Back to School Tips for Parents and Kids

Updated on Aug 26, 2025 | Children's Health, Your Health

Starting a new school year can be a very exciting time but also a stressful one for parents and students.

For parents with questions or concerns, here are some basic tips to help you and your family prepare, and ensure that everyone has a happy and successful year. These tips come from two experts,  Monica Amoo-Achampong, MD, and Erica Brody, MD, both pediatricians at Mount Sinai Health System.

Schedule an annual checkup

It’s one of the best ways to ensure your children’s health and well-being. Making sure your children are up to date on all their vaccines can keep them from getting sick from serious illness. This includes COVID-19 and flu vaccines for children above six months of age. Older children need their meningitis and HPV vaccines in addition to a booster shot for tetanus and whooping cough.

Good hand hygiene

A great way to prevent germs from spreading is to remind your kids about proper handwashing techniques and teach children to avoid touching their face.

Stick to a healthy diet and meal schedule

Most kids could use more vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, squash, or carrots, and less junk foods, such as chips, cookies, and candy bars.  Lean proteins are also important, like grilled chicken or fish, shellfish, beans, nonfat Greek yogurt, and eggs.  Try to limit junk food and sugary drinks to occasional treats. Breakfast is critical to boost our morning energy levels, and also get us hydrated to start the day. A lunch that includes a vegetable, a protein, and lots of water, while also avoiding junk food and excessive carbs, is ideal. Make dinnertime a family affair and eat together as often as able. A regular meal schedule keeps our energy levels steady, while also helping to maintain healthy portion sizes. Skipping meals can make children irritable and less focused. Eating too late may contribute to obesity and poor sleep schedules.

Develop healthy sleep habits

With a consistent and early bedtime, kids learn faster and feel happier. For younger kids, a regular routine is key, with softer lights and sounds around bedtime. For older kids, daily vigorous exercise earlier in the day will help them fall asleep more easily. For all ages, screen time should end at least an hour before bedtime. In general, the earlier children go to bed, the easier it will be for them to wake up in the morning.

Stay active

Kids need a daily exercise routine. Even when they can’t get outside, an exercise video or family dance session can do the trick.

Manage anxiety and keep calm

Kids may have different worries than adults, but they’re just as real.  Find time each day to check in, listen to their feelings, and remind them that they’re supported.  If there are lots of negative emotions, consider discussing your concerns with your pediatrician. 

Learn more about Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital

How Much Do You Know About Breast Cancer? Take the Quiz

Updated on Oct 20, 2025 | Breast Cancer, Cancer, Women's Health, Your Health

 

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, yet there are many misconceptions about the disease. Improving your knowledge is one way you can fight it.

Can you separate myth from fact? Take the quiz below, then click “Done” to see your score and correct answers.

The following quiz is based on Seven Common Misconceptions About Breast Cancer published in Mount Sinai Today.

Create your own user feedback survey

Schedule a mammogram at Mount Sinai
Learn more about the causes of breast cancer and risk factors

How Can I Manage Social Anxiety? Three Tips From a Mount Sinai Psychologist

Aug 18, 2025 | Psychiatry, Your Health

Avoiding other people from time to time is normal. But if you isolate yourself out of fear of embarrassment or rejection, you may have social anxiety disorder.

Charissa Chamorro, PhD

In this Q&A, Charissa Chamorro, PhD, a Mount Sinai clinical psychologist, explains how to know if you might have social anxiety disorder and what you can do to be more confident around others.

“Treatment isn’t about getting rid of anxiety—it’s about learning you can feel anxious and still engage meaningfully. The more you approach instead of avoiding, the more confidence you build,” says Dr. Chamorro, Assistant Clinical Professor, Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

What is the difference between being shy and having social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition. Shyness is considered a personality trait that can be shaped by temperament and experiences. While shyness usually involves mild discomfort in social settings, social anxiety involves a persistent, intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected.

Unlike shyness, social anxiety interferes with your life. If you avoid situations you actually want to be part of or cancel plans because of discomfort, you may have social anxiety disorder.

