Category Archives: Pediatrics

How to keep your little ghosts and goblins safe this Halloween

By Carolina Boyd Halloween is one of the most fun times of the year for children.  From candy to costumes to trick-or-treating, there is a lot to entertain but also possibly harm your little ghosts and goblins. But don’t fright, there are plenty of things parents can do to keep this holiday from becoming a …

You really can’t spoil a newborn

By Dr. Teandra Gordon, LMFT-S, Clinical Director—School-Based Behavioral Health “Am I spoiling my newborn? It’s a worry that many parents have. Despite advice to the contrary from well-meaning relatives or friends, the truth is, it’s impossible to spoil a newborn. Giving hugs, kisses, closeness, and warmth provides children with the security they need to develop …

Staying safe on the road: The importance of child car seat safety

By Carolina Boyd One of the most important responsibilities parents have is to keep their children safe. Part of that duty involves being mindful of child passenger safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States. From 2013 …

Healthy Child, Healthy Future: Preventing Childhood Obesity

By Latisha Hull, MPH Candidate—Intern, Public Health Services September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Childhood obesity is often named one of the most serious health issues of the 21st century. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly 1 in 5 school-aged children in the United States is obese. The …

How to be Present in your Child’s Life

By Dr. Teandra Gordon, LMFT-S, Clinical Director of School-Based Behavioral Health What does it mean to be present in your child’s life? To each person or parent, it can mean something different. To most people, it means being fully engaged in the moment; not focusing on your phone or any other distraction. As parents, we …

Getting your kids back to sleep for the new school year

By Carolina Boyd As the summer break winds down and kids are returning back to school, it is essential to make sure they are getting enough sleep. A good night’s sleep is crucial for the learning process. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children between the ages of 6 to 12 need between 9 …

Back-to-school vaccinations for your kids

The first day of school is fast approaching. Does your back-to-school checklist include getting your kids up to date on their immunizations?  As a parent, getting your children vaccinated in a timely manner helps to protect them, as well as the health of their classmates, friends, relatives and others in the community. Certain vaccination doses …

Time to Schedule Your Child’s Back-To-School Checkup

The lazy days of summer will soon give way to the hustle and bustle of back-to-school. Before your child returns to class, now is a good time to bring him or her in for an annual wellness exam and/or sports physical. These back-to-school checkups are often the only time most children and teens visit their …

Stop Your Children’s Summer Brain Drain

By Carolina Boyd, Communications Associate The summer months are a welcome break from school for a lot of kids. For many of them, it’s also a break from learning. Studies have found that many children and teens—regardless of family income or background—lose between two to three months of math and reading skills over the summer …

Physical activity: why it’s important to get your kids moving more

By  Carolina Boyd Texas children are falling behind when it comes to physical activity. A recent report by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 60 minutes or more of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for young people between the ages of 6-to-17. Unfortunately, 78.4% of Texas’ youths are not meeting that guideline. Childhood and …