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DoctorSchutt, 2670 New Holt Road, Paducah, KY (2025)

08/15/2025

Do you know why your child needs a sports physical to participate in competitive sports?

A sports physical is different from a regular check-up. Just because your child has had a yearly physical doesn’t mean they’ve had a full sports participation exam.

What’s the difference?
A sports physical includes a more thorough cardiac and musculoskeletal exam, as well as a detailed family history. We’re looking for conditions that aren’t always visible from the outside — especially those affecting the heart.

In the history, I want to know if there’s been any central chest pain with vigorous activity or significant shortness of breath, beyond what would be expected from being deconditioned or experiencing a harmless “stitch” in the side.

Sudden cardiac death is one of the leading causes of death in teenagers, and my screening exam is aimed at identifying the underlying causes.

Some of the main heart concerns we’re screening for are:
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle)
• Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
• Long QT syndrome or other arrhythmias (electrical wiring issues)
• Valvular heart disease (trouble with the “doors” of the heart)
• Aortopathy (aortic root dilation) from connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome

If something concerning pops up during the exam or in the family history, your child may need further testing — like an EKG or echocardiogram — or a visit to a cardiologist before getting the all-clear to play.

Because as much as I love cheering kids on from the sidelines, I’d rather make sure their heart is truly ready for the game.

07/22/2025

Can my baby eat… 🍉🍓🫐 Summer Fruits?”

Ahh, summer—the season of sunshine, sprinklers, and sweet, juicy fruit! If you’re wondering whether your little one can join in on the fruity fun, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down by fruit so you can feel confident about what’s safe for your baby to munch, smash, or slurp.

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First things first: Is your baby ready to dive into solids?

Most babies start showing signs of readiness between 4–6 months old. These signs include good head and neck control and being able to sit up with support in a high chair (no slouching allowed in this food party!).

Whenever you introduce a new food, try one at a time and keep an eye out for anything unusual—like rashes or tummy troubles. A little redness around the mouth from acidic fruits? Totally normal. A big reaction? That’s your cue to chat with your pediatrician. And always keep your baby upright and within arm’s reach during mealtime to help prevent choking.

Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff…

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🍉 Watermelon (4+ months – SAFE in small, seedless pieces or puréed)

Sweet, hydrating, and oh-so-refreshing—watermelon is 92% water, making it the MVP of summer hydration. It’s also loaded with vitamin C (hello, immune boost!) and vitamin A for healthy skin and strong little teeth.
🚫 Skip the store-bought juices though—they’re loaded with sugar and not ideal for tiny tummies.

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🍓 Strawberries (4+ months – SAFE in tiny pieces or puréed)

These bright berries bring more than just flavor—they’re full of vitamin C, minerals, and carbs to support immunity and digestion.
⚠️ Don’t panic if those tiny seeds show up in a diaper later—just a little reminder of berry fun!

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🫐 Blueberries (6+ months – SAFE when smashed, puréed, or cut into small pieces)

Blueberries are mini nutrition bombs! Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, they’re a brain-boosting, body-loving snack. Just make sure they’re mashed or cut to avoid choking hazards.

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Remember: Every baby is unique, so check in with your pediatrician to decide when it’s the right time to start solids.

06/20/2025

If you guessed Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever on the Guess that Summer Rash, then you got it right! So, let’s talk about Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF):

It’s a serious illness caused by a bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii, and it’s spread through tick bites—mainly from the American dog tick (see picture below). RMSF is actually the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S., especially in the Southeast and South Central states.

At first, the symptoms can be really vague and might look just like a virus: fever, headache, and rash. That rash shows up in about 90% of cases, but it usually doesn’t appear right away. When it does, it often starts as flat spots on the wrists and ankles, then spreads inward. Later on, it can turn into a more serious rash that shows up on the palms and soles, which is a big clue something more is going on.