What causes social anxiety disorder?

The causes are thought to be a combination of biological and environmental factors, but not necessarily due to bullying or poor parenting. Some people are more prone to anxiety, and experiences like negative social feedback can reinforce that.

What are signs I might have social anxiety disorder?

  • Avoiding social interactions: Not just avoiding parties, but isolating yourself at work or having a hard time starting conversations with co-workers.
  • Going blank in conversations: You may blame yourself—thinking, “Why can’t I think of something to say?”—but this can be part of your body’s fight, flight, or freeze response to anxiety.
  • Over-apologizing and deferring to others instead of stating your own preferences: People with social anxiety often seek social approval.
  • Rumination: Replaying past conversations, focusing on something you think went wrong, or feeling that you were really embarrassing. Thinking about social interactions is normal, but if it causes distress and is hard to control, you may have social anxiety.
  • Perfectionism: Feeling that you have to know the perfect thing to say before you can speak.
  • Hiding behind your phone in public: Not for work or enjoyment, but to avoid engaging with others.

How can I become more confident in social situations?

Here are three tips you might find useful:

  • Remind yourself that everyone feels awkward sometimes. That normalizes the experience and helps you feel less alone.
  • Vocalize your feelings. For example, if you’re giving a speech, you might say, “I’m feeling nervous because I really want this to go well.” Naming it can disarm others and help you feel more confident.
  • Reframing your thoughts can build confidence. Instead of telling yourself, “I’m so awkward,” tell yourself, “A part of me feels anxious, and that’s okay. I’m going to do my best.” Coaching yourself with more balanced, supportive thoughts can make a difference.

How can a mental health professional help me with social anxiety?

Social anxiety is highly treatable, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold standard. CBT helps you identify thoughts contributing to anxiety and use cognitive restructuring to examine them.

How does a therapist use cognitive behavioral therapy to treat social anxiety?

I would ask you to recall positive social experiences to challenge self-critical thoughts, like “I can never connect with people.” Cognitive behavioral therapists work on helping you create more balanced thoughts—for example, “Sometimes I feel awkward, but I’ve also connected with others before.”

Therapists also assign gradual behavioral exposures—small tasks like ordering coffee and making eye contact with the cashier, then building up to things like attending a party. The goal is to break the cycle of avoidance and create opportunities to approach social situations.

Are there medications that treat social anxiety?

CBT is often very effective, but if symptoms remain or access is limited, medication may be a helpful additional support. Depending on how severe your anxiety is—especially if generalized anxiety is also present—we may refer you to a psychiatrist to discuss medication options.

What happens if I continue to avoid social situations?

Avoidance makes anxiety stronger. When you avoid a social situation, anxiety goes down short-term, but you don’t get the chance to learn that you can manage it.

Treatment isn’t about getting rid of anxiety—it’s about learning you can feel anxious and still engage meaningfully. The more you approach instead of avoiding, the more confidence you build.

Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai mental health professional

Taking Supplements? Use This Guide to Make Smart Choices

Updated on Aug 20, 2025 | Diet and Nutrition, Your Health


From turmeric capsules to muscle-building powders like creatine, many people are turning to herbal and dietary supplements. While supplements are generally harmless when taken in moderation, some pose health risks, including unpredictable liver problems, especially when taken in large doses. For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before taking them.

In this Q&A, Meena B. Bansal, MD, a Mount Sinai liver specialist, explains the risks of supplements, what to watch out for, and how to protect your liver while making informed choices about supplements.

We’ve been hearing more about supplements being linked to liver damage. What’s the connection?
This is a growing concern. Over the last 20 years, more people have started taking supplements like turmeric, curcumin, and ashwagandha. Because these are widely available online, more people use them than ever before. With that rise, doctors have seen more cases where these supplements cause liver injury.

Are supplements really that dangerous?
They can be. One big issue is that supplements aren’t regulated like medicines. The labels might say one thing, but there’s no guarantee the product is pure or safe. Some ingredients may be harmful in higher doses or when combined with other supplements.

