Dr. Niran Al-Agba

The Eyes Are Crossing? Is It Amblyopia?

Have you ever noticed someone’s eye darting off a different direction, even though they appear to be looking at you? Over the past month, I have seen more than 10 cases where parents report “eyes crossing”, “one eye turning in”, or “one turning out.” Seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling are very important for all human beings. Something can go wrong with any one of these senses. Vision is a crucial part of development for every child; however there are times when eyes do not work like they should. This is known as amblyopia.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:20:00+00:00May 12, 2016|Categories: Patient|Tags: Amblyopia, Crossed Eyes, Vision Screening|

A Pediatrician Learned the Value of A Mother’s Intuition

I have always wished to have the opportunity for a do-over. In my ideal replay, I would walk in and take an extensive history and physical, discuss a list of possible diagnoses with mom, and draw the child’s blood. I would express compassion for her and tell her it was going to be alright. Despite having ups and downs during those three years of internship and residency, I learned many invaluable lessons during those three years. I wish I could thank this mother now. She taught me the importance of listening to the person who knows their child best, their parent. It is a lesson I have never forgotten.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:19:10+00:00May 11, 2016|Categories: Patient, Physician|Tags: Intuition, Parents, Patient Physician Relationship|

For the Love of Whole Milk

In 2010, the President put together a Task Force on Child Obesity. These so-called “experts” who reformed school lunch guidelines decided to offer only low-fat milk or skim chocolate milk (with its added sugars) at school and removed whole milk from the menu. Guess what? Not ONE member of the Obesity task force was an MD, let alone a pediatrician. Five of the 9 members were lawyers!

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:17:52+00:00May 10, 2016|Categories: Patient, Policy|Tags: Government Medicine, Obesity|

Tried and True Advice for Picky Eaters

First and most important, the child needs to actually be hungry. In all honesty, they need three solid meals per day. They do not need a constant barrage of crackers in Ziploc bags, dried fruit, yogurt tubes, and those squeezable packages while on the go. Snacking frequently causes cavities and prevents children from experiencing actual hunger, setting them up for weight difficulties in the future. I tell parents if there is a long period of time between lunch and dinner than a small snack is acceptable but it should follow the rules below.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:16:49+00:00May 9, 2016|Categories: Patient|Tags: Feeding Children, Pediatrics, Picky Eaters|

Immunizations Are About Trust and Science: My Alternative Vaccine Schedule

I believe in parent choice and do not believe in mandates when discussing healthcare. Patients must have autonomy. I use an alternative vaccination schedule when my vaccine-hesitant families request it. Mine evolved over time to complete most of the required vaccinations by the time a child is 2 years old. It is not “evidence-based”, the catchphrase we use to say something is scientifically proven safe and effective. However, it is rooted in something I value highly as a pediatrician – trust, open communication, and compromise.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:15:45+00:00May 9, 2016|Categories: Patient, Practice|Tags: Immunization, Patient Physician Relationship, Vaccine|