About Meningitis

Meningitis is a word you may have heard in the news since there have been a number of outbreaks reported in schools or colleges all over the country. It can be a serious illness, at times even fatal. Thankfully, with appropriate treatment, many kids recover completely from meningitis.

Introduction to meningitis

The central nervous system is surrounded by a fluid—called cerebrospinal fluid—that cushions and protects the brain and spinal cord when the body is active. Even more protection is provided by the meninges, which are membranes that cover the central nervous system. When the meninges are attacked by bacteria or virus, it can become inflamed. This condition is called meningitis.

How is meningitis acquired?

Most of the bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis are very common and come with other regular illnesses. Bacteria and viruses that infect the skin, respiratory organs, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary system can enter the bloodstream, reach the cerebrospinal fluid, and then attack the meninges. In some cases of bacterial meningitis, the bacteria can come from a severe local infection such as an ear or nasal sinus infection.

Meningitis treatment

Meningitis is treated aggressively. Core treatment includes intravenous (IV) antibiotics and other medications that reduce inflammation. If you suspect meningitis in your child, seek medical care immediately.

A Westminster, CO Pediatrician's Tip: Protect Your Child Against Flu

As you prepare to cross items off your holiday shopping list, you also need to prepare your child against the winter flu season. Influenza, the name of the virus that causes flu, is one of the greatest villains of the medical world. It usually wreaks the greatest havoc between the months of October and May, infecting millions of American children and causing them to suffer a combination of cough, colds, fever, body aches, and weariness.

Pediatrics in Westminster, CO: Frequently Asked Questions About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic medical condition suffered by millions of Americans. Though it may occur at an early age, it most commonly develops during early childhood or mid-adulthood. Children who have asthma often develop their first symptoms before reaching the age of five. As with many medical conditions, genetics and environmental exposure play a role in the development of asthma.

Urinary Tract Infection in Kids

Urinary tract infections (UTI) in children can occur in the bladder or kidney. They are especially common in girls and uncircumcised boys. By age 5, about 8 percent of girls and 1 to 2 percent of boys will have had UTI. Possible kidney scarring is an important reason to prevent, detect, and treat UTI, as scarring can lead to serious kidney problems for a child down the road.

Causes of UTI

UTI occurs when the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra become infected. Infection is often caused by stool bacteria. Usually, these bacteria enter the urinary tract from outside the body. However, there are cases in which the bacteria in the bloodstream enter the kidney, causing the infection. Aside from bacteria, viruses such as adenovirus can also cause UTI.

Symptoms of UTI

The most common symptoms of UTI are fever, vomiting, and flank pain. Diarrhea can sometimes accompany the condition. Infants with UTI may be jaundiced, irritable, and feeding poorly.

Is UTI contagious?

UTI is not directly contagious. The bacteria that causes it, however, can be spread by touch.

How long does UTI last?

UTI may persist until treated. Once treatment begins, improvements are often rapid. A UTI infection is usually cleared within 2 weeks or less of treatment.

Tips for Potty-training Success

Parents often look forward to the time when their child is already completely potty-trained, because that means they don’t have to change or buy diapers anymore. However, they should realize that a child isn’t going to master the habit after just a few trips to the potty. In fact, most kids take several months to get fully potty-trained.

The key to successful potty training lies more on physical and emotional readiness and less on age. Many kids want to learn how to go to the potty by themselves at age 2, while others might not be ready until they’re 2 1/2 or older. Don’t rush to potty-train your child. If you start to train him too early, it might take longer for him to learn.

To know if your child is truly ready, you need to ask yourself these questions: Can your child understand and follow directions easily? Is your child able to tell you when he or she needs to go? Does your child seem more interested in the potty chair than in wearing underwear? If your answer is yes to these questions, chances are high that your child is ready for potty training.

Once you start training, though, remember that no matter how well the process is going, you’ll likely face some problems. Talk to a pediatrician before you try to fix such problems yourself, to confirm that it is, indeed, a problem that needs fixing and not just a normal part of the potty-training process.

Take Your Child to Pediatrician in Westminster, CO Come Allergy Season

A drop in the temperature signals the beginning of the winter season. Unfortunately, it can also signal the start of your child’s sniffling and sneezing. If he has a stuffy nose and watery eyes right about the time winter comes along, that means he has seasonal allergies.

Tonsillitis: Symptoms & Treatment

Tonsils are oval-shaped lymphatic tissues that fight infection. They consist of various kinds, but the most common are the palatine tonsils, which are located on both sides of the throat. Sometimes, tonsils become infected themselves, causing them to become inflamed. This condition is called tonsillitis. Although tonsillitis can occur at any age, it is most common in children between 5 and 15 years of age.

