It is believed that in the US there are over five million children that have food allergies. That’s two for every classroom. These figures, though no one knows why, are also on the rise. With this in mind, we need to ensure that parents have the information they need surrounding food allergies and that the information is good. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and many myths about food allergies prevail.  Here are some of those myths.

Once you have a food allergy, you’ll always have a food allergy

This is partly true and partly myth. Some nuts, shellfish, and fish are typically allergies that will last a lifetime. Soy, wheat, and milk, however, can be and are often outgrown.

Intolerance to foods and allergies are the same thing

This could not be further from the truth. Food intolerance is not a less severe type of food allergy. In fact, food intolerance equates to having trouble digesting a food and feeling sick while eating or after eating. Allergies, on the other hand, are a reaction from your immune system and can be life-threatening.

The risk for young children concerning food allergies is high

This is partially true in that young children cannot read food labels or recognize that certain foods they are allergic to are ingredients in the food they are eating. However, teens are probably a higher risk group as they are prone to risk-taking behavior.

Eating a little of a food you have an allergen to won’t hurt

It has been proven that even a trace of foods such as peanuts can bring on the allergic reaction of the sufferer. Therefore, it is not the case that just a little of an allergen food will be OK.

An allergy causing a rash means that the allergy is not serious

How severe an allergy is cannot be judged by the fact that a child only develops a rash. Reactions due to food allergies vary, and there is nothing to say that a rash this time won’t develop into a more serious reaction next time.

The only life-threatening food allergy is to peanuts

Not true – any food can cause a serious reaction known as anaphylaxis. There are, however, foods that are more likely to be life-threatening which include milk, egg, soy, fish, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts.

An allergy to peanuts is the most common food allergy

It is true that peanuts are the food that is most likely to cause anaphylactic shock. However, it is not true that it is the most common allergy. Cow’s milk takes that prize.

Toddlers/pre-schoolers should never be given fish, eggs or peanuts

Actually, the exact opposite is thought to be true. Exposing young children to common allergen foods may, in fact, protect them from developing allergies. Fish and eggs, for example, should be tried when a baby starts on solids, and babies at high risk of developing a peanut allergy should try them (peanut protein) at four to six months. This is after they have tested negative for an allergy and should only be done under the supervision of a physician.

There never seems to be a day that goes by without some mention of the childhood obesity epidemic which has been spreading around the world in recent decades. It has been estimated that about 1 in 6 kids in America are obese, which is a scary figure.

Childhood obesity is preventable, but for numerous reasons, the problem is getting worse rather than better. In this post, we will look at why this issue is so serious and what can be done to stop it in its tracks.

More Than Just Baby Fat

We all have photos of us as kids with chubby cheeks, but obesity is a much more dangerous illness which can have far-reaching consequences for a child’s physical and mental health, both now and in the future.

• Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, as well as bone and joint issues.
• Obesity has a major impact on a child’s self-esteem, as they are at risk of bullying and teasing which can lead to low self-worth and depression.

If a child is obese, then they are at risk of having mental and physical problems throughout their life. For example, a child who is overweight is much more likely to become obese as an adult.

Why Do Kids Become Obese?

Many people think it is just the modern lifestyle of TV, electronic devices, and junk food which account for the rise in obesity. And while they certainly play a part, the situation isn’t quite that simple.

Some of the reasons why kids become obese are:

• Genetics
• Overweight Parents
• Poor Eating Habits At Home
• Not Enough Exercise

What Can We Do?

The good news is there are many things we can do as parents to reduce the risk of our kids becoming overweight.

Role Model

As parents, the first thing we can do is be positive role models for our kids. It is hard to get our kids to eat a balanced diet if they grow up watching us eating junk food and TV dinners.

Balanced Diets

This can start from the moment they begin to eat solids. Babies love different colors and textures, so this is a great way to introduce fruits and vegetables.

