Associates in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine

Asthma Prevention Tips

admin — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:01:20 +0000

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 should never smoke around a child, and if they do smoke, they should change their clothes before holding a child (the smoke stays in the clothing).

If your child is experiencing night-time coughing or other uncontrolled asthma symptoms they should be seen as soon as possible by the pediatrician.

We have Spanish Translation Available

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:35:51 +0000

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

admin — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:25:09 +0000

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 be depressed. We at Associates in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in Baton Rouge, can effectively treat most cases of adolescent depression.

Meningococcal Vaccine Updates

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:28:24 +0000

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 Academy of Pediatrics and our office.

Thus, we at Assoiciates in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in Baton Rouge, will continue to routinely give a Meningococcal Vaccine (MCV4) at 11 years of age, and now give a booster at 16 years old. To “catch up” those that are older than 16, we will give all the adolescents older than 16 years old a second MCV4 vaccine. Many colleges are now requiring this second Meningococcal vaccine for admittance.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:03:50 +0000

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 rash, often on the palms of hands or soles of feet. The disease can be quite debilitating for many small children and lead some to dehydration.

Infection is spread from person to person by direct contact with the infections virus. The infectious virus is found in the nose and throat secretions, saliva, blister fluid, and stool of infected persons.

If you suspect that your child may have this condition, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Remember, we guarantee same day appointments for sick children.

Flu Vaccine via Injection, Nasal Spray are Effective for Children

admin — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:38:09 +0000

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 be the most effective regimen for children below age 2. We routinely administer flu vaccines here in Baton Rouge from September through February.

Is your child overweight?

admin — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:18:52 +0000

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 a while.

Fireworks Safety

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:41:33 +0000

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 children hold fireworks or lighting and throwing them. Have a SAFE and HAPPY 4th of JULY!

Skin Infections, Abscesses, Boils, Impetigo

admin — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:30:23 +0000

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. If you are concerned about something on your child’s skin, please call for an appointment today.

Pool and Beach Safety

admin — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:49:39 +0000

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 give a false sense of security. Whenever toddlers or infants are near a pool, adults should be within arms reach. Swimming lessons should begin around age 4. All kids in Louisiana should know how to swim.