Stacy B. Schwartz, a nurse practitioner, stands in an examination room at Cross Keys Pediatrics. (Photo by Steve Ruark)

In the 16 years she has practiced medicine with Dr. Barnaby Starr at Cross Keys Pediatrics, Stacy Schwartz, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, has enjoyed the privilege of watching patients grow from infants to young adults. “I share in their successes and sometimes their struggles,” she says. A Baltimore native who lives in Pikesville with her husband, Louis, and their four children, Schwartz belongs to Beth Tfiloh Congregation.

Jmore recently spoke with Schwartz about her work and the health issues facing teens.

 1. What’s your typical workday like?

My role involves yearly well-child exams, sick visits, phone call triage, prescribing medications and follow-up.  

2. Your patients’ greatest concerns?

Many adolescents ask about their growth and their weight. They are interested to see where they fall on the growth chart, how much their height or weight has changed since their last visit, and if they fall in the normal range. They want to know what their projected end-height will be. Questions about growth segue nicely into conversations about healthy eating habits and exercise, which I cover at every well-child visit.

3. Topics you make sure to discuss with teens?

I am certain to discuss risky behaviors. I tailor the conversation to the child’s age because the issues facing a 10-year-old are different from those facing a 15-year-old or an 18-year-old. We may also talk about peer relationships, drinking, smoking, vaping, drugs, sexuality and mental health. I always remind kids to be kind and inclusive of peers, and I stress the importance of reaching out to those who are quiet and on the fringe socially. Compassion is a trait that I hope to encourage from a young age because it fosters a positive sense of self.

4. What do you tell kids about substance use?

Vaping is a big health risk currently. The marketing has done a good job of making e-cigarettes look appealing when in fact it is highly habit-forming. Additionally, the nicotine kids inhale from vaping damages lung capacity, which can negatively affect teens’ ability to perform well in sports and other endurance activities. Teens continue to drink at a young age. Drinking alcohol lowers inhibitions and can lead to risky, regrettable behaviors and legal difficulties. I remind teens that as they gain independence from their parents, they should be less concerned about pleasing their parents and more concerned about pleasing themselves. They should know that every choice counts and that their choices reflect their character.

5. Does Judaism affect your work?

Jewish values as described in the Torah’s middot [positive character traits] definitely influence the conversations and advice I share with my patients. I encourage them to always behave with good moral judgment and character.

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