What are the Facts about Super Lice?
At Pediatric Care Centers, head lice comes up every year as a problem for families and their children. This year is no different. Have you heard or seen the news reports about “super lice?” A single study was released claiming “super lice” had spread to 25 states in the U.S. Attention to the report in news media seemed to suggest that 2016’s head lice had elevated to the danger level of killer bees. That’s far from the truth. We agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics, which has updated its head lice guidelines. Here are the facts as we know them: Lice in some states have become resistant to over-the-counter products, but prescription products will be effective. A healthy child should not be banned from attending school, but should be able to finish the school day, be treated at home, and then return to school. All members of the household should be checked for lice and nits once a family member acquires lice. Pillow cases and hair care equipment should be washed, but there is no need for full-blown household disinfection with pesticides. Lice die within 24-48 hours of leaving the scalp. Treating head lice is a matter of applying medication that is readily available over the counter (Nix or Rid). Stick to the directions to leave the treatment on long enough and retreat a second time five to seven days later. Using a small, fine-tooth comb to comb the nits and lice out of the hair is very effective as well. You may need to repeat the process multiple times if lice remain a problem. Call us at Pediatric Care Centers to make an appointment if those measures are not effective. Remember that lice are not a life-threatening problem for children. Head lice outbreaks appear in groups of children from every walk of life. The lice do not spread disease, and they do not “jump” from one child to another. They are spread by head-to-head contact or sharing of combs, brushes or hair accessories. So, we’d like to reassure you: none of today’s head lice are “super” in any way. They’re a nuisance and inconvenience, but can be easily eradicated. Be sure to call us if you have any questions.
Let’s Talk About Overparenting
All parents face the challenges of guiding their children’s behaviors at each stage of development. Challenges spring up with each passing year as children evolve from saying “no” as their first and favorite word, throw temper tantrums, refuse to listen or obey, fail to do their homework, etc. We here at Pediatric Care Centers sympathize, because we’re parents too. Often, we turn to the advice of experts to give us direction and back up our opinions. One of our favorites is clinical psychologist Tom Phelan, PhD, who developed the 1-2-3 Magic! parenting guides through his books and videos. One of the ways we over parent is talking too much, he explains. Constantly making comments to correct, caution or discipline children is counter-productive and actually makes children angry and more resistant. Examples might include: Intervening with corrective comments every time the child has a dispute during play Making constant cautioning comments when the child tries a new toy or new activity Giving long, wordy explanations when children disobey to try to win them over to your point of view Instead of those actions, Dr. Phelan suggests using the “no talking, no emotion” approach. He suggests stating the desired action and counting slowing 1 – 2 – 3, and then without anger or explanation direct the child to time out. For older children, he advises the count and then imposing pre-agreed-upon options, such as time with no electronic devices, no dessert, or reduced time with friends. Whatever the case, his advice goes, don’t talk, don’t get angry, just follow through. Of course, the 1-2-3 Magic technique is much more detailed, but you get the idea. In general, we believe more listening and less talking will go a long way toward maintaining harmony at home.
Q&A With Team Member Katrina Cinca
Katrina Cinca, ARNP, is a highly skilled and compassionate team member at Pediatric Care Centers. We think we know her well because she has worked with Dr. Benitez for more than 15 years. However, we wanted to gain more insights into just what makes this wonderful team member tick. Here’s what we learned in a recent interview. Q: Tell us something about you that nobody knows. A: Well, I don’t think anybody knows I grew up on a farm and trained horses for riding. Q: No, we didn’t know that! What’s your favorite thing to do in Jacksonville? A: We’re so fortunate to have all of the beautiful beaches here. I take every opportunity I can to walk on the beach. Q: You’ve been with us for years, but what was the first job you ever had? A: I worked at Blue Ice Boutique in Atlantic Beach selling beachwear and scooping ice cream. The boutique stood in the spot where Ragtime is now. I wonder if anyone else remembers it. Q: If you hadn’t chosen to be a nurse practitioner, what do you think you’d be doing instead? A: Actually, at one point I thought I’d like to be a singer and performer. Q: Really? So, let’s say you were a contestant on “American Idol.” What song would you choose to sing? A: (Laughs) That’s a no-brainer. I’d sing “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. Q: Good to know music makes you happy. What is it you do that makes you happiest? A: Definitely it’s traveling in Europe with my family. The history there is amazing! Q: Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you during your lifetime? A: Oh yes, that would be Lucy Trice, ARNP, DNP. She was my professor and mentor throughout undergrad and grad school. She is a great role model who always supported me in my studies. Q: Speaking of things that inspire you, if you had a chance to witness any historical event, what would it be? A: The first artificial pancreas transplant — such a big step forward in curing diabetes. My 22-year-old son has Type 1 diabetes, and any medical advance is a positive for my family and the many sufferers of the disease. Q: Are there any special wishes you have for the future? What are five line items on your “bucket list?” A: Hmmm. I’d say more travel, like visiting Aruba and Lourdes in France, seeing every castle in Scotland. After that, I’d love to watch the filming of “Outlander.” Meeting Keith Urban would be on the list for sure. Q: Along those same lines, let’s say you won $20 million in the lottery. What would you do with the money? A: No question, I’d contribute it to finance research for an artificial pancreas to cure Type I diabetes. Q: That’s a big goal, Katrina. Lottery or not, we’ll join you in hoping that happens soon. Thanks for your time. We’ll wrap this up on a lighter note. What did you have for breakfast? A: You might not believe this, but it was a ham sandwich on rye bread with lettuce, tomato and Gouda cheese, mayo and mustard. One of my favorites!
