Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

We hope that all of our Fairhope Pediatric families had a wonderful holiday season and are having a great start to 2023.

 

Did you make any resolutions for the new year? 

The new year is a great chance for small changes and creating new habits or resolutions. These resolutions can be a great conversation starter for families with kids of all ages. Remember to keep it fun. Involving kids in the decision-making can be fun for the entire family and hopefully create some lifelong healthy habits.

Not sure how to direct your children to make age-appropriate resolutions? Check out some of the suggestions from HealthyChildren.org below.

New Year’s resolution ideas for preschoolers:

  • I will try hard to clean up my toys by putting them where they belong.
  • I will let my parents help me brush my teeth twice a day.
  • I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.
  • I will try new foods when I can, especially all the different colors of vegetables.

 

New Year’s resolution ideas for kids (5 to 12 years old):

  • I will drink water every day and healthy beverages like milk with meals. I will keep soda and fruit drinks only for special times.
  • I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.
  • I will try to find a physical activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing, or riding my bike) or a sport I like and do it at least three times a week!
  • I will take care of my skin by putting on sunscreen and wearing a hat and sunglasses when possible.

New Year’s resolution ideas for teens (13 years old and older):

  • I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day. I will drink sodas or fruit drinks only at special times.
  • When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult I can trust.
  • When I notice my friends are struggling, being bullied, or making risky choices, I will look for a trusted adult so that we can attempt to find a way to help.
  • I will try to get the 8 to 10 hours of sleep that my body needs each night.

Winter Car Seat Safety

Winter brings along colder temperatures to lower Alabama, and something we have to keep in mind is winter car seat safety. It is easy for us to dress babies and young children in many layers to keep them protected from the cold, but these layers could make it more difficult to keep them secured properly in their car seats.  

Here are some of our top winter car seat safety tips:

  1. Dress your child in thin layers. Start with close-fitting layers on the bottom, like tights, leggings, or long-sleeved bodysuits. Then add pants and a warmer top, like a sweater, or a thermal-knit shirt. Your child can wear a thin fleece jacket over the top. In very cold weather, long underwear is also a warm and safe layering option.
  2. Tighten the straps of the car seat harness. Even if your child looks securely fastened in the car seat, multiple layers may make it difficult to tighten the harness enough. If you can pinch the straps of the car seat harness, then it needs to be tightened to fit more snug against your child’s chest.
  3. Use a coat or blanket over the straps. You can add a blanket over the top of the harness straps or put your child’s winter coat on backwards (over the buckled harness straps) after they are buckled up. 

For further guidance and advice on winter car seat safety, please click here.

 

Birthdays

Help us celebrate two birthdays this month!

We want to say Happy Birthday to Kayla (1/5) and Jennifer (1/10). If you see Kayla in the office or speak with Jennifer on the phone this month, please give them some birthday wishes.

 

Anniversaries

We are also celebrating two work anniversaries this month.

Lindsey is celebrating her 4th year working with us, and Courtnie has been working with us for a year. We love having them both at Fairhope Pediatrics!

 

December is here!

Can you believe that we are already in December? This year has flown by, and as we enter the holiday season, we have a lot to keep us busy.

We are kicking off the month of December with National Handwashing Week. Washing our hands is imperative to staying healthy year-round and must be part of everyone’s everyday routine.

Take a look at the video below and share it with everyone in your household. Feel free to share this with anyone in your local community, too!

You can also keep an eye on our social media pages to see a short, fun handwashing video  from Katie Erdlitz, DNP.

Find us on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Influenza Vaccine – It’s not too late!

Even though influenza hit our community a little earlier than expected this year, we do want you to know that the worst may not be over. We can see the flu during every month of the year, and different strains will continue to circulate into the spring. Call the office at (251) 928-5568 to get your influenza vaccine scheduled.

