Sun Valley Integrative Pediatrics, PLLC

15/08/2023

Healthy Back-to-School Habits for the Whole Family

As the summer sun begins to wane, the excitement and anticipation of a new school year are palpable. The back-to-school season marks a time of transition, not only for children but also for parents. It’s important to nurture our children’s overall well-being to ensure they thrive mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. And while we care for our children’s needs during this time, make sure you are getting adequate sleep, hydration, and self-care as well. Here are some insights and tips that may be useful to parents and caregivers as they begin to prepare their children for a successful back-to-school journey. These tips are also great for all members of the family!

Healthy Nutritional Foundation
A well-balanced diet is the cornerstone of a child's overall health and cognitive development. As children embark on a new academic year, it's crucial to provide them with nutrient-dense foods that support their energy levels and brain function such as leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and organ meats. Incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, quality proteins, and healthy fats into their meals. Avoid processed foods such as sugary snacks and opt for whole-food alternatives that sustain energy levels throughout the day. Consider apples, carrots, cucumbers, hummus, cheese sticks, and berries if available where you live. Whole fresh food is always packed with nutrition compared to its packaged counterparts. If possible, aim for the highest quality foods such as organic, grass-fed, etc.

Prioritize Sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for children's growth, cognitive function, and ability to learn. Sleep helps to convert learned material to memory for recall later. Good sleep improves emotional well-being and helps boost your child’s immune function. Establish a consistent sleep routine that ensures your child gets the recommended amount of sleep for their age. Limit screen time before bedtime, create a calming pre-sleep ritual, and ensure their sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to restful sleep. Good sleep hygiene means their bed space is for sleep and other activities are done elsewhere. This can be helpful for us adults too!

Mind-Body Connection
Encourage mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques to help children manage the challenges of a new school year. Practicing deep breathing, gentle yoga, or short meditation sessions can help alleviate anxiety and improve focus. Teaching children to tune into their emotions and practice self-awareness from a young age lays the foundation for lifelong emotional resilience. There are many tools for this. Here in the Wood River Valley, Flourish Foundation has a program called The Mindful Awareness Program Digital Course, as well as pre-recorded meditations you can explore for various age groups. Learn more about what the Flourish Foundation offers at www.flourishfoundation.org. Other apps such as Calm and Headspace are also great resources for training mindfulness.

Stay Active
Physical activity isn't just important for maintaining cardiovascular conditioning; it also boosts mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Encourage your child to engage in regular physical activity, whether it's through organized sports, dance, outdoor play, or simply walking or biking to school. The connection between the body and mind is enhanced by physical activity and this connection plays a vital role in a child’s health. Movement plays a vital role in everyone’s health. Move joyfully as much as your lifestyle allows. Keeping our exercise joyful is also important

Open Communication
Create an environment where open communication thrives. Encourage your child to share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences, both positive and challenging. Active listening fosters trust and helps you address any issues they might be facing, whether related to schoolwork, friendships, or other aspects of their lives. Active listening is being present to the child’s questions, needs, and ideas without offering a series of solutions or judgments about the shared information. Imagine being supported, heard, and allowed to share all that is on your mind to open a stage for the next steps. Active listening is preparation for the guidance stage and allows your child to be received and heard first.

Natural Immune Support
As kids gather in school settings, it's important to support their immune systems. Prioritize a nutrient-rich diet, including foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and other immune-boosting nutrients such as oranges, kiwi, consider shellfish and organ meats, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, and proper hand hygiene (wash those hands!)- all contribute to a robust immune system. Please give us a call about any of your supplement questions.

By focusing on nourishing the body, nurturing the mind, and fostering emotional well-being, you set the stage for your child's success in both academic and life endeavors. Embrace this opportunity to cultivate a balanced back-to-school journey that supports your child's growth, development, and overall health. By doing so, the whole family benefits.

