Blog

Asthma Prevention Tips

1. Don’t burn incense or candles in the home.  They put out soot and debris in the air and can trigger asthma attacks. 2. Vacuum frequently (2x/week) and keep kids out of those rooms for at least 30 minutes after vacuuming. 3. Strong cleansers can trigger attacks.  Vent areas while cleaning and afterward. 4. Adults [...]

We have Spanish Translation Available

If you would rather communicate to our pediatricians in Spanish, we have personnel available that are very capable of translating between you and the pediatrician.

Teen Depression

Rates of depression among boys and girls are relatively equal up until age eleven or so.  During adolescence, though, girls become twice as likely as boys to experience bouts of depression.  If you see changes in your child’s grades, sleep patterns, moodiness, activities or other problems, please contact us to evaluate whether your child may [...]

Meningococcal Vaccine Updates

The Meningococcal Vaccine is currently administered at 11 years of age.  Studies have shown a somewhat waning immunity during the college age years(18 to 21 years old).  Since the college age years is one of the highest incidences of Meningococcal disease (Meningitis and overwhelming infection of the blood-sepsis), a booster Meningococcal Vaccine is recommended by the American [...]

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

We at Associates in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in Baton Rouge have seen many, many cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease over the past 2 weeks.  Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness of infants and children.  The disease causes fever and blister-like eruptions in the mouth and/or a skin [...]

Flu Vaccine via Injection, Nasal Spray are Effective for Children

Researchers found that children ages 6 to 35 months old produced similar amounts of antibodies to protect them against flu regardless of whether they received two doses of flu vaccine injection, two doses of live, attenuated nasal spray or one dose of each.  Researchers added that one flu vaccine followed by one nasal spray may [...]

Is your child overweight?

Children who are significantly overweight or obese are at risk of many future health problems as adults.  Here in Baton Rouge we evaluate, through our pediatricians with history, examination, and if necessary lab work.  We can help those who want to help their child and themselves lose weight or just to not gain any for [...]

Fireworks Safety

The 4th of July is a great day in American History.  We as Americans should all celebrate the freedoms we have and honor those that helped us achieve the freedoms.  Fireworks have been a popular way of celebrating Independence Day.  Please supervise your children when lighting your own fireworks.  We discourage parents from letting your [...]

Skin Infections, Abscesses, Boils, Impetigo

Warmer weather means more children are outside playing.  We typically see more skin infections, boils, abscesses, and impetigo in the summer months.  Many are now caused by a Staph bacteria (MRSA) and can be very serious if untreated.  We do not take these infections lightly and all skin infections should be evaluated in the office.  [...]

Pool and Beach Safety

The pool and the beach are great family outings.  We at Associates in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine remind everyone to never leave children alone near a pool.  Keep rescue equipment (shepherd’s hook and life preserver) near the pool as well as a phone.  Avoid “floaties,” they are not a substitute for life vests and can [...]

Sunscreen for Children

The weather is warmer, the pool is open and trips to the beach are in the future.  Please remember to apply sunscreen to your child prior to going to the pool, beach or lake.  Use a sunscreen for children that has SPF of 15 or greater and PABA free.  Reapply every couple hours especially after [...]

Insect Repellants for Children

It is summer time and time to be outdoors.  We at Associates in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine along with the AAP advocate for the use of insect repellants on kids over 2 months of age.  Insect repellants containing DEET up to concentration levels of 30% are safe to use in children over 2 months of [...]

Ear Piercing by Your Pediatrician

Ear piercing for girls in the lower ear lobe is a decision to be made by your daughter and you.  However, we at Associates in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine think you should have it performed by someone you trust  with the healthcare of your child.  Physicians at our office perform ear piercings using 2 forms [...]

Is it Colic, or Reflux, or just a Fussy Baby?

Your pediatrician should evaluate your baby if you think that he/she may have colic, reflux, or is just fussy.  Just knowing and having the peace of mind helps everyone.

Parenting Advice by Pediatricians

Who is more qualified to give parenting advice than a pediatrician who evaluates and treats children and teens on a daily basis.  We have pediatricians with many years of experience with parenting advice, behavior modification, boundary limits, and child psychology.  See your pediatrician at Associates in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine if you are in need [...]

