DR. JENNIFER SHU Dr. Jennifer Shu is a pediatrician in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a mom and practices part time at Children's Medical Group. She's passionate about working with families to help them build healthy habits. She says continuing good habits is much easier than breaking bad habits.

Shu earned her medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. She specialized in pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.

Her experience includes working in private practice, as well as working in an academic medical center. She served as director of the normal newborn nursery at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire.

Shu is also an author, consultant and frequent media guest. She is a co-author of "Food Fights" and "Heading Home with Your Newborn" and was editor for the American Academy of Pediatrics' "Baby and Child Health."

Shu enjoys music, skiing, reading, sudoku and eating out. Her Web site is www.jennifershu.com.

Latest

How can I get earrings back into closed holes?

My daughter got her ears pierced a few months ago and took the earrings out for a few hours today but now can't get them back in. Could the holes be closed up already? How can we get the earrings back in without it hurting too much?

My daughter can turn her eye inward at will -- should I worry?

My 3-year-old daughter has a trick. She can turn her right eye completely inward at will. We noticed it when she was an infant and have taken her several times to a pediatric ophthalmologist. He checked her out, dilated her pupils and suggested that there was nothing wrong, especially now that she has control over it. Should I stop worrying about it now, or go get a second opinion (the second opinion would be quite a drive)?

How can I safely remove a stuck contact lens?

I just got a new brand of soft contact lenses today and can't get one of them out. What should I do?

What could be causing the redness in my urine?

When I went to the bathroom today, my urine was red. It's not my period. What could it be, and do I need to worry?

Can I still highlight my hair if I'm pregnant?

I just found out that I'm four weeks pregnant. Is it safe to continue highlighting my hair? Is there anything I should avoid while I'm pregnant?

How soon should I worry about a missed period?

If you know that you are not pregnant, how long is too long before you should be alarmed if you don't have your period? What could be the possible reasons for a delayed period? When should you see a doctor?

How can I stop my son's sleepwalking?

My 11-year-old son sleepwalks about once a month. Last night he walked out of the house before waking up. What can I do to stop his sleepwalking from happening?

Which goes on first - sunscreen or bug repellent?

What is the best way to apply sunscreen and insect repellent --sunscreen first or insect repellent first? I have the lotion kind for both.

What can cause bleeding during sex?

I have been bleeding during sex. An ER doctor I saw said it could be precancer cells. I am just wondering what causes these cells. Why does it happen, and what are the symptoms? I don't have a gynecologist because I lost my insurance.

What are skin tags and can I remove them myself?

Why do people get skin tags and how can they be removed with home remedies? Can I just cut it off with a pair of scissors or nail clippers if they are sterilized?

Why do my feet hurt?

I have pain in my heels, and it hurts to do anything on my feet. I elevate them and try not to put any pressure on them as much as possible. Even when I sleep on my back and my feet are positioned my heels hurt. What should I do?

What causes urinary tract infections?

What triggers urinary tract infections?

How can I replace nutrients if my kid won't eat meat?

My 2-year-old does not eat meat. We've tried different things to help, but he just chews and spits it out once the flavor is gone. What can I try to replace the nutrients he's losing?

What should I do with recalled Tylenol?

What should I do with the recalled children's Tylenol I have in my medicine cabinet?

How much sleep does an 8-year-old need?

How many hours of sleep does an 8-year-old child need?

Can I dissolve iron pills in water for easier swallowing?

I have trouble swallowing pills. I'm pregnant and just found out I'm anemic, so I have to take iron tablets. Can I dissolve the iron tablets in water to make them easier to take, or will that weaken or negate the effect of the iron? Can I dissolve my folic acid tablets in water, too, or will those not be effective either?

How can I stop sweating?

I'm a freshman in college, and my feet are always sweaty, even in the wintertime. What can I do to stop sweating?

How can I get rid of my acne?

I would like to know how can I get rid of my acne. I have tried many creams but am allergic to Proactiv and benzoyl peroxide. At the moment, I am using tea tree oil, but it still has not been helping very well. Kindly help me please.

How do I handle a toddler who wants grown-up food?