Tonsillitis has several symptoms, including sore throat, fever, red and swollen tonsils, and painful swallowing. In many children, tonsils can become enlarged without any infection and shrink without treatment. If your child has these symptoms and don’t seem to get better over a number of weeks, take him to a pediatrician.

The pediatrician will evaluate your child to determine the correct course of treatment. The usual treatment for tonsillitis is prescription medication, but if your child has chronic, recurring tonsillitis, the pediatrician may recommend that he undergo a surgical procedure—called tonsillectomy—for the removal of the tonsils.

Should your child require tonsillectomy, both you and he/she need to be informed what will happen before, during, and after the surgery. Talking to the pediatrician and asking him all the questions in your mind will help you and your child understand the procedure better.

The Top Pre-Med Colleges in the Country

Attending a college renowned for its pre-med courses is a great step towards a person's dream to become a licensed doctor, especially a specialist like a pediatrician. Taking a distinguished college's pre-med course will not only help you apply to an acclaimed medical school, it will also prepare you much better for the rigors of becoming a physician. As such, here are some of the top pre-med colleges in the United States:

Cornell University

Cornell offers aspiring medical students a two-year pre-med course that focuses solely on preparing students for medical school via several science courses such as biology and chemistry. While this program does not offer students a Bachelor’s degree, it is more than enough to prepare a student to take medical school entrance exams two years earlier than his contemporaries who chose to enter a complete degree program.

University of Pennsylvania

Also known for one of the best Pediatrics programs in the country, the University of Pennsylvania offers aspiring medical students an extensive four-year pre-med course that results in a degree.

East Tennessee State University

This institution ffers students a comprehensive four-year pre-med program. Students who enter this program take units in Organic Chemistry, Biology, English, and Communication. The curriculum not only prepares students for the academic rigors of med school, but also equips these future doctors with the communication skills and proper attitude necessary for a career in medicine.

http://ttlearning.com/ten-best-pre-med-schools-in-america/ 

Children and Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccines

Varicella, commonly known to Americans as Chickenpox, is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in children. It is a highly contagious disease that could occur when a person is exposed to the varicella-zoster virus, eventually causing the trademark itchy, red blisters to appear on the skin after the 14 to 16 day incubation period.

Most cases of chickenpox only require rest at home, as this self-limiting ailment will resolve itself within ten to fourteen days after the blisters first manifest. In addition, many home remedies, such as oat baths and calamine lotions, can make the itching more manageable for your children. However, while most cases of chickenpox are more of an annoyance than a serious disease, a prolonged chickenpox infection can give rise to several complications: bacterial infections, pneumonia, shingles, and others.

With this in mind, a quick trip to your child's pediatrician for a chickenpox vaccination is the best way to prevent chickenpox, or to reduce its unpleasant symptoms. Aside from the benefit of significantly reducing the chances of children contracting the disease, the vaccination might be important in school, as most Colorado schools now require proof of a chickenpox vaccination before admitting a student.  Chickenpox vaccines are given in two doses; the first when a child is 12-15 months, and the second usually given anytime from 3 months after the first dose, to 6 years old.

http://children.webmd.com/vaccines/chickenpox-varicella-vaccine 

Evolving Infections: Why a Good Westminster, CO Pediatrician Matters

Each year in the United States, more than 2 million people contract drug-resistant infections and 23,000 die, primarily in a hospital setting. The figures are part of a first-of-its-kind report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, detailing in actual numbers the extent of the nation’s growing antibiotic crisis. "One of the reasons we’re issuing the report now is that it is not too late. If we’re not careful, the medicine chest will be empty when we go there to look for a life-saving antibiotic for a deadly infection. But if we act now, we can preserve these medications, while we work on the development of new medications," Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the CDC’s director, said in a media briefing.

Child Watch: Spot Illness with a Westminster, CO Pediatrics Clinic

When it comes to the health of your children, even simple fever and rashes can be the harbinger of more serious conditions. Thus, as a parent, it is important to be able to spot the warning signs of disease, or at least have a trusted Westminster, CO pediatrics center that can. Bruce Jancin of the Pediatric News Digital Network gives some points on the diagnosis of pediatric infectious diseases.

Vaccination Schedules, as Advised by Pediatricians

When babies are born, they are given protection from different diseases by the antibodies that are passed onto them from their moms, and this protection is maintained as they get nourished by breast milk. However, this protection is only temporary, and kids could sooner or later get exposed to different kinds of ailments.

For more protection, children should be given different kinds of immunizations through vaccines once they reach a certain age. These vaccinations contain weakened or inactivated parts of diseases that would help your kid's immune system create antibodies. These antibodies, in turn, would fight those same diseases without letting your kids get infected.