 

December Events

December is also a busy month for holiday festivities. Throughout December, we have so many fun events happening in our community. Here are a few of our local top picks:

 

  • Thursday, December 1st – Daphne’s Annual Tree Lighting, 6-8 pm, Daphne City Hall
  • Friday, December 2nd – Fairhope’s Magical Christmas Parade, 7 pm Downtown Fairhope
  • Saturday, December 3rd – Daphne Christmas Parade, 11 am-1 pm, Olde Towne Daphne Main Street Route
  • Friday, December 9th – Santa’s Snow & Movie Night, 4-8 pm, Daphne City Hall
  • Saturday, December 10th – Spanish Fort’s Spirit of Christmas Parade, 6 pm, Eastern Shore Center
  • Saturday, December 10th – Flora-Bama’s Annual Santa Drop, 11 am, Flora-Bama
  • Saturday, December 10th – Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, 5 pm, Lulu’s & The Wharf
  • Saturday, December 31st – Noon Year’s Eve at Lulu’s, 10 am, Lulu’s 
  • Saturday, December 31st – Kid’s Confetti Drop, 10 am, The Wharf
  • Saturday, December 31st – Fairhope New Year’s Eve Family Celebration, 8:30 pm, Downtown Fairhope

 

We would love to hear about your holiday fun. If you have an office visit with us during December, let us know which events you have attended!

 

Parenting During the Holidays

The holidays are upon us! Which means managing different school schedules, holiday shopping, hosting family, and food…tons and tons of food! Read along for some helpful information to help you survive and thrive during this time.

Many of us just can’t wait for holiday decorating! It can be a great family activity to bring everyone together. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when decorating with small children in the house. As we all know, children are curious and anything sparkly or colorful is going to catch their eye. Don’t worry! You don’t have to keep all of your favorite decorations in the attic. You can make a few small adjustments to have a safe holiday season.

  • Swap glass ornaments for plastic.
  • Use child safe ornament hooks like these.
  • Check all lights and extension cords for frayed wiring that could cause a fire. 
  • Check all heirloom tree trimmings for lead.
  • Keep small ornaments and decorations away from young children.
  • If using an artificial tree, make sure it is fire resistant.
  • Check live trees for freshness. The needles should be difficult to pull off. 
  • For more tips visit www.healthychildren.org

Food Safety

With all the holiday parties and hosting family, there is bound to be tons of food. Taking a few simple precautions can ensure everyone will be well fed and there will be a lower chance of food related illness. 

  • Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables to remove any bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
  • Become familiar with meat temperatures to ensure all meat is cooked through. 
  • Wash hands before and during food preparation.
  • If you have a little taste tester helping you prepare dinner, be sure to wash their spoon thoroughly between uses.
  • Thaw all meat in the refrigerator prior to cooking. Never thaw meat on the counter. 
  • For more food safety information visit www.healthychildren.org

 

Navigating Food Allergies During the Holidays

If members of your household have food allergies or intolerances, it can be difficult to avoid contact and cross-contamination when dining at holiday parties. Speak with your Fairhope Pediatrics provider to ensure you fully understand your child’s allergy and how to treat a reaction. If your child uses an epi-pen, make sure you have a current prescription with you at all times. Children’s Health has compiled a great list of ways to protect your child during this time of year so they can have a healthy and happy holiday season! Check it out here. If you have any questions about your child’s allergy, don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff on your patient portal.

 

Parent’s Well Being

Let’s face it, being a parent can be overwhelming on a normal day, but the mental load can become too much during school breaks, hosting family, and holiday shopping. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a break from shopping, cooking, playing, and cleaning. Here are some good ways to prevent parental burnout this year:

  • Ask for help when cooking large meals for guests or suggest a potluck.
  • Create a to-do list prior to scheduling all your holiday parties and activities. Include some down time for yourself on the schedule.
  • Remember, all of the work does not need to fall on one parent. Share the load and ask your partner for help.
  • Take advantage of services like grocery delivery or free grocery pick-up to give yourself extra time.
  • Check out some holiday camps for the kids. It’s easy for kids to go a little stir-crazy being home from school. This can also give you some time to get that gift shopping done!
  • Plan at-home activities for the kids ahead of time. Utilize independent play so you can take a much needed break. 
  • Don’t be afraid to cancel plans if you feel too burdened. We can’t be everywhere all the time. 

