When to call the pediatrician ~ Fever
The most important things you can do when your child has a fever are to improve your child’s comfort by making sure they drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and monitor for signs and symptoms of a serious illness. It is a good sign if your child plays and interacts with you after receiving medicine for discomfort. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has a fever and Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy, or is very fussy Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car Has other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea Has immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking steroids Has had a seizure Is younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher Fever rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly for a child of any age Also call your child’s doctor if Your child still “acts sick” once his fever is brought down. Your child seems to be getting worse. The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years. The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older. Last Updated 11/4/2014 Source Fever and Your Child (Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, updated 5/2012)
Newborn Eye Color
New parents often ask what color I think the baby’s eyes are going to be. I never answer this question until the child is at least 1 year old; I mean, what if the parents believe me and use my answer to make major life decisions? When we talk about eye color, we’re really talking about the appearance of the iris, the muscular ring around the pupil that controls how much light enters the eye. After all, the pupil will always be black, except in flash photos, and the whites (sclera) should stay pretty much white, although jaundice may turn them yellow and inflammation may make them look pink or red. Gray or Blue Eyes at Birth Iris color, just like hair and skin color, depends on a protein called melanin. We have specialized cells in our bodies called melanocytes whose job it is to go around secreting melanin where it’s needed, including in the iris. When your baby is born his eyes will be gray or blue, as melanocytes respond to light, and he has spent his whole life in the dark. Eye Color Changes Over Time Over time, if melanocytes only secrete a little melanin, your baby will have blue eyes. If they secrete a bit more, his eyes will look green or hazel. When melanocytes get really busy, eyes look brown (the most common eye color), and in some cases they may appear very dark indeed. Because it takes about a year for melanocytes to finish their work it can be a dicey business calling eye color before the baby’s first birthday. The color change does slow down some after the first 6 months of life, but there can be plenty of change left at that point. Eye color is a genetic property, but it’s not quite as cut-and-dried as you might have learned in biology class. •Two blue-eyed parents are very likely to have a blue-eyed child, but it won’t happen every single time. •Two brown-eyed parents are likely (but not guaranteed) to have a child with brown eyes. •If you notice one of the grandparents has blue eyes, the chances of having a blue-eyed baby go up a bit. •If one parent has brown eyes and the other has blue eyes, odds are about even on eye color. •If your child has one brown eye and one blue eye, bring it to your doctor’s attention; he probably has a rare genetic condition called Waardenburg syndrome. Cross-Eyed? Parents also often note that their newborns’ eyes appear to cross from time to time. For the first 6 months of life this can be normal. To begin with, to look at something the brain has to know where to point the eyes. For the first 2 to 4 weeks of life vision is not accurate enough for the baby’s eyes to find a target a lot of the time. Parents often feel like their newborns are looking past them rather than at them, because they are. By the fourth week of life, however, your baby will focus on your face if you’re cradling him. Most visual development occurs in the brain, not in the eyes themselves. One of the greatest challenges for the developing brain is to coordinate visual signals from one side to the other. Nerve signals from the eyes travel through optic nerves and split off to both sides of the brain. To make sense of those signals, the 2 sides of the brain have to cooperate, comparing information and coordinating eye movement in the desired direction. Until age 2 months you may notice your infant will follow your face or a toy a little way, then lose it as it crosses from one side to the other. By 2 months, however, he should be able to track from right to left and back again. The next big visual milestone occurs at 6 months of age. By this time the 2 sides of the brain are on good terms with each other. Until this point the eyes track together as long as they both have something to look at, but if one is deprived of input (from being covered by a hat, for example), it might drift off in its own direction. By 6 months of age the eyes should continue looking the same direction even if one of them is covered temporarily. We test this in the clinic by covering 1 eye for 3 seconds, then suddenly uncovering it and looking to see if it’s still tracking with the opposite eye. We call this test the cover-uncover test. Sometimes the shape of a child’s face makes it look as though the eyes are crossed even when they are not. A child with a broad nasal bridge may appear to have an inward-looking eye, when in fact he’s just looking off to the side. You can check this by watching the light reflection in your child’s