Pediatricians have designed vaccination schedules that parents are urged to follow in order to keep children fully protected.

For example, right after a child is born, some doctors recommend giving a dose of Hepatitis B vaccine, and then a second dose after a month or two. During the second month, babies could also be given Rotavirus, Diptheria, and then Polio vaccinations, plus another dose of these at the four-month mark. Tetanus vaccinations are also recommended by doctors, along with booster shots when kids grow older.

Influenza vaccinations can be started once a baby is six months old. Doctors recommend having these done once a year due to seasonal strain changes.

There are more vaccinations on the list. To best find out about what they are and when to get them, consult your pediatrician.

Basic Information on Pediatric Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is a very common pediatric condition described as an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Those suffering from it experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms of an upset digestive system. In children, the most common causes of gastroenteritis are bacteria, viruses, and intestinal parasites.

Between 3 to 5 million children in the world die every year from gastroenteritis. A large percentage comes from developing nations where healthcare and sanitation conditions are poor. Most of these children die from extreme dehydration resulting from a combination of vomiting, severe diarrhea, and not being able to drink enough fluids. Yet even in industrialized countries, millions of gastroenteritis cases are recorded each year, especially in young children.

In the U.S., there are 3 million cases of gastroenteritis cases in children recorded yearly, resulting in at least 50,000 hospitalizations and up to 40 deaths. Overall, 90 percent of children with gastroenteritis have such a mild case that they won't need to be treated by a doctor. However, there will be occasions when the condition will lead to serious dehydration and other life-threatening complications.

Call your physician immediately whenever an infant less than two months old shows symptoms of gastroenteritis. When older children start vomiting and suffering from diarrhea, call your doctor if they also show signs of dehydration, or if there is blood or pus in their stool, or bile or blood in their vomit.

Westminster, CO Pediatrician - Your Kid's Health is Top Priority

All children in Colorado—or anywhere else, for that matter—deserve to receive the care they need when they need it. That's why parents and child advocates came together on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at the annual “Speak Up for Kid's Health at the Capitol” event hosted by the Colorado Children's Campaign and the Children's Hospital Colorado. According to a news release by Coloradokids.org, attendees met with legislators to discuss improving healthcare access for Colorado's kids during the event.

Convincing Your Child that He's Not Hungry Anymore

Binge eating is as much of a problem for children as it is for many adults, only that the consequences pose much more of a threat to a child's developing body. Aside from the mental and emotional effects of child obesity, parents also have to worry about children's increased risk of premature death from diabetes and high blood pressure.

One way to help your kid overcome any eating disorder is to set a good example. Children are quick to mimic what their parents are doing, after all. Instead of heading to the fridge for a gallon of ice cream after a hearty meal, get up and maybe go for a nice stroll around your neighborhood.

Don't use food as a reward or punishment. Kids will only ever do things for the prospect of getting the chance to eat something nice, which probably isn't something healthy like veggies anyway. What's worse is that when they fail to get this reward, their depression just might cause them to crave even more food.

Finally, establish a clear eating schedule—preferably with some advice from the pediatrician—and make sure that it's strictly enforced. This will keep your kid from thinking about snacking whenever the mood strikes them. They might even stick to this schedule when they're all grown up.

Information Regarding Flu Vaccines

Flu viruses are constantly evolving. Each year, scientists study thousands of flu virus samples from all over the world to determine how they are changing and how are they making people sick. The results of their study will allow them to forecast which viruses are likely to make a huge impact on the next flu season. These results will also allow them to formulate the appropriate vaccines.

When to get vaccinated?

The timing and duration of flu seasons vary, but in general, yearly flu vaccination should begin in September. Other than that, vaccination can start as soon as the vaccine is made available. For your information, antibodies that provide protection against flu viruses develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination.

How many shots will a child need?

If your child is 9 years or older, he will need only one immunization regardless of what flu immunizations he has received in the past. However, if your child is below 9 years of age, he may need two immunizations. Consult with your pediatrician to learn how many shots your child will need this flu season.

Additionally, if your child is under 6 months of age, all surrounding family members and caretakers must also be vaccinated. If everyone around the infant is protected, the risk that the infant will contract the virus decreases.

No Need for Pox Parties: Visit a Westminster, CO Pediatrician for Chickenpox Vaccination

Nathan Clement had chickenpox at the age of two. Six months later, he suffered an acute stroke and his family was told that he will most likely never be able to walk, talk, read, or write. Despite the odds stacked against him, Nathan survived the ordeal and even got back on his feet swimming and playing soccer. It was a miraculous story his mother Janet had to share with other moms and parents, as reported on VacciNews.net.