 

Mental Health During the Holidays

The holidays can be a tumultuous time for those with mental health concerns. The changes in schedule, hosting of friends and family, financial concerns, or lack of friends and family can cause some to feel overwhelmed, lonely, anxious, or depressed. It is important to identify the symptoms of these feelings and what to do if you have concerns for yourself or someone else. If you notice any of these markers in yourself or anyone else please contact our office at (251) 928-5568 or the suicide hotline, 988 for immediate help. Remember, depression and anxiety can affect anyone of any age. 

  • Excessive sleeping or insomnia.
  • Loss of self-esteem.
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities.
  • Decline in school performance.
  • Loss of appetite or sudden weight-loss.
  • Significant personality or mood shifts.
  • Unexpected or excessive crying.
  • Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
  • Self-mutilation or hurting themselves.
  • Body-image concerns.
  • Excessive isolation.
  • Abandonment of friends or social activities.

Share the suicide hotline with friends or family – dial 988 for immediate help.

 

Preventative Care Tips During Flu Season

Cold and flu season is upon us and nothing is worse than a house full of runny noses! Fairhope Pediatrics has put together a handy list of tips and tricks to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy all season.

The best preventative care tricks start with daily and weekly tasks we should all maintain all year! As parents, we do many of these actions without even thinking about it, but our kids can always use some reminders, especially when it comes to stopping the spread of viruses at school.

  • Regular hand washing – Wet your hands, add soap, scrub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, and rinse under clean running water. Have your child sign the ABC’s while they wash to ensure they wash their hands for an adequate amount of time.
  • Frequently clean toys – Toys should be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a week. Many hard plastic toys can go right into the dishwasher and plush can be cleaned in the washer! This is especially important for the little ones that still put their toys, hands, and feet in their mouths regularly.
  • Healthy diet – Getting the right nutrients into picky eaters can be a challenge for any parent. Try working some fruits and veggies into smoothies, yogurt, and sauces and avoid highly processed and sugary items. If you have a picky eater, avoid pressuring them to eat certain foods. Pressure around foods can deter them from eating those foods even more. Always present a variety of healthy foods while including items you know they like, eventually they may come around and try something new!
  • Regular bedtime routine – Our bodies are working hard to fight off viruses and infections every day. Creating a regular bedtime schedule can give your body a chance to recuperate and have the proper energy to keep these bugs at bay.
  • Regular exercise – Spend plenty of time outdoors! Fresh air and sunlight are vital for a growing body. Creating the habit of regularly getting outdoors and moving your body at a young age will help your child maintain these routines as they get older. 
  • Vampire cough – Teach your child to cough and sneeze into their elbow instead of their hands to stop the spread of viruses. 
  • No sharing – It’s best to encourage your child not to share food and drink items with friends to prevent illness.

Despite being proactive, a winter bug can still sneak up on you. The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness. Get ahead of cold and flu season, call the office to schedule an appointment for your children to receive the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines (251) 928-5568. (Available to all children 6 months and older) 

Antibiotic Overuse

Many of us can remember getting antibiotics for ear infections, troublesome coughs, strep throat…you know, the pink stuff that mom kept in the refrigerator. While antibiotics have a time and place in medical care, we have learned through the years that the overuse of antibiotics can actually cause more harm than good. Studies have shown that due to over prescribing antibiotics, new antibiotic-resistant bacteria has surged causing infections that are very difficult to treat. Antibiotics fight bacteria, not viruses. Meaning if your child is sick with a virus, the medication will not help them feel better or prevent anyone else from getting their illness. Many parents request antibiotics for ear and sinus infections, however, these infections typically clear up on their own without the use of antibiotics. Your provider will give you some advice on how to keep your child comfortable and get them on the mend quickly. If your child is unwell and does not appear to be improving or has a high fever call the office to schedule an appointment for an evaluation (251) 928-5568. 

 

Why Most Sore Throats, Coughs & Runny Noses Don’t Need Antibiotics

 

Antibiotic Resistant ‘Superbugs’

 

Autumn on the Eastern Shore means great weather for outside activities! Make a point of getting out with the family several times a week to encourage healthy habits. Check out some of these fun ideas to add into the mix.

