health care Archives - Monterey Bay Parent

Five Ways To Help Your Child Develop Healthy Oral Habits

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | January 1, 2025

It’s a New Year, and with a new year comes, for many of our kids, new teeth! February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and whether you’re a new parent or a veteran, getting your child to embrace their inner dental hygienist each day can be a challenge. Aside from a healthy diet and regular trips to the dentist, it’s all about getting them to embrace the habit!

GET OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT TO WELLNESS

According to the Center for Disease Control and the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, 20% of children will have at least one cavity by age 5 and 52% by age 8. While it’s obvious to most that things like regular brushing help protect against tooth decay and other oral maladies, there is also a strong link between oral health and important developmental milestones. Kids with healthy teeth have an easier time learning proper speech articulation in their primary years, and the development of structural pathways for adult teeth is directly related to the proper care and maintenance of baby teeth throughout their lifecycle.

BUT MY KID HATES BRUSHING!

Brushing teeth is one of those things that many kids just don’t like to do. The cause can be a variety of factors, from sensitivity to brush bristles and water temperature to fine motor difficulty in manipulating the toothbrush. While the hurdles can change over time, a little creativity can go a long way.

Try some of the suggestions below to help your kiddo get into the habit of good oral care.

1. Routine is Everything. Like so many things relating to child development, making tooth time part of their daily routine promotes a fundamental feeling of safety and comfort, even if the activity itself isn’t exactly a…favorite. Making sure that brushing has the same place (and time, if possible) in their morning and evening routine will help your child accept it as part of their day. Modeling this yourself – brushing with them or brushing first – can help them understand that tooth care is something that everyone does as part of daily life.

2. Let Them Practice. If your child is too young to brush their own teeth, there’s no reason they can’t practice! While you brush, have them practice brushing on their favorite stuffed animal. This can help them master the tricky circular movement patterns associated with healthy brushing without consequence.

3. Too Hot, Too Cold, Just Right. If your child resists brushing, the problem could be discomfort. Try a toothbrush with softer bristles (your dentist can help you here), and adjust the water to a slightly lukewarm temperature instead of cold. Children’s gums, especially young ones, are more sensitive than normal to colder temperatures, especially when multiple teeth are erupting.

4. Make It Visual. Things like a clock, countdown, or some sort of visual assist can really help kids learn the proper amount of time to brush(two minutes twice a day for kids with most of their teeth). A friend of mine found a great solution in the form of a small hourglass – his son went from trying to escape the bathroom after 20 seconds to easily brushing for over two minutes while happily watching the sand drain through the glass.

5. Rock Out! Many kid’s songs are (thankfully) short, so load up a playlist of your child’s favorites and let them choose one to listen to while they brush. By the time the song is done they should be, too. It’s a great way to turn them on to your tastes in music, too. A coworker likes to flip a coin with his daughter to see who gets to choose the day’s song.

While brushing may not ever be a source of pulse-pounding excitement for your child, regular oral maintenance will help them reap the benefits of a healthy to start to their formative years.

Summer Camp Health Checklist

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | April 26, 2022

Summer is almost here! Long days full of sun, free time, and camp fun. With COVID-19 restrictions easing up, now’s the time to make sure you’re prepared. Don’t worry, we’ve got a summer camp health checklist – everything health-wise to make sure the kids are good to go.

1. SCHEDULE A WELLNESS VISIT WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN. Many summer camps may require a doctor’s signature. These visits include updating shots – polio, measles, whooping cough, flu, and TB – and checking growth milestones within normal parameters. Doctors will review medical history, record height and weight, and test vision and all major joints for strength and flexibility. They will look at blood pressure, pulse, respirations and oxygen saturation, and review any ongoing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and allergies.

2. CHECK COVID VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS. COVID’s still a thing, and that means checking camp vaccine requirements. Per the CDC, the recommended steps are to stay up to date with the COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if your child has symptoms (www.cdc.gov/).

The CDC currently recommends everyone be fully vaccinated (two doses) and an additional booster shot for those 12+. The recommended vaccine is the Pfizer-BioNTech. For kids 5 to 11, two doses 3 weeks apart. The CDC does not recommend boosters at press time. For kids 12+, two doses 3 to 8 weeks apart and one booster (CDC says to get all vaccines and boosters from the same company for ages 12 to 17) at least 5 months after the second dose.

