Heritage Pediatrics

09/26/2025

Let's Talk Sexting: Daughters, Sons & Inappropriate Cell Phone Pictures

A Message for Teens: Think Before You Send

Sexting might feel private in the moment, but once a picture or video is sent, it lasts forever. Screenshots, shares, and saved files means your content can spread beyond your control in seconds.

Why it matters:
• Digital footprints never fully disappear.
• Images can resurface years later, affecting college,
jobs, and relationships.
• Once shared, you lose control of where it goes and
who sees it.

Remember:
Respect yourself, protect your future, and pause before hitting send. What feels temporary can leave a lasting impact.

Parents and educators keep the conversation open. Teens need guidance, honesty, and safe spaces to talk about digital choices.

09/24/2025

Let's Talk Helping Children Prevent Diabetes...

Healthy habits formed early can protect kids for a lifetime. Type 2 diabetes is on the rise for children but together we can take steps to prevent it.

Tips to Support Prevention:

✔ Encourage daily movement—play, sports, or even family walks
✔ Choose water over sugary drinks
✔ Fill plates with colorful fruits & veggies
✔ Limit fast food and processed snacks
✔ Schedule regular check-ups with your child’s doctor

Prevention isn’t about restriction ...it’s about creating a lifestyle of balance, energy, and joy. Let’s give our kids the gift of health!

09/22/2025

Let's Talk When the Substitute Teacher Walks In…

Let’s be real...many kids see a substitute teacher as a free pass to test limits. From extra chatter to ignoring directions, it’s not unusual for behavior to take a dip on “sub days.” But why? Kids may feel uncertain when their routine changes. Some see it as an opportunity to “get away” with things. Others act out because they don’t know what to expect.

What helps? Well, it starts at home by:

👉🏼Setting clear expectations at the start of the day.
👉🏼Reminding students that respect doesn’t change with the teacher.
👉🏼Praising positive behavior and redirecting the negative quickly.
👉🏼Following up with students afterward to reinforce accountability.

Unpleasant behavior may show up, but it’s also a chance to teach kids responsibility, adaptability, and respect for all adults who guide their learning.

09/21/2025

Happy Birthday, Dr. Chante Ruffin!

Today we give you your flowers and celebrate not just your special day, but the incredible light you bring to our community. Your compassion, dedication, and unwavering care have touched so many lives....

Your children, patients and colleagues, want to wish you a very Happy Birthday!

Dr. Ruffin, you are more than a doctor you’re a source of comfort, hope, and healing. The community and your patients deeply appreciate the love and excellence you pour into everything you do. 💙

May this year bring you as much joy, peace and fulfillment as you’ve given to others. Wishing you endless blessings, laughter, and love on your birthday and always.

09/19/2025

Let's Talk Childhood Nosebleeds, Common Causes & Simple Care

Nosebleeds can look scary, but they’re very common in children especially during dry weather or allergy season.

Common Causes

👉🏽Dry air or heated rooms
👉🏽Nose picking or rubbing
👉🏽Allergies or colds
👉🏽Minor bumps to the nose

Simple Home Care Tips

👉🏽Keep your child calm and seated.
👉🏽Lean them slightly forward (not back).
👉🏽Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes.
👉🏽Apply a cool cloth to the bridge of the nose.
👉🏽Use a humidifier or saline spray to prevent dryness.

Call your child's Pediatrician if your child's nosebleeds are very frequent, last longer than 20 minutes, or follow an injury. Most nosebleeds are harmless and can be managed at home with a little care!

09/17/2025

Let's talk: Hydration At School & On the Field

Did you know even mild dehydration can affect focus, energy, and performance? For kids, staying hydrated during school and sports is key to both learning and playing their best.

At School

👉🏽 Start the day with a glass of water.
👉🏽 Encourage your child to carry a reusable water
bottle.
👉🏽 Remind them to sip water between classes, not
just at lunch.

During Sports & Play

👉🏽 Drink water before, during, and after activity.
👉🏽 Take hydration breaks every 15–20 minutes in
hot weather.
👉🏽 Water is usually enough—but for intense or long
practices, consider electrolyte drinks.

Signs of Dehydration

👉🏽 Feeling tired or cranky
👉🏽 Headaches or dizziness
👉🏽 Dry lips or mouth
👉🏽 Dark yellow urine

Pro Tip:
Make hydration fun! Add fruit slices (lemon, berries, cucumber) to water for flavor and excitement. Keeping kids hydrated = sharper minds in the classroom and stronger bodies on the field.

09/16/2025

🗣 Let's talk Understanding Headaches in Children, the Causes & Remedies.....

Headaches aren’t just an “adult problem” because children experience them too, and as parents or caregivers, it can be tough to know what’s behind the pain.

👉🏼Dehydration
👉🏼Lack of Sleep
👉🏼Stress & Anxiety
👉🏼Poor Nutrition or Skipped Meals
👉🏼Vision Issues
👉🏼Illnesses or Allergies
👉🏼Screen Time Overload

So, here are some simple remedies & relief tips:

👉🏼Encourage water intake throughout the day.
👉🏼Set a consistent bedtime routine to ensure
quality sleep.
👉🏼Balanced meals and healthy snacks help regulate
energy and prevent dips.
👉🏼Limit Screen Time
👉🏼Calm & Relaxation
👉🏼Check Vision
👉🏼Comfort Measures

If your child’s headaches are frequent, very severe, or accompanied by nausea, vision changes, or dizziness, consult a healthcare provider. Headaches in children are common, but with attention to daily habits and care, many can be relieved or prevented.

09/12/2025

Let's talk "Nail Biting & Thumb Sucking"

Many children bite their nails or suck their thumbs as a way to cope with stress, boredom, or comfort. While it may seem harmless, these habits can affect their health and development.

Potential Effects:
- Germs from fingers → stomach bugs, colds, or infections
- Dental problems (teeth misalignment, bite issues)
- Skin irritation, sore cuticles, or even small infections around nails
- Speech or oral development challenges (if the habit continues long-term)

Ways to Help Break the Habit:
✅ Keep nails trimmed and clean
✅ Encourage healthy stress relievers (stress ball, fidget toy, deep breathing)
✅ Praise small wins and progress
✅ For thumb sucking, gently remind and offer positive distractions
✅ If the habit continues into later childhood, consult your pediatrician or dentist

09/11/2025

09/10/2025

Ummm... Let’s Talk About Constipation in Kids

It’s more common than you think, and it can make your children uncomfortable. Here are a few common causes:

✅ Not enough fiber in their diet
✅ Not drinking enough water
✅ Holding in bowel movements
✅ Lack of physical activity
✅ Stress, changes in routine, or potty training ( for smaller kids)

Try this to help them get unstuck:

- Add fiber-rich foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains)
- Encourage plenty of water throughout the day
- Keep kids active and moving
- Create a relaxed bathroom routine (after meals is best!)

If constipation lasts more than a few days, check with your pediatrician...

09/08/2025

Let's Talk Childhood Cancer Awareness...

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM), a time dedicated to honoring children and families affected by pediatric cancer, raising awareness about the disease, and funding research for better treatments. The month highlights the challenges of childhood cancer, the need for increased funding, and the ongoing efforts to improve survival rates and quality of life for affected children worldwide.

09/05/2025

Let's Talk Early Signs of Vision or Hearing Problems in School-Age Kids...

Detecting vision or hearing issues early helps children succeed in school and everyday life. So, what should parents look for?

Vision Concerns:

* Squinting or covering one eye
* Difficulty reading or copying from the board
* Frequent headaches or eye rubbing

Hearing Concerns:

* Asking for things to be repeated
* Turning one ear toward the speaker
* Difficulty following instructions or staying focused in class

If you notice these signs, schedule a vision or hearing check-up promptly. Early detection makes a big difference in learning and confidence!