How does one handle meal times with a 2-year-old who looks at what adults are eating and wants it, for example Romaine lettuce with 4-inch chunks of raw carrots? Are adults supposed to say,"We are all sitting down together at family mealtime but you can't have what we are eating"? Or give them the huge carrot and let them choke?

Does my numb leg mean I have a circulation problem?

Every time I sit for an hour using my computer, my leg will turn numb. Is it a symptom of bad circulation? I also have purple fingernails.

Will a bifid uvula cause any problems?

I was told I have a bifid uvula. Will it cause any problems?

How much liquid should I drink daily?

I drink about 6 to 10 ounces of fluids per day and I am 15. I know that's really bad, but on top of that I am training for a half-marathon and I've run up to 12 miles. On days like that, I still lack adequate liquids. Will this pose any problems in the near or far future other than dehydration, which I have yet to experience?

Is it OK to take medication when I'm trying to conceive?

Hello, I am trying to get pregnant but suffer from Barrett's esophagus. I have been taking Prevacid and other types of medication. I asked my doctor if this will affect me or the baby when I become pregnant and his answer was no. I just wanted to ask someone else. Thank you.

What are the potential problems with ovarian cysts?

I was recently diagnosed with polyps on my ovaries. Is this a serious condition? What are the risks and how concerned should I be about potential problems?

Should I worry about my son's swollen lymph node?

My 9-year-old son has had a swollen lymph node in his neck for four months. All his blood tests came back normal. It does go up and down in size. Doctors and surgeons say it is just a swollen lymph node and it will go down. Can you please give me some more information on this?

Is my son's widespread upper-body rash really rosacea?

I have a preadolescent son who has developed a rash on his abdomen, shoulders/top of his arms, chest area, upper/lower back and portions of his neck, but NOT on his face. He is not itchy or in pain, but we waited a few days and then took him to his pediatrician. They said it is rosacea. Is it possible for it to be this widespread?

Why does the cold wind make my head hurt?

Why does the cold wind make my head hurt, even when I wear earmuffs?

Could stopping the pill be causing my acne?

I'm 40 and stopped taking the pill a year ago, after using it for some 20 years. Since then I have developed persistent, painful, cystic acne. My periods have also become very irregular and heavy. Could these problems be linked to quitting the pill? Could I have thyroid or ovarian problems?

What cold meds are safe during pregnancy?

My wife is 13 weeks pregnant. What kind of medication can she take for a common cold?

Is having a mole removed painful?

I have a small mole on the tip of my nose. Can I have a small mole removed? What is the recovery time? Is it painful?

What can my son do to stop getting kidney stones?

My 30-year-old son has suffered through 39 kidney stones since he was 16. A recent CT scan shows his kidneys are filled with more. Lab results have ascertained that the stones are made up of calcium oxalate. Is there a cure or remedy for this type of kidney stone? My son has continuous problems with them and it's hard to work every day when he's in so much pain.

Did early CT scans increase my son's cancer risk?

My son, who is now a healthy 3-year-old, had six or seven head CT scans along with two MRIs and some X-rays for a head injury he had when he was just 11 months old. I am very concerned about this new study regarding CT scans causing risk to cancer in future. Did we put our son at risk because of those CT scans?

Why do I need bifocals? Can I avoid them?

I have worn glasses for nearsightedness since I was 15. I recently turned 40 and sometimes have trouble focusing on small things close up (such as text messages on my cell phone or restaurant menus). My eye doctor says I may need bifocals. Why did this happen and what can I do to avoid wearing bifocals?

How can eating disorders be diagnosed in a young child?

Is there a way to diagnose eating disorders in small children? When should a parent be concerned?

Is bathing just once a week healthy?

My 68-year-old mother-in-law refuses to take a bath but once a week. Is this healthy or even legally acceptable? Please help.

Can my daughter catch pinworms at a playdate?

My friend's daughter has pinworms. Can my daughter catch pinworms if they have a playdate together?

Can wearing new clothes without washing hurt a kid's skin?

I heard that a child can develop a skin disease from a new outfit that has not been washed. Some expensive little children's dresses are decorated with velvet and pearls and bows -- impossible to wash. Dry cleaning has too many chemicals. Your opinion please. Thank you.

How can I keep from going bald?

