Melanie Herron, Author at Rainbow Pediatrics : Rainbow Pediatrics

Strep Throat: Secret Symptoms You Should Know About

When your child tells you their throat hurts, you likely cycle through the potential causes so you can help them feel better. While post-nasal drip can cause a sore throat, you likely also ponder the possibility that your child has strep. You may be surprised to learn that strep throat often rears its ugly head […]

How to Protect Your Kids From Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotics have saved lives for almost a century since Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928. They are a crucial tool in modern medicine and help fight and prevent infection. However, the overuse of antibiotics has led to a growing concern: antibiotic resistance. This is particularly concerning for children, who are more susceptible to illness as […]

Baby-led Weaning: What is it, and Should I Try It?

Is your baby ready to begin trying solid foods? One approach that has gained a lot of attention veers away from the traditional introduction of mushy baby foods found in jars and welcomes the baby as a part of the meal the entire family is enjoying. Baby-led weaning is a great way to allow your […]

HPV: A Silent Threat, A Powerful Vaccine

As parents, we work hard to protect our children from harm. One way to achieve this is by ensuring they receive essential vaccinations. Among these is the HPV vaccine, a powerful tool that helps protect against certain cancers. Protecting Your Child’s Future Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common virus that can be spread through […]

Mycoplasma Pneumonia Cases are Surging Among Children. Why?

As pediatric providers, we at Rainbow Pediatrics continuously monitor trends in pediatric health to better care for our patients and keep families informed. Recently, we’ve observed a concerning increase in cases of mycoplasma pneumonia in children. Given this condition’s impact on young patients, we want to shed light on it, why its prevalence is rising—particularly […]

Is Melatonin Safe for Children to Improve Sleep?

With the growing concern over the importance of sleep, sleep issues among children have become a hot topic. Parents sometimes turn to melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, as a potential solution. However, it’s crucial to understand when it’s safe to use melatonin, its side effects, and the importance of addressing underlying sleep issues. […]

When Your Child Falls, Knowing When to Visit the ER is Critical

Being a parent is never a dull moment. Falls are virtually inevitable if your child enjoys jumping on furniture, climbing high in trees, or is just highly active. But when a fall occurs, how do you know if you should call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the emergency room (ER)? This is […]

The Importance of Reading to Children from Birth for Child Development

As parents, we want to give our children the best start in life so they can grow, learn, and thrive. One of the most powerful ways we can do this is by reading to children from birth. Over the past decade, extensive research has been conducted on the impact of reading from birth on child […]

Beyfortus: The RSV Antibody Treatment Every Infant Should Receive

RSV season is upon us, and although many new parents may not be familiar with it, chances are their child has experienced it. Statistics show that 2 out of 3 infants will contract RSV by their first birthday. To most people, RSV looks like the common cold. However, in very young babies and young children […]

Healthy and Fun Pediatrician-Approved School Lunch Ideas for Kids

As we all know, packing a healthy and delicious lunch for our kids can sometimes be challenging and time-consuming. At Rainbow Pediatrics, we understand the importance of providing kids with nutritious meals that energize them throughout the day. That’s why we’ve put together some fantastic healthy lunch ideas that your kids will love. 1. Wrap […]

Flu Season is Coming. Here’s How to Protect Your Children from the 2024-2025 Flu

The 2024-2025 flu season is rapidly approaching, and as parents, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest flu vaccine updates, especially regarding our kids’ health. Children historically have the highest incidences of contracting the flu and can have severe complications from a flu infection. As parents, it’s natural to be concerned about our children’s […]

Overcoming Common Breastfeeding Challenges: What New Moms Need to Know

Bringing a new life into the world is a joyous and life-changing experience. For many new mothers, breastfeeding is a beautiful and bonding way to nourish their baby. However, it’s not always a walk in the park. From latching difficulties to concerns about milk supply, breastfeeding can present various challenges. Fortunately, many of these obstacles […]

Childhood Nutrition: Promoting Healthy Eating Habits for Your Child’s Growth and Development

As a pediatrician, I am passionate about providing the best care for your child’s overall well-being. One crucial aspect is childhood nutrition. The food your child consumes plays a significant role in their growth and development, making it essential to promote healthy eating habits from an early age. The early years of a child’s life […]

Ten Tips for Keeping Kids Safe in Extreme Heat

As pediatric providers, we are strong advocates of play—particularly outdoors. But with summer temperatures rising, taking extra precautions is essential to keep kids safe from extreme heat. High temperatures can pose serious health risks for children, but with some simple strategies, parents can help ensure their kids stay safe and healthy during the hot summer […]

Toxin Exposure During Pregnancy Can Create Health Issues for Children During their Elementary School Years and Beyond

As an expectant mother, you hold a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of your growing baby. In our modern world, chemical toxins are pervasive and found in our air, food, water, and soil. They build up in the body and can lead to many health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. […]

ADHD Cases in Kids and Teens on the Rise. What Parents Should Know

The number of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has increased recently, with about 1 in 9 children between the ages of 3 and 17 now being diagnosed with this condition, according to new research. This rise in diagnoses has led to discussions and debates in the medical community and beyond. Several factors […]

Support Your Child’s Emotional Development with These Seven Tips

As parents, we want our children to be happy, healthy, and well-rounded. While we often focus on our children’s physical health, it’s equally important to prioritize their emotional health and development. Here are some tips on how to support the emotional development and health of your child: 1. Create a safe and supportive environment: Children […]

Put Sunscreen on Your Kids, But Choose the Sunscreen Wisely

As parents, we always want to ensure the safety and well-being of our children. One of the most important ways to protect our kids from the sun’s harmful effects is using sunscreen. Sunscreen helps protect the skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. However, […]

What to Do if Your Baby Has Recurrent Diaper Rash

Diaper rashes can not only be unsightly but also downright painful for your sweet baby. There are various reasons why diaper rashes may continue to be a problem. This blog dives into the most common causes of diaper rashes and what you can do to address the potential problem. Dealing with recurrent diaper rash can […]

38 Percent of Kids Have Received the Only Vaccine that Can Prevent Cancer

If you could protect your child from getting cancer, we know you’d want to do whatever you could, right? Sadly, the majority of kids have not received the only vaccine proven to protect against several types of cancer. As pediatricians, we have to believe that a lack of education has caused parents to unknowingly prevent […]