Key Facts About Supplements

  • While mostly safe, some supplements can cause liver injury, especially in high doses.
  • Supplements aren’t regulated, and labels can’t guarantee safety or purity.
  • LiverTox® (NIH resource) is a trusted tool for checking if a supplement has been linked to liver problems.
  • Whole foods are safer sources of nutrients; supplements should ideally be taken with medical guidance.

Meena B. Bansal, MD

Does this mean something like turmeric, which is often praised for health benefits, could be harmful?
Using turmeric as a spice in food is safe and may have health benefits, but when it’s highly concentrated in pills, and the exact purity is unknown, it has the potential to cause liver injury.

What signs suggest a supplement might be harming your liver?
People usually find out from blood tests showing abnormal liver enzyme levels. These tests might have been normal months before. When doctors ask about new medications or supplements, many patients don’t realize supplements count as medicine and forget to mention them.

Are all liver injuries caused by supplements the same?
No. Some liver damage depends on the dose. One example is acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®), which is extremely safe when taken as directed but can harm your liver if taken in very large doses. Other cases are unpredictable and might happen because of a genetic predisposition. A thousand people may take a supplement without problems, but a few may have serious reactions.

Can liver damage from supplements be severe?
Yes. Mild cases show up as enzyme changes in blood tests. Severe cases can cause jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) and sometimes require a liver transplant, although this is rare. If you have symptoms, schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai liver specialist: 212-241-7270.

Is there anything on supplement labels that can help me know if they’re safe?
Unfortunately, no. Supplements aren’t regulated, so companies can put whatever they want on labels. Even certifications from a “third party” agency or organization (companies that claim to check the purity of the ingredients) are not a full guarantee.

Is there an online resource that can help me identify whether a supplement is potentially harmful?
Yes—LiverTox®, a resource available through the National Institutes of Health, provides a trusted list of medications and supplements that are potentially harmful to your liver.

What if I want to keep taking supplements?
I discuss the risks and benefits with patients. If someone feels a supplement helps, I monitor their liver health closely. Sometimes we stop all supplements and add back just one or two, checking for any problems.

What about creatine, a popular muscle-building supplement?
While many use it without issues, I don’t recommend it. You get creatine naturally from eating meat and fish, which is safer. This may be challenging, however, for those on a vegan diet. There isn’t strong proof that creatine causes liver damage, but some people taking it have higher liver enzymes. Creatine can cause your serum creatinine, a marker of kidney function, to become elevated, but it does not necessarily reflect damage.  Those with pre-existing kidney disease should consult their doctor prior to use.

Therefore, overall, for healthy adults, standard doses of creatinine monohydrate (up to five grams daily) are probably safe, but people with liver and kidney problems should be cautious. Very high doses could be risky and should be avoided until more is known.

What other supplements are associated with liver problems?

Known ones include:

  • Ashwagandha
  • Green tea extract
  • Turmeric (curcumin)
  • Garcinia cambogia
  • Kratom
  • Black cohosh
  • Red yeast rice
  • Chaparral
  • Ephedra
  • Germander
  • Kava
  • Polygonum multiflorum

Multi-ingredient supplements marketed for weight loss or bodybuilding are also associated with liver problems, but the specific toxic component is often unclear due to product variability and mislabeling. Always consult a physician before taking supplements.

Are any supplements considered safe?
Multivitamins and common vitamins like vitamin D and C from trusted stores are usually fine. Be wary of products promising quick fixes like “liver detox” or “rapid weight loss.”

Can I tell if a supplement has harmful contaminants like heavy metals?
No, not without lab testing. Even third-party certifications can’t guarantee a product is free from contaminants.

Is it ever necessary to take supplements?
Some people with certain medical conditions may benefit from supplements, but should check with their physician first. Healthy people are better off getting nutrients from whole foods. Supplements can be costly and sometimes harmful.

Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai Primary Care Doctor or Liver Specialist

How Can I Create Healthier Phone Habits? Three Tips From a Mount Sinai Psychologist

Updated on Aug 13, 2025 | Psychiatry, Your Health

Phones have become a necessary part of life, but if you find yourself mindlessly scrolling or constantly reaching for your phone out of boredom, you may have a phone addiction.

“Addiction isn’t just about substances—it can also be behavioral,” says Naomi Dambreville, PhD, a licensed clinical child and adult psychologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital. “Phone addiction is compulsive and excessive phone use, feeling out of control, or distressed when away from your phone. If you feel withdrawal when not online or fear missing content, you may have a problem.”

Naomi Dambreville, PhD

In this Q&A, Dr. Dambreville, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explains how to know if you might have an unhealthy relationship with your phone, and tips for using it in healthier ways.

What are some signs that I spend too much time on my phone or social media?
We live in a digital society and rely on phones for many everyday activities. It can be hard to realize phone use is a problem because it’s so convenient, but signs include:

  • Everything revolves around your phone. You shop, socialize, get news, and do almost everything through your phone—and rarely engage in real-life alternatives.
  • You have an automatic relationship with your phone. Every notification prompts an instant reaction, you check every direct message, constantly scroll, or have FOMO (fear of missing out)—especially if being offline makes you feel sad or out of the loop.
  • Trouble focusing. If you’re multitasking—watching TV and scrolling, talking to someone but still on your phone—or always reaching for your phone at work or in class.
  • Low tolerance for boredom. Your instinct is to grab your phone the moment you have nothing to do. Scrolling becomes a default time filler with no real purpose.
  • Physical symptoms—headaches, fatigue, sleep disruption, eye strain, and “digital thumb” (thumb, hand, or wrist pain from holding your phone for long periods).
  • Phone-related conflicts. Your phone causes conflicts in your relationships because your loved ones feel ignored.

How can I use my phone in healthier ways?

Here are three ways to create healthier phone habits:

  • Train your social media algorithms: Block unwanted content, use filters, and control what you see. Choose not to view certain images or videos.
  • Create rules around phone use. No phones at dinner, during conversations, or bedtime. For families, agree on time limits, app access, and talk about uncomfortable content.
  • Use the phone for connection, but notice when it causes discomfort. Align phone use with your values and make space for real-world experiences.

How does phone addiction, including doom scrolling, affect mental health?
Doom scrolling refers to consuming large amounts of news, often bad—for example, catastrophic storms, conflicts, or negative political content. We grab our phones to search for updates and end up exposed to real-time traumatic or distressing information.

This behavior becomes mindless. You might scroll to stay informed but end up feeling worse. Bad moods lead to more scrolling, which worsens the mood further. It affects attention, mood, self-esteem, and can trigger irritability, anxiety, or anger.

Do “digital detoxes” reduce phone addiction? How?
A digital detox helps reduce or stop phone use. It’s about breaking the cycle of compulsive use. Detoxing gives your mind and body a break and allows space to build new habits. Here’s how:

  • Start by building awareness. Notice what you use your phone for—shopping, paying bills, etc. Try doing some of those activities in real life. Spend an hour off your phone, and see how it feels.
  • Notice withdrawal reactions—thinking about your phone, missing notifications, or feeling uncomfortable without it. Use app limits and be intentional: “I’m checking my bank app” vs. “I ended up scrolling Instagram.”
  • Replace phone time with real-life activities—reading a book, joining a club, socializing in person, or trying a new hobby.

How can a mental health professional help?
People often seek help for anxiety, low self-esteem, or conflict—and phone use may be a factor. Therapists can help with behavior changes, digital detox plans, and social skills. They can also address phone-related issues like gambling, shopping, and excessive social media use, helping reduce dependency and improve well-being.

Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai mental health professional

Do I Need a Midwife?

Updated on Aug 12, 2025 | Your Health

Some people might think that midwives are just for pregnant people, but that is not true. Midwives provide specialized care throughout the reproductive journey, from adolescence, through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and menopause.