I'm 28 and noticed my hair has started thinning out. My father is completely bald, and nobody on my mother's side is. For the first time this week, I can see my scalp through my hair. If I could simply keep the hair I have, I would be happy. What alternatives to drugs can you give me? I've done enough research to know that baldness is caused by DHT and have seen a lot of "DHT Blockers" on the Internet. Are there any vitamins I can take, shampoos I can use or foods to cut out of my diet that will help? I would prefer to use something that I didn't have to use every day simply from a cost standpoint. Thanks!

Does chickenpox still exist?

How many diagnosed cases of the chickenpox were there in 2008 compared with 1994, the year before the vaccine was introduced?

My son had flu, but we don't know kind; does he need a vaccination?

In the emergency room recently, my 14-month-old son got a diagnosis of influenza A, but he wasn't tested for H1N1. He has recovered after nine days of fever and other symptoms, but we are unsure going forward whether to seek the regular or swine flu vaccine for him. Any suggestions?

Could I have rabies? I may have been bitten by a bat

Last night, I was walking out from work late at night, and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a bat sitting on the parking lot lawn charged toward me and within seconds flew very close to me. I did not have time to react or realize what happened or if it touched me.

Do severe herpes outbreaks increase my cancer risk?

I have HSV-1 and HSV-2. I found out that my outbreaks are now forming from the inside lining of my genital area, which is all the way in the vagina. My question is -- does this mean my outbreaks are becoming severe, and am I more susceptible to cancer? And what's the best treatment for HSV-2?

Why haven't I started menopause -- I'm 55?

I have just turned 55 and am still having a regular, clockwork period every single 28 days. It lasts only three to four days, but it is still there! Is there any danger in having this go on so long? I was approximately 13 years old when I started, and here I still am! I have no symptoms of menopause at all.

Is the H1N1 shot containing thimerosal safe for my 1-year-old?

My pediatrician's office has only the H1N1 flu nasal spray vaccine and the shot that contains thimerosal. I would like my 1-year-old son to receive the vaccine. Since he is too young for the nasal spray, is it better for him to get the shot with thimerosal or wait for the shot without the preservative?

Is 10 months too young to repair an undescended testicle?

My 10-month-old baby boy is having surgery for an undescended testicle. Is he too young to put him through surgery or should I go ahead with it? Should I give him more time for the testicle to descend?

Could my cough and sore throat be a reaction to the flu vaccine?

I received the flu shot but about 10 days later came down with a painful cough, headache, fatigue and sore throat, but no fever. Is this a reaction to the flu shot? It's miserable!

Could my cough and sore throat be a reaction to the flu vaccine?

I received the flu shot but about 10 days later came down with a painful cough, headache, fatigue and sore throat, but no fever. Is this a reaction to the flu shot? It's miserable!

What is causing my daughter's ringworm?

My daughter has had ringworm for about a month. It is getting worse. She used a cream. What causes ringworm? We don't have pets.

How can I keep my family healthy if one of us has H1N1?

My son was found to have H1N1 flu and has to stay home from school. How can we keep the rest of the family from getting sick?

Should teen boys check testicles regularly?

At my teenage son's recent visit to the pediatrician, he was advised to check his testicles regularly. Is this necessary? I don't remember being told this when I was growing up.

Is it possible to get shingles after childbirth a second time?

If someone develops shingles after she gave birth will this virus affect her next pregnancy? Is there any chance or possibility that the shingles will return again for the rest of her life? And if it can, will the shingles break out in the same spot, or can it be in a different area of the body? What can you do to prevent recurrence? Thanks.

How can I keep my students healthy during H1N1 outbreak?

I'm an elementary school teacher and am worried about H1N1 flu. What can I do to try to keep my students and myself healthy?

One of my nostrils has been clogged. Why?

For over a month now, one of my nostrils has been clogged, so to speak. It will randomly open up, or switch from the right to the left. What is causing this, and what can I do to clear it?

How can I help my pregnant, addicted daughter?

Because of the complexity of this viewer question, three of CNNHealth's expert doctors are offering advice. Last week, Diet and Fitness expert Dr. Melina Jampolis had ideas for gaining weight in a healthy way. Today, Dr. Jennifer Shu offers information about concerns for a baby born to an addicted woman. Watch for insights Tuesday from Mental Health expert Dr. Charles Raison.

