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Category "Pediatrics"

10Apr2023

12 Symptoms to Emphasize the Importance of Children’s Mental Health

In particular, melancholy, anxiety, substance abuse problems, and an alarming trend toward suicide are among the mental health conditions that are of growing concern among kids, teens, and young people in this country. In actuality, vehicular and accidental deaths now rank first and second, respectively, among Americans aged 10 to 24 in terms of the primary causes of death. Long before COVID, this issue was there, but with the pandemic, risk factors like isolation and excessive screen time may now be amplified, so parents should be extra vigilant.

Why Is Mental Health on a Negative Trend?

It is unclear why this threat to our young people is escalating. While some of the puzzle pieces are in place, many are still missing, and it is obvious that action is needed to halt this awful loss of life.

The majority of mental health doctors concur that the technological revolution of the past two decades may be at least somewhat to blame. Children who were born around the turn of the millennium have grown up immersed in technology thanks to the internet, social media, and the widespread use of smart phones for anytime, everywhere communication. By the time kids reach puberty, this generation of “digital natives” is unable to imagine living without these conveniences since they have never experienced a world without them.

The Effects of Social Media on Children’s Lives

Children and teenagers frequently turn to their screens to share, post, and remark on the lives of others and seek uplifting feedback regarding their own experiences since they are particularly susceptible to peer pressure and the need to fit in. Regrettably, social media platforms also provide the chance for online harassment and shaming, frequently anonymously and without repercussions. Cyberbullying that goes uncontrolled can make the victim feel inferior and helpless, which increases the risk of mental health issues.

While this high-tech era of communication is advantageous in many ways, it also has drawbacks, especially for the impressionable young and helpless who are not yet able to set boundaries for themselves. Many people experience chronic sleep problems and, ironically, start to feel socially isolated as a result of their inability to voluntarily take a break from the nonstop online chatter. They spend more time texting and posting than they do actually engaging in face-to-face interactions with family and friends. Too little of either can lead to mental health difficulties since they both serve as pillars of emotional wellness—adequate sleep and deep, meaningful social interactions.

Other Things to Think About

For better or worse, today’s youth are much more knowledgeable of and fluent in the language of mental health than were their predecessors. As a result, phrases like sadness, anxiety, and even suicide have less stigma. Lack of a solid mental health foundation and low self-esteem in vulnerable children and teens can motivate them to engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse and consider suicide as a means to cope with their emotional suffering.

There is therefore no concrete evidence, despite our suspicions, that social media and technology may contribute to the current mental health crisis affecting our young people. The fact that mental health illnesses frequently emerge in the absence of these factors emphasizes the necessity of parents and other caregivers having higher levels of awareness. It is crucial that parents keep an eye out for the warning signs and symptoms of mental distress in their children and teenagers and seek professional assistance as soon as possible.

Understanding the Symptoms

In their ambition to become self-sufficient adults, older kids and teens are inherently more likely to test boundaries, challenge parental expectations, and generally fight back against authority. It is a method with a long history. It’s crucial to understand what is abnormal and to be aware of the actions that can point to a potentially serious mental health issue. These consist of:

  • Long-term seclusion and estrangement from loved ones
  • Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Easily irritated, secretive, or too exhausted
  • Alterations in appetite and sleeping habits
  • Declining performance in class or involvement
  • Unstable moods that might vary from melancholy and apathy to rage

It’s crucial to keep an eye out for the physical indications of drug or alcohol usage because mental health issues and substance use disorders frequently coexist. These indications may include:

  • Having reddened eyes or dilated pupils
  • Unexpected weight increase or loss
  • Tremors, sways, and/or flushing of the face
  • Bad hygiene
  • Several nosebleeds
  • Bruises or other strange wounds

Do not dismiss or write off any of these physical or behavioral changes in your kid or adolescent as a phase. Ask your child directly and non-confrontationally if they are feeling anxious, depressed, or even suicidal in a private talk. Asking the question again won’t make things worse, so be persistent. It’s more likely to provide your youngster the chance to express themselves and talk about their feelings.

