Reston Pediatrics

Hopefully some of you have already gotten the chance to meet Vaibhavi as she has been working with our other providers in this last month. We are very excited to announce that Vaibhavi's schedule will officially open on December 7th! Call the office today to schedule any kind of appointment with her! (703) 450-8660.

Happy #VeteransDay

Winter Car Seat Safety Tips from the AAP

Winter is a tricky time for car seats. As a general rule, bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath the harness of a car seat.

In a car crash, fluffy padding immediately flattens out from the force, leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then slip through the straps and be thrown from the seat.

These tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) will help parents strike that perfect balance between keeping little ones warm as well as safely buckled in their car seats.

healthychildren.org ​As a general rule, bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath the harness of a car seat.

Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home

Fear, uncertainty, and being holed up at home more to slow the spread of COVID-19 can make it tough for families to keep a sense of calm. But it's important to help children feel safe, keep healthy routines, manage their emotions and behavior and build resilience.

Here are some tips from the American Academy (AAP) to help your family get through the stress of the pandemic.

healthychildren.org Try these positive parenting and healthy discipline tips from AAP for families facing fear, uncertainty, and long periods of time isolated at home during the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.​

5 Secrets to a Smarter Baby: School Readiness Can Start Now

As parents, we all want happy, healthy babies. Not only that, we want them to be smart.

Growing research in early brain development shows there are some basic things you can do right now to start raising a child who is curious about the world and ready to learn. These early education activities we're talking about are simple―and screen free!

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents talk with their pediatrician about how to create a supportive, stimulating environment for their baby―starting at birth―that promotes healthy brain development and builds the social and emotional skills necessary for school readiness.

healthychildren.org There are some basic things you can do right now to start raising a child who is curious about the world and ready to learn. These early education activities we're talking about are simple―and screen free! Learn more.

Baby's First Days: Bowel Movements & Urination

Some helpful information for the new parents out there!

healthychildren.org Beginning with the first day of life and lasting for a few days, your baby will have her first bowel movements, which are often referred to as meconium. Your baby may urinate as often as every one to three hours or as infrequently as four to six times a day.

CDC

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, CDC encourages you to take 3 healthy, everyday steps to help protect yourself and your loved ones:

•Wear a mask.
•Stay at least 6 feet apart from people who do not live in your household and avoid crowds.
•Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Learn more about everyday ways you can slow the spread of COVID-19: https://bit.ly/3bGvO6p

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Transmission

How COVID-19 Spreads

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person, including between people who are physically near each other (within about 6 feet). People who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others. Cases of reinfection with COVID-19 have been reported but are rare. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes.

cdc.gov COVID-19 is most often spread from person to person among close contacts.

Age-Based Tips to Help Juggle Parenting & Working at Home During COVID-19

Many parents are fortunate to have jobs they can do from home during the coronavirus shutdown. However, they're discovering how challenging it is to work and parent at the same time.

If you are in the middle of this this juggling act, it is important to recognize that your work productivity is probably going to take a hit during this shutdown. Adjust and set more realistic expectations for you and your family.

Here are some age-appropriate suggestions to help avoid frustration and keep your family move forward during the pandemic.

healthychildren.org Working from home when you have kids can be challenging. Here is an age-by-age guide to help you stay productive, avoid frustration, and keep your family moving forward during the COVID19 pandemic.

Healthy Children

Halloween doesn’t have to mean an unnecessary trip to the dentist’s office! Check out ways to manage your child’s sweet tooth here: http://ow.ly/Ke4t30rfKRz

[10/31/20]   Boo!
Happy Halloween from your RPA Family!

RPA Halloween 2020:

"If you've got it, Haunt it"

Treatment & Target Outcomes for Children with ADHD

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the outlook for most children who receive treatment for ADHD is encouraging.

While there is no specific cure for ADHD, but there are many treatment options available.

Each child's ADHD treatment plan must be tailored to meet his or her individual needs, starting with target outcomes for behavior.

healthychildren.org Each child's ADHD treatment plan must be tailored to meet his or her individual needs, starting with target outcomes for behavior. Learn more here.

Mental Health During COVID-19: Signs Your Child May Need More Support

The ongoing stress, fear, grief, and uncertainty created by COVID-19 pandemic can wear anyone down, but children and teens may have an especially tough time coping emotionally.

Check in with your child often and watch and listen for signs they are struggling. And don't forget that your pediatrician is here to help.

healthychildren.org Teens can have an especially hard time coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are ways to help parents keep lines of communication open, identify signs of mental health struggles, and how to know when to seek extra support.

[10/27/20]   Dress up with us this Friday, October 30th! We can't wait to see your costumes!

healthychildren.org

Many families are asking whether their children should be tested for COVID-19. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to talk to their child's doctor about testing. Your pediatrician can help determine when testing may be a good idea based on infection rates and availability of tests in your area. They can also help you follow up on test results.

healthychildren.org

[10/26/20]   We will be holding our next flu clinic Monday, November 2nd from 2-5 pm!
Please call the office to schedule.

CDC

Your child’s health is more than just physical. Track their developmental health and get tips for supporting their growth with CDC’s FREE Milestone Tracker app. Download it today! www.cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker.

Unhealthy Video Gaming: What Parents Can Do to Prevent It

As we watch our children and teens use screens more often to play video games during the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents wonder: How much is too much?

