Seasonal Tips

Spring Ideas 2024

1. Goodbye winter, hello spring! For those with allergies, springtime doesn’t just mean sunshine, blooming flowers, and time outside. It also brings sneezing, a runny nose, and watery, itchy eyes. Seasonal allergies affect more than one in five children in the U.S., and typically start to develop between the ages of two and five. This time of year, tree pollen is responsible for most spring allergy symptoms. To minimize exposure, limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, have your child shower or bathe before bedtime, vacuum often, and keep windows in your home closed. There are many ways Promise Pediatrics can help manage your child’s symptoms!

2. It’s now warm enough for creepy crawlies. Remember to keep your children covered up at dusk, and don’t forget bug spray! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using an insect repellent product that has been registered by the EPA. If your child is stung, remove the stinger with a quick scrape of a fingernail or credit card, gently wash the area with soap and water, and apply a cold pack. If your child shows symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, or hives over most of the body, call 911 for immediate medical attention.

3. As you tackle your spring cleaning, please be especially attentive about keeping cleaning products out of sight and reach of children. Always store cleaning products in their original containers and read product labels carefully before using any chemical. Whenever possible, use less toxic cleaners made from ingredients like baking soda or vinegar. If you need help for a poison emergency, you can get free, expert, confidential help from the poison control center 24/7 by calling 1-800-222-1222, or visiting poison.org

4. According to the World Health Organization, measles cases increased globally by 79% in 2023 compared to the prior year. This highly contagious disease can spread easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. One person infected with measles can infect up to 18 others. The recent measles outbreak is a stark reminder of the importance of making sure your children are fully vaccinated. Promise Pediatrics is your best source of advice on vaccinations.

5. More than two million poisonings are reported to U.S. poison centers each year –approximately half of which occur among children younger than six years old. This year, pledge to make your home safe by storing all medications, cleaning products, chemicals, and other poisonous substances in locked cabinets, out of sight and reach of children. Use safety latches for drawers and cabinet doors. Never store nonfood products in food or drink containers, even when relabeled. Never leave children unattended around items that use button batteries, including musical books, key fobs, remote controls, and greeting cards. Help from Poison Control is always available by phone at 1-800-222-1222.

6. RSV is one of the many viruses that cause respiratory illness. For most healthy children, RSV is similar to the common cold, causing symptoms such as a fever, cough, congestion, and runny nose. In some children, RSV can cause more serious health problems such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. If your child is experiencing worsening symptoms, having difficulty breathing, or is not drinking enough fluids, please call us right away. Promise Pediatrics is always here for you when you need us.