How can I get my toddler to drink milk?

I can't get my 2-year-old to drink ANY MILK! I have tried soy milk, cow milk with Nesquik, and nothing works. Any suggestions?

Will I start menopause even though I am on the pill?

I am 49 years old and take Seasonique. Will I start menopause even though I am on birth control?

What can I take to help with Vicodin withdrawal symptoms?

I recently stopped taking Vicodin for my fibromyalgia pain. I had been taking it for about three years. I quit cold turkey and am wondering what is the best thing for the withdrawal [symptoms], like natural things I can take to help me get through this?

Why am I getting unwanted facial hair at age 41?

I am 41 years old and for a while now I have noticed hair growing under my chin. Is that because I might have low levels of estrogen? I know I can remove them with laser but why is this happening?

How much water do babies need to drink?

Asked by How much water do babies need to drink?

Can I go white-water rafting if I have an insulin pump?

Can someone who is a diabetic and on the insulin pump go white-water rafting?

What can I do to stop retaining water?

For the past several months, I have noticed that I have been retaining water. When I take my socks off in the evening, the ringed indentations left on my skin will stay up to an hour after removing the clothing. I've asked my physician about the cause and she indicated that I am probably ingesting too much salt. Although I do consume sodium in my everyday foods, I do not feel that I am eating too much salt. My doctor suggested that I take water pills. I have been taking two pills per day and have increased my consumption of water (as I read that water retention is often caused by dehydration). I'm not seeing any change in my water retention. Do you have any suggestions?

Should I bank my baby's umbilical cord blood?

I am seven months pregnant and am wondering if I should invest in cord blood banking when my baby is born.

Can C-section anesthetic lead to low back pain?

It has been eight years since I have had my son through Caesarean section. During the last few days, I have been experiencing discomfort below my backbone right at the place where I got a shot for the Caesarean section. Is this a reason for concern, as I have not been able to sleep on my back for the last few days?

Should I breast-feed a baby with food allergies?

I am exclusively beast-feeding my 4-month-old baby, who was diagnosed with allergic colitis at 3 months. I have been off dairy and soy for eight weeks now. We still see blood specks in his poop. He is gaining weight, albeit very slowly. Question, is it beneficial for me to be on an elimination diet and figure out what he is allergic to or is a hypoallergenic formula the answer? Has any research been done on this? My baby won't take those formulas and I am torn on what to do. Is breast-feeding detrimental in this case or will he outgrow it eventually in six months or a year? Please advise.

What causes a high potassium count?

How does one get a very high potassium count, and how do you lower it?

What can I do about my stretch marks?

I have stretch marks on my body. I wasn't pregnant nor am I pregnant now. How should I get rid of them permanently without going under the knife? Any safe creams or natural treatments?

I noticed a strand of gray hair on my child

I noticed a single strand of grey hair on my 3½ year old daughter today. I would like to know if it could be external factors or some vitamin deficiency. There is no known history of young children having grey hair in either my or my wife's family. She is a healthy child. We are vegetarians and our ethnic background is Asian.

How can I get healthier gums?

I think my gums are infected slightly. I brush twice a day, use Listerine, and Act rinsing. What can I use each day for getting healthier gums?

Is the Gardasil vaccination reliable?

Is Gardasil vaccination reliable? I've heard plenty of ugly things about this vaccination. I have a 17-year-old daughter and her doctor recommends that she get this vaccine. I am very confused because of the negative and positive information. Would you be able to clarify?

Is OK to use meds after their expiration date?

Is it dangerous to use medicine after the expiration date? Is it simply ineffective only and does not cause harm? Should expiration dates be observed accurately?

Would asthma show up in a chest X-ray?

Can you look at a chest X-ray and tell if someone has asthma?

What can correct my son's urinary stream?

My 5-year-old son urinates upward and not downward. What can be done to correct this problem?

Will my anthrax vaccination hurt my unborn child?

I am enlisted in the military and recently had an anthrax shot. Then a week later, I found out that I am pregnant. Will this shot have an effect on my pregnancy or child?

What can I do about teeth grinding?

My 12-year-old stepson not only grinds his teeth but now he has started to suck his bottom lip at night. How can we stop this? Does he need to see a specialist? Need help!