People are spending a lot more time staring at digital screens. But after your kids log off from school and homework for the day, is it okay if they spend a few hours gaming with their friends? When video game lives replace real-life time with family and friends, is it a sign of addiction?

Let's explore why video games are so appealing to kids and what parents can do to keep gaming in check.

healthychildren.org NO DESCRIPTION

American Academy of Pediatrics

Parents are finding creative new ways to keep Halloween fun for kids while staying safe during #COVID19. Try hosting a virtual costume contest, decorating pumpkins and treats or enjoying a movie night.

What is the safest sleep solution for my baby with reflux?

Naturally, you want to do whatever you can to keep your baby safe. And if your baby is one of the many who have reflux―also called gastroesophageal reflux (GER)―there are a fair share of myths and misconceptions out there when it comes to sleeping positions.

healthychildren.org ​Naturally, you want to do whatever you can to keep your baby safe. And if your baby is one of the many who have reflux―also called gastroesophageal reflux (GER)―there are a fair share of myths and misconceptions out there when it comes to sleeping positions. Here are three tips from the Amer...

Recipe: How to Get the Seeds Out of a Pumpkin

Before you have some Jack-o'-lantern fun be sure you know how to safely remove seeds from your pumpkin! 🎃
Here are some easy step-by-step tips. Happy carving!

healthychildren.org American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shares directions on How to Get the Seeds Out of a Pumpkin that was featured in ChopChop Magazine Fall 2011.

Are infrared thermometers safe?

Answer:

You may have seen the social media posts warning about possible dangers of non-contact infrared thermometers. These devices, which are held up to a person's forehead to take their temperature, are being widely used in schools and child care centers. The good news is that the claims about their danger are false

healthychildren.org Some social media posts question the safety of non-contact infrared thermometers, widely used in schools and child care centers to screen for fever. The good news is that claims about possible dangers of these devices are false. Learn more.

Happy Retirement Dr. Sivo! We will miss you!

Happy Friday to all our amazing parents out there! 😄

Healthy Children

When should you start to #ChooseWater for your baby? Around 6-12 months you can start offering your baby a little bit of water (4-8 ounces per day) in an open, sippy, or strawed cup. This helps develop cup drinking skills and familiarity with water. Learn more here: http://ow.ly/Ss8630rdOJU

Dangerous Internet Challenges – Understanding Their Appeal to Teens

Internet challenges can be fascinating to teens, who can be both impulsive and drawn to behavior that gets attention – especially in social media.

Some social media challenges, like the ALS ice bucket challenge or the mannequin challenge, can be fun and positive activities. But other challenges that pop up on the internet are dangerous and can lead to permanent harm.

You may have heard of social media trends like the Tide pod challenge, the Benadryl challenge, the cinnamon challenge, the choking game, or the salt and ice challenge. All of these can cause serious injuries and poisonings, and some can even be fatal. Being aware of these challenges and understanding why they lure teens is important for all parents.

healthychildren.org ​Internet challenges can be fascinating to teens, who can be both impulsive and drawn to behavior that draws attention. Being aware of these challenges and understanding why they lure teens is important for all parents.

[10/15/20]   We will be closed today from 1:00-2:00 pm for an office meeting. We will return all missed calls at 2:00.

healthychildren.org

As COVID-19 continues to spread, children and youth with special health care needs may be at increased risk for complications. This includes children with chronic conditions, disabilities, and those with medically complex conditions. School, supports, activities and routines may also be disrupted on an ongoing basis.

Here are some ways parents and caregivers can help themselves, their families, and their children with special health care needs meet their safety, growth and health care needs during the COVID-19 outbreak:

healthychildren.org

COVID-19: Keep On Keeping Your Distance

Families are gradually returning to some of the activities that paused when the COVID-19 pandemic began. With the virus still spreading, however, it is important for everyone to continue physical distancing along with other safety steps.

Physical distancing means keeping space between yourself and other people outside your household. It is a vital step in helping to slow the spread of this virus.

healthychildren.org As the spread of COVID-19 continues, communities are being asked to reduce close contact between people. This is called social distancing and it’s an important and effective way to slow down the spread of this virus. Here’s why.

CDC

Wear a mask in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19 but be sure to wear it the right way. Position your mask so that it covers your nose and mouth. Do not wear on your chin or under your nose. If you’re not wearing your mask properly, virus particles can spread.

Learn more about the dos and don’ts of masking: https://bit.ly/30QOzQF.

Healthy Children

When it comes to infant sleep, remember the ABCs: Place the baby Alone, on her Back, in a bare Crib. More on #safesleep here: http://www.healthychildren.org/safesleep

Having a Baby While Positive For COVID-19: FAQs

It's common for expectant parents to have questions about making sure their newborn is healthy during and after delivery in the hospital. But what if you are delivering a baby soon and have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19?

There is still a lot to learn about COVID-19. Let's look at what you can expect when it is time to have your baby and find out what steps can help keep everyone safe.

healthychildren.org covid-19~Expectant parents may worry what will happen if they have COVID-19 during the birth of their baby. The AAP answers some common questions here.s expectant parents may have about having a baby while you have COVID-19.

[10/07/20]   If your child is up to date on well check exams, they are eligible for a nurse visit flu shot appointment. Call today to schedule.