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Influenza, also known as the flu, can happen year round but more commonly occurs in the fall, with it peaking in the winter months. While most people are familiar with the fever, aches and pains that accompany a flu diagnosis, some fail to realize how dangerous the flu can be for children.
READ MORE »We learn from an early age that a normal and healthy body temperature is 98.6 degrees F. Fevers provide excellent insight into how our bodies are feeling. When a fever is elevated, it lets us know our bodies are fighting off illness. Yet when a child has a high fever, it can be downright scary. […]
READ MORE »Spending an extra three to five minutes in the pediatrician’s office may save your child or teenager’s life. In addition to cigarette smoking, the tobacco products now available include e-cigs, vapes, hookahs and flavored tobacco. The increase in availability and variety has also increased its’ popularity, especially with the younger population. Vape and e-cigs stores […]
READ MORE »The Olympics may be over but many children, pre-teens and adolescents have caught that Olympic fever! Parents are enrolling their aspiring Olympians at gyms, dance studios and swim teams all across the country. In order to participate in these activities, a form signed by the pediatrician is usually required. The emphasis on achieving a lean, […]
READ MORE »The sniffling, sneezing and rashes caused by the onslaught of unknown allergies can bring a child to tears – literally and figuratively. Finding out the cause of your child’s discomfort is something most parents are eager to learn, yet unsure of the best way to do so. Allergies are the primary cause of chronic nasal […]
READ MORE »Pencils, notebooks, scissors and crayons are filling the backpacks of millions of Americans in preparation for the start of a new school year. One thing that many children are lacking, however, can dramatically affect their academic performance.
READ MORE »Kids grow up fast – no one would argue that. But many kids in the U.S. are growing up even faster. In girls, puberty typically begins around 11 years of age, but can begin as early as 6 or 7 and sometimes even earlier. In boys, puberty typically begins around 12, but may begin as […]
READ MORE »Outside fun is something to be encouraged and enjoyed. Yet our outdoor adventures put us at risk for animal and insect bites, including tick bites. Ticks are common in all areas of North Carolina. Children are five times more likely to die of a tick-borne illness than adults and the reason is often due to […]
READ MORE »If you have a child playing sports or doing outdoor activities where they get hot and sweaty, it is not uncommon to arm them with a sport drink to keep them hydrated. The heavily marketed sport and energy drinks are very popular with children and grown-ups and many well-intentioned parents are using them at inappropriate […]
READ MORE »Often called the kissing disease, mononucleosis (mono) is a very common virus that affects the majority of Americans by the time they reach adulthood. Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), it most commonly occurs during the teen and young adult years. The most common symptoms include a high fever, headache, sore throat and fatigue. Despite […]
READ MORE »As millions of Americans make summer travel plans to new and exciting places, one of the last things anyone wants to worry about is contracting a dangerous virus. This is especially true for pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant.
READ MORE »As parents, we would do just about anything for our children. Imagine if you could prevent your child from developing the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in 15-29 year olds? Well you can! Skin cancer is not just something adults get; children can get it too, and it can be deadly.
READ MORE »Most parents want to help their children grow into calm and easy-going adults. Yet, some children seem wired from a young age to be more susceptible to the stressors of life. Anxiety is a normal emotion that is often triggered by stress. It can appear as worry, apprehension, fear or distress. As children grow, they […]
READ MORE »Even though spring has officially sprung, we are seeing an influx of flu cases in our North Carolina pediatric offices. While flu season typically ends in March, this year it is predicted to last into May. No one wants to be sick and panic often strikes when the flu enters the home, office or classroom. […]
READ MORE »A common concern we receive as pediatricians from parents of young children is whether or not their child’s speech and language are developing appropriately. Understanding a child who isn’t speaking clearly can be frustrating for not only the parent, but also the child. It can also be challenging when comparing children whose speech develops at […]
READ MORE »Breast milk truly is the best source of nutrition for babies during their first year of life. It contains the nutrients needed to help them develop properly while providing needed protection from many illnesses. Breastfeeding is also great for moms as it can help shed the pounds gained during pregnancy more quickly and allow them […]
READ MORE »Making the annual trek to the pediatrician’s office for a well-child checkup is an important part of maintaining your child’s overall health. Not only does it allow the pediatric provider a chance to monitor their physical health and development, while immunizing them against certain diseases and illnesses, it also provides an opportunity to assess their cognitive […]
READ MORE »That beautiful bundle of joy you have been waiting to hold in your arms is finally here. Appearing otherwise healthy, you notice after a few days that his skin has a yellow discoloration and the whites of his eyes appear yellowish. You realize that you are looking at the telltale signs of infant jaundice.
READ MORE »Being a parent is a big responsibility and with it comes many questions. Unfortunately, babies do not come with manuals so it is often up to the pediatric providers to provide the answers to many important questions. Here are the five most frequently asked questions we receive, as pediatricians, from new parents.
READ MORE »A highly contagious infection of the respiratory system that most often affects babies younger than 6 months of age can also wreak havoc on older children. A recent outbreak at a North Carolina school has reinforced the importance of vaccination and prevention strategies.
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