It is not just fruits and vegetables that help though. Having a balanced diet low in sugar and saturated fats will help your little ones develop better.

You can even help before that as well by breastfeeding. The breast milk gives your baby all the necessary nutrients they require and can help to regulate their weight.

Play Time

Kids love to explore and play, but unfortunately, the modern lifestyle involves exploring from a seated position. A lack of movement can have an adverse effect on the growth and development of our little ones.

Therefore, as parents, we should develop good habits in our kids from a young age by playing games outside, going to the park, and limiting the amount of time we spend watching TV and using our electronic devices.

Well-Child Exam

From the moment your child is born, they should receive regular newborn and well-child exams to make sure they are healthy. During these exams, the doctor will check the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the baby. This will help identify any early signs of obesity and give lots of time to reverse the changes before further damage can occur.

Choosing a pediatrician for your child is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make in their early years, so it is vital that you take the time to get it right. There are many things to consider before you even visit the clinic. Ask around to see if your friends and family have any recommendations, search the internet and look for testimonials.

Once you have completed your initial search, you can draw up a shortlist of pediatricians which you would like to go and meet. This process will help you make a better decision and find the best pediatrician for you and your children. We can guarantee that the benefits of selecting the right pediatrician are worth the initial effort.

Long-Term Relationship

The last thing you want for your child is to regularly change their pediatrician, as this can disrupt their general treatment. Records get lost, doctors have different approaches, and kids don’t really like change when it comes to doctor’s visits.

Having the same pediatrician throughout childhood will help to build trust, and most importantly they will have a keen awareness of the overall health and development of your child.

As a parent, you will feel much more comfortable asking for advice and asking potentially embarrassing questions about growth, child care, puberty, and sex. All of these issues require trust in the pediatrician from parent and child alike, and this trust is built up over a period of years.

Up-To-Date Records

There are so many things you need to remember as a parent, so it is helpful to have someone there to remind you about well-child exams and immunizations. Your pediatric clinic will provide you with all the information you need regarding schedules and should be willing to offer flexible appointment times.

Having access to up-to-date records will help your pediatrician make a better diagnosis or treatment plan if your child gets sick or develops any allergies.

Expertise

By choosing a board-certified pediatrician or attending a highly rated group practice, you are investing in the long-term health of your child. Always look for the pediatrician’s credentials before arranging a visit and see if they are affiliated with any professional bodies such as the American Board of Pediatrics.

Highly qualified pediatricians will offer the latest treatment methods and will always look to provide the highest standards of care.

From the Cradle to the Big Wide World

Selecting a highly qualified pediatrician is not so good if they are not always available or only offer a limited range of expertise. Therefore, look for a pediatrician or pediatric group which provide a wide range of services.

Ideally, you want a clinic which can provide care from the moment your child is born until they are ready to leave home for college. As mentioned above, building a long-term relationship with the child will enable them to create a complete picture of their health.

Examples of services to look out for include:

• Newborn exams
• Well-child exams
• Immunizations
• Sports and School Physicals
• Growth and Development Assessment
• General Child Care and Advice

As a parent, it is our responsibility to keep our kids safe and protect them from pain. When they grow, there will be times when they get sick, but these will hopefully be limited to the usual stomach bugs and common colds which punctuate childhood.

One way we can help our children develop is through different types of children’s immunizations which help protect them against all sorts of nasty germs and bugs. Many parents worry about exposing their little ones to these bugs; however, the immunizations help to support the development of their immune systems and offer long-term protection.

Why Does My Kid Need All These Shots?

When your little one is born, they are at risk from infectious diseases, as they don’t have a fully functioning immune system. They will receive some basic protection from antibodies passed on from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it isn’t enough.

As your baby gets exposed to more germs and viruses, their immune system is more likely to get overwhelmed if it is not given the support vaccines provide. And it is not just your little one you are protecting. Widespread vaccinations help to control or eliminate childhood diseases; this protects the community at large.

What Is in a Shot?