Travel Medicine and Adult Vaccines

We at Associates in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine now offer travel vaccines and adult vaccines to new and established patients.  If you are traveling abroad, going on a mission trip or any trip out of the United States, please check with us to determine if you need vaccines.  Have your vaccination record available if you [...]

Children with ADHD are characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

We at Associates in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, evaluate, diagnose, and treat new and established patients with ADHD.  The evaluation requires a couple of questionnaires and visits.  Treatment could involve medications, therapy, counseling, or any combination of those.  If you think your child or children may have ADHD, are struggling in school or with behavior, [...]

Mothers-to-be and Secondhand Smoke

Pregnant women who are exposed to secondhand smoke are 23% more likely to experience stillbirth and 13% more likely to give birth to a child with a congenital malformation.  Because the timing of exposure and the effects are not yet known, we at Associates in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in Baton Rouge encourage all women [...]

Why All Adults Need To Be Vaccinated Against Pertussis

Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial disease that’s potentially fatal to infants.  And babies often catch pertussis from the people who love them most…their own parents.  The scary fact is that researchers have found that up to 80% of babies caught the disease from family members.  Unvaccinated adults and adolescents [...]

Why are Yearly Well Visits Important?

Well visits allow developmental and other health problems to be identified and treated early in a child’s life.  Whether a problem is medical or behavioral, or both, finding it early and treating it can greatly improve the child’s chances of reaching his or her full potential for physical, mental, and social health and well-being.  Please [...]

Rear-Facing Car Seats for Children Until Age 2

The AAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in two separate guidelines, recommended that children should use rear-facing car seats until age 2 and that those age 12 and below should ride in the back seat.  The AAP said in its recommendation, published in Pedatrics, that parents should switch to rear-facing car seats that [...]

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

To help parents guide thier families in healthy lifestyles, the AAP has created a series of audio interviews with pediatricians who are experts in nutrition and fitness and getting kids to eat their vegetables.  Visit the AAP website (www.aap.org) to hear interviews covering obesity, picky eaters, vitamin recommendations, infant feeding, exercise and other topics.  We at [...]

Influenza and Strep Throat are on the Rise

We at Associates in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, as well as other Pediatricians in Baton Rouge have noticed that for the past 3-4 weeks there has been a large increase in the number of Influenza (The Flu) cases.  Many of these have also had Strep Throat at the same time.  Most children with The Flu [...]

Energy Drinks Not Good for Kids

A meta-analysis of 121 studies in Pediatrics suggests that caffeinated energy drinks can trigger reactions such as heart palpitations and seizures in children, especially those with pre-existing conditions.  The review also found no evidence that such drinks can improve energy, weight loss, athletic performance, or concentration.  We at Associates in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine do not [...]

Breast Feeding Supplies Now Tax Deductible

The Internal Revenue Service on Thursday announced a ruling that qualifies breast pumps and other breast-feeding supplies as tax-deductible medical expenses, which can be purchased using flexible-spending accounts and health savings accounts.

Solid Foods Too Early Raise Obesity Risk

Formula fed babies who were introducted to solid foods before the age of 4 months had significant higher risk of obesity by age 3 compared with those who started solid foods later according to a recent study in Pediatrics.  We at Associates in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine continue to advocate starting solid foods in most [...]

Treating Parents

We at Associates in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in Baton Rouge are now seeing and treating parents of sick children with similar illnesses such as influenza, strep throat, and sinusitis.  We are now offering this service to help sick parents.  Parents are already here in the office and don’t have to schedule an appointment with [...]

Vaccines

The pediatricians at Associates in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine are now equipped to administer vaccines to all young adult and parents.  Vaccines could be routine, such as Tdap, or for travel out of the country.  Please call to schedule your vaccines.

Schedule Your Flu Vaccine

Influenza (the flu) has become more prevalent over the past weeks in Baton Rouge.  We at Associates in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend flu vaccines for all patients over 6 months old.  It is not too late to protect yourself and your family.  If you or your child has not had the flu vaccine, [...]