The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is making many headlines these days and causing many parents to ask very valid questions. While the virus is new and not currently detected in North Carolina, we expect it is only a matter of time before it is here. So, families need to know how they can […]
READ MORE »When your child is sick, anxiety is usually a given. And depending on the severity of symptoms, time of day, and day of the week, parents often wonder if it is appropriate to take their child to urgent care or the pediatrician. The walk-in clinic model of urgent care centers can be an attractive option […]
READ MORE »COVID-19 vaccine approval for children ages 5-11 has been much anticipated. And now that it is here, parents are scrambling to get their children vaccinated. But some have very valid questions that we felt important to address. As of last week, there was approximately 107,000 new child COVID-19-19 cases reported. This number is up from […]
READ MORE »When COVID-19 entered our lives in March of 2020, it changed us forever. The stress and trauma from all that has happened over the past 19 months can have lasting effects on children and teens’ mental health. That’s why it is more important than ever to regularly check in with your child to see how […]
READ MORE »As you probably know by now, COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe illness and even death in children (and adults)…just like influenza (flu). And now that school is back in session and children are returning to some semblance of normalcy, it is critically important that parents and caregivers do everything […]
READ MORE »School is back in session, which means kids, both vaccinated and not are in close quarters. As one would expect, and quite frankly feared, COVID-19 cases have risen nearly 240% since July. Thankfully, despite the high number of COVID cases, children continue to make up a very small percentage (1.6% to 4%) of hospitalized patients. […]
READ MORE »We are all on heightened alert amid the outbreak of the delta variant of COVID-19. Cases are on the rise, and while those who have been vaccinated are less likely to result in severe illness and hospitalization, parents are more cautious – and wisely so—especially parents of children not yet able to receive the vaccine. […]
READ MORE »If you’re reading this, you are probably a new mom, expecting, or are just curious. Depending on where you are in this, you may have heard that breastfeeding is good for the baby. But breastfeeding isn’t just good for the infant; it is good for the mother too. In honor of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, […]
READ MORE »Sickle cell disease is one of those unfortunate disorders that not only causes the potential for a variety of lifelong complications but which also disproportionately affects certain minority groups who live in the United States. And, while the signs and symptoms of the disease usually appear around 5 months of age, its treatment and management […]
READ MORE »Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, one of the few silver linings was news that children were less likely than adults to develop life-threatening complications from the virus. Yes, kids and teens could develop serious complications, and yes, we’re still learning about many of the long-term effects the virus can have on people’s health. But, the […]
READ MORE »Believe it or not, we’re already almost halfway through the summer. It won’t be long before parents of school-aged kids begin to prepare for the next year – hopefully a year of more traditional, in-person learning than we’ve seen during the COVID pandemic. It is getting close to the back-to-school season. There is a lot […]
READ MORE »While there are certainly still misunderstandings about autism that continue to permeate throughout society, the Autism Society of America (ASA) has recently made an effort to move beyond the “awareness” aspect of their actions. With one in 54 Americans living with autism in our country, the ASA has shifted their messaging to address what they […]
READ MORE »While we all prefer to focus on our children’s positive qualities – their personalities, accomplishments, and milestones – we, as parents, know that they’re still developing the tools to deal with disappointments, stress, uncertainties, and fears. Sometimes, they argue or show aggression. Other times, their moods quickly shift, and they become quiet, distant, or even […]
READ MORE »When breastfeeding your baby is not an option for you, mothers can often rely on formula to keep their babies adequately fed, hydrated, developing, and growing both naturally and nutritionally. Yet, for an estimated 2 to 15 percent of babies, formula intolerance can make feeding time difficult – at least until the causes are identified […]
READ MORE »Newborn babies have a lot to process. Everything’s new, so they have very few strategies in place when it comes to coping with issues like hunger, discomfort, pain, stress, and other unknown stimuli. So, they cry. This is when we as parents spring to attention. In doing so, we strive to comfort our babies through […]
READ MORE »As we reach the one-year anniversary of our lives being significantly disrupted by COVID-19, it’s important to recognize the significant impact pandemic-related lifestyle changes have had on our children. From stay-at-home orders and school closings to, for many, limited access to nutritious food and regular exercise, the pandemic has likely exacerbated another epidemic that our […]
READ MORE »The longer, warmer days of spring have a way of drawing even the most screen-focused children to the out of doors. Yet, when the seemingly fresh air regularly leads to itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing, it can feel like game over for some kids. Sadly, while the budding trees and blooming flowers do add […]
READ MORE »As parents, you want what is best for your child. Health and happiness are at the top of virtually every parents’ wish list. Did you know that the first five years of your child’s life are critical for setting the foundation for healthy growth and pediatric development? This article will discuss three foundational elements you […]
READ MORE »After all that waiting, your baby is finally here. They are your whole heart, and you want nothing more than to keep them safe and healthy. Knowing what to watch out for can help you navigate this very new and exciting time. Here are five of the most common conditions seen in newborns. Gas Imagine […]
READ MORE »Does it feel like you are on a roller coaster with your teen? Puberty can be a seemingly endless soiree of ups and downs. One minute your child is happy, and the next, in tears. What is up? Here are eight tips to help you navigate through this tenuous time and hopefully come out having […]
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