Each vaccine contains a small amount of a specific virus or bacteria, which is injected into the bloodstream. These shots help your child to develop antibodies that will allow them to fight off those diseases effectively should they ever be exposed to them.

In some cases, the vaccine will include antigens, which will have the same effect on the immune system but without creating any symptoms.

Immunization Schedule

The CDC has put together a very useful schedule to help inform parents when the little ones should get their latest round of shots. Don’t worry if you don’t remember every one though, as your local clinic will usually administer them or remind you about them during routine new baby and well-child examinations.

The schedule starts from when they are born and runs all the way into adolescence.

Types of Immunizations

When you are approaching the birth of your little one, your pediatric clinic will give you all the information on what shots need to be done and when they should be done. The CDC regularly updates the list of the different types of immunizations so that the maximum number of people are protected.

The list below gives an example of the different types of illnesses which are currently vaccinated against in the US:

• Flu
• Hepatitis A and B
• Chickenpox
• Meningitis
• Rotavirus
• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Polio

Common Concerns

Parents often worry about the safety of vaccinations and whether their baby’s system will be overwhelmed by all these viruses. The truth is that vaccines are generally safe and usually only cause mild aftereffects such as bruising and snuffles.

The pain and discomfort associated with the shots are usually short-lived, and your baby might be a little grouchy for a day or so. But that is often the worst of it.

Any More Questions?

If you have any concerns about the shots, then your doctor or clinical staff will be able to address these. There is also lots of information on the CDC website.

When our little ones are in their early years, they are susceptible to all sorts of illnesses that can cause many sleepless nights for parent and baby alike. The good news is that many of these conditions are likely to only result in some discomfort and can be easily treated at home without the need for any visits to the clinic.

One of the most common childhood illnesses is ear infections, which can vary in severity and will need prompt treatment to relieve the symptoms as soon as possible. Not a day goes by in the US when a pediatrician doesn’t diagnose a young child with an ear infection. So, if you notice that your little one is not themselves, here are some signs of an ear infection which will indicate a visit to your doctor is necessary.

What Causes Ear Infections?

Ear infections are almost as common as the cold in young children, and your doctor will be able to diagnose this problem quickly. Young children are particularly vulnerable to ear infections, as their eustachian tubes are not fully formed, making it easier for bacteria and germs to get in. Also, kids tend to suffer more from colds which often lead to ear infections.

Either bacteria or viruses can cause these infections, and they commonly occur as a result of blocked sinuses or a cold. With any of these issues, fluid can build up behind the eardrum, and if it doesn’t correctly drain, then the fluid can become infected.

Common Symptoms

If your child is already speaking, then they may tell you that their ear hurts, but in the case of babies, some physical signs will suggest that they have an ear infection. The first thing you might notice is that your baby is rubbing or pulling on their ear, but you might also notice the following:

• irritability or restlessness
• loss of appetite
• loss of balance

If the symptoms are not too severe, then you should be able to monitor and treat the condition at home. However, if the symptoms persist or your child is being sick or has a high temperature, then contact your doctor immediately.

Treatment

It is essential to determine whether the ear infection was caused by a virus or bacteria before going ahead with a course of antibiotics. Therefore, if your child is feeling a little under the weather and is complaining about their ears, first monitor the situation and take note of their symptoms.

At this point, you can call your doctor to see if they think you need to bring them in for a checkup. Regardless, conservative methods like over-the-counter painkillers and warm compresses will be the first course of treatment.

If your doctor decides to do a checkup, they will look inside the ear with a special device called an otoscope, do some simple tests to see which part of the ear is infected, and decide whether a course of antibiotics is necessary.

Need More Information?

 If your kid is under the weather, don’t hesitate to contact your clinic for advice, as they will be able to go through your child’s symptoms and point you in the right direction.

It is very rare to find a kid that looks forward to having shots, and even young babies seem to know what is coming when they are due for a shot, resulting in lots of tears and bad moods. For a parent, this can be very upsetting, but the short-term upset and pain is worth it when you factor in the long-term benefit of protection from some nasty bugs.

Your doctor will be well aware of this problem and will try to make you and your child as comfortable as possible. Also, there are many things you can do to reduce your child’s immunization pain.

First Things First

Before your baby is born, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss the immunization schedule and ask if there are any combination vaccines available. During the appointment, you can talk about your concerns and ask for any tips on how to make your baby comfortable before, during, and after the shots.

Your doctor and their team will be well-trained in the administration of vaccines and will apply systems of best practice based on the latest research, so you can rest assured that they will help as much as possible.

Hold Me Close

New and unpleasant experiences can be particularly traumatic for babies, so it is a good idea to hold them close and in a position they like while having the immunization. If they receive the shot while they are lying down or separate from you, then they are likely to get really upset.

After they have had their shot, they are likely to be a bit grumbly, so swaddling and gently rubbing the area where they received the shot can help to relax them and not pay as much attention to the pain.

Food Glorious Food

Distractions are a great way to help your baby, and one of the best distractions is food. As adults, we often eat when we are in need of comfort, and the same is true of babies, who are much easier to distract. Some parents find feeding their baby during the shot provides a relief from the pain, but it doesn’t work for everyone, so it is worth discussing this approach with your doctor.

Distraction

As any parent knows, babies love the stimulation they receive from toys, movies, or other noise-making contraptions. Making use of this knowledge is a vitally important step to help minimize any pain your little one will feel. Always bring something with you that will keep them occupied while the doctor does the deed.

A Spoon Full of Sugar…

We all know the great song from Mary Poppins, but it has been clinically proven that sugar helps newborns get over the pain of a shot. Applying a small amount of sugar water to your baby’s pacifier just before their injection can help reduce pain.

I Don’t Want To…

As your child gets older, they may become more vocal in their disproval of shots. You can help them get through the experience by offering distractions and reassurance.

After they have had a shot, apply some local pain relief to reduce any swelling.

If at any point you have any concerns, your pediatrician and their team will be on hand to put your mind at ease.

We live in a world where we are constantly exposed to new information and “experts” who claim to know best. This constant input is enough to drive even the most level-headed person insane. And the bad news is that it only gets worse when you are a parent, with many people having a stronger opinion on how to raise an active, healthy, and well-mannered child. This situation leads to an unnecessary level of stress and fear that your child isn’t “normal” or that you are a lousy parent.

Across America, pediatricians continually come across parental actions that are unhelpful and potentially damaging to the health and self-esteem of children. This is a direct result of the busy lives we lead and the conflicting information surrounding us. The good news is many of these things can be stopped if you pay attention to this list of four things your pediatrician wishes you would stop doing. 

Information Overload

Wherever you look, there is a wealth of information about everything you could imagine, with websites, helplines, TV programs, and self-help books making us more “informed” than trained doctors. Sounds a bit crazy, doesn’t it? But when was the last time you diagnosed yourself or a loved one? This is particularly dangerous when dealing with our little ones.

 

Many websites offer symptom checkers, which can be easily consulted when your child develops symptoms such as coughs and fevers. These same checkers will list all the potential illnesses the symptoms could indicate, and your imagination will do the rest! The truth is, there is no substitute for real medical advice, so if you are worried about your child’s health, contact your pediatrician as soon as possible. They will then tell you whether you just need to pop to the pharmacy or if the symptoms warrant further assessment.

Spending all Your Free Time in the ER

Unfortunately, many parents bypass their local clinic and head straight to the ER, which can be a completely unnecessary waste of time and money. When your little one has an accident, like falling off their bike or running into a closed door, you might be able to treat them yourself. If they lose consciousness, become disorientated, are bleeding heavily, or are having problems moving a limb, then a trip to the ER is probably a good call.

