Observing ADHD Month
October is National ADHD Awareness Month. If your child is displaying symptoms of ADHD, take this as your sign to get them tested. It’s the ideal opportunity to gain access to the resources you need or to reach out to others who are beginning their journey. Here’s what you should know. What Is ADHD? ADHD — Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. This disorder is often diagnosed in childhood and lasts into adulthood. Those with ADHD often display the classic signs of difficulty paying attention, impulsive behavior, or being overly active. While it’s normal for children to have trouble focusing or behaving occasionally, children with ADHD show continuous and severe issues with this. To the extent that it may cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends. ADHD can present itself in a variety of ways. This presentation depends on the individual and the symptoms they display. However, understanding the different types of presentations can help you break free of the stereotypes that you may associate with the disorder. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation In this presentation, a person may find it difficult to organize or complete a task. It’s hard for them to pay attention to details, follow instructions, or stay connected throughout a conversation. They may also become distracted easily and forget the details of their daily routines. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation You may be more familiar with this type of presentation of ADHD in young children. The individual may fidget and chat constantly, finding it difficult to sit still for a long period. These symptoms may be particularly evident during mealtime or while doing homework. You may observe consistent restless behavior — running, jumping, climbing, interrupting others, and trouble with impulsivity. This impulsivity may present by grabbing things, having a difficult time waiting their turn or listening to directions, and speaking at inappropriate times. As a result, this person may also be more accident or injury prone. ADHD can also present equally in a person — a “Combined Presentation.” Symptoms can also change over time which means presentation will change. The Symptoms of ADHD The top symptoms of ADHD vary depending on the age of the child. Here are the signs you should look for depending on your child’s age. Preschool through 2nd grade Children with ADHD may have trouble getting started with activities, and they will need to stop and listen instead of being able to listen while doing an activity. Grades 3 through 7 A child in this age range may rush through their homework assignments and produce mediocre work to finish quickly. Teens Teens with ADHD may have a hard time remembering their assignments, and they may forget to write them down. Adults Adults who exhibit signs of ADHD get distracted from daily tasks and often lose items like a phone, wallet, keys, etc. Understanding Symptoms by Gender Keep in mind that gender can impact the symptoms displayed as well. Boys with ADHD will usually show externalized symptoms, which could include running and impulsivity. Girls with ADHD often have internalized symptoms. This would manifest in inattentiveness and low self-esteem. Keep an eye on your child and be sure that healthcare providers screen them according to the symptoms most common to their gender. Girls with ADHD are often chronically undiagnosed because they don’t have the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms that boy display. Why National ADHD Awareness Month is Important If you’ve never observed ADHD Awareness Month, you may wonder why it’s necessary. Here’s why it should be on your radar. It can affect everyone Anyone can be impacted by ADHD. People of all races, ages, backgrounds, genders, etc. can receive an ADHD diagnosis. No demographic is immune from this diagnosis. Nearly 1 in 10 children will be diagnosed with ADHD and 4 in 100 adults. The time to look for symptoms and make sure your child gets the help they need is right now! Because ADHD tends to run in families, once a parent or child is diagnosed, take that diagnosis seriously. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone who has ADHD are more likely to have it themselves. If one of your children is diagnosed, consider getting tested yourself and take your other children to get tested. Likewise, if you were diagnosed as a child, watch for early symptoms of ADHD with your child and bring it up with their pediatrician if you have any concerns. It’s genetic ADHD can often be misunderstood, which is why raising awareness about the disease is important. It’s a brain-based disorder that’s often genetic. Family history, prenatal risk, and environmental toxins can increase a person’s likelihood of having ADHD. When people understand that no one is to blame for their ADHD, they’re more likely to seek the help they need. It’s a costly and problematic disorder ADHD interferes with people’s lives when it isn’t managed properly. It can cause a drop in productivity at work and school. It can create relationship problems. It may lead to obesity. Or it can even prompt legal trouble in a worst-case scenario. Understanding whether you or your child suffer from ADHD and how to properly manage it is essential to living a happy and healthy life. The Best Ways to Observe National ADHD Awareness Month National ADHD Awareness Month starts on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Here are three ways you can observe the month and help someone around you get the support they need. Get tested Consider getting tested yourself! If you display any of the symptoms of ADHD, you could have the disorder and not know it. For adults, this may look like being prone to procrastination, having trouble focusing on a task, or lacking motivation. To get diagnosed, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. There’s no specific test that can determine ADHD, but it’s likely the provider will combine a physical exam with a set of 18 questions from the World Health Organization. If you’re an adult and you get
