Back to School – Germ Prevention

Hey there, parents and caregivers! 

The school bells have rung and the kids are back in their classrooms! This new season of learning and growth also means potential encounters with germs. At Fairhope Pediatrics, we understand the importance of a healthy environment, so we’re here with some practical tips for germ prevention to help you keep those smiles shining bright.

1. Wash Those Hands: This might sound like a broken record, but it’s the golden rule of germ prevention! Teach your kids to wash their hands frequently and properly. Scrubbing for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water is the secret sauce to getting rid of those pesky germs.

2. Hand Sanitizer on Standby: When soap and water aren’t available, a trusty hand sanitizer can save the day. Pop a small bottle into your child’s backpack and remind them to use it before and after meals, and after sneezing or coughing.

3. Cover Those Sneezes and Coughs: Speaking of sneezing and coughing, sneezing into the crook of the elbow is the superhero move that prevents germs from spreading through the air. Practice with your kids at home, and then they will use that habit in class too.

4. Healthy Habits, Happy Immune System: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep work wonders for boosting your child’s immune system. Consider packing nutrient-rich snacks and encouraging physical activity to keep their defenses up.

5. Clean and Tidy Backpacks: Just like a superhero’s utility belt, a backpack carries all sorts of essentials…but also lots of germs. Regularly cleaning and sanitizing it helps prevent germs from hitching a ride home.

6. Stay Home When Sick: It’s a tough call, but keeping a sick child home is a critical step in preventing a classroom-wide germ fest. If they’re not feeling well, a day of rest is the best. Also, keeping your kid at home for 24-48 hours after they’ve been unwell helps to reduce the spread of germs. Contact us if you need any advice on symptoms, or if you are unsure on when you can send your child back to school.

7. Regular Communication: Partner with your child’s school to stay informed about their hygiene practices and any potential outbreaks. Open lines of communication can make a big difference in keeping everyone in the loop.

At Fairhope Pediatrics, we’re all about creating a healthy and thriving environment. By incorporating these simple yet effective germ prevention strategies, you’re not only keeping your kids healthy but also fostering a culture of well-being within their school community. Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with growth, laughter, and lots of hand washing!

Remember, our team is here to support you in maintaining a clean and safe space for your children. And as always, if your kid does get sick, call us to schedule your appointment!

 

Celebrating National Breastfeeding Month: Debunking Breastfeeding Myths

Hi there,

August is a very special month as it marks National Breastfeeding Month – a time dedicated to promoting the many benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers.

 

Let’s set the record straight! Here are three common breastfeeding myths debunked for you:

Myth #1: “Breastfeeding is easy from the start.”

Reality: Breastfeeding might be natural, but it’s a skill that both you and your baby need to learn together. Patience, practice, and seeking support can make a world of difference.

Myth #2: “Small breasts can’t produce enough milk.”

Reality: Breast size doesn’t determine milk production. The amount of milk produced depends on demand and supply. With the right latch and nursing frequency, moms of all breast sizes can produce sufficient milk for their little ones.

Myth #3: “Breastfeeding always hurts.”

Reality: While some moms may experience temporary discomfort during initial latch-on or if there’s an issue like improper positioning, breastfeeding is not meant to be painful. In fact, breastfeeding should be a comfortable and pleasant experience for both mom and baby. Seeking guidance from a lactation consultant or healthcare professional can help address any concerns and ensure a smoother breastfeeding journey.

 

Knowledge is power, and we hope this clears up some common misconceptions about breastfeeding. Remember, every breastfeeding journey is different, and we’re here to support you every step of the way! 

If you have any additional questions about your feeding journey with your baby, please reach out to one of our providers here at Fairhope Pediatrics.

 

Story Time, Petting Zoo, Face Painting & More!

Put this date on your calendar!

Thursday, July 27th at 3:30pm.

We would love for you to join us for our Summer Reach Out & Read event next week. We will have a special guest joining us to read “What Happens When You Give A Mouse A Cookie?”.

We will also have milk + cookies, a petting zoo, face painting, and crafts!

You will get a copy of the book to take home too.

We can’t wait for you to join us!

Summer is here!

As we enter the Summer and the new school year approaches, it’s time to prioritize our children’s health and well-being. Summer is the perfect time to ensure that you are up-to-date with wellness exams and that you are staying active and healthy as a family.

