Southside Pediatrics

11/24/2025

📌 NEW RESEARCH ALERT for Parents of Young Children
A recent randomized trial found that using hypertonic saline (about 2.6% salt-water) nasal drops in kids up to 6 years old with a common cold reduced symptom duration from ~8 days to ~6 days — that’s two fewer days of sniffles, coughing and general misery. 

📋 Key Findings:
• 407 children enrolled; 301 developed colds.
• In the treatment group: parents made & applied 3 drops per nostril, at least four times per day, until well. 
• Fewer household family members caught the cold when the child used the nasal drops (46% vs. 61% in usual-care group). 
• The mechanism: extra chloride from the salt solution helps nose & airway lining cells make more hypochlorous acid, which can suppress viral replication. 
• The intervention is cheap, simple and appears safe when done under guidance. 

✅ What this means for your family:
Consider discussing with your provider whether saline nasal drops could be a safe adjunct tool when your child catches a cold. While it’s not a cure or a substitute for other recommended care (hydration, rest, monitoring for complications), it may help your child recover a bit more quickly and reduce spread to siblings.

🚨 When to call us instead of doing home-care alone:
• Your child has difficulty breathing, high or persistent fever, signs of dehydration, or worsening after initial improvement.
• Symptoms are unusually severe or lasting much longer than a typical cold.
• You’re unsure about using nasal drops (e.g., the child has allergy, asthma, or nasal/anatomical issues).

Using hypertonic saline nasal drops can reduce the length of the common cold in children by two days, according to a study that will be presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria. They can also reduce the onward transmission of colds to family members.

11/24/2025

Cold and flu season is here and we know it can be stressful when little ones are sick 🤒

Most colds (runny nose, cough, scratchy throat) last:
• 7–10 days
• Antibiotics aren’t indicated
• Cough may linger 2–3 weeks

Seek care if:
• Breathing is fast or labored
• Fever > 100.4°F in babies under 3 months
• Fever lasts > 72 hours
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers)
• Symptoms suddenly worsen after initial improvement

AAP guidelines emphasize monitoring hydration, respiratory effort, and duration of fever as key markers for escalating care.

We’re here all season to help your family breathe easier. 💛

11/22/2025

🍂 Thanksgiving Tips for Kids

🦃 Keep Little Chefs Safe
Let kiddos help with safe kitchen tasks—mixing, washing veggies, setting the table—while keeping them away from hot stoves and sharp utensils.

🥧 Manage All the Holiday Snacking
Offer a small, balanced snack before the big meal (fruit, cheese, etc). It helps prevent hangry meltdowns and overeating at dinner.

🧃 Hydration Helps
Kids get busy and forget to drink. Water between treats helps digestion and prevents tummy aches.

🧸 Bring a Comfort Item
If you're traveling, pack a favorite toy or cozy blanket. Little routines help regulate big emotions on holiday days.

🛌 Ensure Rest Time
A quick nap or quiet break can reduce sensory overload from crowds, noise, and excitement.

👐 Encourage Gratitude
Ask your child to name one thing they’re thankful for—big or small. It helps build emotional awareness and connection.

🚗 Safe Travels
Double-check car seats before long drives and take stretch breaks every few hours.

11/19/2025

💫🎄 Christmas decorating is underway, and the office has never looked cozier! We hope it makes each visit a little more magical. ⛄✨

11/07/2025

‼️We will close for lunch at 11:00 today. We will be back at 1:30!‼️

11/05/2025

🌟POV: You find out Southside Pediatrics has a patient portal! ✌

✨ Did you know our patient portal makes life a little easier for busy parents?

You can:
🩺 View test results
💬 Message your child’s provider
📅 Request same/next day sick appointments (for established patients)
💊 Refill prescriptions

Quick. Easy. One less thing to add to your list ✔️

Give us a call if you need help setting up your child's patient portal! 📱

11/02/2025

🕰️ Use Your Extra Hour Wisely, Southside Families!

Today we gain an extra hour — the perfect chance to slow down and reset before the busy week ahead. Here are a few ideas for how your family can make the most of it:

🌤️ Rest: Let the kids (and parents!) sleep in or enjoy a calm evening together.
📖 Read Together: Snuggle up with a favorite story or start a new bedtime chapter book.
🏃‍♂️ Move Your Bodies: Go for a family walk, play outside, or explore the fall leaves.
🧡 Connect: Have breakfast together, call a grandparent, or spend the hour tech-free.
🧘‍♀️ Prepare: Organize backpacks, plan healthy lunches, or talk about the week ahead.

Even one extra hour can make a big difference for your child’s rest, connection, and mental health. Let’s use it wisely! 💜

11/02/2025

🌧️ Why This Time of Year Feels Hard for Kids (and What You Can Do)

Ever notice your child seems more emotional, tired, or overwhelmed in Fall? 🍂
You’re not imagining it — and there’s science behind it.

By this point in the school year, the “new routine” energy fades, academic demands increase, and shorter daylight hours start to affect mood, sleep, and focus.
Researchers have found that reduced sunlight can lower serotonin levels, while early sunsets disrupt melatonin, making kids (and adults) more irritable and fatigued.

Add in holiday excitement, costume chaos, and sugar spikes, and even the happiest child can feel dysregulated.

Here are a few ways to help:
✅ Keep bedtime and mealtime routines steady
✅ Prioritize outdoor time — even 15 minutes of sunlight helps mood
✅ Limit after-school screen time
✅ Offer consistent praise and reassurance
✅ Keep an eye on academic or emotional struggles — early support matters

You’re not alone — this is a big adjustment month for many families. If your child’s emotions or sleep seem off, let’s talk about it. 💬

🩺 Evidence sources:
¹ American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), HealthyChildren.org — “Why Your Child May Be Struggling in Fall”
² National Institutes of Health — “Seasonal Mood Changes in Youth”

10/23/2025

💬 “How was your day?” often gets you one-word answers. Here’s why—and how to do better!

Research shows that kids open up most when parents:
✅ Ask specific, open-ended questions
✅ Show genuine curiosity without pressure
✅ Listen more than they talk

Try these instead of “How was your day?”:

“What was something that made you laugh today?”

“Who did you spend time with at lunch?”

“What was tricky for you today?”

“What’s one thing you’re proud of from school?”

📚 Studies in child development highlight that these conversations:

Strengthen parent–child connection 💕

Boost kids’ emotional vocabulary 🗣️

Promote mental well-being 🌱

✨ Remember: it’s less about getting all the details and more about letting kids know their voice matters. Keep it relaxed, listen closely, and follow their lead.

10/22/2025

🎃 We’re soaking up every bit of fall — the cooler days, the pumpkins on the porch, and all the colorful leaves! 🍂

Don’t forget: this time of year also brings cold and flu season. A healthy diet, plenty of rest, handwashing, and flu vaccines are the best ways to keep everyone feeling their best. 🥕💧💤

Here’s to a happy, healthy fall for your family! 🍁

10/19/2025

🐠✨ Something fin-tastic just arrived at our office! ✨🐠

We’re excited to introduce our brand new fish tank in the waiting room! 🐟🪸

Thank you Tonys Aquarium for making it happen! Our fishy friends will be swimming in their new home in the next couple of weeks! 🐟🐠