Wishing you a happy return to school this fall.
~ Dr. Paul Fowler

208-809-8889

01/08/2023

Keeping Your Child Well-Hydrated During Hot Summer Days

As the scorching sun of summer takes over, it's crucial to prioritize your child's hydration to ensure their well-being and overall health. While reaching for a refreshing glass of water is an obvious solution, taking a holistic approach to hydration can yield even greater benefits. In this article, we will explore various strategies and tips to keep your child well-hydrated during hot summer days.

Encourage Frequent Water Consumption

Water is the foundation of good hydration. Encourage your child to drink water regularly throughout the day, especially when exposed to heat or physical activity. Aim for several glasses of water daily.

Make Hydration Fun and Creative
Drinking water doesn't have to be boring. Infuse it with flavors by adding slices of fruits like lemon, cucumber, or berries. Create homemade fruit popsicles using natural fruit juice or pureed fruits. Offer herbal iced teas or diluted fruit juices as alternative hydrating options. Engaging your child in the process of making and choosing their beverages will make hydration exciting and enjoyable.

Optimize Nutrition
Hydration is not solely dependent on water intake. Include hydrating foods in your child's diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, oranges, and grapes. These fruits have high water content and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Incorporate hydrating snacks like yogurt, smoothies, and homemade fruit sorbets. A well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables will contribute to overall hydration and support your child's health.

Be Mindful of Electrolytes
During hot summer days, your child's body loses not only water but also vital electrolytes through sweat. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, help regulate hydration and maintain proper bodily functions. Natural sources of electrolytes include coconut water, watermelon, oranges, and bananas. Consider offering these options after physical activities or prolonged exposure to heat to replenish lost electrolytes.

Provide Adequate Shade
Prevent excessive heat exposure by creating shaded areas in your backyard or at parks. Invest in a good quality sun umbrella or use natural shade from trees. Dress your child in lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton. Opt for light colors that reflect sunlight and allow air circulation, keeping them cool and reducing the risk of dehydration.

Educate and Lead by Example
Teach your child about the importance of staying hydrated and the effects of dehydration on their body. Educate them about the signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness. Be a role model by staying hydrated yourself and making healthy choices. Children learn by observing, and seeing you prioritize hydration will encourage them to do the same.

208-809-8889

25/07/2023

We are accepting new patients! Give us a call today 208-809-8889

200 W. River St, Ste 205
Ketchum, ID 83340

Trusted source for holistic pediatric healthcare in Sun Valley, ID. Our personalized approach nurtures your child's growth from the roots up. Schedule an appointment for well-child visits, functional medicine, sports physicals & more.

07/06/2023

Join us at Sun Valley Integrative Pediatrics as we delve into the importance of vitamin D this summer for your child's well-being. Vitamin D, which acts as a hormone, plays a vital role in various bodily functions, especially in strengthening the immune system. It has been proven to protect against and reduce the impact of many viral infections.

As we embrace the summer season and all the exciting outdoor activities it offers, let's not forget about ensuring our children maintain adequate levels of vitamin D. Let's explore the basics together.

The body produces vitamin D most effectively when specific sunlight wavelengths touch the skin. Typically, this occurs between 10 am and 2 pm during the summer at our latitude. It's important to note that about 80% of the skin needs to be exposed to the sun to produce sufficient vitamin D. Generally, just a short 15-minute exposure to sunlight is enough.

However, it's crucial to be mindful of protecting the skin from sunburn. As soon as the skin starts to redden, it's time to take measures to prevent excessive sun exposure for the rest of the day. Using organic zinc oxide-based sunscreen, sun hats, and UV protective clothing can be valuable in preventing sunburn.

While keeping track of your child's sun exposure and implementing protective measures can be challenging, especially with daily outdoor activities and less supervision during summer camp, there may be times when we need an additional vitamin D source, even in the summer.