The tricky part is that these symptoms can look like other illnesses—things like sepsis, Kawasaki disease, or meningococcemia—so it’s important to get your child checked out quickly if they have these signs, especially after a known tick bite or being outside in tick-prone areas. Doctors usually start treatment right away if they suspect RMSF, even before any test results come back, because the illness can get worse fast. The good news? Antibiotics work really well when started early.

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So how do we prevent tick bites and RMSF?
Here are some simple steps to protect your child:
• Use tick repellent. Products with DEET, picaridin, or clothing treated with permethrin work best. These are all considered safe for kids 2 months and older when used the right way.
• Dress smart. Long pants tucked into socks and shirts tucked into pants can help keep ticks off the skin.
• Be careful with spray repellents. Don’t spray directly on your child’s face. Instead, spray your hands and gently apply it to their face—just avoid eyes and mouth.
• Skip the “natural” stuff. Things like citronella and botanical oils haven’t been proven to work as well on ticks.
• Check for ticks often. Especially after outdoor play, hiking, or time in grassy or wooded areas. If you find a tick, remove it right away.

As always, if you have any questions, send me a message or talk to your child’s pediatrician about your their needs!

•••Dr. Rachel Schutt is a pediatrician at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky, who loves caring for kids, encouraging parents, and sharing helpful tips along the way.•••

06/15/2025

☀️ It’s back… Guess That Summer Rash! 😅

Here’s another real-life summer skin mystery—think you can figure it out?

Photos A, B & C are all the same rash!

Take your best guess in the comments, and check back soon to see if you got it right!

HINT: this picture is late stage disease and some parts of the rash do not blanch

05/29/2025

Did you know our bodies are intelligently designed to make an essential vitamin just from being outside?

Any guesses?

If you said vitamin D, you’re right!

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s super important for kids—it helps them grow strong and supports healthy bone development.

Here’s the cool part: when your child’s skin is exposed to the sun’s UVB rays, it kicks off a natural process. The sun turns cholesterol in the skin into vitamin D3. Then, the liver and kidneys step in to convert it into the active form of vitamin D that the body can use. Whatever your child doesn’t need right away gets stored in fat cells for later.

But how much vitamin D your child makes depends on a few things—like where you live, how much skin is exposed, and how much melanin (skin pigment) they have. For example, in a place like Kentucky, about 10 minutes of midday sun with the face, arms, and hands exposed (around 25% skin exposure) is usually enough for kids to meet their daily needs.

Now, here’s the tricky part: sunscreen, while important for protecting the skin, blocks those UVB rays needed to make vitamin D. So it’s all about finding a healthy balance between sun protection and getting that sunshine vitamin.

Besides sunlight, kids can also get vitamin D from foods like:
• Fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, or tuna)
• Fortified milk, cheese, and cereals
• Egg yolks
• Mushrooms

Since vitamin D is stored in fat, it is possible to get too much—especially from supplements. The recommended daily amount for kids is typically 400–600 IU per day, depending on age.

As always, if you have any questions, send me a message or talk to your child’s pediatrician about your their needs!

•••Dr. Rachel Schutt is a pediatrician at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky, who loves caring for kids, encouraging parents, and sharing helpful tips along the way.•••

05/03/2025

As a parent, you’re juggling a million things every day—so let’s make one thing simple: protein. It’s a big part of helping your little one grow strong and healthy, but figuring out how much they need doesn’t have to be a math quiz.

Babies: Tiny Tummies, Big Needs

Babies need a bit more protein for their size because they’re growing so fast! The general rule is:

1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day

Let’s say your baby weighs around 10 pounds (that’s about 4.5 kg). That means they need roughly 6.75 grams of protein a day. Sounds like a lot, but don’t worry—it adds up quickly!

Most standard infant formulas provide about 2 grams of protein per 100 calories, or roughly per 5 ounces. Breast milk is pretty similar, although its protein content gently decreases over the first few months to match your baby’s changing needs.

