DR. JENNIFER SHU
Dr. Jennifer Shu is a pediatrician in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a mom and practices part time at Children's Medical Group. She's passionate about working with families to help them build healthy habits. She says continuing good habits is much easier than breaking bad habits.
Shu earned her medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. She specialized in pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.
Her experience includes working in private practice, as well as working in an academic medical center. She served as director of the normal newborn nursery at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire.
Shu is also an author, consultant and frequent media guest. She is a co-author of "Food Fights" and "Heading Home with Your Newborn" and was editor for the American Academy of Pediatrics' "Baby and Child Health."
Shu enjoys music, skiing, reading, sudoku and eating out. Her Web site is www.jennifershu.com.
I was recently diagnosed with polyps on my ovaries. Is this a serious condition? What are the risks and how concerned should I be about potential problems?
I have a heart murmur and until recently my dentist said I needed antibiotics when I had my teeth cleaned. When did this recommendation change?
I am a 51-year-old male, and I was wondering what is considered a normal amount of times to urinate in a day?
My 10-month-old child was crawling outside a friend's house and got some dog poop in his mouth. I don't know how much he ate. What should I do?
Do flu shots make you susceptible to Alzheimer's?
I noticed some blood in the corner of my eye when I woke up this morning. My eye doesn't hurt and I can see fine. I don't remember poking it with anything. What could this mean?
I recently had my first baby and just learned I have OCD. My doctor put me on a very low dose of antidepressant and my symptoms are much better. I am breast-feeding my son and don't want to use formula but am worried about side effects. What problems should I look for?
My grandson is suffering with eczema. Over-the-counter creams aren't working. His skin has been getting worse for the past three weeks. I've heard that bleach baths can help. Is it safe to give him a bleach bath?
I notice the color of my urine has gone from looking like champagne to looking like cranberry juice in three days. Should I be concerned? I am not on any medications.
My 12-year-old daughter was found to have calcium oxalate crystals in her urine. The doctor said to watch out for kidney stones, which happen to run in our family. What should we do to prevent my daughter from developing stones?
I heard that someone in my area died recently of West Nile virus. I try to avoid mosquito bites but sometimes still get bitten. What symptoms would I expect if I have the infection?
I'm 40 and stopped taking the pill a year ago, after using it for some 20 years. Since then I have developed persistent, painful, cystic acne. My periods have also become very irregular and heavy. Could these problems be linked to quitting the pill? Could I have thyroid or ovarian problems?
My newborn son has blue birthmarks on his back. The doctor called them Mongolian spots (but we are not Asian) and said they are found in darker skinned babies and not to worry. Our other kids didn't have them. What are they? Will they go away?
During a recent family trip to the mountains, our kids, who were sleeping in the attic, were awakened by a bat flying around the room. We called our doctor, who told us to go to the emergency room, where the kids got the rabies vaccine and immune globulin. Was that really necessary?
My doctor's office started offering this season's flu vaccine in early August. Should I get it now or wait until closer to flu season?
I'm about to travel to the other side of the world for a week and have to work the day after I get back. I've heard melatonin can help prevent jet lag when I return and would rather take that than medicine. What else can I do?
We just got back from the beach and I noticed that my 6-year-old daughter has some dry white spots on her face. I make sure she always wears sunscreen, and she has not had a sunburn. I've put lotion on her skin but it's not helping. She had eczema when she was younger but that always showed up on her arms and legs and not the face. What could this be?
Is it normal for a 12-year-old girl who has started her menstrual cycle for the first time, within the last six months to have a pungent, almost metallic, body odor? She gets teased for her smell all the time and we have tried everything to fix it.
My teammate and I collided during a ballgame last weekend, and I blacked out for a few seconds before being taken to the emergency room. They did a CT scan of my head, which was fine. I am still having some headaches but have plans to fly across the country this weekend. Should I cancel my trip?
I'm a 14-year-old boy and I was told that I have Asperger's syndrome. The doctors told us that I have the IQ of a borderline genius. On average what are the chances of that happening?
I had a terrible cold that lasted about two weeks, and my right ear is still clogged with congestion. I find that it gets worse throughout the day, and I get that "popping" feeling when I blow my nose. Should I be on antibiotics?
My 4-year-old son has a gray hair. He was born prematurely and weighed 2 pounds, 6 ounces. Now he is around 29 pounds. He had a gray hair few months back (I guess it fell off after couple of months), and now I see another one (different area). Does that imply any deficiencies in his diet?