How can I safely pack foods like yogurt for lunch?

How can I safely pack foods like yogurt for lunch?

Should we worry about toddler's toe walking?

My granddaughter Jemma is 17 months old and has been walking for some time. She can and will walk on her entire foot, however she loves to toe walk, and it has my daughter concerned. The pediatrician told her to keep an eye on this as it could be a medical problem. My daughter is concerned, as am I. Your response would help ease our minds. Thank you.

What's the treatment for keloids?

What is the treatment for keloids?

Is there an eggless flu shot?

I'm 45 years old. My doctor says I have a severe allergy to eggs. I've had only one flu shot in my life and I got very sick in the immediate aftermath. I've been lucky through my life to either get a mild flu or not at all, but with so many coming down with what seems to be an awful flu this season, and my increasing age -- I worry.

What can I do to grow taller?

Hi,

What's causing my recurring headaches?

I get major headaches often. They're not migraines, but the pain is constant. Sometimes when I wake up from sleeping, I get them. Could this be because of food allergies? Or something else?

What can help kids' dry skin?

My daughter is 4 years old and has some dry patches on her skin. What is the best thing to do for children who have dry skin? Any suggestions for lotions or bathing?

Why are my fingernails turning dark?

I have notice that my fingernails have started to turn really dark. They used to be pink but now they are turning dark brown. Call you tell me what is causing this, and what treatment if any can I use to cure this? This is really becoming noticeable. Thanks for your advice.

Why haven't I had a period?

I haven't had my period since this past May. I've taken home pregnancy tests and had blood tests just to make sure. What's wrong with me?

What causes muscle cramps?

What causes muscle cramps? (Particularly, the leg muscles.)

How serious is a swollen lymph node?

A few days after I had a severe outbreak of canker sores I developed a swollen lymph node under my chin, right in the middle. I went to the dr's after 2 days and he put me on antibiotics. I am trying to figure out how serious this swollen lymph node may be. It is about the size of a pea. It is not as painful as it was. I am really worried because the doctor was very short with me and said this is nothing to play around with, but didn't really explain anything to me. I have a follow up with him in a week. How serious does this sound? I'm scared! Please help. Should I suggest a biopsy? Should I suggest blood tests?

How can someone stop or reduce snoring?

Is there anything a person can do to stop snoring or possibly reduce the amount of snoring at night? It's so loud.

What's the best age to start using a bed-wetting alarm?

What is the best age to begin using a bed-wetting alarm?

Will daily pot usage hurt my health?

I don't smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, but I have smoked marijuana daily for the last 25 years. Although I have enjoyed good health all my life, I would like to know what concerns I should have with long-term marijuana usage.

Is pregnancy still possible if your tubes are tied?

Is it possible for a woman to still get pregnant after having her tubes tied?

How can I get rid of boils?

My fiancee and i moved to this area from the Midwest and since being here we have been plagued with boils. Small, big you name it -- on our mid-section, back of knee, thigh, buttock and lower sides. What can we do to get rid of, treat, or keep from getting them? They are painful and quite embarrassing. Please help.

Why do I get colds despite constant hand washing?

I am a constant handwasher, user of antibacterial wipes, alcohol gels and even open doors with a tissue or my shirt but still come down with colds. Am I too clean or just unlucky?

How can I soothe a teething baby's gums?

What is the most reliable and safe product to soothe a teething baby's gums?

Learn to live well with CNNhealth

I'm a pediatrician by training but find myself talking with family members of all ages about how they can live well.

Could a flu shot give me a cold?

The day after I got my flu shot this year I got very sick -- not with the flu, but with a heavy cold that lasted for weeks. I assumed the timing was just a coincidence, but this fall so many people that I know had the same experience that I'm wondering: Could a flu shot in any way lead to a heavy cold?

« Previous

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Next »

Other Experts

Dr. Raison »

Mental Health Expert

Are mood swings a sign of depression?

Dr. Jampolis »

Diet & Fitness Expert

How can I get rid of 'man boobs'?

Dr. Brawley »

Conditions Expert

Better understanding of dementia leading to more effective therapies

Ask a Question

Want to know more about this article or other health related issues? Ask your question and we'll post some each week for CNN.com reader to discuss or for our experts to weight in.

see more questions »