, most parents assume that they’re going to lose out on a lot of sleep in the first year of raising their baby. The fact of the matter though is that these things tend to be far worse in practice than our brains thought they would be. You thought you wouldn’t get much sleep? You’re somehow going to get even less than that. As kids get older, this doesn’t change much. They’ll still have issues falling asleep, wetting the bed, causing noise, or staying up late. Expecting parents should try to get as much sleep as they can now, as they’re not likely to get much more for a long time.

 

Mistakes Will Happen

Most parents struggle with the fear of making mistakes during the first year of parenting. There are many obvious errors that parents make, such as forgetting to feed or dropping the baby, but chances are there will be someone in your life who may try to micromanage all of your parenting decisions. This can make it easy to feel like you’re doing something wrong. Although it’s always possible to make mistakes, it’s also important to remember that these are learning experiences and that they should not happen again. Accept that you won’t always get things right and that you will grow from those experiences, and everything will turn out fine.

What to Expect from your Ultrasound Test

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What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a test used to see images of a patient’s organs, tissues, or unborn baby in the case of pregnancy. The process involves a tool called an ultrasound probe, which emits high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves bounce off of tissues and are reflected back towards the probe. The reflected sound waves are then recorded and used to generate an image of the tissues. This procedure allows providers to visualize tissues and identify possible problems such as tumors. Ultrasounds are also used frequently to monitor the development of unborn babies.

Are Ultrasounds Safe?

When done properly, ultrasounds are safe. The procedure is non-invasive, so it does not require anything risky like an incision. Additionally, unlike other tests like X-rays, ultrasounds function without radiation, so patients do not need to worry about the potentially harmful side effects of radiation.

What Happens During an Ultrasound?

The exact process will vary depending on the body part being examined. In general, the procedure involves having a gel applied to the area. The provider then passes the ultrasound probe over that area. Some ultrasounds, like abdominal ultrasounds (which are commonly used during pregnancy), are performed on the outside of the body. Other ultrasounds involve inserting the probe into the body. For example, if digestive organs are being examined, the probe will be inserted into the patient’s throat. It is normal for an ultrasound to take 30 minutes, but it may take up to an hour. Any patient with concerns or questions should ask their provider for specific details about the procedure before it is performed.

What Happens After an Ultrasound?

After an ultrasound is performed, the images will be examined by a radiologist. The radiologist develops a report to give to the provider who can then discuss the results with the patient. It generally does not take very long to receive one’s results after an ultrasound. If a qualified provider is present while the procedure is being performed, they may be able to discuss the results with the patient immediately. Otherwise, it may take several days to hear back. In some cases, the results of ultrasound may identify issues such as heart problems, tumors, or blood clots. If a diagnosis is made, the provider should then explain the patient’s options for treatment.

Choosing the Right Birth Control for You

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Many people yearn to have children. However, for some people, having kids may not be in their plans right now. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to prevent pregnancy and stay child-free. While choosing a method may seem challenging, there are birth control methods that work well for many individuals.

The birth control pill

Birth control pills are one of the most popular forms of contraception. They keep the hormones in the body consistent and prevent ovulation. The user takes three weeks of pills that consist of hormones, and one week of pills that are placebos. The individual takes one pill at the same time each day. The birth control pill can reduce acne, make periods lighter and reduce the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers. However, the pill can slightly increase the risk of blood clots.

The birth control patch and the ring

The patch and the ring deliver the same hormones as the birth control pill. The individual places the patch on their skin and changes it each week. The ring is a flexible piece of plastic that a user inserts into their vagina and replaces each month. When an individual takes off the patch or takes out the vaginal ring for an entire week, one can expect their period to come. The patch or ring user may experience bloating, breast tenderness, or mood changes. The patch and the ring are not good methods for smokers or those who have cancer.

The shot

A birth control shot is like the birth control pill. Most go to their doctor’s office for an injection four times throughout the year for individuals who choose this option. For some users, the birth control shot may cause an individual’s period to become lighter. For others, their period may stop altogether. A birth control shot may cause bone thinning for users. However, once the individual discontinues the shot, the bone-thinning process reverses.

The intrauterine device (IUD)

An intrauterine device is a reversible, long-term method of birth control. One type of IUD is a hormone-filled plastic device. Another form of IUD is a copper version that doesn’t contain hormones. Both devices work by making it incredibly difficult for the sperm to reach the egg in one’s uterus. A physician must place this device in the uterus during an in-office appointment. This insertion can be a painful procedure for some women. An individual may also experience unpredictable bleeding for months after insertion.

The implant

A birth control implant is a tiny plastic rod that a physician places under the skin. It’s placed in the user’s upper arm and sends a consistent supply of hormones into the bloodstream to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. The implant is similar to the hormones that are in the IUD. Some users may have lighter periods, but some individuals will notice their period becomes heavier.

If an individual is not dreaming of the sound of little feet running around the house, they can schedule a consultation with their doctor and discuss the best birth control method that might work best for their life.

Pregnancy and COVID-19

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When the COVID-19 pandemic began, physicians could only speculate how the virus would affect at-risk patients. For many months, no one had definitive data on how pregnant women might be affected by COVID-19 or the coronavirus vaccines. According to the research journal Nature, a few facts have emerged about the relationship between pregnancy and COVID-19.

One American obstetrician, Yalda Afshar, has led the charge to gather data. She was pregnant herself when the COVID-19 pandemic first began, and that inspired her to create a registry for pregnant women to help scientists monitor the impact of the virus.

After a year of gathering data, Afshar and other scientists have determined that pregnant women are at greater risk of severe complications from COVID-19. Compared to other women their age, pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 and more likely to face long-term issues from the virus. As the Centers for Disease Control have previously reported, women of color are more likely to die from pregnancy than white women, and this trend has continued, as pregnant women of color seem to be more affected by COVID-19.

The babies themselves rarely become sick from COVID-19. Lab work has shown that the virus is not often passed from mother to baby. Doctors still recommend breastfeeding, even for women who have tested positive for the virus. However, pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to deliver early, which could cause health issues for their babies.

Due to ethical concerns, no pregnant women were allowed to enroll in the clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines. While there are no data on how the vaccines might impact pregnant women, most obstetricians, and fetal-maternal specialists recommend that women discuss the vaccine with their providers. Globally, no governments have prioritized vaccine delivery to pregnant or lactating women.

Given the lack of data available, some scientists are calling for reforms to traditional research study guidelines. To these researchers, the protections that keep pregnant women from research studies are paternalistic and harmful. A handful of recent vaccine trials have included pregnant women, but the data from these trials are not yet available, and there’s no indication that overall research guidelines will be changed in the near future.