Preventing Childhood Obesity
September is Obesity Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect reminder for all of us that obesity prevention begins at a young age. As parents, guardians, and caretakers, you want to ensure your child builds a healthy relationship with food but that requires a certain amount of balance. With a mounting obesity epidemic in the last few decades, here’s how you can protect your child and instill lifelong healthy habits. Prepare balanced meals Providing your child with balanced meals is a great way to expose them to new foods. Yes, they may like chicken fingers and mac n’ cheese the most, but you want to encourage them to try a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins from an early age. Aim for the following distribution of foods at each meal (or throughout the day): One-third of fruit and vegetables One-third of starchy foods (i.e., bread and potatoes) One-third of dairy (i.e., milk, cheese, yogurt) and protein (i.e., meat and fish) Provide reasonable portions Parents and caregivers often make the mistake of loading up their child’s plate with the same portion sizes that they would give themselves. Yet, the American Academy of Pediatrics explains that this isn’t necessary. An adult’s plate should be the size of your outstretched hand. A child’s plate should be only half that. For toddlers aged 1 to 3, every inch of height should equate to around 40 calories of food intake. So, if they’re 32 inches tall, around 1280 calories throughout the day is a good guideline. Limit sugar Evidence suggests that diets high in added sugar promote the development of obesity. The primary sources of added sugar include sugary beverages, candy, desserts, and sweet snacks. You can also find smaller amounts of added sugar in dairy desserts, milk products, breakfast cereal, bars, and other items. Limiting the consumption of these items in your family’s diet can help to curb the likelihood of developing obesity. That said, you don’t need to cut out these foods entirely. You and your child can still consume a sweet treat or beverage on occasion. Just be sure to do so within moderation. Encourage eating when hungry Sometimes we eat when we’re not hungry. We do this because we’re bored, or we’re supposed to. If it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner time, we consume food because it’s “time.” We tell our bodies it’s right even if our bodies haven’t signaled that we’re hungry. Unfortunately, eating during these periods can cause overeating, and the excess fuel that we consume during these periods is often stored as body fat, which may lead to obesity. To prevent this, encourage your child to learn their hungry foods. If they’re asking for a snack, ask them if their stomach is “hungry” or “growling.” Likewise, don’t insist they eat just because it’s supposed to be a mealtime. If they tell you that they aren’t hungry, don’t make them each just because it’s convenient for you. Work with them to understand how their body feels. You can also encourage them to chew their food well (at a slow pace) to aid digestion. Incorporate activity into your child’s schedule Get your child out and moving every single day! The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Here’s a list of activities that may interest them. Play follow the leader Have a dance party Bike riding Go on a hike Play sports like soccer or basketball Join a dance class Play at the park Go on a family walk Make sure your child is getting enough sleep Sleep is a key factor in childhood obesity. A lack of sleep can impact physical activity and hormones that control appetite. Kids who are tired during the day are less likely to be active and more likely to feel hungry. Here are the sleep recommendations for children according to age. Children 5 and under: 11 hours a night Children 5 to 10: At least 10 hours Children 10 and up: At least 9 hours If your child is getting less than their recommended hours of sleep, reach out to your pediatrician. Sleep issues should be addressed sooner rather than later! Limit screen time Screen time can make parents’ lives easier, but it’s also sedentary time for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines for kids. No screen time until the age of 2 Less than 1 hour until kindergarten No more than 2 hours during school-age years Final Thoughts If you’re concerned about your child’s weight or health, contact Pediatric Care Centers. Dr. Benitez and his team of Jacksonville pediatricians can address any concerns you may have regarding childhood obesity!
