Author: Dr. Melanie
You’ve had a great beach vacation with the family. You just got home and started to unpack and run 20 thousand loads of laundry, and your youngest says, “My ear hurts.” Could it be swimmer’s ear? What should you do?
Read this month’s article to learn more about handling swimmer’s ear in children: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/how-to-treat-swimmer-s-ear
Nosebleeds are rather common in children, but can be so annoying, both for the parent and for the child. They can even be embarassing, as they can happen just about anywhere and at any time. These happen to nearly every child and are rarely serious, but can be concerning. What can you as a parent do to treat and prevent nosebleeds?
Read more about nosebleeds: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/nosebleeds-in-children?highlight=WyJub3NlYmxlZWRzIl0=
Iron deficiency anemia can cause symptoms in children such as weakness, fatigue, and irritability. Over time it can have serious and chronic issues, such as poor growth and decreased IQ scores.
Learn how to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Read more here: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/iron-deficiency-in-children
I know it’s a weird topic, constipation, but the fact is that constipation is the number one cause of belly pain in children. Many parents do not realize that their child is constipated. They see that the child goes and sits on the toilet regularly, even for extended periods. They ask their child,”Did you poop?” When the child says yes, the day proceeds. What parents do not realize is that the child could have pooped just a pellet, or really had to strain, or it was difficult. Click the link below to read this month’s column in Tidewater Family to learn more about constipated kids and what you can do to help your child.
Thanks Coast live for hosting me on this informative chat on infant formula. Of course, everyone knows breast is best, but some mothers have to return to work. Others simply don’t make enough breast milk. Infants need breast milk or forumula until 12 months of age. Raw or unpasteurized milk is not safe for infants or children. Only use FDA approved commercial formula, BUT buying a store brand can save you 50%. It’s safe and effective.
Connect here to watch my spot on Coast Live: Coast Live: infant formula
Children have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year. They have been socially isolated. They have online fatigue from distance learning. They have missed birthdays, graduations, and family celebrations. Some are experiencing anxiety or depression. They are not alright.
Still, in the midst of the pandemic, you can help them to thrive. Read more about what parents can do to help their child in this months Tidewater Family Plus Magazine entitled: The kids are not alright
Ok, so we all sort of dread actually having “the talk” with our preteen. Yes, speaking about the birds and the bees can be difficult (who even came up with the birds and bees thing?). But realistically, preteens and teens NEED to know the facts so that they can protect themselves against things like pregnancy and diseases. Let’s be real. Giving a preteen or teen the “facts” does not mean that you are encouraging them to become sexually active. It just allows them to better understand their own body.
Take a look at my column in the Tidewater Family Plus Magazine about: having “the talk” with your preteen.
We all know that breast is best for infants from birth to 1 year of age. Sometimes a mother doesn’t make enough milk or has to return to work or just wishes to stop breastfeeding. Then it’s formula time. Infant formula has come a long way in terms of health and safety. Read this month’s Tidewater Family Plus article on About Infant Formula: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/about-infant-formula
Here’s a shout out of thanks to Melnic for sharing my mission statment: to help parents raise healthy, happy children with healthcare professionals through their website! Take a look: https://www.melnic.com/raising-todays-child-pediatric-nurse-practitiones/
Melnic helps advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to find their perfect job.
So this month I’m tackling the topic of sore throats. You know, these days, everyone is concerned about covid-19 and rightly so. We still must remember that other diseases can and do still exist. Can a sore throat be a symptom of covid-19? Sure it can, but it can also be a viral sore throat or even strep throat. The medical term for sore throat is pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat). Most sore throats are viral in nature and will run their course within 7-10 days. Strep throat is caused by a bacteria and can have serious consequences if not properly treated. Interested in learning more?
Check out the January 21 issue of Tidewater Family Plus here: https://www.tidewaterfamily.com/health/could-it-be-strep-throat
View the WTKR segment on Coast Live: https://www.wtkr.com/coast-live/a-parents-guide-to-sore-throats-on-coast-live