“We care for people across all stages of life, from adolescence through menopause. A big part of what we do is take time to talk, educate, and support our patients so they feel confident in their care,” said Grace Ferguson-Pell, CNM, WHNP, RN, a certified nurse-midwife at the Midwife Practice at Mount Sinai Doctors at Delancey Street, in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

“Midwifery model care, typically, we really like to focus on education. We always say, most of our visits are talking, and I think it’s a way for people to feel more prepared and ready for birth,” said Johanna ”JJ” Monro, DNP, CNM, RN, also a certified nurse-midwife at the Delancey Street practice, which is part of the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai.

In this Q&A, Grace and JJ explain the role of midwives, how their care differs from other providers, and what patients can expect when working with them.

Johanna “JJ” Monro, DNP, CNM, RN (left) and Grace Ferguson-Pell, CNM, WHNP, RN (right) are certified nurse-midwives at the Midwife Practice at Mount Sinai Doctors at Delancey Street.

What is a midwife and how is it different from an OB-GYN and a doula?

Grace: A midwife is an independent practitioner who focuses on reproductive health. This includes a wide range of care such as contraceptive counseling, menstrual cycle issues, prenatal care, helping with births, postpartum visits, and annual reproductive health exams like cervical cancer screening and STD testing. In addition to pregnancy care, midwives support patients through menopause and perimenopause, providing ongoing reproductive health services such as screenings, symptom management, and education. 

The main difference between a midwife and an OB-GYN is that midwives do not perform surgery and focus more on pregnancies that are low-risk or generally uncomplicated. People with certain conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure might need to see an OB-GYN instead. 

JJ: A midwife is a licensed professional in New York State. We are Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), which means we have nursing degrees and additional training in midwifery, with either at the master’s or doctorate level. We currently only attend hospital births at this time. 

A doula is different from a midwife because doulas provide emotional and physical support during labor and postpartum, though do not receive medical training and do not provide medical care. 

How might having a midwife’s support improve my pregnancy experience?

JJ: Midwives focus a lot on education and communication. Most visits involve talking through what to expect during labor, how to prepare for breastfeeding, and how to manage postpartum care. This approach helps people feel more prepared and confident.  

Grace: Midwives provide care that is personal and holistic, focusing not only on the medical aspects of pregnancy but also on emotional, mental, and social well-being. This approach means addressing a patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and support system throughout their reproductive journey. They manage pregnancies that are low-risk or generally uncomplicated and collaborate closely with OB-GYNs if any complications arise. Midwives also provide essential medical services such as ultrasounds and routine testing, blending medical expertise with individualized attention.  

Is it hard to access a midwife and integrate it into my care team?

Grace: In New York, midwifery care can be accessed through self-pay, private insurance, or public insurance. Midwives practice in a variety of settings, including hospital systems and private midwifery groups. Some private midwifery groups may not accept insurance or may provide care at out-of-network rates, so it’s important to check coverage details with your provider and insurer.  

Mount Sinai’s midwifery groups in New York City is in-network for many private insurances.  to make this care more accessible. Mount Sinai Hospital also has a midwifery service uptown that provides care for folks with public insurance. Patients do not need to pay out of pocket for reproductive health care.  

How does Mount Sinai approach midwifery care differently?

Grace: Mount Sinai allows midwives to lead how they provide care. As the first private midwifery practice at Mount Sinai, the team has been given a lot of trust and support.  

JJ: Being part of a large hospital system also means midwives have easy access to other specialists and services when needed. Mount Sinai’s midwives provide a small practice feel while being backed by the resources of a large health system. Another important difference is that patients are guaranteed to have a midwife present at their birth with 24/7 coverage. 

What else should we know about midwifery care?

JJ: Many people think you have to be pregnant to see a midwife, but that is not true. Midwives care for patients at all stages of reproductive life. This includes general reproductive health visits, menstrual concerns, and gynecological care like Pap smears.  

Grace: Midwives also provide care for menopause and perimenopause, which can often be confusing topics. The care model is similar to seeing a nurse practitioner, but focused on reproductive health.

Learn more about the Midwife Practice at Delancey Street

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