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Category "Pediatrics"

24Mar2022

How To Prepare For Your Child’s First Appointment With Their New Pediatrician

When taking your child to a new pediatrician, it never hurts to ensure you are fully prepared for the first appointment. You want to ensure it goes smoothly for everyone, especially your child.

Whether you are helping your child get through their first appointment or making sure you have everything you need, the following tips can help you prepare for your child’s first appointment with their new pediatrician.

Transfer Their Medical Records

Start by finding out what you need to do to transfer their medical records to the new office. You may be able to download and print them out using the patient portal of their previous pediatrician. Otherwise, you can always obtain a copy in person. It is easier for their new pediatrician to view your child’s medical history when they have a copy of their medical records.

Fill Out The Necessary Paperwork

You may need to fill out paperwork when moving to a new office. The paperwork may include your contact information, family’s medical history, and recent vaccinations. You may be able to download a packet instead of filling it out at the office, which can save you a lot of time and stress.

Talk To Your Child

It is not uncommon for your child to feel nervous before their appointment with a new pediatrician. When discussing the appointment, be sure to listen and reassure your child. They need to know their feelings are valid and that you are keeping them safe. If possible, find out if you and your child can tour the office in advance.

Bring A Comfort Item

You should also allow your child to bring a comfort item to their appointment. This may include their favorite toy or book. What seems like a simple item to you may help them to feel safe and secure. Their new pediatrician may even mention the comfort item as a way to break the ice with your child.

Check-In For The Appointment Online

There is a good chance the office is going to allow you to check-in for the appointment through the patient portal or text message. It is best to take the opportunity to check in early if it is presented to you. This way, you can save time on the day of the appointment because you have already taken care of this step.

If you are looking for a new pediatrician for your child, look no further than the friendly, professional staff at Kids First Pediatrics. You can find more information and contact the staff by visiting kids1stpediatrics.net.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
17Mar2022

Signs You Need To Take Your Child To The Pediatrician

It is not uncommon to feel worried when your little one is sick, but you may be wondering when it is time to take your child to the pediatrician. After all, you want to avoid taking your child out of the house while they are sick unless it is necessary.

However, your child may need an appointment to identify an underlying cause or condition, such as dehydration, the flu, an allergic reaction, or the development of asthma.

Luckily, there are ways to determine if it is time to schedule an appointment for your child. Here are several signs you need to take your child to the pediatrician.

High Fever

If your child is three to six months with a temperature of 101 degrees F or higher or six months and older with a temperature of 103 degrees F or higher, you need to schedule an appointment with the pediatrician. You also need to call the pediatrician if your child is six months and older with a fever of more than three days.

Common Cold

The common cold is not uncommon in children, but it is time to schedule an appointment if it starts to become a problem. For example, if your child develops a persistent cough, earache, or skin rash or has difficulty breathing, you need to call the pediatrician as soon as possible.

Dehydration

It is important to call your child’s pediatrician if you notice signs of dehydration. The signs include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and dark yellow or brown urine. Your child’s pediatrician can let you know if you should treat your child at home, bring them into the office or take them to the emergency room.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

Children experience vomiting and diarrhea at times. However, frequent vomiting or diarrhea is another sign that your child needs to see their pediatrician. It could be the sign of an underlying cause, such as dehydration, the stomach flu, or food poisoning.

If you are still unsure if you should take your child to the pediatrician, call the office to discuss their symptoms. A nurse or pediatrician can help you determine your next step. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child.

Of course, you want to ensure your child has a reliable pediatrician who has their health and well-being in mind. If you are looking for a warm, caring pediatrician for your child, consider Kids First Pediatrics.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
15Feb2022

Kids and Pets

Selecting a pet for your family can be a daunting task. There are many options available, from pets that are low maintenance and require little time and effort, to those that require a lot of time and attention. Below are a variety of options that will help you in your journey to finding the perfect pet for your family.

Fish and Small Aquatic Animals

Fish and other small aquatic animals are oftentimes the perfect first pet. They require very little maintenance and have fairly low start-up costs involved. Fish require a tank, gravel, foliage, a thermometer, and a water filter – all of which can be purchased at the same time as your new pet. Fish are ideal pets for young children and for families who may live in larger cities or those who do not have yard access. Fish are relatively low maintenance and may only need to be fed once a day. They are also great pets for families who have busier schedules or who lead more active lifestyles.

