Topeka Pediatrics

09/11/2025

🤧 Flu Season is Here – Protect Your Child! 💉

The flu can hit kids hard, but the good news is: the flu shot is safe, effective, and the BEST way to protect your child (and your family!) this season.

✅ Recommended for most people 6 months and older
✅ Helps prevent serious illness and hospitalizations
✅ Quick, easy, and available now in our office

Call us today to schedule your child’s flu shot and keep them healthy all season long! 🍂💉

📞 785-273-4165

09/02/2025

Cold season is coming, lets keep these kiddos healthy!

🧼✨ Healthy Hands, Healthy Kids! ✨🧼

Handwashing is one of the easiest (and most powerful!) ways to keep your child healthy. Germs spread quickly—especially in schools, playgrounds, and at home.

🖐️💦 How to Wash Hands the Right Way 💦🖐️

1️⃣ Wet hands with clean, running water.
2️⃣ Lather with soap—don’t forget the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
3️⃣ Scrub for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice 🎶).
4️⃣ Rinse well under clean, running water.
5️⃣ Dry with a clean towel or air dry.

✨ Clean hands = fewer germs, fewer sick days, and healthier kids!

🚰 Handwashing = fewer sick days + healthier kids!



For more information on handwashing, visit this link: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hand-washing.html

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day! We are closed today, but we will reopen tomorrow, September 2nd. If you have an urgent health care need that cannot wait until regular business hours, please call the office and follow the prompts to reach the provider on call.

08/29/2025

🌡️ Fever Information for Parents

🤒 What is a fever?
• A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature, 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• It’s the body’s natural way of fighting off infections like viruses or bacteria – it tells us the immune system is working the way it is supposed to.

🚨 Call your pediatrician if your child:
• Is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Has a fever that rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly
• Has a fever lasting longer than 3 days
• Has trouble breathing, persistent vomiting, a stiff neck, severe headache or uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea
• Seems unusually irritable, very drowsy, or unresponsive
• Has any signs of dehydration: dry mouth, sunken soft spot, unable to keep down fluids or less than 3 wet diapers a day

🏠 Not every fever needs to be treated but here are ways to help your child at home:
💧 Hydration is key – Offer plenty of fluids (water, breast milk, formula, clear soups).
🛏️ Encourage rest – But quiet play is okay if your child feels up to it.
👕 Keep them comfortable – Light clothing and a cool room help.
💊 Fever reducers – Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your child is uncomfortable. Always follow dosing instructions and ask your pediatrician if you’re unsure.
🚫 Never give aspirin to children.

‼️ What matters more than the number on the thermometer?
👉 How your child is acting. If they are alert, drinking fluids, and playful at times—even with a fever—that’s reassuring.

👍 Bottom line:
🌡️Fever is a sign the immune system is doing its job. Trust your instincts—if you’re worried about your child, it’s always best to call us.

Visit this link for more information:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-Without-Fear.aspx

08/21/2025

💧 Hydration Matters for Kids of all ages! 💧

Did you know children are more likely to become dehydrated than adults? Staying hydrated helps with energy, focus, and overall health—especially during hot summer days or while playing sports.

👉 Signs of dehydration in children:
• Dry lips or mouth
• Less frequent urination
• Fatigue or irritability

👉 Why hydration is important for teens:
• Boosts energy & focus in class
• Helps performance in sports & activities
• Prevents headaches, fatigue, and mood changes
• Supports healthy skin and digestion

✅ Hydration tips for parents:
• Offer water regularly (not just when your child says they’re thirsty).
• Pack a refillable water bottle for school, sports, and outings.
• Choose water over sugary drinks.
• Add fruit slices (like lemon, strawberries, or cucumbers) for fun flavor!

✅ Hydration tips for teens:
• Carry a reusable water bottle to school and practice.
• Aim for 6–8 cups of water daily (more with sports or heat).
• Swap soda or energy drinks for water or fruit-infused water.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty—by then, dehydration has already started.
Parents: Encourage your teen to make hydration part of their daily routine—it’s a simple habit with big health benefits!