In many cases, your child will probably be in shock, and with a bit of comfort and a bandage, they will be back on their feet in minutes.

Missing Checkups

These days, we all lead increasingly busy lives, and as a result, appointments get forgotten or canceled. If you feel you have a healthy child, you may think the checkups are unnecessary. And yes, your child may very well receive a clean bill of health every time they visit, which is excellent news. But regardless of your opinion of your child’s health, prevention is always the best possible cure.

Regular medical exams will identify any potential issues in your child’s physical and emotional health and can help spot many diseases and problems at an early stage so as not to have a huge impact on their lives. For example, conditions such as asthma, allergies, heart problems, and growth-related problems can be avoided or managed better if they are spotted earlier. So put that phone down and make the appointment!

TV Time

Kids love stimulation, and as they get older, they get increasingly curious about the world around them, becoming obsessed with different shapes, textures, smells, tastes, and colors. Nowhere can these senses be stimulated more than on the TV or handheld device. These days, it is common to see children of all ages glued to a screen, which can be counterproductive on many levels.

Games and cartoons can be excellent ways to let your kid chill out or gain some visual input, but when it is done at the expense of real social interactions and exercise, problems can occur. In our current society, we have seen a considerable increase in mobility and weight issues in children and an increase in mental health problems. This is not to say that tablets and video games are the main problems, but unlimited access to them is a serious issue.

We don’t recommend locking up all screens, but we seriously recommend that your kids get as much exercise as possible and socialize with as many people as possible from a young age. Even spending some time outside with nothing but the garden and their imaginations can be a great way for them to enjoy their increasing awareness of the world.

Whether you are a new parent or already have kids, at some point, you are going to need some help and advice regarding the health and well-being of your kids. This will mean finding a pediatrician in your area who offers the most relevant services for your kid.

What is a pediatrician?

A pediatrician is a doctor that specializes in different areas of child medicine and who will be able to diagnose and treat a variety of childhood ailments. Also, they can conduct regular physicals to ensure your child is developing well, both physically and emotionally.

Throughout your child’s growth from baby to adult, your pediatrician and clinical team will be on-hand to provide advice, information, and reassurance, hopefully taking some of the stress out of being a parent.

What does a doctor need to get a license to practice Pediatrics?

It takes time and perseverance to become a qualified pediatrician, and even though the requirements vary from state-to-state, they generally follow these guidelines:

• Undergraduate Degree in, preferably, a Math and/or Science focus
• A Four-Year Medical School Program
• Pass the US Medical Exam
• Residency (This varies depending on the state and specialty chosen)

What to look for in a pediatrician?

The gold standard of pediatrics in America is being ‘board-certified,’ which means they have undergone a rigorous training program and made a commitment to continue looking for ways to improve the standard of care they offer.  As a parent, this gives you assurances that you have access to first-class care.

One of the key features of being board-certified is a commitment to excellent patient care and communication skills. This is vitally important as both you and your child should feel comfortable when you visit the clinic, and not feel embarrassed to ask questions. So, when you are looking for a pediatrician for your child, take the time to visit the clinic and meet the doctor face-to-face. This will give you an excellent opportunity to see if the doctor will be the right fit for you and your family.

Benefits of Registering with a Pediatrician

Babies – Pediatricians can help you during pregnancy and in the first three years when you will visit them for regular checkups. Some pediatricians specialize in this kind of medicine and have a wealth of experience to help you during the exciting, but stressful times of parenthood. They will give you information on common conditions, vaccinations, sleep, and any area where you feel you need some more guidance.

Toddlers – As your little ones become not so little ones, you will want to make sure they are growing healthily. You may have concerns about their physical development, behavior, or eating habits. Many of these problems will be easily solved or may not be problems at all. As pediatricians are trained in children’s health, they will be familiar with all kind of growth-related issues and advise you accordingly, investigating further if required.

