PEDIATRIC HEALTH ASSOCIATES

  On this Memorial Day weekend, we would like to take a moment to recognize our servicemen and women.    We honor you today and thank you for the sacrifices you made for our freedom.    We are truly blessed by you!

Kim Gubbins, CPNP Nurse Practitioner Kim Gubbins reminds us that summer is just a round the corner and there are a few items that PHA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) would like to remind you of in regards to staying safe this summer. Avoid the sun during 10am and 4pm when the peak ultraviolet rays occur. All children should apply at least SPF 15, 30 minutes before being out in the sun.  If a child is going to be swimming, please reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours.     No sunscreen is truly waterproof. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of   the s un Bug spray being applied to children should contain no more than 30% DEET. Bug spray  is not recommended for anyone younger than 2 months. Also keep in mind that products  that contain DEET can make sunscreen less effective.   Helmets should be worn at all times, for all ages, when  bike riding.  This means even a ...

What's 8-600 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb?  According to The Associated Press who contacted meterologists, it's the amount of energy that was released by the Oklahoma tornado that leveled Moore, Oklahoma. Can you imagine having everything around you taken away in the blink of an eye?   The “storm of storms” EF5 tornado that devastated the area took away lives, homes, cars, schools, churches and businesses affecting families’ every day lives and their ability to make ends meet. The millions of dollars it will cost to rebuild won’t take away the shock, sadness, depression, grief and loss that these families are experiencing. Many volunteer and relief agencies will go to Oklahoma to help rebuild and provide comfort.     We at PHA would like to express our sympathy to the families affected by this tragedy. Please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers.   For our families this is a good time to review your disaster plan.. Where will ...

Having trouble getting your kids to eat spinach ?  Here's some tips on how to "sneak" nutrition into your child's meals and get them involve with making healthy choices.            From the desk of Brittany Jimenez, RN Brittany Jimenez, RN All Hands on Deck: Keep those little hands busy! While at the grocery store or farmer’s market let your child help to put fruits and veggies in the cart. Encourage them to pick out foods by colors and letters- turn shopping into a game! By being active participants at the store, you are also helping them to develop good eating habits for life!  Main Squeeze: Buy a healthy whole-wheat pancake mix or make your own. Put the batter into a squeeze bottle and let breakfast (or dinner) fun begin! Squeeze the batter into letters, numbers, and fun shapes. Bring out the creative genius in your child by letting them make there own pancake (supervised, of course). Don’t have syrup on hand? Problem solved- of...

                                        Moms Give the Best Hugs! Being a mom is one of the most important roles you’ll ever fulfill.    Not only are you the hand that rocks the cradle, you more than likely are the greatest influence in your child’s life! Moms are our heroes.   They are the gatekeepers in most families.   Whether keeping the home fires burning, helping with homework, getting everyone to their appointed rounds or working outside of the home we owe a great deal of gratitude for their sacrifice.    Moms often feel guilty about leaving their child with a caregiver.   It’s natural to feel that way but remember that you are providing some wonderful learning opportunities for them when you are gone.   Learning to share, how to get along with others, l...

 Today's blog is written by PHA RN Brittany Jimenez.   Brittany Jimenez, RN Brittany has a BSN-RN and is certified in Early Childhool Education.  She previously taught preschool and also taught young children science, cooking, art and math.  And perhaps most importantly, she is a mom herself! Development of large and small motor skills in the younger child is learned through everyday tasks. Help your child to master these skills by giving them fun (and free) activities at home to encourage motor development. Listed below are a few suggestions:   Let children use their imaginations and hop like a frog or slither like a snake! How fast does a cheetah run or how slow does a turtle walk? Can they glide like a figure or hockey skater? Get those legs moving!   Pour a cup or two of flour, sugar or salt onto a baking sheet. Encourage children to write letters, numbers and shapes with their fingers.   Draw lines, shapes and circles on ...

Kim Gubbins, CPNP From the desk of  Kim Gubbins, CPNP Teaching your children how to swim is not only a life long lesson, it could also save their lives. According to a technical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in children. The highest rate of drowning occurs with children under four years old, particularly toddlers, aged 12 months to 36 mos. Additionally, most childhood drowning occur from May through August. The AAP and Pediatric Health Associates recommends that children 3-4 years old should learn to swim via swim lessons. Not all children are ready for swim instruction at this age therefore parents need to evaluate their child’s readiness and developmental level.   Due to the fact that drowning is a prevalent risk to our children, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers advice for parents about the water. The main recommendation from the AAP is to never leave a small child unattende...

FREE! A new 8 week session of ProActive Kids (PAK) begins April 15 th at the Edward Health & Fitness Center at Seven Bridges located at 6600 S. Route 53 in Woodridge, IL. Enrollment is required by calling 630-681-1558 . A referral from your child’s primary care physician is required. The program engages children in fitness, nutrition and lifestyle habits on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for this eight week period. Friday’s class will have family members participate in the activities and learn what they can do to help their children achieve success. It is important for parents to be engaged, especially since we are the ones doing the grocery shopping and cooking!