Even if they deny it, if you believe your child is experiencing mental health problems, you should think about getting them assessed by a pediatric behavioral health specialist.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
3Apr2023

7 Checkups During an Infant Newborn Care Visit

There’s no way to completely prepare yourself for the amazing, demanding, and occasionally grueling reality of caring for a newborn, even if you had nine months to get ready for their birth. Fortunately, the doctors at Kid’s 1st Pediatrics are on hand and willing to assist. The first trip to the pediatrician’s office for most parents also marks their first time leaving the house. This is a significant visit. For the first few weeks of life, young infants require careful observation and care to make sure they are developing and growing as they should. What to expect at your baby’s newborn care appointment is listed below.

What Takes Place at a Visit for Infant Care?

Up until the age of one month, a baby is a neonate, or newborn. During this busy newborn period, numerous significant events take place and rapid developmental changes take place. It’s also when many congenital health issues first become apparent and the danger of serious sickness from some illnesses is increased. It’s also when parent-baby bonding starts to take place and feeding patterns are formed. A newborn care visit, which is scheduled during your baby’s first week of life and normally occurs when they are three to five days old, comprises the following examinations:

Growth Evaluation

We measure your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference to make sure they are appropriate. If your child weighs a little less than they did at birth, don’t be frightened. A baby often loses up to 10% of its body weight in the first week and quickly makes that weight back in the second.

Full Physical Examination

Your infant will also get a full physical assessment from head to toe. This include examining your newborn’s reflexes, vision, and hearing as well as the umbilical cord stump. Babies’ vision is still somewhat fuzzy during the newborn era, and they can only focus on nearby things. At this stage, your baby’s motions are largely controlled by involuntary, innate reflexes. These include the startle reflex, grabbing and stepping reflexes, and the rooting and sucking reflexes.

Review of Health Screening

Before being allowed to leave the hospital shortly after birth, all newborns go through two thorough health examinations. The purpose of newborn screenings is to find undiscovered genetic, hormonal, and metabolic problems that may have an impact on your baby’s long-term health. Your pediatrician reviews the findings of these initial hearing, heart, and blood exams during your baby’s first-week checkup. Depending on the findings, they can suggest rescreening your child or referring them to an expert for early intervention services.

Feeding Evaluation

For the majority of new parents, whether their infant is breastfed or given formula, feeding is a primary worry. Whether your baby drinks breast milk, iron-fortified formula, or a mix of the two will be a question you’ll be asked. You’ll also likely be questioned about how effectively your baby latches and suckles. Your newborn is learning to eat during the first week of life, just as you are. Formula-fed newborns normally take two to three ounces of formula every three to four hours, but breastfed infants typically nurse eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period.

Vaccines and Supplements

Within 24 hours of birth, the majority of infants receive their first dose of the Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine. If a newborn misses this crucial vaccination while in the hospital, they will often get it at their first-week newborn care visit. Your pediatrician will also advise starting your newborn on a vitamin D supplement at birth to help good bone development if you are breastfeeding. The majority of your baby’s nutritional requirements are met by breastmilk, however it does not provide enough vitamin D for infants.

Changing of Diapers

How many diapers a new parent should change in the first week is another topic that is frequently questioned by new parents. After each feeding, it’s totally typical for a newborn baby to produce a moist, watery stool. Before they start consuming solid food, babies don’t have solid poop. As the days pass, so does the poop of newborns. It seems dark and tarry at first, then begins to appear greenish, and finally settles into a yellowish-brown hue.

Expectations for Sleep and Safety

Melatonin, the sleep hormone, and circadian rhythms have not yet evolved in newborn newborns. Therefore, despite the fact that babies may sleep a lot in a day, they are also awake whenever they need to be fed or have their diaper changed. Your pediatrician will review safe infant sleep practices with you to assist you lower your newborn’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or unintentional suffocation in addition to letting you know how your baby’s sleep may alter over the next several weeks.

When is My Infant’s Subsequent Checkup Scheduled?