Pediatrics: A Rewarding Medical Specialization

If you decide to study medicine in a prestigious school, you will like the idea of continuing education to obtain a specialization. Choosing a specialization, on the other hand, can be quite daunting, especially if you're not aware of the different advantages of the various specializations. Listed below are some of the reasons why pediatrics may be the right specialization for you:

Rewarding

As a pediatrician, you will have to deal with infants, children, and adolescents. This means you will be responsible for overseeing the physical, emotional, and physiological development of your patients. Many of your patients and their guardians may end up being almost like your second family. This can make the profession very rewarding.

Challenging

Most doctors want to challenge themselves by dealing with serious illnesses. Contrary to popular belief, the tasks of pediatricians aren't limited to treating colds and ear infections, as they also have to ably treat a variety of medical ailments and conditions. Considering the age of the patients they are allowed to handle (0 to 21), they are faced with various medical challenges that can hone their skills.

Well-Paid

While pediatricians are not the highest paid doctors in the United States, their average annual salary is $135,000. That hits the fifth spot in the highest percentile of salaries in the country. Those who choose this specialization will never experience regret once they enter the practice.

Workable Breastfeeding Strategies for Mothers

The bond between mother and baby might start in the womb, but it is reinforced during breastfeeding. When mothers lactate, it means that the time has come for babies to receive their fresh supply of nutrients. Some pediatricians and the World Health Organization recommend that breastfeeding be observed for babies up to two years of age. For mothers who prefer to feed their babies from their bosoms, listed below are some strategies to help them.

A key element to helping the baby efficiently breastfeed is for the mother to determine the right latch. This involves learning how to position the lower half of the breast and areola right into the baby's mouth so that they can suck right away. Practice different positions as well to get the optimum latch, such as the football hold. Lactation specialists can help mothers get the correct latch, as nailing the proper latch will make the rest of the breastfeeding experience comfortable for the baby.

Acquire certain devices to help maintain the breast between sessions, such as special cream to seal in the nipples during the interlude. Although breast pumping the milk into bottles does work in some cases, you have to ensure that the baby is more attuned to your nipples to prevent confusion. Help the child burp as well.

Breastfeeding helps fortify the baby with a full array of nutrients, which is vital to their development. This also cements the child's ties to their mother.

The Best Ways to Find a Competent Pediatrician

A pediatrician plays a vital role in your child’s developmental stages. That said, you'll definitely be a frequent visitor to his or her office. For this reason, parents need to carefully select the right pediatric care for their child. While credentials are important, one shouldn't neglect the importance of excellent bedside manners and maintaining a friendly atmosphere.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that parents should start looking for a pediatrician in the last few weeks prior to their expected due date. Obviously, the best place to start is by asking around. Word of mouth is still the best form of advertisement, but if you want to limit your choices to the list of participating doctors in your insurance plan, be sure to prepare a list of questions.

Does the office offer after-hours service? What about house calls? How much does the standard fee of their services cost? Pay close attention to how the pediatrician answers your questions and see if they calmly explain it to you point by point. There are times when you just have to go with what your gut tells you; if the doctor seems amiable enough and has sufficient credentials, then there is no reason why you shouldn't pick him for your child.   

Visit a Pediatrician in Westminster, CO to Get Treatment for Head Lice

Like fleas on dogs, head lice are a problem for school children. While they're pitter-pattering across the school grounds, tiny insects are crawling on their scalps and baseball caps, infecting their hair.  Although lice aren't much of a threat, they do itch up a storm, especially at the top of the necks and behind the ears of children.

The Importance of Infant Immunization

Infant immunizations are just as important to baby care as any other safety measure you may put in place. Immunizations keep your baby safe from illnesses and diseases against which they may not have a natural resistance. Some of these illnesses can have prolonged effects that could affect the child well into adulthood, and when not treated immediately, can even be fatal.

In addition to protecting your baby from common infant and childhood diseases, immunization also helps minimize the chances of an epidemic, or transmitting the disease to other individuals who may not have immunization themselves. Many of these common childhood diseases are also highly contagious.

Some of these diseases are measles, mumps, polio, and diphtheria. Measles is a common childhood disease that can lead to bronchitis and ear infections, and in rare cases, a serious complication affecting the nervous system. Mumps is a disease caused by a virus, and could lead to serious complications such as encephalitis, pancreatitis, and infertility, especially among boys. Polio is another viral disease which attacks nerve tissues and can cause paralysis. It can also lead to difficulty in breathing and even death. Diptheria is another potentially fatal disease that attacks the throat and can lead to heart diseases or complications in the nervous system.

It is highly advisable that you schedule a visit with a pediatrician immediately after giving birth to discuss your baby's immunization needs and schedule.