Typically, I emphasize the importance of obtaining nutrients through a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, rather than relying heavily on supplements. However, it can be challenging to reach optimal vitamin D levels through food alone. In such cases, I usually recommend a vitamin D3/K2 supplement, suggesting half the winter dosage during summer.

The most accurate way to determine your child's vitamin D levels is through a blood test for vitamin D3. I suggest aiming for a vitamin D blood level between 40-60 mg/dl for optimal health. We are more than happy to arrange these tests at our office, or you can purchase a home testing kit online.

Without testing, a rough guideline for summer vitamin D3 dosage is around 15 iu of vitamin D3 per pound of your child's weight (for example, a 750 iu dose for a 50 lb child). Please note that the government's recommended daily allowance (RDA) is merely the minimum dosage to prevent illness, not the optimum dosage for overall health. My recommendation aims to achieve the previously mentioned blood levels associated with improved health outcomes.

Remember, vitamin D supplements should be in the form of D3 (cholecalciferol-D3). Since it is fat-soluble, vitamin D3 is best absorbed when taken with some type of healthy fat, preferably during a meal. Fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, work well together and should be consumed simultaneously. Additional beneficial co-factors include magnesium and zinc, with magnesium aiding in vitamin D absorption. A balanced meal should provide these nutrients and enhance the bioavailability of vitamin D.

Ideally, both your diet and your child's should be rich in nutrients. A quick internet search can provide you with a list of foods that are abundant in these essential nutrients. Organ meats and shellfish are particularly high in these nutrients. If you require supplements, you can find recommended brands through the Fullscript link on my website www.svipeds.com, including a liquid vitamin D3 and K2 combination. Feel free to schedule a consultation to discuss your health and supplement needs.

Enjoy a safe and healthy summer! 🌞

Dr. F

208-809-8889

15/05/2023

One question I frequently get asked is: “When should I bring my sick child in to see a doctor?”

Obviously, if your child becomes significantly ill and is experiencing a medical emergency such as they are unconscious, they are having a prolonged seizure, they can’t breathe, or other significant deviations from the norm, CALL 911 - NOW.

Otherwise, the general answer is: if you are worried then make an appointment to see the doctor or at least call their office to express your concerns to the nurse or triage practitioner to receive their guidance.

If you have significant concerns or worries, if your inner voice is speaking, it is best to either see your pediatrician or go to the urgent care/emergency department after usual business hours.

Please note that some things cannot be assessed over the phone. Examples of these are rashes, ear infections, and pneumonia among a few other things. To diagnose these, the practitioner needs to see the child in person.

If it is something concerning, receiving earlier treatment is better. If it turns out not to be serious at least your concern will be assuaged.

Here are some common things to look out for that typically require an urgent or emergency visit to the doctor (please note this is not an exhaustive list).

1. Altered mental status - Delirium, seizure, and lethargy all warrant a visit with a provider. If your child is not acting right, they should be evaluated urgently. Consider calling 911 if the cause is not clear.

2. Blurred vision - This is not necessarily eye strain from too many video games, but significant changes in vision should be evaluated urgently.

3. Difficulty breathing - If your child is struggling or working harder than normal to breathe, this needs to be evaluated and treated urgently.

If your child has a history of asthma and the symptoms are moderate, a primary care visit may be fine.

Pneumonia and croup can cause significant difficulty breathing. Both of these can have serious consequences. Croup is a narrowing of the throat typically in toddlers.

If the breathing changes are thought to be caused by an allergic reaction and breathing is difficult for your child, or they are having great difficulty breathing for an unknown reason, call 911. If the changes in breathing are an allergic reaction and you have an EpiPen, use it!

4. Excessive vomiting - This can lead to dehydration and altered mental status. If your child hasn’t urinated for more than 8 hours, that is a sign of dehydration.