How to Introduce Your Baby to Solid Foods
Breast milk or formula is best for babies from newborn to several months old. Your pediatricians in Jacksonville’s Pediatric Care Centers will help guide you in deciding when to start your baby on solid foods. At about 4 to 6 months, your baby will probably be ready to start on some solid foods. It is around that time that the baby has acquired the coordination to move food from the front of the mouth to the back for swallowing. Generally, there are other signs that your baby is prepared for solids: Your baby can hold his head steady and upright Your baby can sit with support Your baby is mouthing her toys Your baby seems curious about what you’re eating After talking with your caregivers at Pediatric Care Centers, you can begin adding solid foods to the baby’s diet of breast mild or formula. Baby cereal is your best first choice. Add 1 tablespoon of iron-fortified, single-grain cereal to 4 tablespoons of milk. Feed it twice a day with a baby spoon while your baby sits upright. As your baby gains more experience with the cereal, add more dry cereal in less liquid so the cereal becomes thicker. At 4 months, fruits and vegetables can be added to the diet. At 9 months, white meat can be added (chicken/turkey), and red meat can be added at 12 months. Allow 3 to 5 days between each new food trial to observe for any reactions like diarrhea, rash or vomiting. If no reaction is present, proceed with other foods. Over time, if you are confident the baby is tolerating single foods, you may feed food combinations. Finger foods chopped fine are the next step, and can be introduced at 8 to 10 months. Try chopped fruits, applesauce, vegetables, pasta, and cheese. Be cautious with meats to be sure they are finely chopped or pureed to prevent choking. By the time the baby is about a year old, he should be able to eat finely chopped table foods right along with the family meals three times a day. Your baby will likely enjoy each step of his growing menu. Playing with the food is a normal stage in his development and is fun for him. Try introducing a baby cup at approximately 9 months to encourage weaning from the breast or bottle. Offer baby utensils at about the same time so the baby can learn to hold them and move his hand from plate to mouth. Some Feeding Cautions Check with your baby’s pediatrician for advice before introducing eggs, fish, peanuts and other nuts to the diet. Offer juice after the baby is six months old. Make sure it is pasteurized, mild and 100% fruit juice. Read juice labels to ensure it does not have added sugar. Offer cow’s milk and honey only to babies older than the age of 1 year. Most of all, make mealtimes and snack times fun and pressure-free for you and your baby. If you have any questions about introducing your child to solid foods, consult with your pediatrician to get answers. The experienced pediatricians at Pediatric Care Centers can help put your mind at ease.
How to Ease Symptoms of Colds, Flu and Cough
The common cold is the most frequently encountered illness in infants and children. Your caregivers in Jacksonville at Pediatric Care Centers are all too familiar with the symptoms of these common illnesses and are well prepared to answer your questions or advise you on the best ways to make your children more comfortable. First, some basics: Colds and flu are caused by viruses, and so they aren’t responsive to antibiotics. They may occur at any time of year; cold weather is not a cause for colds and flu. Children catch these illnesses through direct exposure to a sick person (touching or from cough droplets in the air), or from viruses present on countertops or toys. Home Treatment Do not give your child under 6 years old antihistamines, decongestants, cough medicines, and expectorants without your doctor’s orders. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they have not been clinically proven to relieve symptoms and in some cases may be dangerous for your child. You may give acetaminophen (common brand name: Tylenol) to treat a child older than 3 months with fever. You can give ibuprofen (common brand names: Advil, Motrin) to children older than 6 months. Do not give aspirin to any child under age 18. Relieve stuffy noses in older children using a saline nose spray. In infants, use saline drops and suction the nose with a bulb syringe. Make sure to encourage your child to drink sufficient fluids. Contact Pediatric Care Centers if your child refuses to eat or drink for one or more days. Use a humidifier in the child’s room to keep the air moist. Give your child older than 12 months a spoonful of honey to ease night-time coughs. Do not give honey to children younger than 12 months. Complications While complications from colds and flu are unusual, you should contact Pediatric Care Centers if your child experiences: excess drowsiness; difficulty breathing; fever greater than 101 degrees F; eyes become red or have a yellowish discharge; pulling ears or appearance of ear pain accompanied by unusual fussiness. Many parents feel anxiety about children having a fever and accurately measuring their temperature. Do not hesitate to contact us at Pediatric Care Centers if you have any concerns about your child experiencing a cold or fever.
