In pursuit of the perfect OB/GYN

For me, the most personal health care provider is my OB/GYN. After all, that’s not a role that you want just anyone providing. Whether it’s just a yearly checkup or someone to deliver a first baby it’s not a choice to leave to chance.

But really how do you go about finding that perfect provider for you?

As someone who has moved a lot I speak from experience. Asking around can yield uncomfortable pauses and stories that offer way more detail, and frankly TMI, than one is looking for. Picking from an insurance provider list can be disastrous as you have no clue what the person is like. Even trusted friends and family members may love one physician while you are left scratching your head about his or her bedside manner.

That’s why I’m excited about an event coming up at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford.

Six OB/GYNs have agreed to give up their lunch hour to answer questions from prospective patients. So whether you want to find out their thoughts on childbirth or simply make that personal one-on-one connection it’s a great chance to meet physicians. And at a free event where only five minutes is spent with each physician what do you have to lose?

Heck, we’ll even provide some questions to get the discussion started for those that are more shy. For more information or to register, please visit our Web site or call 1-877-THR-WELL.

Curious about Zumba?

Always wanted to try Zumba but been too worried that your two left feet will make the class more torture than fun?


Then Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford Fitness Center has the day for you. Come out Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon for a Zumbathon.


What is Zumba? Zumba is an exercise class that combines latin rhythms, interval training and resistance training to give a full body, fat-burning workout.


Saturday’s Zumbathon costs $10 per person whether you stay for 30 minutes or shake your booty for all three hours. Instructors will switch out every 30 minutes and teach classes of different Zumba varieties.


Certified personal trainer Jennifer Wines says it will be a fun and different day and is a great opportunity for someone who has been thinking about joining a Zumba class, but hasn’t yet taken that step.


Door prizes will include yoga mats and free personal training sessions at the fitness center. Fruit, juice and bagels also will be provided.


For more information, please call 817-267-9191.

Booster seat 101

With the laws on booster seats changing today, many parents share the same questions and concerns about how best to comply with the law.

The new law states that every child must ride in a federally approved “child passenger safety seat system” until they are 8 years old or taller than 4 feet 9 inches. This includes traditional car seats with harnesses AND booster seats-both the backless and the high back versions. Here are some common questions and answers regarding booster seats:

Q: What is a booster seat?
A: A booster seat is a firm cushion of foam or plastic that raises the child higher than in the car to improve position and angle of the shoulder belt. There are backless, high back, and removable-back booster seats. Most boosters include a shoulder belt guide or comfort clip that can be used if needed to pull the shoulder belt slightly downward so it crosses the center of the chest and shoulder. Basically the booster seat boosts a child up so they can safely use the seat belt that is intended for an adult body.

Q: Why is it important for my child to ride in a booster seat?
A: Vehicle seat belts are designed for the adult body. Children over four years old have a higher rate of injury than younger children because many of them find using a regular seat belt uncomfortable because it does not fit their child-size body. So they place the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back, and they slouch down or slide forward to the edge of the vehicle seat. According to SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., “Young children who are placed in vehicle belts rather than booster seats are 59% more likely to suffer devastating injuries, including severe damage to the brain, liver, spleen, and spinal cord.”

Q: How do I choose the best booster seat for my child?
A: According to SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., the ideal booster sat has a removable back with an adjustable headrest. Recent research suggests that boosters with a back are safer than those without a back-especially in a side impact crash. Look for a booster seat that has high-density, energy-absorbing foam in the head area. The child’s head should be supported by the vehicle seatback, the booster seat, or the headrest on the vehicle.

Q: Is a backless booster safe to use?
Backless boosters are lightweight, inexpensive, and small and are a great choice for carpooling, play dates, and public distribution programs. A backless booster should not be used until a child is able to sit upright and stay in this position throughout the whole car trip. Also, the child’s head must be supported by the vehicle seatback or the vehicle headrest.

Q: Can I use a booster seat with a lap belt?
A: NO! A booster seat must be used with a shoulder belt. If your car does not have shoulder belts in the back seat, a booster seat cannot be used. Go to http://www.carseat.org/ for information about safety seats for older children that can be installed with a lap belt. Many cars made before 1990 have only lap belts in the back seat and some newer cars may not have shoulder belts in the center position.

Q: What is the penalty for not obeying this new laws?
A: This law takes effect Sept. 1. Law enforcement officers may only enforce the new changes in the law with written or verbal warnings until June 1, 2010. Beginning on June 1, 2010 officers may arrest or issue a citation/notice to appear to a person committing an offense. A fine of not more than $25 can be assessed for a first time offense and no more than $250 for the second or subsequent offenses.

Q: Where can I get help for installing my booster seat?
Texas Health teaches parents how to install car seats and booster seats. Call 1-877-THR-WELL for your free appointment. I am happy to answer any questions and you can reach me in my office at Texas Health Harris Methodist HEB at 817-848-4135.

Also, you can call Safe Kids Tarrant County at 682-885-2634.

Julie Smith, RN, MS
Perinatal Educator
Child Passenger Safety Technician
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford