Springdale-Mason Pediatrics

10/26/2025

Our newest nurse, Abby, is officially celebrating another trip around the sun! ☀️
Help us wish her a day full of laughter, love, and lots (and lots) of shopping.
We already know it’s going to be fabulous!! 🩷🛒

10/21/2025

Halloween can still be magical — even when food allergies or sensitivities are part of the picture! 🩵

Here’s how to keep it safe and fun when you have a child with allergies:

🍭 1️⃣ Talk before the treats.
Remind kids to wait until they get home before eating anything — so you can check labels together.

📦 2️⃣ Read every label.
Mini or “fun size” candies can have different ingredients than full-size ones — always double-check.

💙 3️⃣ Look for teal pumpkins!
Homes with a teal pumpkin offer non-food treats (like stickers or glow sticks) that are allergy-friendly.

🎒 4️⃣ Bring safe swaps.
Pack a few allergy-safe candies or snacks so your child can trade out unsafe items later.

🧡 5️⃣ Focus on the fun!
Costumes, decorations, and memories matter most — not just what’s in the candy bucket.

You can help your child feel included and confident — while keeping their safety a top priority. 🌟

10/20/2025

“Immune Boosters” vs. Real Immune Support: What actually helps?

Every fall, parents ask how to keep their kids from getting sick — and the internet loves to sell “immune boosters.” But here’s the truth 👇

✨ What Actually Helps:
💤 Sleep: Kids need 9–12 hours to keep their immune systems strong.
🥦 Nutrition: Fruits, veggies, and protein give the body ideal immune fuel — not gummies or powders, which are useful only if kids cannot get their vitamins and nutrients through their food
🚿 Handwashing: Still the #1 way to stop germs from spreading.
💉 Vaccines: Flu and COVID vaccines help prevent serious illness.
🏃 Fresh air & movement: Exercise supports immune health (and mood!).
💧 Hydration: Keeps mucous membranes healthy — your body’s natural defense barrier.

🚫 What’s Mostly Hype:
“Immune gummies” with megadoses of vitamins (vitamin C only helps if you take it regularly, and only shortens illnesses, it doesn't work well at preventing them)
Elderberry everything (we don't have solid data showing it helps in kids!)
Essential oils or "detox" drinks
Cold plunges and “biohacks” for kids

You can’t “boost” an immune system — but you can support it!

10/17/2025

🎃 Have you seen teal pumpkins popping up this Halloween? They mean something special!

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a nationwide movement to make Halloween safer and more inclusive for kids with food allergies and dietary restrictions.

When you place a teal pumpkin on your porch (or a teal sign in your window), you’re letting families know you offer non-food treats — like stickers, glow sticks, bubbles, or small toys — so every child can join the fun safely.

✨ Why it matters:
• 1 in 13 kids has a food allergy.
• Even small amounts of some ingredients can be dangerous.
• This simple step helps every child feel included.

👻 How to join:
1️⃣ Put out a teal pumpkin or print a sign (you can find free ones online).
2️⃣ Offer small non-food goodies.
3️⃣ Keep candy in a separate bowl if you’d like to hand out both!

Together, we can make Halloween fun for everyone. 💙

10/16/2025

Rumor has it 10/16 is National Boss’s Day! Keri's awesome, so one day just won't cut it, but we're kicking off the celebration today! Thanks for being an amazing boss! We appreciate you! 💚⭐️🩷

10/15/2025

WASH YOUR HANDS!! 🖐️🖐🏼🖐🏽🖐🏾🖐🏿

10/14/2025

Fall is finally here! Keep you and your family healthy by following these Healthy Fall Check List tips!
🏋️‍♂️ LIFESTYLE IMMUNITY BOOSTS
- getting enough sleep is essential to keep your immune system recharged. Teens need at least 8 hrs, younger kids need more, up to 10-12+ hrs depending on their age 🛏️
- regular exercise will keep the body strong and healthy 💪
- stock up on hand sanitizer and make sure your kids carry it in their back packs. Remind them to wash their hands before eating and try not to touch their face to keep germs away 🦠
💉PROTECTION FROM SEASONAL VIRUSES
- this is the perfect time to get flu and covid shots before the winter season hits! RSV is a seasonal virus that makes babies very sick. Infants less than 8 months old can get protection from RSV with an antibody shot, please discuss this with your doctor.💉
🥘 COOK WITH FALL VEGGIES
- fall veggies like pumpkin, squash and carrots are filled with vitamins and antioxidants. Roasting or using slow cooker recipes are delicious and easy ways to add veggie power to your meal plans!🥕
🏕️GET OUTSIDE AND UNPLUG
- outdoor activities like hiking, playing in the park, biking, and camping are fun and have the added benefit of decreasing stress and improving weight control. Hiking can improve your balance. Best of all, it's free - no gym membership needed! 🥾
🏟️ OPT FOR HEALTHIER GAME DAY FOODS
- if you are tailgating or hosting a watch party, think about serving fresh fruit or raw veggie trays, roasted chickpeas, hummus and guacamole. Offer plain greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Eat Like A Champion This Season! 🏈
🤧 TREAT FALL ALLERGIES
- remember to take your allergy medicine if you suffer from fall allergies. If over the counter medicine or nose spray is not helping, make an appointment with your doctor 🧑‍⚕️
🫶CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
- studies show that keeping connected with others helps keep you healthy emotionally and physically. Keep your kids and yourself engaged with friends and family. The joy you feel when being with others wins out over stress! 🥰
🩺 Stay healthy by making sure you and your children are up to date with wellness visits. Be sure to ask about any health concerns. Be proactive to catch any problems early and keep healthy 🩹
🍬 WATCH OUT FOR CANDY OVERLOAD
- try to buy only enough candy for the trick-o-treaters and donate any extra!
🙏🏼 PRACTICE GRATITUDE
- thank someone for a job well done, even if it is a small thing. Teach you kids to thank others and be thankful. Being mindfully grateful creates a positive attitude. Research shows that grateful people are happier, healthier and less stressed. We can all use a little positive energy! 💕

10/13/2025

Lillian has truly captured the essence of the season with her Halloween picture. The colors in her artwork remind us that fall is just around the corner. The crisp air, the rustling of leaves underfoot, and the festive decorations that begin to appear all signal the transition into this cozy and enchanting time of year. Lillian's artwork not only showcases her talent but also brings a playful and creative spirit to the anticipation of Halloween and the beauty of autumn.
Thanks Lillian.

10/11/2025

Help us wish a Happy Birthday to Jenn today. She is always helping where we need her and keeps us fed with her treats. We hope you have a truly wonderful birthday Jenn filled with joy and laughter!

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

3 weeks until Halloween! Thank you Lillian for our new artwork! 🎃🎃

10/09/2025

Is your baby ready for RSV season?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a highly contagious virus that can lead to respiratory infections in babies. Our office offers babies in their first winter the RSV antibody, which is very effective at preventing serious infections. Call the office to schedule or discuss with your provider at your next visit to see if your baby is eligible.