3. SUNSCREEN. Kids know to use sunscreen, but applying it correctly is another challenge. First, choose a mineral sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water resistant, and provides broad-spectrum cover against UVA and UVB rays. There’s no specific brand recommendation; most are acceptable so long as they cover the aforementioned conditions. Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside. For hard to reach areas, ask someone for help or use a spray. Make sure to rub the sunscreen in thoroughly – no spots or smears! And last, reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. It’s a good idea to get kids in the habit of applying a layer of sunscreen before dressing in the morning.

4. LIP BALM. Less recognized and popular than sunscreen, a good lip balm is no less necessary in the summer. Make sure to choose one with an SPF of at least 15. Similar rules apply: reapply every 2 hours, or after eating, swimming or sweating. And unless kids want to keep reapplying, choose an unflavored one so there’s minor risk of them constantly licking their lips.

5. SUNGLASSES. Kids all look at the sun from time to time. And even when they’re not, prolonged sun (UV light) exposure can cause retinal damage, cataracts or worse. While hats help, nothing beats a good pair of sunglasses. Ones with a UV400 rating, polycarbonate or polarized lenses and aren’t too dark or too light are perfect for kids. Avoid colored lenses for younger kids still developing their perception of colors.

6. INSECT REPELLENT. Summer camps are feasting grounds for mosquitoes in California. Protect your kids by packing insect repellent, especially if they’re camping near a large body of water. DEET is the most well-known and endorsed by the CDC, but kids with more sensitive skin may prefer picaridin while those looking for a chemical-free choice can go with oil of lemon-eucalyptus (one caveat: apply an emollient such as Vaseline or Aquaphor after showering). To apply, spray into hands and cover all exposed skin, including the head and ankles. Apply over sunscreen. Most repellents last 6 to 8 hours, and always wash it off before going to bed.

7. HYDRATION. In the summer, there’s little else more important than staying hydrated. Educate your kids on drinking water before they leave for camp because it’s the best way for them to stay healthy. While there isn’t a set recommendation for how many glasses of water a day to drink for kids (like they would listen anyway!), do your best to remind them to stay hydrated. Educate them on the common symptoms of dehydration: headache, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and encourage them to hydrate as often as they can.

*These tips were provided by a Salinas-based family medicine doctor who prefers to stay anonymous.

Lisa Wong is a freelance writer, editor and in-house editor and ghostwriter for ArtHouse Literary Agency and LCS Literary Services. She has a background in journalism, having written for Embarcadero Media and The Davis Enterprise before transitioning primarily to book publishing.

What to Look for When Choosing a Pediatrician

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | January 27, 2021

It’s important to find the right pediatrician: If you choose well, you’ll have a great physician for your kids for years to come. But what should you look for when you’re looking? Based on my own experiences, as well as conversations with other parents, I’ve compiled a list of 8 important things to consider.

Evidence of credentials. Make sure that whoever is on your list of candidates has the right qualifications. A copy of their medical school diploma, certificate in pediatrics, and license to practice should be made available by the office staff if you request it.

Solo or group practice. Another thing to consider is whether you prefer a pediatrician who works in a solo or a group practice. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. In a solo practice, your kids are guaranteed to always get seen by their own doctor, but when s(he) is away you’re left stranded. In a group practice, your kids they may not always get seen by their own doctor, but they’re guaranteed to be seen by somebody.

Hospital affiliation(s). Check what hospital(s) the pediatrians you’re considering are affiliated with. If something happens to your kids, it’s reassuring to know that their pediatrician has admitting privileges to one or more of the best hospitals in the area.

Communication and philosophy of care. A good pediatrician knows how to interact with kids and adults alike. Your pediatrician should be warm and friendly and speak to your kids at their level. S(he) also should be a good listener and patiently respond to any questions or concerns you may have. Choosing the right pediatrician is also about finding someone who shares your philosophy of care. Make sure that your pediatrician agrees with you on such basic issues like breastfeeding and how long to do it, how to properly toilet train your kids, and under what circumstances your kids should be prescribed antibiotics.

Office staff, environment, and services. It’s important that the entire experience of going to see the pediatrician is pleasurable. The office staff should be courteous, and the waiting area should be clean and with some books and toys to entertain your kids as they wait to be seen.