The recommended plan for well-child visits involves pediatric examinations multiple times during an infant’s first year of life, beginning with the first-week newborn care visit. You can schedule your baby’s subsequent appointment—their one-month checkup—after your initial visit. To arrange a consultation with a skilled, educated, and understanding pediatrician at Kid’s 1st Pediatrics, get in touch with us right away.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
10Mar2023

4 Ideas to Get Your Child Excited for Exercise and Physical Activities

Numerous recent research indicates that many kids are not getting enough daily movement or engaging in regular physical activity. Children are spending more time staring at screens and less time moving their bodies as technology advances and spreads. This is especially concerning in light of the rise in childhood obesity, diabetes, and other illnesses.

There are numerous advantages of exercise for kids. It also supports their mental growth and health, boosting motivation, focus, and learning. It not only helps kids build strong muscles and bones, maintain a healthy weight, and lower their risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes. The skills and self-assurance required to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle will be given to your child if you encourage them to be active and enjoy physical activity.

Here are just a few ideas for motivating your kids to be active from an early age:

Offer Interactive Toys

Toys that are entertaining and energetic are a great way to keep young children moving. Although there are many alternatives, this might be something as straightforward as a ball. This will not only get them moving and having fun, but it will also help children develop important skills including motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Set an Example

Children are more likely to participate in sports and physical activity themselves when they routinely observe their parents doing so, according to research. Your kids will take notice of how you handle your body and want to emulate you if you do. Staying active yourself will give your kids a healthy role model and affect what they perceive as normal and normal.

Play with Your Child and Go for a Family Workout

Play with your child and go for a family workout to encourage them to be active. Take them on a bike ride or a stroll around the park to make exercise enjoyable. Make it more entertaining by including a game or challenge. Imagination is the only limit to the possibilities. Make playing games and exercising a regular part of your week, and they’ll pick it up quickly.

Disconnect the Screens

Limit your usage of the phone, computer, and TV. The usual suggestion is to limit your daily screen time—which includes TV, videos, computers, smartphones, and video games—to no more than 1 to 2 hours. Although there are good and terrible things about screens, they shouldn’t be used constantly. The additional physical activity can then be done during free time.

Permitting Them to Engage in Various Sports and Activities

Finding a sport or activity that your children genuinely enjoy and are passionate about is one of the best ways to encourage them to love exercise and form a lifelong habit of it. Enroll them in various coaching initiatives or age-appropriate groups. Where you can, try to introduce children to a variety of games and activities, allowing them the chance to try out new physical pursuits and see what sticks.

If you’re looking for a setting where your kids can be active while having fun, picking up new skills, and making friends, get in touch with Kid’s 1st Pediatrics for numerous suggestions on where to begin and more details on kids’ health.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
3Mar2023

7 Key Considerations for Parents of Children with Autism

Being diagnosed with autism can be challenging, and you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. There are resources available to you that can assist you in comprehending your child’s situation and determining how to handle any problematic behaviors your youngster may be exhibiting.

Autism is more widespread than most people are aware. An estimated 1 in 59 kids has been given an autistic spectrum condition diagnosis (ASD). Autism diagnoses occur four times more frequently in boys than in girls.

Working with autistic children and their parents is a specialty that Kid’s 1st Pediatrics has mastered. In addition to providing autism screenings, we can make you a specialized care plan that promotes your child’s growth and well-being.

Describe Autism

Because it affects a variety of circumstances, autism is a developmental disorder known as autism spectrum disorder. These disorders are characterized by repeated habits, social difficulties, motor skill problems, and difficulties with speech and nonverbal communication. Every autistic child is different and faces a particular set of difficulties.

Parenting an Autistic Child

Although raising a child with autism might be difficult, with the correct knowledge and assistance, it becomes simpler. Here are some things you can do that will be quite helpful.

Be Consistent

Your child may find it extremely difficult to implement the things they have learnt in therapy or at school at home. Talk to your child’s teachers and therapists, and try to incorporate as many of their suggestions and methods as you can. Even if your child is unexpected, try to be consistent in your responses to them.