Tips to Keep Kids Physically Active
Physical activity is important for kids of any age, even during infancy. Physical activity promotes strength and endurance, builds healthy bones and muscles and helps develop motor skills. At Pediatric Care Centers, we agree with the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics to have children 6 years and older engage in physical activity at least 60 minutes a day, and children younger than 6 to engage in active exercise for about the same period. At all times, however, that activity should be fun and appropriate for your child’s age. It is not necessary to have your child engage in exercise all in one session. Instead, it’s equally effective to break up exercise sessions into blocks of time, perhaps with a walk or run, a session at a playground, bike riding, or school sport. Just make sure your child’s exercise is performed in a safe and engaging environment, whether indoors or outdoors. Here are some suggestions for age-appropriate exercise for your children: Infants – Birth to 12 months “Tummy time” – supervised time on the belly while awake to enhance developmental requirements for strength and agility Rolling, floor sitting, crawling, reaching and grasping for objects One to two years old A period of outdoor time supervised by an adult Walking, jumping games Use of riding toys, balls, large blocks or tunnels Three to five years old Free play outdoors supervised by an adult in the yard, at a playground or park Bike riding, ball games, hopscotch Push and pull toys like doll strollers, toy lawnmowers Unstructured activities chosen by your child in a safe environment Six and Older School sports Playing catch, ball-kicking and running games, swimming Climbing on playground equipment Above all, your child needs gentle encouragement to be active. The best way to do that is to be a role model for physical activity – plan to do some type of outdoor activity daily or demonstrate your yoga or dancing skills indoors.
You, Your Child and Medication Safety
While medications can be life savers for ailing children, they can also be harmful if given incorrectly. More than 7,000 children arrive in emergency rooms each year as a result of medication reactions or errors. Here are a few pointers about the most common medication errors: More is not better. Medications must be measured and given in the right amount and at the proper times to do the jobs they’re intended to do. Most medication errors concern over-the-counter pain and fever medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Don’t give them more often than shown on the label or suggested by your pediatrician. Watch out for combination cold medicines that contain pain relievers. Giving a combination cold medicine plus a separate dose of pain reliever could mean a double dose of the pain medication and a negative reaction for your child. Fever-reducing medicines can be given for temperatures over 101 degrees. Remember, though, that fever is the body’s way to fight infection, so don’t overdo the fever medications. Try lukewarm baths and cold beverages as alternatives. Help your children take ‘yucky’ tasting medications. Allow them to suck on a popsicle to numb the tongue or offer a favorite beverage afterward. Do not give any medication to children under the age of 2 years without speaking first to your pediatrician or nurse practitioner. Keep adult medications out of the reach of children. That means all medicines should be tightly capped and put away, out of view. Remind grandparents, too, not to leave pills in purses or on nightstands where children can reach. At Pediatric Child Centers, we’re always available to answer your questions about giving over-the-counter or prescription medicines to your children. No question is unimportant to us; even the most experienced parents have concerns and questions from time to time. We suggest you keep our office number posted somewhere that’s handy for anyone in the household to see. To schedule a visit, contact one of our three Jacksonville locations today!
Should I Put My Child on a Gluten-free Diet?
