Covenant Pediatrics

10/20/2025

New Blog!

“He Forgot How to Write”: The Loss of Academic Skills in PANS & PANDAS

One day, your child is doing long division and writing full paragraphs. Next, they can’t hold a pencil. They stare blankly at a math problem they solved last week. Their thoughts seem jumbled. Homework ends in tears—or flat refusal.

For many parents, this dramatic loss of academic skills comes out of nowhere. And too often, it’s mistaken for laziness, defiance, or even ADHD.

But in reality? It’s not laziness—it’s inflammation. And in kids with PANS or PANDAS, it’s a major red flag.

READ MORE: https://thewhymatters.net/academic-skill-loss-pans-pandas

One day, your child is doing long division and writing full paragraphs. Next, they can’t hold a pencil. They stare blankly at a math problem they solved last week. Their thoughts seem jumbled. Homework ends in tears—or flat refusal.

10/19/2025

First smiles, first steps, first day of school—we’re honored to be part of every milestone.

10/18/2025

Dr. Sonia's favorite Halloween costume growing up was a gypsy!

10/17/2025

🦠 COVID-19 and PANS/PANDAS: What Parents Should Know

One of the most challenging things about COVID-19 is that it doesn’t just cause new illness—it can also reactivate old infections and exposures hidden in the body.

For kids already vulnerable to neuroimmune conditions like PANS and PANDAS, this reactivation can act as a major trigger. We’ve seen:

•Flares of OCD, anxiety, and mood swings
•Sleep disruption and fatigue
•Return of old infections (strep, mycoplasma, EBV, Lyme, mold-related illness)
•Increased inflammation in the brain

This is why many families notice sudden regressions or new symptoms in their child after COVID—even if the illness itself seemed “mild.”

If you notice a new onset of symptoms in your child, particularly after an exposure to an illness or a frank infection, talk to your provider about running updated labs to check for high strep and viral loads. The faster we intervene, the faster kids get better!

10/17/2025

Dr. Madi dressed up as a hula dancer for Halloween when she was a kid!

10/16/2025

“Why is my child always congested?” 🤔

It’s easy to blame allergies, but chronic nasal congestion can also mean:

•Imbalanced sinus bacteria
•Oral restrictions like tongue or lip ties

You don’t have to settle for “always congested.” With the right support, kids can breathe easier—and feel better.

10/16/2025

Dr. Lacey's favorite Halloween costume growing up was a witch—thankfully, she's a friendly and helpful witch!

10/15/2025

Our goal is happy, healthy kids🙂!

10/14/2025

🩺 Social Media Post: Flu & RSV Season Is Here

Cooler weather brings more than falling leaves—it’s the start of flu and RSV season. Here’s what parents need to know:

Know the Symptoms
• Flu: Sudden fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, headache, fatigue.
• RSV: Runny nose, cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, poor appetite—especially watch infants and toddlers.

When to Call the Doctor
👉 Trouble breathing or wheezing
👉 High fever that isn’t coming down
👉 Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers)
👉 Lethargy or unusual sleepiness

How to Lower Risk
💧 Frequent handwashing
😴 Plenty of sleep & good nutrition
🏠 Keep sick kids home to protect others

Need a checkup or have concerns? Call Covenant Pediatrics. We’re here to help your family stay healthy this fall.

10/14/2025

Dr. Sonia interviewed Danielle Boyd about her eight-year-old son, Avery. She and her family have been navigating nonverbal autism, PANS/PANDAS, digestive challenges, and sleep struggles. Her message is about overcoming obstacles, growing, and learning.

Full Livestream: https://youtu.be/rH5KECoJYFI?si=vn38LFUzLf9Hslds

Visit Covenant Pediatric Wellness Center to learn more: https://covenantwellness.net/

10/13/2025

Backpacks, bus rides, and cooler weather mean more germs in circulation—but you can help your child stay healthy all season.

Immune-Boosting Basics:

🌞 Vitamin D: Shorter days = less sunlight. Supplementation keeps immune cells strong.
🥦 Real Food: Colorful fruits and veggies provide antioxidants and zinc for infection defense.
😴 Sleep: School schedules can steal hours—aim for 9–12 hours depending on age.
🧼 Handwashing: Simple but powerful. Teach proper scrubbing and drying.
💧 Hydration: Water helps the body flush out toxins and supports every immune cell.

Pro Tip: A fall wellness check is the perfect time to make sure vitamin levels (like D and iron) are on track.

Need a fall checkup or lab work? Call Covenant Pediatrics, and keep those little immune systems strong all year.

10/12/2025

The Pumpkin Decorating Contest Is Here! 🎃

Our team has been busy turning pumpkins into works of art—and now it’s YOUR turn to decide the winner!

🗓 When to Vote: October 20–31

Where: Cast your vote in person when you visit the office or online from home.

✨ How It Works:

•Each staff member has decorated a pumpkin with their own creative twist.
•Stop by to see them all and vote for your favorite.
•Or access them online to vote.
•The pumpkin with the most votes on Halloween takes home the crown! 👑

It’s festive, fun, and the perfect way to kick off Halloween week. Bring the kids, snap some photos, and help us choose the 2025 Pumpkin Champion!