Senders Pediatrics

02/27/2026

Are you ready to say goodbye to diapers? Is your child showing signs of readiness? Then this is a class for you! Join us on Wednesday, March 11, at 6:30 PM for this one session Potty Mastery class.

You don’t have to live in Cleveland or be a patient of Senders Pediatrics to take part in the class.

We’re here to help because potty training shouldn’t be a solo mission.

To register call 216-291-9210 or https://www.senderspediatrics.com/About-Our-Pediatric-Practice/Practice-News/potty

02/25/2026

Here’s another great tip from Dr. Irwin for handling picky eaters! We have one more video on this topic, so be on the look out! 😃🍴

02/25/2026

Fewer Migraines? Acupuncture May Help

If you or your child struggles with migraines without aura (meaning no visual changes like flashing lights or zigzags, no numbness or tingling, and no speech changes), there’s encouraging new research.

A study of 120 adults with migraine without aura found that true acupuncture significantly reduced the number of monthly migraine days compared to sham acupuncture (needles placed in non-therapeutic locations). Migraine days were defined as headaches lasting more than four hours or requiring migraine-specific medication.

Even more promising? The group receiving real acupuncture also experienced:
✨ Greater reduction in disability
✨ Improved quality of life
✨ Brain imaging changes linked to better treatment response

The takeaway: If migraines without aura are disrupting your child’s life, acupuncture may be a safe, effective option to consider.
(Note: This study focused specifically on migraine without aura. More research is needed regarding acupuncture for migraine with aura.)

Schedule an appointment with Nikki Rodney, our acupuncture specialist, to explore whether this therapy could help.

To make an appointment:
Call or text 216-291-9210
Eamil care@senderspediatrics.com

For more information:
https://www.senderspediatrics.com/Acupuncture-Services

02/18/2026

Happy National Random Acts of Kindness Day 💛

Today we served our AMAZING team with breakfast — because the people who serve everyone else deserve to be served too. ☕l

Coffee, yogurt, fruit and a whole lot of cereal and gratitude.

02/17/2026

Coconut Water vs. Coconut Milk — Not the Same Thing
Coconut water is often confused with coconut milk, but they are very different nutritionally and functionally.
Coconut water
• 46 calories per 8 oz
• 0.5 grams of fat
• ~6 grams of natural sugar (0 grams added)
Coconut milk
• 552 calories per 8 oz
• 57 grams of fat
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💧 A Natural Rehydration Option
Coconut water has become especially popular among athletes and active individuals. It provides a balanced mix of electrolytes with modest natural sugar and relatively low sodium (30–60 mg per 8 oz).
Sodium-enriched versions (160–180 mg per 8 oz) have been shown to perform similarly to commercial sports drinks for exercise-induced dehydration — often with fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
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Lower blood sugar and Reduce cholesterol and triglycerides

While human data is still evolving, laboratory animal studies suggest coconut water may:
• Lower blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C
• Reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in ways similar to statin-type medications
Human studies are needed before drawing firm conclusions about diabetes or heart disease prevention — but the early findings are intriguing.
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Promising Data in Ulcerative Colitis
The most exciting research so far involves patients with Ulcerative colitis.
In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 95 patients with mild to moderate disease, adding about 13 ounces (400 mL) of coconut water daily to standard therapy for 8 weeks resulted in:
• Clinical remission (by endoscopy): 53.1% vs 28.3% with placebo
• Clinical response: 57.1% vs 28.3% with placebo
Researchers believe coconut water was beneficial due to:
• Microbiome-altering peptides
• High potassium content
• Natural anti-inflammatory compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids)
• Excellent palatability (which improves adherence)
Endoscopy also showed increased beneficial gut bacteria and reduced harmful strains.
Importantly, no adverse side effects were reported — even with its relatively high potassium content.
This study was limited to ulcerative colitis. There are currently no comparable studies in Crohn’s disease.
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🥥 The Take-Home Message
For patients with ulcerative colitis, 12–15 ounces of natural coconut water daily — when used alongside standard therapy — may help induce remission with minimal downside.
For active individuals, coconut water is a refreshing, lower-sugar alternative to many sports drinks.
As always, moderation and context matter — but this simple, natural beverage may offer more benefits than we once thought.
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Here are some suggested coconut water brands: https://www.amazon.com/shop/senderspediatrics/list/3LM7FLFLL3283?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d&ccs_id=c29a0a20-033b-4ac5-8800-deb6688bbd04

To learn more: https://www.senderspediatrics.com/Newsletter/February-2026

02/12/2026

Is your teen struggling with sadness, anxiety, or coping with everyday life? Would your child benefit from learning coping skills to manage anxiety, depression and stress?
Senders Behavioral Health Adolescent Anxiety & Depression Coping Skills Group Begins THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, from 5-6:30 PM! This third module will focus on building emotion regulation skills.