eyes from a window or lamp; if it falls in the same place on each eye, the eyes are working together. Even with office screening, however, we don’t always catch an eye that tends to deviate. Deviations occur more often when the child is tired. If you ever notice that your 6-month-old or older child has an eye that doesn’t always look the same way as its partner, alert his doctor. It’s critical that an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) examine the child. What some people call a lazy eye (amblyopia) may be a sign that one eye doesn’t see as clearly as the other. When the brain is forced to make 1 picture from 2 very different inputs, it starts to ignore the signals from the worse eye. Over time this process becomes irreversible, leading to partial blindness in the weaker eye. In most cases, you should address the problem before the child turns 3 to ensure he’ll grow up with normal depth perception. Treatments for amblyopia vary based on the cause and severity of the condition. Some children require
November Employee of the Month ~ Lallaine Villegas
How long have you worked for Pediatric Care Center? I started working for Dr. Benitez at his old practice in 1999. When he opened Pediatric Care Center I naturally went with him. So, a grand total of 15 years! Do you have any pets? No Where did you go to high school? I went to St. Augustine Catholic School in the Philippines, 9-11th grade. My senior year I attended Sandalwood High School. Tell me what degree you are getting? I’m currently taking classes at FSCJ and hoping to get a degree in nursing. Do you have any hobbies? How do you spend your time off? NO, I spend my day off cleaning my house, studying and taking care of my children. Side note ~ Lallaine has four school age children including a set of twins and is married to a wonderful, active duty sailor serving in the Navy! What is the favorite part of your job? I like everything about my job, especially my co-workers because they’re fun and easy to work with.
Employee of the Month – Tyeisha Ross
Congratulations to Tyeisha for being selected October Employee of the Month! How long have you worked for us? 1 year and 10 months Do you have any pets? No Where did you go to high school? William M. Raines What degree are your working toward? I plan to start a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in May 2015. Eventually, I will become a Registered Nurse. What is your favorite part of your job? Interacting with the kids brings me so much joy! I also love my co-workers. They are easy to work with and very entertaining! It feels good to work for a company that supports its employees and makes you want to strive for even more!
Differences in Organic, Natural and Health Foods
Differences in Organic, Natural, and Health Foods Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they have different meanings. Organic foods are grown without artificial pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides. Organic meat, eggs, and dairy products are obtained from animals that are fed natural feed and not given hormones or antibiotics. Natural foods are free of synthetic or artificial ingredients or additives. “Health foods” is a general term that may be applied to natural or organic foods, or to regular foods that have undergone less processing than usual, such as stone-ground whole-grain flours. Although some have claimed that organic foods have a higher concentration of some nutrients, the evidence is mixed. The nutritional content of foods also varies greatly according to when the food was harvested and how it has been stored or processed. Unless they are fresher, there is also no evidence that organic, natural, or health foods taste better than regular foods. However, taste is determined by plant genetics, rather than by whether the crop is organically or conventionally grown. Harvesting and handling also affect taste. A peach or tomato that is picked when it is too green will never develop the full taste of fruit that is allowed to ripen on the tree or the vine. Although the type of fertilizer may not affect taste or nutrition, it does have an effect on the environment. Many people prefer to pay premium prices for organic foods because their production does not cause environmental damage from pesticides and herbicides, and composted fertilizers help restore soil and are not as damaging to the environment as artificial fertilizers. However, simply stating “organic” does not protect the food from being contaminated from field to market. Last Updated 7/9/2014 Source Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics 2011)
Sports Injury Prevention Tips
More American children are competing in sports than ever before. Sports help children and adolescents keep their bodies fit and feel good about themselves. However, there are some important injury prevention tips that can help parents promote a safe, optimal sports experience for their child. Please feel free to use them in any print or broadcast story, with appropriate attribution of source. Click here for the Spanish Version. Injury Risks All sports have a risk of injury. In general, the more contact in a sport, the greater the risk of a traumatic injury. However, most injuries in young athletes are due to overuse. Most injuries occur to ligaments (connect bones together), tendons (connect muscles to bones) and muscles. Stress fractures can also occur from overuse. However, the areas where bones grow in children are at more risk of injury during the rapid phases of growth. In a growing child, point tenderness over a bone should be evaluated further by a medical provider even if there is minimal swelling or limitation in motion. Most frequent sports injuries are sprains (injuries to ligaments) strains (injuries to muscles), and stress fractures (injury to bone) caused when an abnormal stress is placed on tendons, joints, bones and muscle. Contact your pediatrician if you have additional questions or concerns. To reduce the risk of injury: Time off. Plan to have at least 1 day off per week from a particular sport to allow the body to recover. Wear the right gear. Players should wear appropriate and properly fit protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear. Young athletes should not assume that protective gear will protect them from performing more dangerous or risky activities. Strengthen muscles. Conditioning exercises during practice strengthens muscles used in play. Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises before and after games or practice can increase flexibility. Stretching should also be incorporated into a daily fitness plan. Use the proper technique. This should be reinforced during the playing season. Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries and prevent heat illness. Play safe. Strict rules against headfirst sliding (baseball and softball), spearing (football), and body checking (ice hockey) should be enforced. Stop the activity if there is pain. Avoid heat injury by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise or play; decrease or stop practices or competitions during high heat/humidity periods; wear light clothing. Sports-Related Emotional Stress The pressure to win can cause significant emotional stress for a child. Sadly, many coaches and parents consider winning the most important aspect of sports. Young athletes should be judged on effort, sportsmanship and hard work. They should be rewarded for trying hard and for improving their skills rather than punished or criticized for losing a game or competition. The main goal should be to have fun and learn lifelong physical activity skills. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics – See more at: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Sports-Injury-Prevention-Tip-Sheet.aspx#sthash.ZhqXakkz.dpuf
August Employee of the Month – Norma Carrangian
Our Employee of the Month for August is Norma Carrangian! Norma was the first employee Dr. Benitez hired when he opened his very first practice in Neptune Beach in 1987! She was his nurse, receptionist and billing department! Dr. Benitez likes to say she looked after his money better than he did. In the early years, when he would try to give her a raise she would tell him, “no, he couldn’t afford it”! She now works in billing and is an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to coding, claims and insurance. Thank you for all you do! How long have you worked here? 27 years Tell us about your family? My husband Rey is retired from the Navy. I have two daughters and one son and three grandchildren. What is your education? I went to Calauag Central College in the Phillipines and I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. What do you like to do when you are not working? My husband and I socialize with our friends, go to parties, play mahjong and baby sit our grandkids. What do you like best about your job? I love all aspects of my job and I will miss those when I retire.
Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) is the inflammation (ie, redness, swelling) of the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. What are the signs or symptoms? There are several kinds of pinkeye, including: Bacterial Red or pink, itchy, painful eye(s). More than a tiny amount of green or yellow discharge. Infected eyes may be crusted shut in the morning. May affect one or both eyes. Viral Pink, swollen, watering eye(s) sensitive to light. May affect only one eye. Allergic Itching, redness, and excessive tearing, usually of both eyes. Chemical Red, watery eyes, especially after swimming in chlorinated water. Immune mediated, such as that related to a systemic disease like Kawasaki disease. What are the incubation and contagious periods? Depending on the type of pinkeye, the incubation period (the time between being exposed to the disease and when the symptoms start) varies: Bacterial The incubation period is unknown because the bacteria that cause it are commonly present in most people and do not usually cause infection. The contagious period ends when the course of medication is started or when the symptoms are no longer present. Viral Sometimes occurs early in the course of a viral respiratory tract disease that has other signs or symptoms. One type of viral conjunctivitis, adenovirus, may be contagious for weeks after the appearance of signs or symptoms. Children with adenovirus infection are often ill with fever, sore throat, and other respiratory tract symptoms. This virus may uncommonly cause outbreaks in child care and school settings. Antibiotics for this condition do not help the patient or reduce spread. The contagious period continues while the signs or symptoms are present. Allergic Occurs in response to contact with the agent that causes the allergic reaction. The reaction may be immediate or delayed for many hours or days after the contact. No contagious period. Chemical Usually appears shortly after contact with the irritating substance. No contagious period. How is it spread? Hands become contaminated by direct contact with discharge from an infected eye, or by touching other surfaces that have been contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, and gets into the child’s eyes. How do you control it? Consult a health professional