Location, office hours, and appointments. One of the keys to finding the right pediatrician is availability. Finding the perfect pediatrician isn’t useful if s(he) isn’t available where and when you are. Look for someone whose office is conveniently located near your home, workplace, or your kids’ day care or school; ideally all three places so that you can get there quickly in an emergency. It’s also important that the pediatrician has evening and/or weekend hours and offer same-day appointments. Weekend hours are great even in a non-emergency. It’s much less stressful to take the kids to the pediatrician on a quiet Saturday morning than doing so in the late afternoon on a weekday after you’ve had a long day at work and you kids have been at day care or in school.

Excellent reviews. A good pediatrician will have excellent reviews whether you ask your friends, family members, colleagues, or your own physician for recommendations. But here’s the rub: don’t just ask people who they’d recommend, also ask WHY. Make sure that you share the same philosophy of care as the people you’re asking for recommendations.

A final piece of advice: Hold on to your notes about the pediatricians you didn’t select. If your insurance changes, you may find yourself looking for a new pediatrician, and it could take a while to find another one that’s right for your family.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences & Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

Back to School Health Reminders

By Monterey Bay Parent Editors | July 28, 2020

Schedule a Check-Up or Well Visit

If your child has not already had their yearly check-up it is important to schedule one so that they can remain healthy throughout the school year. During this visit you and your child can also discuss any mental health concerns.

Dr. Damon Korb, a developmental behavioral pediatrician in Los Gatos, CA, and author of Raising an Organized Child, says “Think of going back to school, the same way that you would have any year but with perhaps more importance. We do not want to miss a potential problem to avoid another. Children should get all of their normal well childcare visits and immunizations.”

Immunizations and Flu Shots

Dr. Korb recommends referring to the immunization schedule recommended by the CDC to make sure your child is up to date.

Dr. Sumana Reddy of Acacia Family Medical Group says that everyone should make sure that they get a yearly flu shot. Flu shots are normally available starting in September.

“Last year 500 children died of the flu. It’s very important to get your flu shot,” says Dr. Reddy.

Dr Korb agrees by saying, “This year, the flu shot is even more important. We want to reduce the common cold, because when noses start running, we all touch our face. That is a recipe for disaster with COVID-19. Getting the flu shot may actually reduce the likelihood of catching and spreading COVID.”

Unlike most vaccines, you need to get the flu shot yearly for it to be effective since the strain of flu often changes.

If you don’t have insurance vaccines will be provided for free by doctors due to the federally funded program Vaccines For Children. The program provides vaccines to children who might not be vaccinated because of an inability to pay. The vaccines are available at private physicians’ offices and public health clinics registered as VFC providers.

And if you do have insurance there should not be a co-pay for receiving the vaccine.

“The Affordable Care Act requires private insurance companies to pay in full for vaccines recommended by the CDC,” says Dr. Reddy.

Dr. Reddy explains that there might be some insurance companies that are exempt and that you should check with your insurance company about coverage before getting your vaccine.

Eye Health

Children may be unaware of the fact their vision is not normal. This may lead to feeling frustrated about being unable to see the words in a book or in the classroom causing a child to act out.

The CDC recommends that children’s eyes should be checked regularly by an eye doctor or pediatrician. Amblyopia, or lazy eye is the most common cause of vision loss in children which can be treated if caught early between the ages of 3 to 5 years old.

The American Optometric Association estimates 80% of a child’s learning happens through observation. In the classroom, most of the teaching is done by displaying the information.

Oral Health

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child visit a dentist for an initial check-up by the time they turn one. According to the CDC tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic diseases for kids from age 6 to 19. Research studies found that children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who have good oral health.

Fluoride can prevent about one-third of cavities in baby teeth. If your town water does not contain fluoride, you can ask your pediatrician or dentist to prescribe fluoride which is typically taken in pill form once a day.

Telehealth Check-In

Most schools closed in the spring until the end of the school year. Kids that are going back to school remotely may experience anxiety about this transition.

“I recommend that all kids do a telehealth check-in with their pediatrician before going back to school to discuss the transition. Often parents think their kid is fine, but you want to have a chance to talk about stress and anxiety,” says Dr. Reddy.

During this check-in you can also make sure that your vaccines are up to date or talk about any other mental health concerns.