7 Tips to Get Your Kid to Bed
For many parents, the word “bedtime” triggers their fight-or-flight response. It’s often one of the most stressful times of the day. You may be dying to crawl into bed at the end of the evening, but your child fights you every step of the way. Why is this? Kids hate bedtime for a variety of reasons. Some think they’re going to miss something while others may have specific worries or concerns about bedtime that make them fight it. Here are 7 tips for a bedtime routine that can help you get your kids to bed (no tears for either of you!). Prioritize your family sleep routine Children learn by example. If your personal sleep schedule is chaotic, then it can be difficult to show your children the importance of sleep. So, when you establish bedtime rules or sleep schedules, do it for the entire family. Establish regular bedtimes and wake-up times for everyone in your household. This helps maintain the body’s internal clock and allows you to fall asleep and wake up more easily. It can be frustrating for children to lay awake for hours after you put them to bed, and this can make them refuse bedtime. Why would they lay in bed awake and bored if they could get up and play? However, you can feel confident that your sleep routine is working and your child is getting enough sleep when you see the following signs: Your child falls asleep within 15 to 30 minutes of going to bed Your child wakes up easily in the morning Your child doesn’t nod off throughout the day Address any sleep challenges Sleep challenges aren’t fun for anyone experiencing them. If your child is having trouble falling asleep, experiencing nightmares, snoring, waking up throughout the night, sleepwalking, resisting bedtime, having breathing troubles, etc., then you should address these issues with their doctor. Sleep challenges can prevent your child from getting restful sleep, and they can also make the process feel scarier for them. Children who have recurrent nightmares, night terrors, or sleepwalking may fear going to sleep because of the episodes that occur. Seeking help early to ensure that your child can go to sleep feeling safe is critical. Get on the same page If you’re parenting with a partner, it’s important to discuss your family’s sleep strategy before implementation. It’s unlikely that one partner will put the child (or children) to bed 100% of the time, and thus, to achieve consistency, you must be on the same page between the two of you. This also goes for any other caretakers you have for your child. If you have a nanny or grandparent living with you, you should walk them through the sleep routine to ensure they know what should take place and when. Create a routine Research has shown that a consistent nightly routine improves sleep in children who have mild to moderate sleep problems. When you have the same routine, every night leading up to sleep, it teaches your child’s body to be sleepy. Think of this like this common adult version — reading in bed. Many adults say that reading in bed “puts them to sleep.” This is because they always read in bed before they go to sleep and the brain begins to associate these two activities. Here’s an example of a simple bedtime routine for children. You can modify it for your family’s needs. Finish eating dinner Take a bath or shower Get in pajamas Have a snack and drink of water Go to the bathroom Brush teeth Get their comfort item Read a book Say goodnight Again, you can modify this routine based on your family’s needs or child’s desires. Once your child is bathed and in pajamas, try to keep the rest of the routine down to 30 minutes or less. Children will try to draw out this part of the routine to stay awake, but you must be firm about putting them to bed. Some children may also prefer to talk about their day or hear a story than read a book. That’s perfectly fine! This is just time for you two to spend together before they go to sleep. Some parents worry that not reading at bedtime will cause their child’s vocabulary and literacy to suffer. Don’t stress — if reading together doesn’t fit in at bedtime you can incorporate it at another point in the day like breakfast or after school. Decide if a bedtime snack is a good option Do children really need a bedtime snack? Parents and caretakers wonder if a snack is necessary when dinner wasn’t that long ago. It’s up to you and your child. Small snacks can help your child’s body stay fueled throughout the night. However, you want to avoid large snacks because a full stomach can interfere with sleep. If your child is consistently hungry and asking for food after dinner, it can be a good idea to incorporate a healthy snack to help curb their appetite, help them sleep longer, and prevent them from getting out of bed to ask for something to eat. That said, if adding a snack at bedtime would be an inconsistent part of their day or they’re not a big eater, then you don’t have to add in a bedtime snack. If you decide to move forward with a bedtime snack, here are a few options that you may consider. These are easy for parents and may even help with sleep! Banana Banana yogurt Cheese stick Dry cereal Applesauce pouch Fun fact: Bananas have tons of magnesium and potassium which both have sleep benefits! Customize your child’s sleep environment People sleep best in cool environments. Your child’s room should be cool (but not cold). Aim for their room to be between 68 degrees and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Some kids also love sleeping with a night light, sound machine, music, audiobook, or other features. Customize your child’s environment so they feel comfortable and consider how you can include
Back to School Anxiety 101