WHO: Adolescents (ages 13–17) Open to the Community
WHEN: Thursdays, 5–6:30 PM, Feb, 19 - March 19, 2026
WHERE: Senders Pediatrics, 2054 S. Green Rd., South Euclid, OH 44121
LED BY: Cecilia McKenzie, LPC (supervised by Kristen Horvath-Broda, LPCC-S & Dr. Sharon Bursky, IMFT-S)
TO REGISTER: Call 216-230-2154 or bh@senderspediatrics.com
What Teens Will Learn:
• How the nervous system affects emotions & behavior
• Mindfulness & awareness of feelings
• Advanced CBT & DBT strategies to manage stress & emotions
Orientation & mindfulness skills included.

These sessions offer a safe, supportive space to build coping skills and resilience.
To register or for questions: 216-230-2154 or bh@senderspediatrics.com
For more information https://www.senderspediatrics.com/Services/Behavioral-Health-Parent-Coaching/Adolescent-Anxiety-Depression-Coping-Skills-Group

02/11/2026

“Family Kindness Festival is one of our favorite days of the year! It’s such a joyful event where kids can have fun, give back, and truly feel part of something bigger.”

Save the Date! Family Kindness Festival 2026 Mark your calendars! Family Kindness Festival is coming your way on Sunday, April 26 from 1–4 PM — and we have exciting news…🎉 We’re moving to a new home!

This year’s celebration will be held at the beautiful Landerhavenat 6111 Landerhaven Drive in Mayfield Heights, offering even more space for fun, connection, and community.

Join us for a FREE afternoon filled with kindness, family-friendly activities, local partners, and all the joyful energy that makes this event so special.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you in our new location!
Stay tuned for more details — and be sure to SAVE THE DATE: April 26, 1–4 PM at Landerhaven and REGISTER TODAY!
https://www.senderspediatrics.com/kindness

02/06/2026

Texting is back in service...we can't wait to hear from you!

02/05/2026

Thanks Northeast Ohio Parent for including Dr. Senders in your article on the new CDC Immunizations Recommendations. If you still have questions about the the new CDC recommendations please check out our Vaccine Update and FAQs https://www.senderspediatrics.com/Vaccine-Update-and-FAQs

Last month, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its recommended immunization schedule for all children. Here’s what parents need to know.

02/03/2026

We are currently unable to receive or send texts due a nationwide problem with our service provider. Until further notice please don’t send texts but rather call (216-291-9210) or email us (care@senderspediatrics.com). Thanks for your support.

02/03/2026

Is your teen struggling with sadness, anxiety, or coping with everyday life? Would your child benefit from learning coping skills to manage anxiety, depression and stress?

Senders Behavioral Health Adolescent Anxiety & Depression Coping Skills Group Begins THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, from 5-6:30 PM!
WHO: Adolescents (ages 13–17) Open to the Community
WHEN: Thursdays, 5–6:30 PM, Feb, 19 - March 19, 2026
WHERE: Senders Pediatrics, 2054 S. Green Rd., South Euclid, OH 44121
LED BY: Cecilia McKenzie, LPC (supervised by Kristen Horvath-Broda, LPCC-S & Dr. Sharon Bursky, IMFT-S)
TO REGISTER: Call 216-230-2154 or bh@senderspediatrics.com
What Teens Will Learn:
• How the nervous system affects emotions & behavior
• Mindfulness & awareness of feelings
• Advanced CBT & DBT strategies to manage stress & emotions

Orientation & mindfulness skills included.
These sessions offer a safe, supportive space to build coping skills and resilience.
To register or for questions: 216-230-2154 or bh@senderspediatrics.com
For more information https://www.senderspediatrics.com/Services/Behavioral-Health-Parent-Coaching/Adolescent-Anxiety-Depression-Coping-Skills-Group

02/02/2026

How Does the Flu Really Spread?

We know the influenza virus spreads through respiratory droplets when people cough or sneeze—and it can linger in the air. In lab settings, as few as 3 viral particles can cause infection.
But what happens in real life?

In a small but fascinating study, 5 college students with the flu spent two weeks sharing hotel rooms with 11 healthy middle-aged adults, doing everyday activities like talking, stretching, yoga, and even dancing. Researchers closely monitored air samples, breath, and nasal swabs.

The result?
None of the healthy participants got the flu.

Why? Here’s what mattered most:
• Coughing matters: The sick students weren’t coughing much, which reduced spread.
• Ventilation matters: Constant air mixing diluted the virus. (Good ventilation can be as protective as partial vaccination!) The air in the hotel room was continually mixed by a heater and dehumidifier and so the small amounts of virus in the air were diluted. Previous studies found that having 6-12 exchanges per hour was equivalent to vaccinating 50-60% of the population. (At Senders Pediatrics there are 12 exchanges per hour – 1 every 5 minutes).

• Age matters: Middle-aged adults are generally less susceptible than younger adults.
Bottom line:
The riskiest situation is close, face-to-face contact indoors with poor air movement.

Helpful tips:
• Improve airflow whenever possible
Consider portable air purifiers in closed spaces. Examples of inexpensive air purifiers include: https://www.amazon.com/shop/senderspediatrics/list/3JE3S3A2GZM0A?ref_=aipsflist&ccs_id=ba48df0b-ba27-450a-b782-f2737e54357f
• Masks help most when you’re near someone who’s coughing—surgical masks work just as well as N95s for most situations.

For the full story: https://www.senderspediatrics.com/Newsletter/January-2026