Kids to Adults – Pediatricians are there for you and your family all the way through your child’s journey into adulthood, and offer a wide range of services designed to make the transition as smooth as possible. Each clinic is different, but they will usually provide physicals for school and sports, confidential advice for issues relating to growing pains and sexual health, as well as help with behavioral and emotional problems.

Choosing the right pediatrician for your child is a big decision for you to make as a parent, and the options available can be quite daunting. Regardless of where you are in the country you want to make sure that the doctor or doctors at your chosen clinic have an excellent reputation for offering the highest standards of care, while also utilizing the latest developments in pediatric treatment. One way to check this out is by seeing if the clinic has board certified pediatricians on their roll.

This may seem like another thing you have to add to your ‘to-do’ list before birth or a move to another city, but it will offer you extra peace of mind in the future. That is because Board Certified Pediatricians have made a commitment to the continuous development of pediatrics in America and have undergone a rigorous training program. And, once they are certified they have to constantly prove that they are using the latest methods and best practices.

But, what exactly are board certified pediatricians and how do they get certified in the first place?

What is a Board Certified Pediatrician?

Pediatrics is such a vital field of medicine, which is why The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) was formed. This organization’s mission is to ensure all of its members are committed to continually develop and improve the standard of care within their chosen field.

To become certified the doctor has to undergo a rigorous training program after they have completed their initial medical training. This involves completing a three-year residency and meeting all the necessary obligations of the state licensing board. After this, they are eligible to sit the APB examination, which if successfully passed, will give them the status of board-certified pediatrician.

All of this requires a significant commitment from the physician, and as such, the qualification is a voluntary one. And the commitment doesn’t stop there. To remain board-certified the doctors must actively participate in the development of treatment in their chosen field and take an additional exam every ten years. 

Benefits of Being Treated by a Board Certified Pediatrician

It is very easy to take things at face value, and then get disappointed later. You don’t want this to be the case when choosing a doctor for your kids. When searching for a new doctor, it is reassuring to know that you can verify a pediatrician’s credentials through the APB directory before deciding to put your child in their care.

As mentioned above, just because the doctor has been board-certified, doesn’t mean they can rest on their laurels. There is an initial qualification period followed by the APB’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC): five-year cycles where they must continually look at ways to improve their practice and demonstrate best practice in the following competencies:

• medical knowledge
• patient care
• communication skills
• practice improvement
• professionalism
• understanding of the medical system

Not only do the doctors have to be skilled physicians, but they also need to find ways to make their little patients as comfortable as possible, whatever their reason for visiting the clinic. So, when you see the certificate on the wall, you have one less thing to worry about.

Additional Benefits

Another role of the APB is to bring certified doctors together, making it the largest collaborative community of its kind in the country. This has many benefits for your child, as the doctors have access to the latest knowledge in their field and also work alongside highly skilled physicians on other fields, effectively giving your child access to a team of physicians specializing in all areas of pediatrics.

Need to know more?

If you would like to know more the APB’s have a website full of lots of useful information or, alternatively, give us a call and we will be happy to discuss any questions you have.

Pediatrics is a general field of medical science that concentrates on the health and well-being of kids, from newborns all the way through to when they head off to college. There are many options to choose from when selecting the best pediatrician for your kid: doctors, clinics, hospitals, and so on. The sheer volume of choice can be overwhelming for many people, so it is well-worth considering a solution to this problem: registering with a pediatrician group.

Selecting a pediatrician group will help you a great deal, as you will then have access to many services all under one roof rather than having to travel all over the city for different appointments. This can save time and money—and ultimately a little bit of sanity—when your toddler has no desire to sit in the car for hours.

There are several advantages to registering with a pediatrician group, and we will introduce a few of those today.

Different Areas of Specialization

Pediatric groups will always have many different physicians on site at any given time, and with that comes different training and specializations. As a result, the clinic will operate in a spirit of collaboration, which in turn leads to a higher standard of care for the patients and quick answers to medical issues that arise.

