Dr. Lisa Belisle

How to Start a Wonderful Life Story

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published July 4, 2005, Portland Press Herald

It is graduation season once more. Caps and gowns abound on campuses across the state, as parents proudly watch their children reap the rewards of their educational efforts. This week a much shorter crowd gathered to don ceremonial mortarboards at the Blaine House in Augusta. These 5-year-olds were Raising Readers graduates: they were celebrating the beauty of books.

Let Food Be Your Medicine: Tips for Feeding the Family

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH, Medical Advisor, Raising Readers 

Summer 2005, Raising Readers Issue Brief 

For most Maine families, the summer means time spent outside. My family is no different.With a baseball player, a softball player and softball coach in our household, many a June evening finds us at the local fields. While we always try to eat before we go, the snack bar often proves especially tempting for the children at dinnertime. Fortunately, along with the requisite hotdogs and ice cream sandwiches, our Little League also makes sure to stock green apples and bottled water. Ever mindful of their budding bodies, I make every effort to cajole the kids into choosing the latter over the former. This may mean that I have to agree to the occasional ‘sweet treat,’ but at least they are getting a consistent message about healthy choices. 

Protecting Your Family from Bugs: The DEET Dilemma and Safe Solutions

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH 
Originally published July 2005, Parent & Family

The mosquito has often been wryly referred to as Maine’s ‘state bird.’ Our abundant woods and waters provide a happy habitat for not only this loathsome pest, but for his friend the ubiquitous tick. Not only are these insects a nuisance, they can also spread deadly diseases. Unfortunately, the chemicals we use to repel ticks and mosquitoes have health implications as well. It’s important to understand the DEET dilemma, and make informed decisions when protecting your family from these bothersome bugs.