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Category "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
3Feb2023

5 Popular Questions Parents Have About Children and Sugar

There is a lot of misunderstanding and uncertainty around how sugar affects kids. For example, people frequently link hyperactivity with foods that are high in sugar. But is consuming sugar the cause of bizarre behavior? Or may this kind of hyperactivity just be a misfortune coincidence? Most importantly, do you really want to start acting like the food police around your children who are in school?

Popular Questions About Sugar And Children

There is debate about sugar consumption, whether it occurs in children or adults. Some claim that sugar is bad for you. Others assert that it’s a suitable strategy for calming down agitated children or rewarding hard work. The truth is really somewhere in the middle.

Do children who consume sugar become hyperactive?

A lot of parents insist that giving their kids sweets alters their behavior. It turns out that the alleged connection is primarily a fantasy. Several researches have looked into the matter, but none of them have found evidence to back up the idea that sugar leads to hyperactivity. However, I do believe that some children are sensitive to sweets. The best course of action is to focus on your child. It could be advisable to limit or avoid sugar if her behavior seems to change after consuming it. Sugar-containing foods frequently contain artificial colors, preservatives, and other substances that could be allergens. But in most cases, environmental variables and lack of sleep are linked to hyperactive behavior.

How does sugar affect a youngster who is growing?

If your child overeats foods with added sugar, it’s conceivable that they won’t have much room for the healthful meals that growing bodies need, such fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. Additionally, consuming too much sugar increases your child’s risk of tooth decay and weight growth.

Does a child’s exposure to sugar throughout their formative years increase their likelihood of acquiring long-term health issues?

It could. Like everything else, consuming too much sugar when you’re young might lead to undesirable desires later on. A child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, in which the body’s response to insulin is uncontrolled, as well as other illnesses including high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, increases when they are obese. Sugar consumption in excess can also contribute to obesity. Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may result in mood swings and even depression. Obesity and overweight have a connection to several types of cancer, as well as problems with the bones and joints.

What do you think about taking sugar out of a kid’s diet?

While I do not believe parents should fully ban sweets, sugar consumption should be decreased. In reality, children can learn about moderation by being given sweet sweets. You can set an example of healthy eating by supplying sugary items in moderation rather than completely banning them. Top low-fat plain yogurt with granola or berries with a half scoop of ice cream. In this manner, your youngster will receive both a treat and some additional nutrition.

What do you think about using treats to encourage good behavior?

It’s crucial to keep in mind that you are your child’s strongest supporter as a parent. It could be time to ask teachers, administrators, coaches, or daycare providers to stop rewarding your child with sweets. Perhaps they should give out pencils, stickers, or cheap toys instead.

Become Smart About Sugar

Sugar tends to hide in unexpected locations in addition to sweets, cookies, and other sweet delicacies. Even foods that appear healthful, such fruit juice, yogurt, granola, and trail mix, can include up to 25 grams of sugar per serving. Health professionals advise keeping youngsters’ daily sugar intake to 25 grams or less.

How do you make sure your child eats a diet low in sugar? Be sure to read the nutrition labels. picking out a cereal? Choose the container with the least amount of added sugar. Looking for a bite in the mid-afternoon? Pick fresh produce and fruits above packaged goods.

If you give your kids nutritious options while they are young, they will be more inclined to eat them as they get older. Several low-sugar snacks that youngsters adore include:

  • Slices of apple with peanut butter
  • Oranges mandarin
  • Whole grain crackers with cheese
  • Pita chips made of whole grain and popcorn hummus
Kids Staff
Pediatrics
13Jan2023

Top 5 Steps for Dealing with Children’s Night Terrors

Children are more likely than adults to experience nightmares and night terrors, which frequently disturbs parents’ sleep as they attempt to comfort and ease their child back to sleep. Night terrors and nightmares share many similarities, yet they can differ greatly. While nearly everyone has nightmares throughout childhood, just 1-6% of children suffer night terrors, and the experience is significantly more distressing for both parents and children. In this blog post, we’ll examine what night terrors are, the causes of them, and some strategies for dealing with them if your child has them.

Understanding Nightmares and Night Terrors

A night terror is a sleep disorder in which the subject experiences intense panic, which frequently manifests as yelling, shouting, and thrashing. Similar to sleepwalking, a youngster may occasionally move out of bed, open their eyes, and then continue to sleep. Other side effects of night terror include perspiration, faster breathing, and an elevated heart rate. After an episode, it can frequently be challenging to get a child back to sleep because of the overwhelming sense of panic. Night terrors can happen more than once per night and typically persist for several minutes, occasionally even up to 15 minutes.

The Causes of Night Terrors

A night terror often develops as a result of an interruption to a child’s deep slumber, an over-arousal of the central nervous system during sleep. Children who have a family history of sleepwalking or night terrors are more likely to experience an episode. Night terrors may also be brought on by elements that interfere with deep sleep, according to certain theories. One trigger may be an increase in deep sleep, which may be brought on by factors including fatigue, fever, or medicine. Another possibility is when this phase of sleep is disturbed, frequently as a result of stress, excitement, loud noises, or the desire to use the restroom.

What Should I Do if My Kid Has Night Terrors?

When your child has a night terror, it can be a scary experience because you always want to see them sleeping peacefully. However, the best course of action when dealing with one that is already underway is to wait patiently for it to pass while watching out for your child or daughter’s safety. Though you might be tempted, it’s best to refrain from awakening your child while they are having an episode. After a few minutes, most kids will go back to their regular slumber, so if you wake them up abruptly, they could get disturbed and less likely to fall back asleep. Furthermore, it’s doubtful that they would recall the incident, thus waking them awake will simply make them feel uneasy. You can wake up your child once the episode has ended and they have calmed down.

To assist them reset their sleep and prevent them from relapsing into a night terror, make sure they are fully awake and, if required, take them to the bathroom. Although there is no proven cure for night terrors, there are several things you can do to help your kid go asleep and address the underlying causes: 

  • Assist them in managing stress: Like adults, kids might experience tension and worry before bed, which can exacerbate night terrors. Find out what’s causing the issue and try to assist the youngster in resolving it; you may also try some stress-reduction strategies. 
  • Create a calming bedtime routine: While we’ve written on relaxing bedtime routines for adults, much of the same guidance also applies to children. Making sure they consume healthy foods and liquids, limiting computer time before bed, encouraging them to take a hot bath, and reading a tale aloud are all helpful strategies for easing children into sleep.
  • Stop them from getting too tired: Night terrors are frequently preceded by being overtired, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your child’s routine to ensure that they aren’t overexerting themselves and are getting enough rest.
  • Provide creative outlets for imaginative children: Children with active, vivid imaginations are more likely to experience night terrors, so provide them with opportunities to express themselves during the day. This could be done through acting, singing, dancing, or another art form.
  • Talk to them about night terrors in the proper way: The last thing you want is for your child to develop a real fear of their night terrors, so you should be careful to talk to them about their episodes in a way that doesn’t make them anxious or scared.

Even while the majority of night terrors may be treated at home, you should consult a doctor if they recur frequently or more than once a night. A medical expert should be able to determine whether there are any underlying conditions that are the root of the issues. Contact Kid’s 1st Pediatrics if you have any inquiries.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
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