Scheduling a back-to-school wellness exam for your child is an essential step in ensuring their overall health. These comprehensive check-ups not only confirm that your child is physically fit for the academic year but also provide an opportunity to address any concerns you may have. We will assess your child’s growth and development, check their vital signs, perform necessary screenings, and administer necessary immunizations that are due.

One of the things we check your child for during a wellness visit is scoliosis. Here’s what you need to know about scoliosis:

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. It commonly affects children during their growth spurts. Being aware of the early signs of scoliosis is crucial for early detection and treatment. Look out for symptoms such as uneven shoulder height, an uneven waistline, or an abnormal curvature of the spine.

If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about your child’s posture, consult with our pediatricians. We can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, recommend further evaluation or treatment options. Remember, early detection and intervention are key to managing scoliosis effectively.

During the exam, feel free to discuss any questions or concerns about your child’s health, habits, or emotional well-being. By establishing an open line of communication, we can work together to promote a successful and healthy school year for your child.

Schedule today by calling the office at 251-928-5568, or log into your patient portal to request an appointment.

During the summer, regular physical activity is crucial for your child’s physical and mental well-being. Engaging in activities as a family not only strengthens bonds but also instills lifelong habits of staying active. Make exercise enjoyable by exploring various options together, such as bike rides, hiking trails, or even a game of soccer in the backyard.

Encouraging your child to participate in school sports or extracurricular activities can also contribute to their overall fitness. These activities provide opportunities for social interaction, build teamwork skills, and boost self-confidence. Remember, leading by example and participating in activities as a family can make exercise fun and exciting for everyone.

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, prioritize your child’s health by scheduling a back-to-school wellness exam, staying active as a family, and being vigilant about scoliosis symptoms. Fairhope Pediatrics are here to support your child’s well-being and ensure they have a healthy and successful academic year ahead. Let’s make this year a memorable one, full of vitality and growth!

 

 June – National Safety Month 


With June being National Safety Month, it’s a great time to take a moment and make sure that your children are safe and sound. Let’s work together to ensure the well-being of our little ones!

When it comes to child safety, there’s a lot to think about. Kids are naturally curious and love to explore, but that can sometimes lead to accidents and injuries. That’s why it’s important to create a safe environment for them to play and grow in.

One of the best things you can do is childproof your home. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds! Just install some safety gates, cabinet locks, and electrical outlet covers. Keep dangerous objects out of reach, like cleaning supplies, medicines, and sharp objects. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your child is safe at home.

Another big concern for parents is car safety. Make sure that your child’s car seat is installed correctly and used every time you drive. Follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, which recommend that children ride in a rear-facing car seat until they exceed the weight or height limit of the car seat. Then they should move to a forward-facing car seat, and then a booster seat until they are tall enough to use a seatbelt properly.

Summer is a great time for water activities, but it’s also important to practice water safety. Never leave children unsupervised near water and make sure that swimming pools have a fence with a self-latching gate. Encourage children to wear proper flotation devices, and learn CPR in case of an emergency.

Lastly, teaching personal safety is crucial. Talk to your child about stranger danger, the importance of wearing a helmet when biking or participating in other sports, and the dangers of drug and alcohol use.

National Safety Month is a great time to take a step back and make sure that your child is safe in all areas of life. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your child is growing up healthy and happy. Thank you for all that you do, parents!

 

Asthma Month + Public Health Emergency Ending

May is Asthma Month, so we wanted to highlight a few key facts about asthma for you!

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease in children. It affects more than 6 million U.S. children and leads to over 13 million missed days of school each year. Yet as common as it is, asthma can be challenging to diagnose in children. There is no one-size-fits-all set of symptoms. A solid, ongoing relationship with your child’s pediatric provider can help identify asthma risks and the best treatment for your child. ​

Pediatricians have many tools to help identify and support a child who might have asthma. The most important tool of all is the child’s medical history. Depending on their age, some children will not have wheezing during an asthma flare, but rather a chronic cough that lasts for days or appears during illness or activity. Here are some key questions your child’s doctor will need to know:

  1. How often does your child cough or wheeze during the week?
  2. Do these symptoms affect their daily activity?
  3. Does your child’s coughing or wheezing wake them up at night?
  4. What medicines have you tried and have they helped, including nutritional supplements or homeopathic therapies?
  5. Does anyone in the family have a history of asthma, environmental allergies, or other respiratory conditions?​

 

Keep in mind, many other conditions can look like or worsen asthma in children. Some of these include seasonal allergies, acid reflux, viral or bacterial infections, conditions related to a child’s anatomy, and cardiovascular issues. ​

Many tools can help diagnose asthma, and treatment and medi​ca​tions that can help a child with asthma thrive. If you think your child may have asthma, talk with your pediatrician. ​Call the office at 251-928-5568 to get an appointment scheduled.