  • Family nature walk with a scavenger hunt. Try this free printable to share with your kids or give geocaching a try! Including an activity like a scavenger hunt can keep your child engaged in the nature walk and add a little education about the beauty of our region.
  • Register for a family 5k fun run/walk. Most 5ks are tied to a charity which is a great way to learn about community service along with some exercise. Check out this Turkey Trot 5k in Daphne to support Prodisee Pantry! Prodisee Pantry is a faith-based non-profit community ministry providing emergency food and disaster relief.
  • Try a family bike ride. This is a great way to get outside every day! Plan an evening bike ride everyday after work and school. You can even rent bikes or try out the free bike rentals at the Gulf State Park.

Visit the Patient Portal to request an appointment for your Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.

Looking for more tips and tricks from Fairhope Peds? Sign up for our mailing list here!

Let’s Get Back to School!

Heading back to school comes with endless errands and running around tying up loose ends before the school year starts. Fairhope Peds is here to help knock some of those items off your list!

Did you know we have a patient portal to help you access your child’s medical records, request information from your provider, and schedule appointments? If you haven’t set up your patient portal account yet, click here to get started! Before your child heads back to school be sure to check these items off your to-do list:

  • Set up your Patient Portal
    • Request Alabama Certificate of Immunization (AKA Blue Card)
    • Schedule a wellness appointment
    • Refill prescriptions

 

If it has been a while since your child has had a wellness check, now is a great time to schedule an appointment! At your appointment you can discuss any concerns you have with your provider. Be sure to address any learning or mental health concerns you have. This way you can get your child the help they need and head into a new school year prepared with a plan of action should your child struggle or need assistance. Did you know Fairhope Pediatrics has providers certified in mental healthcare to thoroughly address your child’s unique needs and give you the resources to continue care? Call our office to schedule an appointment (251) 928-5568. 

 

At your child’s wellness exam, make sure they are up to date on all immunizations including the COVID-19 booster. COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children 6 months and older. 

 

 

Childhood Depression 

Depression can rear its head unexpectedly in young children. Sometimes children 12 and under can struggle. Be aware of the signs and have a plan of action as you head into the new school year. 

 

Some signs include, but are not limited to:

  • problems at school 
  • a loss of interest in fun activities 
  • changed eating habits 
  • weight gain or loss 
  • clinginess 
  • anxiety 
  • difficulties with family members
  • avoiding school and social activities.

 

At Fairhope Pediatrics we emphasize providing comprehensive pediatric healthcare in a caring environment. Our staff is certified in pediatric mental healthcare to provide you with the care and resources you need in a crisis. Call our office to schedule an appointment with your provider and our nurse practitioner, Katie Erdlitz, who is a certified Pediatric Mental Health Specialist if you feel your child is displaying signs of depression, suicidal ideations, anxiety, OCD, ODD, ADHD, or conduct disorders (251) 928-5568.

Fairhope Peds is here to help answer all of your questions as you head into a busy school season! Does your child know how to use their epi-pen? Need advice getting your kids back to an early bedtime routine? How about tackling those pesky veggies your toddler turns her nose up to? Ask away and we will do our best to help! Ask for extra time when scheduling your appointment if you have several concerns you would like to discuss with your provider. Now send those kids off for a wonderful school year making new friends and expanding bright young minds.

 

Looking for more tips and tricks from Fairhope Peds? Sign up for our mailing list here!

 

Safety Guidelines for a Safe & Fun Summer

Water Safety

 

The best way to beat the summer heat is playing in the water! However, water can be extremely dangerous, so it is important to establish some water safety guidelines with your children before entering any body of water.

  • Always swim with a buddy and have an adult present
  • Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen every two hours and take frequent breaks in the shade
  • Check out the local beach flags and know what they mean. For Alabama beach updates text “ALBEACHES” to 888-777 to receive daily beach conditions via text message or visit www.gulfshoresAL.gov
  • Beware of rip tides and teach your children how to get out of a rip current. Swim parallel to the beach, DO NOT swim against the current (embed this video if possible https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sItg_9v02SI&t=1s)
  • Choose a beach location or pool that has a lifeguard present

Sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are created equally. Before heading out for a day of summer fun apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. Broad spectrum SPF refers to sunscreens that protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Even with a high SPF (sun protection factor), if a sunscreen isn’t broad spectrum, you won’t be protected from all UVA rays. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and 5 sunburns doubles the chance of skin cancer. Keep babies 6 months and younger in the shade when possible. If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply a small amount of broad spectrum 30+ SPF sunscreen. So, slather on the good stuff, grab a hat, and get outside for some fun! 

