South Sound Pediatrics

South Sound Pediatrics South Sound Pediatrics is a pediatric medical home delivering high quality medical care to children in our community.

Teens, listen up! It’s no secret that scrolling through social media can make anyone compare themselves to others. Thi...
02/26/2026

Teens, listen up!



It’s no secret that scrolling through social media can make anyone compare themselves to others. This constant comparison is linked to rising rates of anxiety and depression, with studies showing a significant increase over the past decade.



Remember: most social media highlights filtered, edited, or staged moments are not real life. Your worth isn’t measured by likes, followers, or the way someone else looks. Focus on things that make you feel strong, confident, and happy, whether that’s spending time with friends, being creative, or practicing self-care.



Tip: Take breaks from scrolling, unfollow accounts that make you feel bad, and follow people or pages that inspire you instead.



Our providers are here to help if you are feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed. You can call (or have your parent call) to schedule an appointment with one of our providers today.



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Chest pain is fairly common in teenagers and is usually not related to the heart. Common causes include muscle strain, a...
02/23/2026

Chest pain is fairly common in teenagers and is usually not related to the heart. Common causes include muscle strain, anxiety or stress, acid reflux, asthma, or viral infections.



However, some types of chest pain require prompt medical evaluation. Seek care immediately if your teen experiences chest pain that is severe, comes with shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, or radiates to the arm, jaw, or back.



These could be signs of more serious conditions, including heart problems. While most teen chest pain is harmless, paying attention to warning signs ensures your child stays safe and gets timely care when needed.



If you need help navigating recurring aches and pains your teen is experiencing, reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment.





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Many grade-school children experience “growing pains,” usually mild aches in the legs, often at night, that come and go ...
02/21/2026

Many grade-school children experience “growing pains,” usually mild aches in the legs, often at night, that come and go and don’t interfere with daily activities.



These pains are common, harmless, and often relieved with gentle massage, stretching, or a warm bath!



However, some types of pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Warning signs include persistent or worsening pain, swelling or redness in a joint, pain that causes limping, fever, unexplained bruising, or pain that wakes your child at night regularly. These could indicate conditions like juvenile arthritis, infections, or, rarely, more serious issues such as malignancy.



Paying attention to patterns and associated symptoms can help you know when to seek medical advice.



Not sure if it is growing pains or something more serious? Call today to schedule an appointment!



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Constipation is common during potty training and can make the process frustrating for both you and your child. Skippi...
02/18/2026

Constipation is common during potty training and can make the process frustrating for both you and your child.



Skipping potty sessions, holding in stool, or being nervous about using the potty can all contribute. To help, offer plenty of water and fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and encourage regular bathroom breaks especially after meals when the body naturally wants to go.



Creating a calm, positive potty routine, using a footstool for support, and offering praise or small rewards can make sitting on the potty more appealing.



Avoid pressure or punishment, as that can make constipation worse. With patience, consistency, and gentle encouragement, most children learn to go comfortably in the potty.



What potty training techniques worked for your family? We would love to hear from you. Share below.



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Brushing your toddler’s teeth doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be a fun part of the day! Try singing a favorite tw...
02/17/2026

Brushing your toddler’s teeth doesn’t have to be a battle. It can be a fun part of the day!



Try singing a favorite two-minute song while brushing, using colorful or character-themed toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste, or turning it into a story about sugar bugs being chased away.



Brushing together can also help, letting your little one watch and imitate you. You can even use a sticker chart or small reward to celebrate successful brushing sessions. Making it playful helps set the stage for healthy habits that last a lifetime.



Remember to schedule your child’s dental visit every 6 months once they are a year of age.



If you need help finding a pediatric dentist, call our office or send our nurses a message so we can help.



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Winter can bring more sniffles, coughs, and sick days, but a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping kids healthy...
02/12/2026

Winter can bring more sniffles, coughs, and sick days, but a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping kids healthy!

Focus on good handwashing (especially before meals and after school), keeping up with recommended vaccines, and making sure kids get enough sleep even when schedules get busy.



