Melanie Herron, Author at Rainbow Pediatrics : Rainbow Pediatrics

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 […]

How to Safely Change Baby Formula

As a new parent, you may wonder when and how to change your baby’s formula. Whether you are considering switching to a different brand or type of formula or adjusting the concentration of the formula, it’s essential to make changes safely and with your baby’s health in mind. Here are some tips to help you […]

Understanding Reflux in Babies and How to Treat It

Gastroesophageal reflux, or GER, is common in babies, especially during their first few months. It’s estimated that up to 50% of babies experience reflux to some degree during their first year. It occurs when the contents of the baby’s stomach are regurgitated back into the esophagus and sometimes even up into the mouth. Although reflux […]

How to Protect Your Child Against Measles

In 2000, the CDC declared measles eliminated from the U.S., yet in 2019, more than 1300 cases were reported. Now measles is back in the spotlight, with a few cases linked to international travel and unvaccinated individuals. Nonetheless, parents may be concerned about their children contracting the disease, especially new parents and those who are […]

Ten Ways to Show Your Child That You Love Them

Every living creature needs love in some way, shape, or form. For children, love and affection are critical for healthy development. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we wanted to share ten ways to share your love with your child.

Understanding the Warning Signs: When to Get Help for Your Child’s Suicidal Thoughts

It is normal for kids and adults to have feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. But how do you know when these feelings require you to step in? How do you know if your child is suicidal? And what do you do if your child is having suicidal thoughts? This blog addresses the most common […]

Eating Disorders Among Young Males Increased by over 400 Percent

Eating disorders among young males have become a growing concern in recent years. A recent study published by JAMA Network Open found that hospitalizations due to eating disorders among young males increased 416 percent between April 2002 and the close of March 2020. In addition, hospitalizations among males aged 12 to 14 increased 196 percent […]

How to Keep Your Kids Healthy this Winter

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. Kids (and adults) tend to get sick more often in the winter due to a combination of factors. For one, the colder temperatures tend to weaken the immune system, making it easier for viruses and bacteria to take hold. Additionally, when it’s cold outside, people tend to spend more […]

RSV Vaccines and Keeping Your Family Healthy this Winter

It is RSV season in North Carolina, and at Rainbow Pediatrics, we are seeing a significant increase in children who are sick with it. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a virus that most children get at least once before their second birthday. In healthy kids, the symptoms are similar to a cold. But for […]