 

Read more on infant sun protection HERE

 

Firework Safety

Fairhope Peds wants everyone to have a fun-filled 4th of July and nothing ruins a party like someone getting a firework injury, or even worse, ending up in the ER. Roughly 3,800 children 19 years and younger were treated in the ER in 2020 due to firework injuries. Young children should never directly handle fire or fireworks, even sparklers. Sparklers burn at a temperature of 2,000 degrees fahrenheit which is why we recommend keeping the sparklers in an adult’s hands. Kids can still partake in the fun by standing on the sidelines and waving patriotic flags or watching an amazing public fireworks show! If you do use at-home fireworks be sure to keep a bucket of water or hose nearby, use safety goggles when lighting fireworks, and if you have an emergency call 911 immediately. Firework accidents happen and they can get out of control quickly. Keep everyone safe by being prepared this Independence Day!

 

Car Safety

As temperatures rise, we want to remind you that the temperature of a vehicle that is not running quickly rises to extreme levels. It is never safe to leave anyone behind in the car, especially if it does not have air conditioning running. Car interior temperatures can rise 40 degrees within 1 hour. Cars can reach deadly temperatures rapidly, so add in some regular habits to make sure no one is left in the car unintentionally. Put important personal items in the back seat such as a wallet, phone, or house keys. Use a mirror to see your child in the back and always make a habit of getting your kids out of the car before anything else (i.e. groceries, packages, backpacks) Do not leave a child unattended in the car even if you’re just running in the house or store for a quick moment. If a child is accidentally left in a locked car, call 911 immediately. 

 

 

Teen Parties

Summer time is party time, but for the parents of a teenager that can mean a lot of stress and late nights. Have a talk with your teen before they head out to any parties. Let them know what your expectations are and listen to theirs. Keep lines of communication open, establish check-in times, curfew, rides to get to and from the party, and get to know the parents of their friends. Creating relationships with their friends’ parents will help you all work as a team to keep all of your kids safe and out of trouble. Be sure to talk with your child about drug and alcohol use and what to expect at the party. Let them know that if they get into a troublesome situation or need help that you are available at all times to pick them up. Establish a safe word they can use to discreetly inform you of an urgent problem. Creating a relationship of trust will help to prevent unsafe situations and allow you to help if trouble arises. If you suspect your teen may be using drugs or alcohol and you have concerns, call your trusted provider at Fairhope Pediatrics to schedule an appointment to evaluate your specific situation. Fairhope Peds is a judgment-free zone and we are here to help! Did you know Fairhope Pediatrics is available to you on Saturdays? We are open from 8am-12pm every Saturday if you need an appointment outside of normal work hours.

 

Ticks & Mosquitoes

ICK! No one enjoys ticks or mosquitoes but they are unavoidable. The best way to deal with ticks, mosquitoes, and other bug bites is prevention! Using bug sprays containing DEET or Picaridin is a safe and effective tool to keep ticks and mosquitoes away. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs when walking through the woods or tall grasses and do a full body check for ticks once you get home. Visit the CDC’s website for extensive information on tick prevention and www.HealthChildren.org for more information on bug sprays and bug bites. If your child has a reaction to a bug spray, stop use immediately, wash with soap and water, call poison control and Fairhope Pediatrics to evaluate the reaction. (251) 928-5568

 

Summer Meals

If you rely on school meals to help feed your children throughout the year you may be wondering what you’ll need to do to get through the summer while school is out. Baldwin County Public Schools offer a Summer Feeding Program to assist families with feeding their children. Click here to find the closest Summer Feeding Program to you. If you are concerned you will not be able to feed your family at any time please reach out to Fairhope Pediatrics and our team will help guide you to the best resources for you. 

 

 

Social Media and Mental Health: How to Help Your Child Develop Healthy Social Media Habits

In today’s world, children and teens are growing up in a digital age and are exposed to various types of devices. Social media influences how children and teens feel, learn, think, develop, and behave. It is inevitable for your child to be exposed to the online world, and at Fairhope Pediatrics, we encourage you to help your child form healthy social media habits that benefit their mental health.