I'm a boy and I'm 14 years old. I'm also exactly 5 feet tall. What is wrong with me?
I have had several dental x-rays within the past 3 to 4 years, as I have had braces, and other dental problems that have needed x-rays in order to deal with the problems. When I had my 3-D scan last summer I felt fuzzy for at least a day after the x-ray. Now again I had an x-ray three days ago, and I still feel very fuzzy and not all there. Is it normal to actually feel the effects of an x-ray?
I'm eight months pregnant and plan to breastfeed. I will go back to work after a few months and am thinking about getting a heavy-duty double breast pump, but the new ones are very expensive. Is it safe to buy or rent a used one? I'm worried about the germs that might be inside the pump but can't really afford a new one.
My 14-year-old daughter has had bumps on her cheeks, upper arms and thighs for several years. Her pediatrician say it's keratosis pilaris and not to worry about it, but my daughter doesn't like the way the bumps look. Is there anything we can try to make them go away?
I'm 39 years old and have had a few floaters in both eyes for as long as I can remember. I go to the eye doctor every year for my glasses but forget to ask about these floaters. What causes them? Do I need to worry?
Hi. My boyfriend is 27 years old. Over the past two or three months, he has had an odd pattern of baldness. It started as a very small area (pencil eraser size) above his left ear, but it quickly spread upward as well as to the front and back. Right now, there is a very big (2-3 inches across) bald area on the left side of his ear. I heard that the usual, normal balding pattern is on the forehead, but haven't heard this type of balding. I was wondering what could have caused this and how can we treat it (if it can be treated). Thanks!
I have migraine headaches. What foods should I avoid to prevent my migraines?
My baby just turned 1 year old and has eight teeth. When does he need to start seeing a dentist?
I have a newborn. My pediatrician says to get close to his face when he's awake so he can see me. When will he start to see normally?
I've had 11 urinary tract infections in 13 months and the doctors only give me antibiotics. What is causing this to happen to me? I am scared it could be something really bad. What can I do?
I have had a weird rash on my hands for about a week. It started out like blisters after I was outside one day but now is flat and brown. It does not hurt or itch but does seem to be getting a little lighter. I'm not on any medications and did not use any sunscreen or skin products that day. What could be causing this?
I have not had a period for the past five years and before that I had a normal menstrual cycle for 10 years. I went to both my primary care doctor and gynecologist but after the initial blood work and pelvic ultrasound came back normal, it was decided I should go on birth control and stay on it until I reach menopause age. I really don't like the idea of being on birth control for the next 20 years. Is there another specialist I should see or another test I should ask for specifically?
My daughter has a severe food allergy. I keep epinephrine with me at all times and have left injectors in her day care classroom but am worried about not having one if she needs it. Can I keep one in the car for emergencies?
My 10-year-old daughter was just treated for lice for the third time this school year. What's the best way to get rid of them, and how can I make sure she doesn't get it again?
I have a heart murmur and until recently my dentist said I needed antibiotics when I had my teeth cleaned. When did this recommendation change?
I've noticed some bleeding during sex lately. All my Pap results and STD tests came back normal. What could be causing the bleeding and what should I do next?
I have a 3½-year-old daughter who weighs 26 pounds. She does not eat by herself and when I feed her, eats very little. She gets tired easily and remains very cranky. How can I encourage her to eat?
My eyes get very itchy when the weather changes in the spring. What's the best way to treat this? Oral medicines make me very sleepy.
I sometimes get little white lumps in my tonsils. What's the best way to get them out?
I had my first mammogram yesterday and my breasts are still really sore. I am fairly small-chested, and the tech said that usually makes it hurt more. What can I do for the pain now, and is there anything I can do to make it hurt less next time?
I'm 6 months pregnant, and I've heard that I shouldn't sleep on my back anymore. Is this true, and why?
Recently, more than 70 people from the same retirement neighborhood went on a five-day cruise. By the end of the cruise and right afterward, at least half of the people had colds and respiratory problems, with one person needing to be hospitalized with pneumonia. Could this illness be from the air conditioning or close quarters? What is the best way to notify the authorities to prevent others from contracting this illness?
I have been sick for two weeks and my doctor said I have jaundice from mono. I got my belly button pierced on spring break in Mexico and I'm worried. Could my jaundice be from hepatitis C or HIV instead?
Is it safe to fly with a 2-week-old?