Small Caged Animals

Small caged animals, such as hamsters, Guinea pigs, and mice, are great for school-age kids who are ready for a little more responsibility. These small animals require a small cage, bedding, or cage filling for the bottom of the cage, food dishes, water bottles, and a small wheel or other interactive toys to keep them entertained during the day. These small animals are still considered low maintenance – they require less than larger animals – but need to be fed and watered daily. Their cages will need to be cleaned on a regular basis, and they can be handled with care and can provide hours of entertainment. Because they are small, they do need to be handled safely and responsibly – which makes them good pets for older children.

Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs can give a family many years of companionship and love. These pets are more time-consuming than most and do require dedication and more responsibility than most pets. However, children of all ages can participate in the care of them. Younger children can be tasked with simpler responsibilities such as feeding and watering, while older children can be tasked with taking walks, bathing, and assisting with housebreaking. Due to health risks, parents will need to be responsible for litter box changes. Expenses are more significant with dogs and cats, but their life expectancy is longer than most other pets.

Choosing a pet for your family is a big decision. Still, by taking into account your family’s commitment level, lifestyle, and children’s ages and developmental stage, you can be sure that you will find the perfect fit for your family.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
8Feb2022

Stomachaches in Children

All children have been faced with stomachaches at some point in their young lives. They can range from mind and infrequent to severe and constant. Stomachaches can also be something as simple as a digestive upset to something much more severe like appendicitis. It can be difficult to pinpoint what may be causing your little one’s symptoms, but these suggestions below may help you find a good starting point and know when to seek medical attention for something more serious.

Watch Out for Specific Severe Symptoms

When children complain of a stomachache, it’s essential to first assess for any signs that may warrant an emergency room visit. Severe right-sided abdominal pain, a significant fever, vomiting, or blood in a bowel movement should be evaluated promptly. If none of these are present, try to identify what may be triggering the pain. Does the pain get worse or better after eating? Is it in the upper part of the abdomen, lower abdomen, or on the left or right side? These questions and answers may help your child’s doctor narrow down a diagnosis.

Your child’s eating and toileting habits are also helpful in trying to figure out stomachaches. A food diary – consisting of what is eaten at each meal, along with notations of if the pain is better or worse, will be helpful to your pediatrician. Likewise, a toileting log should help you keep track of your child’s bowel movements, frequency, and consistency. Both of these can be brought to your child’s appointment with your pediatrician to discuss any abnormal findings.

Pay Attention to Trends and Consult a Pediatrician

If stomachaches have been a regular occurrence for several months and have interfered with daily activities, your pediatrician may want to order further testing to rule out any serious medical conditions. This may include bloodwork, x-rays, or ultrasounds. An elimination diet may also be helpful in trying to identify any triggers that may be making the pain worse. This includes eliminating certain food groups for several days to see if those specific foods either alleviate or aggravate the symptoms.

Sometimes, stomachaches can be attributed to school avoidance, anxiety, or other emotional stressors. Talking to your child about these situations may help you identify if this may be the source. If there is a physical reason behind their symptoms, such as constipation, reflux, or any other diagnoses, working with your pediatrician will help your child get their stomachaches under control.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
24Jan2022

Keeping Your Newborn Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Cold weather season is also the peak of cold and flu season, and if you have a new little one, it’s even more important to keep them healthy during this time of the year. Many loved ones will be eager to meet your new little bundle of joy, so make sure you take every precaution to keep them protected from illnesses. Below are a few important steps you can take to try to keep them as healthy as possible!

Protect Against Illnesses During Flu Season

  • First, try to limit visitors during your baby’s first six to eight weeks of life. Anyone who visits should be free from any sick symptoms and should wash their hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer before holding your baby. Adults and children alike should also avoid kissing babies on their faces or hands. There are many respiratory illnesses that are transmitted by close contact, and as much as we want to shower them with kisses, it’s best to keep them safe by kissing toes instead!
  • If you need to get out and about, visit stores or shops during times of day when they are less likely to be busy, and avoid peak shopping times to limit exposure to larger crowds. Avoid places with large gatherings of people – a quick trip to the grocery store is a necessity. Still, you may want to forego events like concerts, festivals, and larger indoor gatherings until your baby’s immune system has become more developed.
  • Finally, trust your instincts and watch for any early signs and symptoms of illness. If your baby is unusually fussy or irritable, not feeding as well as they normally do, has any respiratory symptoms, or you have any concerns, contact your baby’s pediatrician. Minor illnesses sometimes require nothing more than just symptomatic care and support, but it is always best to have your baby examined for further concerns.

Cold and flu season can be daunting and overwhelming, but by taking precautions and practicing good health and hand hygiene, we can all do our part to keep our youngest and most vulnerable safe and healthy!

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
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