Source: www.healthychildren.org

On May 11th, the Department of Health & Human Services ended the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19. So, what does that mean for you? Depending on your health insurance policy, some of your insurance coverages may change. You can read some of the possible changes via www.cms.gov but we are also guiding our patients to check their insurance policy for changes. 

 

We Want To See Your Healthy Child!

Bringing your child into Fairhope Pediatrics when they are sick is a no-brainer. Did you know that we love seeing your healthy children in the office, too? Wellness care visits are just as important as sick visits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) publishes a set of comprehensive health guidelines for well-child care, known as the “periodicity schedule.” It is a schedule of screenings and assessments recommended at each well-child visit from infancy through adolescence. These wellness visits happen more frequently during infant, toddler, and preschool ages, and then annually from ages 3-21.

Wellness visits are equally important for children, parents, and pediatricians. These visits allow a child’s growth and development to be monitored closely against age-appropriate guidelines. We will be able to see how much your child has grown since the last visit, and we will be able to discuss their social behaviors and learning. Your child also gets their scheduled immunizations that prevent deadly diseases.

Wellness care visits are also a team effort between parents and pediatricians. These visits give you and your child the opportunity to raise any questions and discuss areas of concern. We are open to discussing anything, including development, sleep, behavior, or nutrition.

Regular visits create strong, trustworthy relationships among pediatricians, parents, and children. The AAP recommends well-child visits as a way for pediatricians and parents to serve the needs of children. This team approach helps develop the optimal physical, mental, and social health of a child.

If you express a concern that we can’t address in the appointment, or if we need to make a referral to an external healthcare provider, we will work with you to get that health concern addressed as quickly as possible.

If you think your child is due for a wellness visit, please call the office at 251-928-5568 to get it scheduled. 

Sources: 

healthychildren.org

 

Sports Physicals

As our children begin to move through school, they are presented with opportunities to play a variety of sports. Most states in the US require children to have a sports physical before they are allowed to train.

So, what is a sports physical?

A sports physical is known at the doctor’s office as a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE). The sports physical exam allows us to know if it is safe for your child to participate in sports activities. A sports physical pays close attention to health history that may have a direct impact on a child’s sports involvement, and this exam is completed in addition to an annual wellness exam.

It is always important to have your sports physical exam with your child’s primary care doctor as they are fully aware of your child’s medical history. 

The physical is made up of two elements: the medical history review, and the physical exam.

The medical history review goes over:

  • medical problems that run in the family
  • medical problems and illnesses that you have, such as asthma, diabetes, or COVID-19
  • previous hospitalizations or surgeries
  • allergies (to insect bites, for example)
  • past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or broken bones)
  • whether you’ve ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise
  • any medicines that you are taking (including over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and prescription medications)

During the physical exam, the doctor will usually:

  • record your height and weight
  • check your blood pressure and pulse (heart rate and rhythm)
  • test your vision
  • check your heart and lungs
  • examine your muscles, bones, and joints

This visit is also your chance to ask questions about your health, diet, and playing sports.

Boys will be asked about testicle pain and girls will be asked about their periods. Boys will be screened for hernias, which is an exam that requires the doctor to check your child’s private area, so take a moment to discuss this with your child before the visit.

The doctor will also ask about smoking and vaping, alcohol, drugs, diet pills, or performance-enhancing supplements, including steroids. 

At Fairhope Pediatrics, the completion of sports physical forms is FREE if requested on the same day as your physical! The form to complete is on our website here. Sports physicals are valid if you have had a wellness exam within the prior 12 months.

 

Please call the office at (251) 928-5568 to get your sports physical scheduled. 

Sources: TeensHealth, MedExpress

 

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!