Offer plenty of fluids, include fruits and veggies when you can, and don’t forget fresh air and movement, even on colder days. If your child is sick, keeping them home helps protect classmates and teachers too.



Has your family been protected from the flu this season? If not, call our office to schedule a nurse visit to get up to date on the flu vaccine!



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Keeping your baby safe while they sleep is one of the most important things you can do in the first year. For newborn...
02/11/2026

Keeping your baby safe while they sleep is one of the most important things you can do in the first year.



For newborns, always place your baby on their back in a firm, flat sleep surface with no pillows, blankets, toys, or bumper pads. A fitted sheet in a crib, bassinet, or play yard is safest!



As your baby begins to roll over on their own, usually around 4–6 months, continue placing them on their back to start each sleep. Once they can roll both ways independently, it’s okay to let them find their own position, but keep the sleep area clear and safe.



Other tips:

- Room-sharing without bed-sharing can reduce the risk of sleep-related accidents.

- Keep the sleep space smoke-free.

- Offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime if your baby is receptive.



Do you need help with creating a safe sleep environment for your baby? We are here to help!



Call today to schedule an appointment.



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Before vaccines, diphtheria was a leading cause of childhood death. It caused severe throat infection and a thick membra...
02/10/2026

Before vaccines, diphtheria was a leading cause of childhood death. It caused severe throat infection and a thick membrane that could block breathing earning the name “the strangling angel.”



The diphtheria vaccine, now part of the routine DTaP series, dramatically reduced cases and is safe, well-studied, and closely monitored. Most side effects are mild, like arm or leg soreness or low-grade fever.



Why don’t we hear about diphtheria anymore? Because vaccines work so well, but the bacteria still exists. If vaccination rates drop, diphtheria can return, putting children and vulnerable people at risk.



Call our office today to ensure your child is up to date on their DTaP vaccine.



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This time of year can feel long and exhausting. Feeling worn down doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human. ...
02/05/2026

This time of year can feel long and exhausting. Feeling worn down doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human.



Small moments of rest matter. Make sure you are taking care of yourself so you can have the physical and mental energy to care for your family. And remember that asking for help does not mean you are failing, it just means you are human and strong enough to admit that you cannot do life alone. It takes a village.



Call our office today if you need help connecting with a counselor or community resources.



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There’s no quick fix to “boost” immunity. Vaccines, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, handwashing, and managing str...
02/05/2026

There’s no quick fix to “boost” immunity.



Vaccines, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, handwashing, and managing stress are the real immune supporters. Supplements alone can’t replace these basics.



While it’s normal for young children to get frequent colds, signs that may suggest a weakened immune system include unusually severe infections, infections that are hard to clear, poor growth, or needing repeated courses of antibiotics.



Do you have concerns about your child’s immune system? Our pediatric trained providers are here to help.



Call today to schedule an appointment.



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Why do we need fluoride? Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. When used correctly, fluoride ...
02/03/2026

Why do we need fluoride?



Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. When used correctly, fluoride toothpaste and treatments are safe and effective for children.



The AAP recommends using a smear or grain-of-rice–sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day when the first tooth appears and until age 3 years. A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used once they turn 3.



Bring your dental questions to your child’s next visit. We are happy to help.



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If it feels like your toddler catches everything, you’re not imagining it!Little immune systems are still learning, and ...
01/27/2026

If it feels like your toddler catches everything, you’re not imagining it!

Little immune systems are still learning, and toddlers are great at sharing germs especially in daycare or group settings! It’s normal for young children to have 8–12 viral illnesses a year, especially during fall and winter.

Colds can also seem “back-to-back” because viruses stack or symptoms overlap.

The good news? Each illness strengthens their immune system, and most are short-lived and resolve with rest, fluids, and time!

If your child’s illnesses seem unusually severe, frequent, or they’re not bouncing back as expected, call our office so we can help determine what’s normal and what deserves a closer look!

Address

3516 12th Avenue NE
Olympia, WA
98506

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+13604561600

Website

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