Blog

Depositphotos_313792128_XL-1200x800.jpg

Most parents want their children to grow up happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Part of that process is making sure that you keep them up to date on their childhood vaccinations.

Vaccines have come a long way in safety, effectiveness, and quality. In fact, we can remember a time when there was no vaccine for certain childhood illnesses, like polio and varicella (chickenpox). Luckily, we don’t have to worry about that anymore.

Like most things in life, vaccines can come with their share of pesky side effects, and this includes the chickenpox vaccine.

Read on for more information about varicella, varicella vaccine side effects, and why it’s important that your child receives their timely vaccination.


Depositphotos_19550919_XL-1200x797.jpg

Being a parent is difficult enough, but throwing in a myriad of childhood illnesses can be overwhelming. This is especially true when it’s the wee hours of the morning and your child is exhibiting some worrying symptoms.

Croup is often one of those illnesses that catches a parent’s attention because the cough sounds horrible. Fret not! At Kid Care Pediatrics, our goal is to walk beside you and give you the tools you need to keep your child safe and happy.

If you find yourself thinking “How long does croup last?”, read on for more information about the ins and outs of croup, what it is, how long it typically lasts, and what you can do about it.


Depositphotos_61227553_XL-1200x800.jpg

Chicken Pox, also known as Varicella-zoster virus, is a common virus that is best known for the itchy rash it causes. Commonly diagnosed in children, chicken pox is a relatively mild disease but as with all viruses, it can be dangerous to a few collections of people.

As a pediatrician’s office, we are routinely asked about the chicken pox, the rash, symptoms, and the varicella vaccine. Read on for more information about what chicken pox is and what you can do if your child contracts it.


baby-pointing-to-laptop-screen-1200x801.jpg

Those coos and gurgles are cute, but you can’t always understand them.

When do babies start talking?

 

From the time they’re born (and even before!) we look forward to seeing our babies take on the world. From crawling to walking and babbling to talking, so much happens to babies in the first few years of life!

All babies are different, but there are certain guidelines the CDC puts out so that parents can make sure their babies are on track. One major milestone is when your baby (finally!) starts talking.

Read on to find out when babies start talking, what talking actually means (hint: it’s not words), and what you should do if your baby seems to be experiencing a speech delay.


young-girl-blowing-nose-1200x837.jpg

Myths and misinformation abound when it comes to health.

In this article, we answer your top cold and flu myths, including “How do you catch a cold?”

 

It’s one of the moments that parents dread: “Mommy, Daddy…I don’t feel good.” Your kid is sick, complete with the sore throat, fever, cough, and other symptoms that often come along with it. You’ve ruled out asthma. What’s next?

Whether you’re a new parent or a veteran, nobody likes when their kid is sick. Colds and flu are a (miserable) part of life, but they aren’t the only things that “go viral.” Rumors and old wives’ tales still circulate around these illnesses. Your best friend said turmeric does the trick. Grandma swears by her mama’s chicken soup recipe.

Luckily, we have the lowdown on what is true and what isn’t. Whether it’s “how to catch a cold?” or “should I get an antibiotic?” allow us to bust the top 10 cold and flu myths.


snack-meal-prep-1200x801.jpg

A new school year is right around the corner.

These healthy school lunch ideas for kids will get you off to a great start.

 

Did you know that the average school lunch time is only 25 minutes? That time includes lining up, walking to, and sitting down for lunch. By the time they reach the lunchroom, students may only have 15 minutes to eat.

As a parent, how do you make sure that they get a healthy lunch that they can eat in a short amount of time?

The good news is that it’s simple to create a delicious and nutritious lunch box that your child will enjoy so much that the time won’t matter. They will gobble it up as quickly as they open it!

Read on to find some healthy kids’ lunch ideas that you can be sure will get your kids to eat in the short lunch time they have.


PIC1-1200x901.jpg

Sports physicals for children, also known as preparticipation physical examination (PPE), are a crucial part of childhood sports. It’s important for physically active children to have an annual examination tailored specifically to sports, to document injuries, mobility, flexibility, and any underlying problems. 

Read on for more information about what a sports physical examination is, why it’s important, and what it entails. 


swimming-7878993_1920-1200x800.jpg

As we approach warmer weather, we get a lot of parent inquiries about swim lessons and swim safety. If you’ve asked yourself if infant swim lessons are necessary, or whether the lessons themself are safe, you’re not alone.

Swimming can be a wonderful way to bond with your child, but you want to make sure that your child has a healthy appreciation for the dangers that surround water play.

Read on for some of the unique benefits of swim lessons, the fun that they bring, and why it’s so important to start your child as early as possible so that they develop a healthy relationship with pools, beaches, and water parks.


Pic-1-1200x1500.jpg

Headaches, eye strain, insomnia…oh my!

Do they make blue light glasses for kids?

When parents discuss “screen-time,” it always seems to end in a debate. Parents disagree on whether screen time is safe, how much time should be allowed, and even what constitutes screen time.

The truth is, screen time is almost inevitable in this day and age. Kids are on computers at school, use computers for homework, and of course, as a learning/leisure device at home.

Despite the debate on whether screen time is necessary or not, there is one thing that is not up for debate. Screens emit blue light, which can be harmful to our eyes and brain.

Read on for more information on blue light, the harm it can cause, and whether blue light glasses for kids can help.


mom-looking-at-thermometer-holding-baby-1200x799.jpg

Your baby’s first illness is never fun.

Here’s how to identify (and treat) a newborn fever.

 

Having a baby is a time of joy and excitement.

Sure, those sleepless nights are tiring, but the newborn smell, baby yawns, and cute smiles cause you to melt into a puddle on a regular basis. Then there are the trying (or downright scary) times, like your baby’s first illness. And fewer things cause more anxiety than a newborn fever.

We know it can be scary, but don’t fret. Read on to find out what can cause a fever in newborn babies, when to worry, and what to do about it.