for diagnosis and possible treatment. The role of antibiotics in preventing spread is unclear. Antibiotics shorten the course of illness a very small amount. Most children with pinkeye get better after 5 or 6 days without antibiotics. Careful hand hygiene before and after touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Careful sanitation of objects that are commonly touched by hands or faces, such as tables, doorknobs, telephones, cots, cuddle blankets, and toys. It is helpful to think of pinkeye like the common cold. Both conditions may be passed on to other children but resolve without treatment. Pinkeye generally results in less symptoms of illness than the common cold. The best method for preventing spread is good hand hygiene. Additional Resources: Hand Washing: A Powerful Antidote to Illness Eye Infections Specific Eye Problems Preventing the Spread of Illness in Child Care and School Last Updated 7/31/2014 Source Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, 3rd Edition (Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics) The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Tips for Soothing a Fussy Baby
Written for www.confessionsofadrmom.com blog on May 7, 2014 by Melissa Being a newborn can be hard work. Being a parent of a newborn can be even harder. It’s exactly like everyone told you it would be, except now you’re living it. It’s overwhelming. Exhausting. All Consuming. But also the most beautiful, amazing, and important moment of your life. Parenthood certainly changes you. And just when you feel like you’re easing into your new role…the crying begins. And it only seems to be getting worse. Your beautiful bundle of joy has taken to distressing bouts of crying. She often looks like she’s in pain and no matter what you do, the crying continues. Sure, it could be “colic” which is really a non-descript term that, by definition, follows the rule of 3′s: crying for more than 3 hours per day, for at least 3 days per week, and for 3 weeks or longer. We know all babies go through a phase of increased crying. This crying peaks between 2 weeks of life up until 3 months of age. After which, the crying dramatically improves. Their digestive and nervous systems are still maturing, not yet completely ready to take on all the sights/sounds/tastes that the world has to offer. And some babies are simply more sensitive to these outside stimuli. Here are some ways to help your little one through this increased crying phase: Swaddle: Invest in a generous sized/thin swaddling blanket and hone those burrito wrap skills. Most babies dislike the process of swaddling, but once they’re snug and secure…they love it. Give it a try. And try again. Have a seasoned mom friend show you the way or ask your pediatrician to show you. Rock/Walk/Sway. Get moving. Babies love to move. Find your rhythm with your baby. And remember, this is a soothing and gentle process. Never shake your baby. Non-nutritive sucking. Sucking is soothing for babies. So if you know your baby is full and/or has just been fed; offer a pacifier to help calm him down. Side or tummy hold. While you should always place your baby on his back to sleep to decrease the risk of SIDS, try holding your baby on his side or tummy and rub his back. Or do the bicycle legs while talking or singing to your baby. Get outside. A little fresh air and change of scenery does everyone good. I recall vividly how well this worked for my own little one. It was amazing to see that the crying instantly stopped the second we stepped outside. Warm bath. Every baby is different and some dislike this completely while others love it. Give it a try for your little one and see how she responds during her fussy period. Quiet or soft/soothing white noise. Some babies just need to be. Turn down the loud ambient household noise and turn on some soothing background white noise (think sound machine or relaxing music) to help your baby feel calm. It might just work for you too. Take care of yourself, take a break! Crying can weigh on our souls as new parents. No matter how hard we try, we can’t help but take the persistent crying personally. It’s distressing to us. So, ask for help. Put your baby down in a safe place like a crib or bassinet and take a breather. Take shifts with your partner. Go for a walk and take that overdue shower. A little self care will go a long way in getting through the crying spells of infancy. Remember, you are a good parent and your baby is a good baby. Crying is not bad. It’s a normal development process for our newborns. And yes, you can be a baby whisperer too. Always talk to your pediatrician about your baby’s crying and bring him in to be checked if you’re worried about the crying. Infant reflux, food sensitivities, and other conditions could exacerbate this period of crying. Medication such as gripe water, “gas drops”, and probiotics have not been proven to help but some parents swear by them. Above all, remember, that this too shall pass. It will. There is a light at the end of this crying tunnel…and that light is the bright smile that suddenly greets you one fine morning. The smile that beams pure love. From your beautiful baby. And it’s all for you.
100 Free (and almost free) Things to Do In Jacksonville this Summer
At this point of the Summer, you may be running out (or have already run out!) of things to do with your kiddos. Luckily, Jacksonville Mom has the perfect list chock-full of free or cheap activities to help keep you and your kids enjoy the rest of the Summer season. Check it out below and make this Summer one to remember! Summer Bucket List: 100 Free & Cheap Things to Do In Jacksonville