The school year is fast approaching. Amid back-to-school shopping and “Meet the Teacher” nights, countless children face stress and anxiety related to leaving their parents (perhaps for the first time!) and new classroom situations. Much of this stress is normal and expected, but what do you do when fear of this transition is interfering with your child’s daily life? At Pediatric Care Centers, we want to help you, as their parent or caregiver, to equip your child with coping skills that’ll take them through this school year and beyond. Normalize nervousness Feeling a few jitters before you enter a new situation is nervous. The first day of school puts your child in a lot of new situations that they may be unfamiliar with. For example, if this is their first year at school, then they may be nervous about being away from you or nervous or worried about buying lunch for the first time. It’s okay to feel a bit worried, and you can contextualize those feelings. Likewise, if your child has been to school before, they are allowed to feel worried as well. Maybe they’re missing the familiarity of their old classroom or teacher. They may be worried about not having the same friends in their classes or attending a longer school day. No one feels calm or at ease all the time. Have an open and honest conversation about when you experience these types of emotions. We recommend using phrases like, “I can understand why you might be feeling a bit [nervous, anxious, scared, etc.]” or “Being in a new classroom can be both exciting and scary.” Maintain a routine Predictable, repetitive routines can help to ease anxiety because children know what’s coming next. If your child is struggling with the upcoming transition, don’t pack in last-minute summer fun. Instead, focus on a routine that prioritizes their health and well-being. Make sure they’re eating nutritious meals and getting good sleep through a solid bedtime routine. As a parent, you should prepare for them to be tired and moody as well. When kids experience big changes, they often show their stress by acting up. Try not to take this personally and punish them for misbehaving. They’re desperately trying to make sense of the anxiety they’re feeling. The best thing you can do as a parent is to maintain their routine and ensure they get enough sleep, eat the right foods, continue to exercise, and don’t overdo the screen time. Be a good listener Sometimes we all need to express our worries without someone trying to talk us down. Extend your child the same courtesy. Allow them to tell you what’s on your mind and feel heard. One of the best ways to do this is by offering your undivided attention. Take them aside in a private space (one that won’t be interrupted by siblings!) and let them know you’re there to support them. Chatting at bedtime or while on a walk can be a great time to bring this topic up. Seek solutions when possible During this time of uncertainty, you’ll likely provide your child with a lot of reassurance. However, if there’s an opportunity to provide solutions, then you shouldn’t hesitate to act. Providing tangible answers to concerns is often more effective than simply providing reassurance. While it’s not always possible, it can increase your child’s confidence and allow them to handle other unexpected situations more easily. For instance, if your child is worried about having a new teacher, consider attending the “Meet the Teacher” night right at the beginning of the time frame to give you a less crowded environment to do introductions. Talk to your child about how this introduction will go and ask them if they have any questions or worries ahead of time. Another solution you could seek is getting a class list in advance. If your child is worried about having new kids in their class, then this would give them some time to process the information. Keep in mind that not all schools offer this option to parents and caregivers. However, if your school releases class lists ahead of time, then this could be a tangible solution. Finally, if your child is worried about missing you throughout the day, discuss different one-on-one activities or “dates” you’ll do during the first few weeks of school. We don’t recommend doing an activity every day. Most kids are tired and moody after packed days, and they should be given a chance to lay low, run around, and just be kids. However, having some special time at the park or movies with their mom, dad, nanny, grandma, aunt, uncle, etc., could be something to look forward to if they’re worried about missing them during school. Encourage a positive mindset Anxiety makes us think everything can and will go wrong. However, you don’t want your children to believe that their new classroom isn’t somewhere they’ll be comfortable or that their teacher won’t be able to meet their teachers. Even as they navigate their stress, you should encourage a positive mindset and redirect their focus to what they can look forward to. Here are a few ideas of what they may want to keep in mind: Seeing their friends (whether in the classroom or at recess!) Playing at recess Going on field trips (that you could chaperone!) Learning about their favorite subject Your child may be overlooking all these fun aspects of school because of their stress, so be their voice of reason and remind them of what they have to look forward to. Model secure behavior Children aren’t the only ones with back-to-school anxiety. As a parent or caregiver, you may be stressed because you’ve never had your child in a full-day program, you’re worried about allergies in the lunchroom, or you’re enrolling them in a new school. These are just a few examples. Whatever the reason for your stress, it’s important to remember that children are incredibly intuitive, and they may be picking up
COVID-19 Updates
As we continue to see rising cases, Pediatric Care Center is committed to keeping our employees and patients safe. We ask for everyone’s assistance during these transitions. Please answer the COVID 19 questionnaire accurately. You will not be turned away because of your answer. This is simply guiding the staff on best practices to keep everyone safe. We are discharging families that are inaccurately reporting their symptoms or exposures. Avoid bringing additional individuals to appointments that do not need to be seen. This minimizes unnecessary exposure. No adults appearing for the visit can have COVID-related symptoms. They will be asked to stay in your car. If you have COVID-related symptoms please call the office upon arrival to check-in. We will greet you at your vehicle when a room becomes available. Please do not enter the building. Due to limited availability, we cannot guarantee you will receive a COVID test during your visit. At this time, the FDA has approved the COVID 19 vaccine for ages 16 and up. Our providers are waiting for official guidelines from the Academy of Pediatrics and further research before we determine if we will be offering this vaccine. We will keep you posted on those changes on our Facebook page.