Much misinformation has been spread through the Internet, on TV and in the newspapers about gluten and gluten-free diets. We’d like to answer some of the common questions surrounding gluten and its effects on adults and children. What is the problem with gluten and why all the interest in it? Gluten is a protein found in certain whole grains, like wheat, barley and rye. People born with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten and must be kept on gluten-free diets. In the 1960s and 1970s, a few doctors speculated that there was a link between gluten and casein, a protein in milk, celiac disease and neurologic disorders like autism. Although those claims have never been proven, they set off more than 50 years’ worth of concerns about these proteins. How common is celiac disease in the United States? It’s not common. About 0.8 percent (that’s less than 1 percent) of the population has celiac disease. That means about 1.5 million of the 320+ million people in the US are affected. People with the disease can develop damage to the lining of the small intestine, causing frequent diarrhea, anemia, bone pain and other symptoms. My child has autism or another related disorder. Should I try the diet? Talk with your pediatrician or nurse practitioner about the diet, and then use your best judgment. They will help you understand some of the drawbacks to the diet. Foods containing gluten, like wheat and other whole grains, are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Your child can easily develop nutritional deficiencies on a gluten-free diet. In addition, the diet is much more expensive and time-consuming to maintain than a normal diet. I’ve heard that introducing foods with gluten to my baby before one year can cause celiac disease. Is that true? No. That is untrue. In a recent study, more than 6,436 newborns from Finland, Germany, Sweden and the United States were followed and tested at intervals for 5 years. The study results showed that gluten introduction before 17 weeks or later than 26 weeks did not cause an increased risk of developing gluten intolerance or celiac disease. At Pediatric Care Centers, we’ll be happy to discuss your concerns about your child’s diet and celiac disease or any other condition. Children’s nutrition is one of our favorite subjects, and one that we often review with new parents. To schedule a visit for your child, contact Pediatric Care Centers at one of three Jacksonville locations!
Tips to Help Manage Winter Asthma
If your child has asthma – the breathing condition that causes bouts of wheezing and shortness of breath – you know that sometimes a change of season can trigger asthma attacks. The pediatricians and staff at Pediatric Child Care Centers are standing by to support you via phone or visit if attacks occur. However, working as a team, you and your child can take some precautions to reduce the chances of an asthma attack. Guard Against Substances and Events that “Trigger” Attacks Working with pediatricians and nurse practitioners, you have been advised of the list of triggers that can affect your child. These may be allergens like dust mites and animal dander, molds, and pollens. With the arrival of cold weather, drafts and cold air may also become triggers, as can outdoor exercise. The key to avoiding attacks is preventing exposure to these triggers. Here are some reminders on controlling exposure: Keep pets out of the bedroom if your child is allergic to animal dander. Limit the number of stuffed toys in the bedroom, and wash them frequently. Encase mattresses, box springs, pillows and cushions in allergen-proof, zip-up covers. Wash linens weekly and other bedding like blankets every 2 to 3 weeks in hot water to kill dust mites and remove any other debris, such as mold or pollens. To prevent mold growth, use fans in the bathroom and kitchen and fix leaky pipes and windows to prevent moisture from accumulating. Help your child avoid drafts, and on cold, windy days make sure your child knows how to block his or her mouth and nose with a scarf. Stay on Your Child’s Plan Your child’s asthma action plan should be in effect all year, including during winter months. That means giving your child routine medications as outlined on the plan, and emergency medicines when needed. Talk with your pediatrician or nurse practitioner at if you would like a review of steps on the plan. Keeping a consistent routine each day will go far to prevent asthma attacks. But when attacks occur and don’t let up for a day, be sure to call Pediatric Care Centers right away. Has your child had a flu shot? With your doctor’s OK, these shots can prevent a case of flu, which can often lead to an asthma attack. At Pediatric Care Centers, we’re here to help all year round. Here’s hoping you and your child have a safe and healthy winter season!
Your Child and “Screen Time”
During routine checkups, parents often ask what pediatricians at Pediatric Care Centers think about their children watching TV, using tablets and phones and playing computer games. With so much written in media sources about the pros and cons of computer use and “screen time,” it’s no wonder people are confused! We here at hold beliefs in line with the latest recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Generally, those guidelines urge parents to flex their parenting muscles: Take charge. Set limits. Balance screen time with face time and family interaction. Make sure your children are also involved with other activities like sports, hobbies, friends, and family. Monitor content of the programming to ensure what they watch is of high quality. At the same time, the Academy sticks by its guns on children under the age of two. For them, television and other entertainment media should be avoided during these years of rapid growth when learning occurs best by interactions with people rather than screens. Here are a few practical pointers for achieving screen time/people time balance in your home: Set up “screen-free” zones in your child’s bedroom and at the dinner table. Limit entertainment media use to one or two hours a day for children older than two years. Check out ratings systems for shows, movies and games to guide you in determining what content is appropriate and what is not. Talk with your kids about the entertainment media they are watching. Use the time as an opportunity to teach them about ways advertising works, how movies and cartoons are made, or what entertainment was like when you were young. We welcome the chance to discuss use of entertainment media in your home during your visits with . We are parents too and have many of the same concerns you do about our children and the digital world!