Depression:

Facebook Depression, a new phenomenon proposed by researchers from the National Library of Medicine, is common for preteens and teens to develop as they spend a great deal of time on social media. This occurs when users see status updates, posts, or photos from people they follow that make them feel excluded or disconnected. The online world can be overwhelming and may trigger depression in youth. Clinical depression unrelated to online activity can be amplified with social media use and may lead to an increase in social isolation.

Loss of sleep:

Sleep is essential to a child’s overall health and development, but social media can negatively affect sleep quality. Over 60% of adolescents report using social media an hour before bed, causing shorter sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness. The impact of social media on sleep quality remains a risk for mental health concerns among the youth.

Comparative thinking:

Rumination is a common side effect of social media that creates an unhealthy pattern of comparative and anxious thinking. Comparative thinking is a difficult cycle for people with depression to break as it puts thoughts and worries on repeat. Children often compare themselves and their family to others on social media, which negatively influences their outlook and thinking.

Bullying:

About 10% of teens report being bullied on social media and many more are subjected to offensive comments. Social media can be a hub for spreading hurtful rumors, lies, and abuse that can leave lasting emotional scars.

Personal safety:

Pew Research Center reports 97% of American teens use social media every day. While most social media use is dedicated to talking to their friends, the youth are subjected to a variety of risks regarding their personal safety. Risks like child predators, identity theft scams, inappropriate content, and sharing posts and images that could regret later that should be taken seriously. It’s important for young teens and preteens to always know who they are talking to over social media – the person may or may not be who they say they are! Warn your teens to only accept a follow request if they know the individual personally to limit shared information.

Although the risks of social media are unnerving, it’s important to understand the benefits of social media to give your child guidance and provide them with the best practices they need to make their experience a positive one.

Humor and entertainment:

Kids of all ages can learn and appreciate different perspectives, worldviews, and opinions on social media to better understand the world around them and expand their knowledge on a variety of topics. With so many platforms, children can discover areas of interest and utilize social media for educational purposes.

Identity exploration:

For children who may not feel they connect with others in the community around them, social media is a great way to follow pages or influencers that share their ideas and interests. This gives them reassurance there are other people who they can relate to.

Creative expression:

Social media gives kids the opportunity to show their personalities and be creative by customizing their profile pages, photos, videos, and even modifications for video games. Kids who have a passion for photography, art, video production, music, or writing can use certain platforms to express themselves and showcase their talents.

When using social media in a healthy way, the benefits outweigh the risks! Explore the tips below and talk with your child on how they can use social media in a safe and positive way.

Tips to help create healthy social media habits for your child:

  • Place consistent limits on media use and types.
  • Monitor the type of media your child views.
  • Avoid exposure to devices or screens one hour before bedtime.
  • Plan media-free times together, such as family dinners.
  • Create offline, unplugged locations in your home.
  • Engage in family activities that promote well-being such as sports, reading, and talking.
  • Set a good example by turning off the TV and putting your smartphone down.

Creating good social media habits can be difficult to navigate, but trial and error are key. All children have different needs, and it is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. If you have concerns regarding your child’s social media wellness, please call our office at 251.928.5568 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

Pediatric Mental Health Through Our Eyes

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to share how Fairhope Pediatrics is leading the way in pediatric mental health. At each wellness visit, our patients are screened for depression, anxiety, and behavioral and developmental concerns. Our providers can treat and refer based on these results.

We are fortunate to have a provider that carries the Pediatric Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) certification. Using the PMHS certification, Dr. Katie Erdlitz builds upon her role as a nurse practitioner to provide advanced assessment, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of common developmental, behavior, and mental health (DBMH) problems in children and adolescents. Therapeutic services include early recognition, intervention, active monitoring as well as appropriate referral for complex individual and family mental health disorders.

Health care services are evidence-based and include the use of DBMH screening tools, brief psychotherapeutic interventions, and psychopharmacology. The PMHS coordinates care and collaborates with others to enhance quality DBMH services for children and families.