Some physicians have a specific interest in newborns while others work better with older kids. Whatever your needs, there will be a member of the team to work with you and your child throughout their formative years.

Higher Level Of Resources

Pediatrician group clinics vary in size and specializations, but having access to a wider variety of doctors is always useful in case of emergency. Even if you have chosen a primary caregiver, they may not be available twenty-four hours a day. This makes being a member of a group practice a very valuable asset.

The doctors at the practice will share similar values regarding the care and well-being of the patients. So even if the physician doesn’t know you personally, they will have access to your child’s medical records. This will allow for prompt treatment, which can then be followed up by your primary caregiver.

Having access to several doctors has another advantage, in that waiting times are usually reduced, making it easier to be seen, whether for a checkup or in the case of an emergency.

With You All the Way through Childhood and Beyond…

Structure and consistency are two factors children need more than any other age group, and when it comes to pediatrics, this is a vital component of their care. When your child goes to the same clinic for a long period of time, they become comfortable with the doctors and staff, which obviously builds trust.

Lasting relationships are a fundamental part of the care given by a clinic and should be a key consideration when looking for a new pediatrician. Are they established within the community, and do they have great relationships with their patients? These days, that information can be easily found on the internet, and if you see a lot of positive experiences, that feedback shouldn’t be discounted.

As parents, we often spend many hours worrying about the health and well-being of our kids. This begins before they are born and continues until they leave the nest. That is why it is important to have a trustworthy pediatric doctor you can call whenever the need arises.

There are many reasons why you might seek a new pediatric doctor. These include becoming a new parent, relocating, or having an unpleasant experience with your existing pediatrician. Whatever your reason for choosing a new pediatrician, we believe that the following considerations need to be taken into account when making your decision.

Do Your Research

Start by looking for clinics in your area on Google or in your local directory. Look at their website and see how you feel as you look through. If it makes a good impression, do more research by asking your friends or seeing if there are any online reviews.

During your search of the website, you can look at the profiles of the doctors. You will see details about their education, employment history, and whether they have board accreditation.

Don’t settle for the first doctor you come across. They might not be the right fit for you and your child. Instead, make a shortlist of possible clinics and take the time to visit them before making your decision.

Location Will Be Key

As part of your research, you want to make sure that the clinic is in a convenient location. This is especially important when you have a newborn to consider.

Look for clinics that are a short drive away or within walking distance of your home, which will make life much easier for you during your child’s early years.

Meet the Pediatric Doctors in Person

Once you have your shortlist, schedule an appointment at the clinic to discuss your requirements with the doctor. This is an excellent opportunity for you to get to know the doctor and learn about their background and style, as well as learn things like the clinic’s schedule.

When you have done the rounds, you will be able to make a more informed choice about which pediatrician will be the best for your child.

Check Important Details

This might seem obvious, but it is an important thing to consider. Make sure you ask the pediatrician if they are taking on new patients and whether they accept your insurance. It is worth asking this at an early stage because you don’t want to waste time finding a pediatrician you like, only to discover that they might not be able to help you.

Finally, Trust Your Gut

If you feel really comfortable with a pediatrician, this is a great sign. On the other hand, if you get a bad feeling when you walk into a clinic or doctor’s office, don’t ignore it.

After you have met a few doctors, weigh the pros and cons of each, and you should be ready to make a decision.

Need More Information?

Feel free to call us and discuss your requirements with one of our friendly staff. They will be able to answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction.

As the summer slowly starts winding down, thoughts will soon start turning to the opening of the school year. This can be both an exciting and worrying time for child and parent alike, especially in the younger years, as your child starts becoming more independent. That is why it is always reassuring to know there are options available to make sure that they are developing into a healthy and active member of the school community. One option for this is a school physical.

While the school physical is a way to achieve peace of mind, it can also help with the early diagnosis of any developmental problems. Also, if your child is involved in sports, then a sports physical can be done as well.