Observe your Child

Since autism is a spectrum disorder, every autistic child is unique. Recognize the messages your child is attempting to convey to you by paying attention to how they behave. Try to embrace your child’s differences, accept them, and recognize their accomplishments.

Maintain Structures

Children with autism may benefit from having a routine they are accustomed to and from knowing what to anticipate. Establish consistent schedules for your meals, appointments, and bedtime. Try to avoid changing the timetable without informing your child beforehand.

Create a Treatment Strategy

A treatment strategy guarantees that your child will receive the necessary care on a regular basis. It is founded on a thorough evaluation of your child’s needs. Therapies like behavioral, speech, or family therapy may be included in this.

Locate Assistance for Yourself

Stress is frequently exacerbated when raising a child with autism. You must take care of yourself in order to take care of your child. Find a means to go to therapy or a support group if you need it to help you manage. Make time for self-care to avoid becoming worn out and burned out.

Parenting a kid with autism can bring many difficulties, but with the right knowledge and assistance, your child can thrive. We are here to support you on your journey. Contact Kid’s 1st Pediatrics by phone to schedule an appointment with one of our professional and pleasant staff members.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
10Feb2023

6 Techniques to Explain Allergy to Children

Following a food allergy diagnosis for their child, many parents experience a sense of panic. The parent is suddenly expected to become an expert on food allergies, educate others, establish allergy protocols, purchase medications, and frequently remove certain foods from their house. To put it mildly, it can be overwhelming right now!

Even while each of these things is crucial, discussing allergies with children may be the most crucial thing a parent can do. The child must finally learn how to advocate for themselves because learning is harder for them.

Here are some techniques to get you started if you are one of these parents:

Start Out Simple

Give an age-appropriate explanation of the allergy. Talk about the distinction between safe and unsafe foods. Bring them to the supermarket and let them know where their allergy is. Unbelievably, many young kids can tell you what they are allergic to, but they might not be able to recognize the allergen when it is right in front of them! Tell them why we don’t share food with friends and why we always read labels before consuming anything. Education is knowledge.

Clearly Describe a Food Allergy

It’s beneficial to calmly go over what an allergic reaction might look like and how it might make them feel, even though they might be young. As an adult, it’s vital to recognize that children may describe their symptoms in a unique or amusing way. For instance, “My throat feels thick,” or “My tongue feels like it has hair on it.” To determine a reaction, it may be important to comprehend their descriptions.

Most importantly, instill in them the importance of immediately telling an adult if they experience any of these symptoms.

Get Them Involved in the Process

Bring your child along when you train their caretakers and teachers. Establish a regimen that includes label-reading and supermarket buying. Let them use their creativity to make a sign to hang on your door reminding you to always have emergency medications, such as epinephrine and antihistamines, when you leave the house. Including your child in the learning process adds another level. Additionally, it’s crucial to give your child as much “normalcy” as you can, as this can prevent them from feeling afraid.

Include It in Your Daily Conversation

Not just the child is affected by food allergies; the entire family is. Help them understand that having a food allergy is a distinctive aspect of who they are by sharing your own experiences with them. Play out hypothetical situations that kids might come across at school or with friends. Cooking dishes that are tolerant of allergies.

Don’t be scared to talk to your youngster in an honest manner. Keep in mind that information is power. Your child with food allergies will be better able to navigate the future with open communication.

Key Support Tools

For families with recent diagnoses, there are numerous tools and resources. A book is a fantastic place to start for younger kids! There are several excellent children’s books with an allergy theme available. As many businesses now sell stylish and amusing medical jewelry, you can also buy a medical ID bracelet. or even watch TV to learn about allergies.

Find Others and Community

Avoiding going it alone is advantageous, and you don’t have to. There are several groups and support networks for families managing a food allergy because one in 13 children in the U.S. has one. Many of these organizations organize allergy-friendly get-togethers, provide advice and recipes, and alert members to occasions for families with food allergies.

Naturally, our staff at Kid’s 1st Pediatrics is available to assist as well. Whatever strategy you choose, keep in mind that you need to find a balance between controlling your child’s food allergy and making sure your child enjoys all that childhood has to offer.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
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