Dr. Erdlitz serves as a Champion Leader with Partners for Vulnerable Youth and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners on the Alliance to Prevent Youth Suicide. The alliance is a five-year project with a mission to prevent youth suicide through evidence-based behavioral screening, support, and interventions, amplifying the diverse voices of youth and advocating for decreased stigma while improving access to mental health services. Dr. Erdlitz ensures all staff at Fairhope Pediatrics are trained appropriately to screen for suicidal behaviors and red flags that could indicate unstable mental health in children and young adults.

Please help us spread the word regarding the new three-digit number people can dial to be connected directly to the National Suicide Hotline. Just dial “988.”

Prevention and early recognition are key! If you have any concerns regarding your child’s mental wellness or development, please call our office at 251.928.5568 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

The Benefits of Laughter

Families that laugh together tend to be happier, healthier and more supportive of one another. As busy as life can be, it’s important to build fun into family time. Whether it’s singing silly songs in the car or telling jokes around the dinner table, remember to take a moment to laugh with your kids. 

Kids appreciate the healing power of laughter at an early age. When your child cheers up a friend or makes a loved one laugh, they are displaying empathy and sympathy. Humor helps your child cope with stressful experiences and encourages them to be resilient by laughing at their mistakes. Making humor an everyday part of life makes for memorable moments with your children. Laughter adds years to your child’s life, strengthens relationships and increases overall happiness, even in stressful times. 

The saying is true, “laughter is the best medicine!” Laughter is a good distraction from negative emotions such as guilt, stress and anger. A sense of humor helps kids see things from a different perspective and boosts their overall mood. When your child hears laughing, they tend to start laughing too and everyone reaps the benefits! How does laughing affect the body? We will fill you in!   

RELEASE ENDORPHINS 

Laughing not only feels good but is good for you! When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. The release of endorphins helps with chronic pain and can improve your mood. 

REDUCE STRESS 

Life can get overwhelming and stressful when balancing work, school, and family time. Laughter is a great coping mechanism when you’re feeling stressed. Letting out a belly laugh can start the day on a positive note and finish it on a relaxing one. 

BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM 

Whether you let out a giggle or have tears running down your face from laughing so hard, laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies which improves resistance to disease. The more you laugh, the more your body will fight off stress reactions. 

INCREASE BLOOD FLOW 

Every time you laugh, you release more air as you breathe deeply. This action sends more oxygen into your lungs and helps your heart pump oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. An increase of oxygen encourages healthy cell growth and lets organs work more efficiently to help you feel your best. 

RELAX MUSCLES 

If you’re feeling tense after a long day, a few minutes of laughter can reduce tension in the body and make you feel calmer almost instantly. 

Setting aside time to laugh with your family is a healthy practice that benefits your body and mind. Before you know it, laughter will come more naturally, and you may find humor in situations or places you wouldn’t suspect! 

 

COVID-19 Vaccines Through the Eyes of a Pediatric Health Care Expert

As you consider getting your child vaccinated against COVID-19, you may find it difficult to process all the information circulating around vaccines. Fairhope Pediatrics is here to provide clarification and help you avoid misinformation as you consider vaccinating your child against COVID-19.

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The Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 and is an mRNA vaccine, which teaches our cells to make pieces of protein replicating the COVID-19 virus. Our bodies react to the mRNA vaccine by building up immunity to the specific protein. Once this occurs, if the body is exposed to COVID-19, the immune system will know how to fight it off and further reduce the chances of becoming infected or severely ill. This vaccine does not contain the live virus, which means it cannot give your child COVID-19. Just like adults, the vaccine requires two doses given three weeks apart and can be given at the same time as other vaccines (such as the flu vaccine).

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While children are still at a lower risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19, it doesn’t mean they can’t get sick. Children with underlying health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma are at the highest risk for severe illness. For these reasons, it is important to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of harmful disease, death and “long COVID,” a condition where individuals show the effects of COVID-19 for months after the initial infection.

The dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages five to 11 is one-third of what is used for adolescents and adults. The results of this dose mirror those seen in people ages 16 and older who received the higher dose of the vaccine. Additionally, side effects are similar including a sore arm, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and fever. Typically, these side effects go away in a day or two and are signs the immune system is responding.

We understand medical information can sometimes be intimidating, but we are here to be a resource for you, your child, and your family. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit cdc.gov.

To schedule an appointment for your child or ask further questions, call 251.928.5568.