The Carmel Valley Life | Archive

Teaching Kids Gratitude, the Healthy Attitude

Lately, I’ve been thinking about all the things in my life I am grateful for. The unique privilege that is my calling – to teach mothers and daughters about puberty, birth and conception, and to serve my community as a pediatrician. A recent thank you note I received meant a great deal to me, and […]

May 23, 2019 / No Comment / Read More

Everyday, There’s a Reason to Celebrate Life!

January 19, 2017 No Comment

Reasons to Celebrate! Living in the Carmel Valley San Diego community means there are plenty of things to be thankful for. We have some of the best weather in the world and can enjoy the company of some of the best people around. Events such as weddings, graduations, births, birthdays, and anniversaries can be a […]

The Influenza Vaccine…What No More Flu Mist?!

August 4, 2016 No Comment

For the past several years, we pediatricians were thrilled to have the option of offering families the Flu Mist. The children loved us for it too! A quick nose spray instead of a shot, which protected them from the influenza. A nasty respiratory illness. But now, the Flu Mist is gone. So what happened???? Luckily, […]

Parenting by Positive Discipline

January 15, 2016 No Comment

Parenting is one of the most challenging experiences that I have had to face. Yet, it has also been the most rewarding. There is much to learn and it provides us with an opportunity to grow as a person and a professional. It does take discipline. A word that seems to have a negative connotation. […]

The Sore Throat Dilemma

June 2, 2015 No Comment

Is it Strep, is it allergies or is it just a sore throat? How many times do we pediatricians hear this complaint? Even for us in the medical field it is not an exact science to diagnose a strep throat. Many factors are taken into account when a sick child presents with a sore throat. […]

Preparing for Your Child’s Well Child Check-Up and Vaccines

February 20, 2015 No Comment

Well child checks are a routine part of a child’s life. These visits are opportunities to follow their growth and development and to review accurate information regarding their overall health. Topics such as nutrition, bedwetting, parenting, and, of course, vaccinations can all be reviewed at this time. Here are some tips to prepare for these […]

Make Space for Risk in the Life of Your Middle-Schooler

October 10, 2014 No Comment

Middle School. I know no one who would be willing to relive those awkward, anxious years. Changing bodies, changing classes, changing circles of friends. More hormones, more homework, more stress. And, as parents who have lived through it, it’s natural for us to want to minimize the discomforts of adolescence for our children. And it’s […]

Be Confident and Strong, Like a Girl

August 4, 2014 No Comment

Have you seen the #LikeAGirl video making the rounds recently? If not, take a minute (OK, three minutes) to watch it and then read on. The video is a social experiment. First, the director asks teenage girls and boys to “run like a girl”, “fight like a girl” and “throw like a girl.” Then she […]

San Diego Graduations, Recitals, Proms and Anniversaries!

June 6, 2014 No Comment

It’s that time of the year once again. No, not the Holidays, but the end of another school year in San Diego and all the events that follow. From recitals, end of year school parties, proms and graduations. Everybody is excited and if not, at least relieved, that another school year has come to an […]

Healthy Chats – The Birds & Bees Part 1

May 6, 2014 No Comment

Parents are very comfortable talking about health issues yet they’re very reluctant to have to introduce the topic about the birds and the bees. I know. I myself struggled with my own children. I even struggled with the patients in my own practice. My name is Dr. de Freitas. I am a pediatrician and created […]

My No.1 Parenting Tip – Yes, Yes, and Yes…

April 16, 2014 No Comment

As a pediatrician and mother – and all those other roles that we play in life – I spend most of my waking hours in the company of children. They are amazing! At times delightful, sweet and just plain funny and at other times challenging and nerve wracking. My role entails being able to relate […]

Fighting Flu Season: How to Protect Your Family

January 31, 2014 No Comment

Fighting Flu Season: How to Protect Your Family from the Influenza Virus With the arrival of flu season, many parents will be watching their children closely for symptoms of this dreaded virus. The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). The virus spreads […]