Check Eyesight

During the school physical, the doctor will check your child’s vision to make sure they are functioning well. This is because problems with your child’s eyes can have an adverse effect on their progress at school. It can affect concentration and mood and can lead to problems with reading and writing.

Sometimes, the problem might be very small, or your child is simply too embarrassed to tell you. Either way, your doctor will be able to help get a clearer picture of this situation.

Get an Accurate Picture of Your Child’s Development

By having yearly back-to-school physicals, your doctor will be able to develop a thorough idea of your child’s overall growth and development. They will be able to compare data from the previous year and measure it against national standards.

During the physical, the doctor will check your child’s body mass, hearing, and weight. This is very useful in determining if your child is developing well and is where they need to be at their current stage of life.

Keep Your School Informed

In many states, it is a requirement that children have school physicals at different school stages or upon moving to another district or state. This is useful, as your school will be aware of any illnesses or growth problems that may be detrimental to your child’s participation in certain school activities.

It can also help the school provide the right support for your child throughout their time at school and stop the spread of any contagious bugs or diseases.

Perfect Time to Address Any of Your Concerns

As the school year gets into full swing, it is unlikely that you will have a chance to schedule an appointment to see your pediatrician. Therefore, an annual check-up is a great opportunity to get a comprehensive update on your child’s progress and ask the pediatrician any questions you may have regarding how your child’s behavior and health have been over the previous year.

As mentioned above, if your child is having some behavioral issues, it could be as a result of some problems with their growth, eyesight, or even hearing.

Even if you are not concerned about your child’s development, it is always a good idea to get your child regularly checked up. Call us today to schedule your annual school physical or discuss any details with us.

Having a newborn can be anxiety-inducing, especially for mothers and fathers who are handling newborn child care for the first time. While children can seem fragile and delicate, they are actually very resilient. However, they still can be vulnerable as their immune systems are obviously still adapting; therefore, precautions need to be taken.

There are many ways that parents can help ensure their baby’s health which do not involve buying pricey equipment or needing to constantly worry. Below are only a few suggestions. Contacting a pediatrician will ensure the most reliable information regarding an individual child’s needs.

Love and Care

The best way to keep children healthy is to give him or her plenty of love. Showing affection, both verbally and physically, is so important for wellbeing. Physical touch is the best way to keep a child feeling calm and getting enough sleep.

Touch and affection have been proven to have other health benefits as well. It may not seem like babies have much awareness of what they are being told when talked to for a while, but the communication itself is so important to development.

Frequent doctor checkups are also vital for newborn child care. The pediatrics team will be able to assess the baby’s weight, height, and vital signs in order to compare and understand growth patterns. Within the first year of life, there should be 5-6 planned checkups.

When a parent has a question about the baby’s health, they should not be afraid to call and ask questions. Having a reliable pediatrician’s office will allow for peace of mind.

Protection

Even babies who are healthy can be susceptible to germs and sicknesses much more easily than toddlers. Two important parts of protection are keeping the baby away from germs and away from harsh temperatures.

For the first few months of life, babies should not be touched by anyone other than newborn child care givers, unless they are certain they are not sick and wash their hands to ensure no germs transfer. Parents and other caregivers should also frequently wash hands and maintain a clean environment to protect the child.

Temperature regulation takes some time for babies’ bodies to get used to. If a family is living in an area with extreme heat or cold, keeping them inside during the peak temperatures is the safest bet. Of course, they cannot stay inside forever. By dressing appropriately and paying attention to any warning signs (changes in skin color, emotions, appearing uncomfortable), a newborn is safe to be outside short periods at a time. Parents should trust their instincts, and if they feel too hot or cold, the baby almost certainly will be too.

Newborn child care is not as difficult as it may seem and does not need to be something that causes anxiety for parents. By taking simple precautionary steps to ensure the baby stays away from germs, seeing a doctor regularly, and giving lots of physical contact, a baby will be in the best position to grow up healthy and happy.