One cool thing about breast milk? The protein is already in a super digestible form, so babies can get what they need without overloading their system.

But Wait—Can Babies Get Too Much Protein?

Great question. Research has shown that too much protein—especially in formula-fed babies—can lead to faster weight gain early on. That may sound like a good thing, but it’s actually been linked to higher BMI and a greater risk of obesity later in childhood.

This doesn’t mean you need to be hyper-strict—it just means it’s important not to overfeed and to pay attention to hunger cues. Trust your baby to tell you when they’ve had enough. (Yes, even if it means leaving half an ounce behind sometimes!)

Toddlers & Big Kids: Still Growing Strong

Once your child hits toddlerhood, the protein needs shift a bit:

1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day

So if your child weighs about 40 pounds (18 kg), they’ll need around 18 grams of protein a day.

The best part? You don’t have to rely on meat alone. There are tons of kid-approved, protein-packed foods out there:

Peanut butter & jelly sandwich? 2 tablespoons of peanut butter gives you around 8 grams!

Mac and cheese? A cup can deliver around 10 grams, depending on the brand.

Yogurt, cheese, beans, eggs, milk—these all make great options, especially for picky eaters.

You’ve Got This, Parents!

Don’t let numbers overwhelm you—your child doesn’t need to hit the exact protein mark every single day. Over the week, it all balances out. Just aim for a variety of wholesome foods, keep offering new things (even if they say “no” the first time), and know that you’re doing a great job.

Even the pickiest eaters can meet their protein needs—and if you’re ever unsure, your pediatrician is just a call away.

•••Dr. Rachel Schutt is a pediatrician in Paducah, Kentucky, who loves caring for kids, encouraging parents, and sharing helpful tips along the way.•••

04/12/2025

Fun Fact Friday: Did You Know Kids Literally Grow in Their Sleep?

That’s right—it’s not your imagination. Kids really do most of their growing while they sleep!

During deep sleep, their bodies release growth hormone, which helps bones and tissues stretch and strengthen. So those sudden overnight growth spurts? You can thank bedtime for that.

This is just one of the many reasons why quality sleep is essential for growing kids (and why those pants might be a little shorter by morning!).

Better Sleep = Healthier, Happier Kids

Here are some tips to help your child get the rest they need—so they can wake up stronger, healthier, and ready to take on the day:

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1. Be Consistent:
Kids thrive on routines—including sleep routines. Try to keep bedtimes and wake-up times the same every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate their internal clock and makes it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

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2. Set a Soothing Routine:
A predictable, calming bedtime routine helps your child wind down. Think warm baths, bedtime stories, cuddles, and a soft lullaby. Keep it simple, gentle, and consistent.

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3. Screens Off Early:
Blue light from screens can delay melatonin production and make it harder to fall asleep. Turn off all devices—TVs, tablets, and phones—at least one hour before bedtime to promote better rest.

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4. Make It Cozy:
A cool, dark, quiet room creates the best sleep environment. Sound machines are totally okay and can help block out noise. If your child likes a nightlight, choose one that’s dim and warm-toned.

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5. Avoid Heavy Snacks:
If your child is hungry before bed, go for a light, low-sugar snack like toast, yogurt, or a banana. Heavy or sugary foods can interfere with sleep.

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6. Stay Active During the Day:
Physical activity and fresh air during the day help kids fall asleep faster at night. Natural sunlight also supports healthy sleep-wake cycles.

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7. Offer Comfort, Not Playtime:
If your child wakes up at night, keep things calm and quiet. A quick back rub or gentle reassurance can help them settle. Try not to engage in long conversations or turn on bright lights.

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When to Reach Out:
If your child is consistently struggling to fall asleep, waking up often, snoring loudly, or seems overly tired during the day, it could be more than just a phase. Let’s talk—I’m here to help.