My daughter is 1 year old now. Do I need to switch from formula to cow's milk? I heard that formula has more vitamins and minerals that the baby needs than milk. Therefore, my question is what the differences are between milk and formula and which one is better for a 1-year-old baby's growth and development?
I'm pregnant with my third baby and am due next month. I had C-sections with the first two babies but would like to try having the baby naturally this time. People have told me that this is not safe, but I found an obstetrician who is willing to do a VBAC. What's the latest information on having a vaginal delivery after having a C-section?
Is colored (yellow, green or brown) nasal mucus always a sign of infection?
Should I wash my kids' new clothes before they're worn the first time?
How can I give an autistic child vitamins if they do not want to swallow whole vitamins and are age 8?
What is the deal with the HPV shot for teen boys? I have heard that is now being advised for males. I have a 15-year-old son.
I recently got diagnosed with strep throat and am taking antibiotics. Will the rest of the family get it also? I had a sore throat but no fever. My husband and kids aren't complaining of any problems.
Last month as a birthday gift to myself, I scheduled an IUD. It hurt like the dickens and I didn't get the IUD. I'm 31, I have a steady boyfriend and I don't want to tie my tubes yet. Is there any way I can get an IUD without feeling excruciating pain?
Why do my kids always seem to get sick on Sunday nights? They love school; it's not that they're trying to stay home. But they get random fevers -- as high as 102 -- out of the blue, and it seems to happen a lot on Sunday nights. Have you seen this in other patients?
I am a 62-year-old male. For over a year now I have been having a whistling in both of my ears. It goes on 24/7 and I am at the end of my rope. Please help me.
I am six months pregnant and have a couple of questions about babies who have recently died from whooping cough in California. How were they introduced to the bacteria? Can breast-feeding prevent this illness?
My scalp has been itching really bad for about two months. I don't have lice or a flaky scalp; it's not even red. Any idea what would cause this?
Several years ago I had kidney stones. I would like to know how or what I can do to prevent this happening again. I understand that there is a chance of this happening again once you have it before.
At least two years ago, I received the first of three shots for the HPV vaccine. At the time, I was not told about the additional shots, and so never got them. Am I still able to do the vaccine, whether I start over again or just get the next two shots? Can I be tested for HPV to see if it's even worth it any more?
My 4-year-old daughter has been stuttering at the beginning of her sentences for the past month. It doesn't seem to bother her and she has a good vocabulary and talks in full sentences. I stuttered too when I was her age but it went away. What can I do to help her?
I have had a bump on the back of my hand for six months that my doctor says is a ganglion cyst. It's starting to hurt. What can I do to make it go away?
After taking antibiotics for a sinus infection or ear infection, what is the best way to help encourage drainage of the middle ear or eustachian tube?
I have had recurring poison ivy on my face for a month. It went away but now it's back. I've tried a week of prednisone and am now using hydrocortisone cream. I would love to work in the yard but don't want to get it again. Any ideas? Thanks.
I just found out that I'm pregnant. I've heard that hot tubs aren't good during pregnancy, but what about steam rooms and saunas? I also like to do hot yoga.
My daughter got her ears pierced a few months ago and took the earrings out for a few hours today but now can't get them back in. Could the holes be closed up already? How can we get the earrings back in without it hurting too much?
My 3-year-old daughter has a trick. She can turn her right eye completely inward at will. We noticed it when she was an infant and have taken her several times to a pediatric ophthalmologist. He checked her out, dilated her pupils and suggested that there was nothing wrong, especially now that she has control over it. Should I stop worrying about it now, or go get a second opinion (the second opinion would be quite a drive)?
I just got a new brand of soft contact lenses today and can't get one of them out. What should I do?
When I went to the bathroom today, my urine was red. It's not my period. What could it be, and do I need to worry?
I just found out that I'm four weeks pregnant. Is it safe to continue highlighting my hair? Is there anything I should avoid while I'm pregnant?
If you know that you are not pregnant, how long is too long before you should be alarmed if you don't have your period? What could be the possible reasons for a delayed period? When should you see a doctor?
My 11-year-old son sleepwalks about once a month. Last night he walked out of the house before waking up. What can I do to stop his sleepwalking from happening?
What is the best way to apply sunscreen and insect repellent --sunscreen first or insect repellent first? I have the lotion kind for both.
I have been bleeding during sex. An ER doctor I saw said it could be precancer cells. I am just wondering what causes these cells. Why does it happen, and what are the symptoms? I don't have a gynecologist because I lost my insurance.