Zika Virus: What Does It Mean for Jacksonville Families?
Good Sleep Habits for Toddlers
Tips to Help Your Toddler Establish Good Sleep Habits Adopt a nightly routine so your child has quiet time before bedtime and understands that it will soon be time to go to sleep. The routine should be the same each night, as toddlers are comforted by routine. Give her a bath, read her a story, or listen to soft music. Avoid active play, which will only excite her and make sleep more difficult. Be consistent. Bedtime should be at the same time every night. By doing so, your child will know what to expect, and it will help her establish good sleep habits. Let your toddler take a favorite object to bed at night—perhaps a teddy bear, special blanket, or favorite toy. It can help her fall asleep—and fall back asleep if she awakens during the night. Make sure the object has no buttons or ribbons that could put your child at risk for choking. Make certain your toddler is comfortable. If she wants a drink of water or a night-light turned on, do so and then tell her it’s time for sleep. Do not let your child sleep in your bed. Doing so makes it more difficult for her to fall asleep when she’s alone. Wait several seconds before you go into your toddler’s room whenever she complains or calls out. Then each time she calls for you, wait a little bit longer before you respond. Reassure your child that you are there, even when you’re out of sight. Each time you respond, remind her that it’s time for her to go to sleep. Don’t do anything to reward your child for calling out for you. Give it time. It’s normal to become upset if your child keeps you awake at night. But try to be understanding, or you’re likely to make the problem with sleep even worse. You may need to ask for help from your partner and other adults again when your toddler has sleep disruptions. How To Promote Sound Sleep in Your Toddler The first step is to create a sleep schedule for your child. When you see that she’s tired, make that her bedtime. Then build a sleep routine around this time. You can have her take a bath, read a story, or sing a song, followed by some quiet time before you leave the room so she can sleep. But even once routines are in place, you can’t always rely on your toddler to sleep through a nap period or the nighttime. In addition to being unpredictable in childhood, sleep can also be disrupted by events like changing rooms or beds, losing a favorite blanket or cuddly toy, or going on a family vacation. Keeping to a regular bedtime routine makes it easier to cope with occasional exceptions to the schedule. When bedtime is delayed, settle your child with a shorter version of the usual going-to-bed routine. Last Updated 5/6/2015 Source Sleep: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics) The information contained in this article 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.
Back-To-School Time Means Physicals And Immunizations
Back-to-school time often means a rush for new clothes and school supplies during Tax-Free Holiday (August 7 through August 16). In addition to all the shopping fun, you have to make sure your children have all the required medical paperwork and exams before their first big day. We’re here to help make sure your family’s back-to-school experience is as smooth as possible by providing everything you need to make the first day of school a huge success. “We want parents to know that we’re committed to help your child have a healthy, successful year,” Dr. Norberto Benitez, MD, said. “If you have any concerns about your children and their health, please feel free to call anytime or make an appointment to visit either of our offices. We want to help all of our patients and their families at this exciting time of growth and new experiences.” What Physicals and Immunizations are required? Has your child had a routine physical exam in the last year? Are all immunizations current? If you answer “no” to these questions, be sure to call and make an appointment with us. Both of our offices are fully prepared with all the services and proper school health forms you’ll need on Day 1 of your child’s school year. When in doubt, ask the Doctor Is your child anxious to participate in sports or other physical activities? When you visit or call our offices, please don’t hesitate to ask any question you may have, including: What sports are right for my child at this age? Options may include soccer, baseball, or swimming, among many others. What about protective equipment? Any special advice? What minor injuries like twists, sprains, and bruises should trigger a call to the office? Physical activity is important for your growing child’s health. We’re available to advise you on your child’s sports and activities choices as well as help with any health forms the school or team requires. Remember, clean hands equal clean health! A healthy school year – that’s our major goal for your child. The simple act of hand washing is one of the best ways to destroy the germs that cause common ailments like colds, sore throats and stomach upsets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has studied this subject and their conclusion is clear: The best way to get rid of common germs is frequent hand washing with regular soap and water. Teach your children the steps for thorough hand washing. Remind them to wash before eating, after using the bathroom, after playing outdoors, after sneezing or coughing, or after playing with pets. If your child tends to “forget” to wash thoroughly, consider including small bottles of hand cleansers among school supplies. Have a Great School Year All of us here at Pediatric Care Centers wish you a great start to the school season. We have everything you need to make the first day of school one you’ll remember, get in touch to schedule your appointment.