•••Dr. Rachel Schutt is a pediatrician in Paducah, Kentucky, who loves caring for kids, encouraging parents, and sharing helpful tips along the way.•••

03/28/2025

Did you know that a sneeze doesn’t just travel a few feet? Researchers at MIT found that respiratory droplets from a sneeze can travel up to 200 feet! 😳 That’s farther than the length of a basketball court (um…go Cats)!

So, the next time you feel a sneeze coming on, cover your mouth (elbow, please!), and don’t forget to wash your hands to keep those germs from spreading.

03/27/2025

Spring is here, which means warmer weather, outdoor fun, and... nonstop sneezing. If your child has a runny nose and can’t stop rubbing their eyes, you might wonder if it’s allergies or just a lingering cold.

The truth is — it can be hard to tell the difference. Both allergies and colds can cause a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and congestion. One key difference is that allergies will never come with a fever. A cold, on the other hand, may cause a low-grade fever and typically runs its course in about 7 to 10 days. Allergy symptoms can linger much longer, especially when pollen counts are high.

How to help:
✔️ Keep windows closed on high-pollen days
✔️ Have kids change clothes and wash hands after playing outside
✔️ Bathe before bed to rinse off pollen
✔️ Use a cool-mist humidifier at night
✔️ Wash bedding weekly in hot water to remove allergens
✔️ Vacuum and dust regularly to reduce indoor allergens
✔️ Consider using an air purifier in your child’s bedroom
✔️ Try an over-the-counter antihistamine (for kids 2+, but check with your pediatrician first)

If your child is still struggling, contact your pediatrician to find the best plan to keep them comfortable and enjoying the season.

Like and share this post to help other parents navigate allergy season!

03/21/2025

🥕 Fun Fact Friday 🫑

Did you know that even before birth, your baby starts developing taste preferences? Studies have shown that the flavors you enjoy during pregnancy can pass through the amniotic fluid, giving your little one their very first taste experiences. I find it so fascinating—and a little magical—that my own favorite foods might have helped shape my child's budding palate even before they took their first bite out in the world.

Have you ever noticed your little one showing a love for certain flavors early on? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments! ⬇️

03/10/2025

Hey parents! Let’s chat about one of the most common reasons kiddos end up in my office—fevers. It’s that moment when your little one’s forehead feels like a mini space heater, and suddenly, you’re debating whether to call the pediatrician, Google your way into a panic, or just stare at the thermometer in disbelief.

First, take a deep breath! Fevers are actually a good thing. They mean your child’s body is fighting off an infection like a superhero. 🦸‍♂️

Here’s the deal on fevers:
✔️ A fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher—anything less is just a warm kiddo.
✔️ Viruses love to visit —most fevers are caused by common viral infections.
✔️ Higher temp ≠ worse illness—how your child acts is way more important than the number on the thermometer!

When to call the doc:
📌 Under 3 months old? Any fever—give us a call!
📌 Over 104°F? Let’s chat.
📌 Fever lasts more than 5 days? Time for a check-up.
📌 Your child looks really sick—struggling to wake up, not drinking, difficulty breathing, stiff neck? Call ASAP or go to the ER.

How to help your feverish kiddo:
👉 Keep them hydrated (popsicles for the win!)
👉 Dress them lightly—no bundling up!
👉 Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen (if they’re old enough) to help them feel better—not just to lower the fever.

Most fevers break on their own in a few days, and your child will be back to their usual snack-demanding, toy-destroying self in no time. 😉 But if you’re worried, that’s why I’m here!

•••Dr. Rachel Schutt is a pediatrician in Paducah, Kentucky, who loves caring for kids, encouraging parents, and sharing helpful tips along the way.•••

02/21/2025

Fun fact: In nearly 9 years of caring for children, I’ve never seen a case of measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, or polio in my patients—thanks to routine vaccinations.

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Monday	8am - 4pm
Tuesday	8am - 4pm
Thursday	8am - 4pm
Friday	8am - 4pm