Why do people get skin tags and how can they be removed with home remedies? Can I just cut it off with a pair of scissors or nail clippers if they are sterilized?
I have pain in my heels, and it hurts to do anything on my feet. I elevate them and try not to put any pressure on them as much as possible. Even when I sleep on my back and my feet are positioned my heels hurt. What should I do?
What triggers urinary tract infections?
My 2-year-old does not eat meat. We've tried different things to help, but he just chews and spits it out once the flavor is gone. What can I try to replace the nutrients he's losing?
What should I do with the recalled children's Tylenol I have in my medicine cabinet?
How many hours of sleep does an 8-year-old child need?
I have trouble swallowing pills. I'm pregnant and just found out I'm anemic, so I have to take iron tablets. Can I dissolve the iron tablets in water to make them easier to take, or will that weaken or negate the effect of the iron? Can I dissolve my folic acid tablets in water, too, or will those not be effective either?
I'm a freshman in college, and my feet are always sweaty, even in the wintertime. What can I do to stop sweating?
I would like to know how can I get rid of my acne. I have tried many creams but am allergic to Proactiv and benzoyl peroxide. At the moment, I am using tea tree oil, but it still has not been helping very well. Kindly help me please.
How does one handle meal times with a 2-year-old who looks at what adults are eating and wants it, for example Romaine lettuce with 4-inch chunks of raw carrots? Are adults supposed to say,"We are all sitting down together at family mealtime but you can't have what we are eating"? Or give them the huge carrot and let them choke?
Every time I sit for an hour using my computer, my leg will turn numb. Is it a symptom of bad circulation? I also have purple fingernails.
I was told I have a bifid uvula. Will it cause any problems?
I drink about 6 to 10 ounces of fluids per day and I am 15. I know that's really bad, but on top of that I am training for a half-marathon and I've run up to 12 miles. On days like that, I still lack adequate liquids. Will this pose any problems in the near or far future other than dehydration, which I have yet to experience?
Hello, I am trying to get pregnant but suffer from Barrett's esophagus. I have been taking Prevacid and other types of medication. I asked my doctor if this will affect me or the baby when I become pregnant and his answer was no. I just wanted to ask someone else. Thank you.
I was recently diagnosed with polyps on my ovaries. Is this a serious condition? What are the risks and how concerned should I be about potential problems?
My 9-year-old son has had a swollen lymph node in his neck for four months. All his blood tests came back normal. It does go up and down in size. Doctors and surgeons say it is just a swollen lymph node and it will go down. Can you please give me some more information on this?
I have a preadolescent son who has developed a rash on his abdomen, shoulders/top of his arms, chest area, upper/lower back and portions of his neck, but NOT on his face. He is not itchy or in pain, but we waited a few days and then took him to his pediatrician. They said it is rosacea. Is it possible for it to be this widespread?
Why does the cold wind make my head hurt, even when I wear earmuffs?
I'm 40 and stopped taking the pill a year ago, after using it for some 20 years. Since then I have developed persistent, painful, cystic acne. My periods have also become very irregular and heavy. Could these problems be linked to quitting the pill? Could I have thyroid or ovarian problems?
My wife is 13 weeks pregnant. What kind of medication can she take for a common cold?
I have a small mole on the tip of my nose. Can I have a small mole removed? What is the recovery time? Is it painful?
My 30-year-old son has suffered through 39 kidney stones since he was 16. A recent CT scan shows his kidneys are filled with more. Lab results have ascertained that the stones are made up of calcium oxalate. Is there a cure or remedy for this type of kidney stone? My son has continuous problems with them and it's hard to work every day when he's in so much pain.
My son, who is now a healthy 3-year-old, had six or seven head CT scans along with two MRIs and some X-rays for a head injury he had when he was just 11 months old. I am very concerned about this new study regarding CT scans causing risk to cancer in future. Did we put our son at risk because of those CT scans?
I have worn glasses for nearsightedness since I was 15. I recently turned 40 and sometimes have trouble focusing on small things close up (such as text messages on my cell phone or restaurant menus). My eye doctor says I may need bifocals. Why did this happen and what can I do to avoid wearing bifocals?
Is there a way to diagnose eating disorders in small children? When should a parent be concerned?
My 68-year-old mother-in-law refuses to take a bath but once a week. Is this healthy or even legally acceptable? Please help.
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