Keeping kids hydrated = keeping kids healthy! 💙



For more information on hydration visit the link below:
https://www.stlouischildrens.org/how-much-water-does-my-child-need

08/12/2025

🍎 Back-to-School Health Tips for Kids 📚

A healthy start to the school year sets the stage for success! Here are quick tips to keep your child feeling their best:

1️⃣ Get Plenty of Sleep – Aim for 9–12 hours for school-aged kids.
2️⃣ Pack Nutritious Lunches – Include fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein.
3️⃣ Stay Hydrated – Send a reusable water bottle to school.
4️⃣ Wash Hands Often – Teach proper handwashing to prevent germs from spreading.
5️⃣ Stay Active – Encourage after-school play, sports, or family walks.
6️⃣ Keep Immunizations Up to Date – Protect against preventable illnesses.
7️⃣ Talk About Mental Health – Check in with your child about their feelings.

08/05/2025

📚😴 Back-to-School Sleep Tips for Kids

🕒 1. Shift Bedtimes Gradually
Move bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes every few nights until your child is back on track.

📵 2. Power Down Screens
Blue light suppresses melatonin, the hormone that tells the body it is time to sleep. Turn off tablets, TVs, and phones at least an hour before bed to help melatonin do its job.

🧘 3. Create a Calming Bedtime Routine
A warm bath, brushing teeth, bedtime story, journaling, or gentle music can signal it’s time to wind down.

⏰ 4. Set a Consistent Bed and Wake-Up Time
Even on weekends! This helps regulate your child’s natural sleep rhythm. Stick to a 2+ sleep schedule. Go to bed no later than 2 hours after your regular bedtime and wake up no later than 2 hours after your regular wake time.

😌 5. Make the Bedroom Sleep-Friendly
Keep it cool, dark, and quiet. Consider blackout curtains or a white noise machine if needed.

Well-rested kids are healthier, happier, and ready to learn! If your child is struggling with sleep or you're unsure what’s normal for their age, we’re here to help. 🩺💤

📍 Topeka Pediatrics – 29th & Urish
☎️ Call us today for back-to-school checkups or sleep questions!



Follow this link for more information on sleep hygiene and back to school sleeping tips! https://www.sleepfoundation.org/school-and-sleep/back-to-school-sleep-tips

07/28/2025

August is almost here and so is the beginning of the school year! Is your child planning to play school sports? Don’t forget to schedule their sports physical before the school year starts! 🩺📋

📞 Call the office to schedule! (785) 273-4165

07/21/2025

🦟 Summer fun often brings unwanted visitors — 🕷️ bug bites and stings! While most are harmless, they can still cause discomfort and irritation for little ones. Here's what to watch for:

✅ Common Reactions:
• Redness or swelling
• Itching or minor pain
• Small bump or welt

🚫 Watch for Warning Signs, have your child seen with any of the following:
• Spreading of redness or swelling
• Pus or oozing
• Fever or difficulty breathing (seek immediate care)

🛡️ Prevention Tips:
• Use kid-safe insect repellent
• Dress in long sleeves & pants when outdoors
• Avoid scented lotions or bright clothing
• Check for ticks after playing outside

💡 At-Home Care:
• Clean with soap and water
• Apply cold compress
• Use hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines if approved by your pediatrician

📞 Need help or have questions? We’re here for you!


For more information on what insect repellent to use and what to do about bites and stings, visit the links below:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Insect-Repellents.aspx
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/insect-stings-sheet.html

07/07/2025

📢 We have a big announcement! You may have seen a new face around the office lately. Please welcome Heather Sleichter, APRN FNP to the team! She will be at Topeka Pediatrics every Monday and Tuesday! She will also be at our sister clinic, Partners In Pediatrics , on Wednesdays and Fridays! Heather, and all of our other providers, are taking new patients 🙂

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July to all of our patients and families! We are closed today and the weekend for the holiday. We will reopen Monday, July 7th at 8am. Topeka Pediatrics patients can call the office number to page the provider on call for any urgent health care needs that cannot wait until regular business hours.

We hope you have a happy and safe 4th!

07/03/2025

Go Dr. Z! Updated information on the measles outbreak and how it is affecting Kansas.

As of June 2, 2025, 83 cases of measles have been reported in Kansas, most in the southwest region of the state.