5. Earache - This is not generally an emergency. Most earaches are due to inner ear pressure secondary to nasal congestion. There are some physical methods to relieve inner ear pressure. Most ear infections are viral and will resolve in 48 hours. These can generally be managed at home. If ear pain lasts longer than 48 hours, then it is more indicative of a bacterial infection and antibiotics will be beneficial. At this point, a visit to a care provider is necessary to confirm whether antibiotics are needed.

6. Strep throat - Strep throat isn’t an emergency, but does require a course of antibiotics. Usually, this is a very sore throat with fevers to 103F. Generally, there is no cough or runny nose. Sometimes strep will also present with a sandpaper-like rash.

7. Kawasaki Disease - A high fever that doesn’t break with medication and lasts for more than 4 days can be concerning for Kawasaki Disease. This needs to be treated in a hospital. Typical symptoms are red eyes, large lymph nodes as well as strawberry tongue, a medical description for a specific tongue presentation. Swelling of hands or feet could be present too as well as peeling of the skin on fingers and toes. Infants younger than 6 months may have an atypical presentation and should be seen by a provider if their temperature is greater than 104F for 4-5 days.

A word about “high fevers”
Please note that a fever itself is not dangerous. The fever indicates that the immune system is releasing signaling molecules, which trigger the fever, in order to help fight an infection. Most infectious organisms grow fastest at normal body temperature, 98.6F. A fever slows down their replication to help your body fight the infection.

Fevers can also indicate another inflammatory process. A doctor’s visit is still appropriate for fevers that don’t “break” or fevers that persist for more than 7 days.
While some small children may have febrile seizures, the fever itself isn’t going to cause any brain damage. A child might experience delirium with a high temperature just like an adult. This resolves when the fever breaks.

In conclusion
To reiterate, this isn’t a comprehensive list but should help to guide your choices about when to seek medical care for your sick child. Never disregard your intuition. A phone call to a provider is never a problem. Reach out if you are concerned or have questions.
Dr. F

SVIPeds.com
208.809.8889

10/05/2023

Dr. Fowler celebrates the body's ability to heal itself. He is grateful to be bringing his perspective on pediatric holistic medical care to the Wood River Valley.\

Dr. Fowler is a pediatrician who has always seen the body as an ecosystem that lives and thrives in harmony when it is in balance. Long before he attended medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School and residency at UC Davis for pediatrics, he dreamed of a medical practice with a core philosophy that focused on prevention and wellness, creating a felt sense of wholeness for the individual.

It became clear in his training that working with children from infancy to adulthood inspires the educational approach that Dr. Fowler offers. He will always provide as much information as he can with the time he has with you and your family. Ultimately, his goal is to empower your family with working skills and knowledge toward your fullest potential.

Dr. Fowler has also trained in functional medicine, a core component of preventative medicine, under the guidance of Chris Kresser LAc. In 2019, he completed training in basic osteopathic hands-on techniques through the Osteopathic Cranial Academy to add this powerful modality to his toolbox. He brings patience (he's also a father) and a dedication to listening deeply when providing an integrative approach to holistic care in order to meet your children's well-being needs.

Dr. Fowler's long-ago vision of a wellness practice is being brought to the Wood River Valley in Idaho and he is excited to share his experience and knowledge to expand wellness for you and your family.

Call us today to schedule a visit. We look forward to meeting you!
208-809-8889

05/05/2023

SVI Peds is a healthcare provider that caters to children's wellbeing from birth to adulthood. They offer a holistic approach to healthcare, incorporating both traditional and alternative medicine. The goal of their services is to provide comprehensive wellness support, allowing children to thrive in their natural healthy state. In addition to routine check-ups, they also provide sick care visits, where they offer nurturing and supportive care. Overall, their aim is to facilitate children's innate wellbeing and encourage them to create a life of their own intention.

We look forward to hearing from you! 208-809-8889

Trusted source for holistic pediatric healthcare in Sun Valley, ID. Our personalized approach nurtures your child's growth from the roots up. Schedule an appointment for well-child visits, functional medicine, sports physicals & more.