Pediatrician in Westminster Can Help Protect Your Child from Measles

The measles outbreak in the U.S. served as a rude awakening as it was the worst on record ever since the disease was declared “eradicated” in 2000. A KKCO 11News report says that as many as 288 cases were reported throughout the country at the start of 2014. Newborn children in Colorado are especially vulnerable, not only because babies aren’t allowed to have vaccines until they’re at least a year old but also because “high rates of travel to countries where measles hasn't been eliminated also brings the disease back to the U.S. when people aren't immunized.”

There is also the fact that Colorado has one of the lowest immunization rates in the country, as reported in the same article. Thankfully, federal and state health officials were able to quell the outbreak before it spread any further. However, parents can’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet now that summer has arrived as most children will be spending a lot of time at out-of-town trips, summer camps, and other outdoor activities—thereby resulting in potentially greater exposure to the measles virus. Should children exhibit the early symptoms of the disease, parents shouldn’t hesitate to seek a qualified medical professional, like a pediatrician in Westminster from Indian Crest Pediatrics.

Symptoms include a cough, a runny nose, and high fever, which are then followed by red or brown blotchy rashes on the skin. In addition, measles seems to have a more profound effect on kids compared to adults, owing to children’s relatively weaker immune systems. As such, children may develop other symptoms like light sensitivity and sore throat after contracting the highly contagious disease. Measles technically has no cure, but fortunately it goes away naturally—provided, of course, a child gets ample bed rest and takes the appropriate medications as prescribed.

Although hospitalization is rarely needed, pediatric measles cases should be treated very seriously to prevent a community-wide epidemic. As much as possible, infected children should stay indoors or within a child care center. However, the most preferable course of action is for parents to ensure their children receive the measles-mumps-rubella or MMR vaccine through a trusted Westminster pediatrician. This way, young kids stand a better chance of staying healthy and enjoying their summer vacation to the fullest.

(Source: Measles returning to U.S., KKCO 11News, May 30, 2014)

Westminster Pediatrics: Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe All Summer Long

For children, summer is the perfect season to socialize, pursue a new hobby or two, and get more physical. However, with all the physical activity going on, summer is also the time when the risk for injuries typically increases. Head injury prevention is of utmost concern, as serious injuries in this particular body area not only impair children’s development but can also be life-threatening. Whether your children prefer to play in the yard or the great outdoors, you must always keep their safety in mind.

A Westminster pediatrician is the best source of information for any questions or concerns you may have about children’s summer safety. Meanwhile, here are some simple tips, courtesy of BrainLine.org, for you and your kids to remember so they can stay injury-free this summer:

"Wear a helmet

A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury from a bicycle crash. Make sure you always wear a properly fitted helmet.

Always buckle up

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young adults 16 to 20. During a crash, a seatbelt helps keep a person more secure inside the vehicle than if not wearing a seatbelt.

Watch children at all times in or near water

Children like to explore and discover new things, so take the following steps to keep them safe:

·         Use safety gates or define perimeters to keep children from wandering off and getting into serious trouble, especially around backyard swimming pools. 8 Pools should always have fences all the way around them.9

·         Get training in basic water rescue skills, first aid, and CPR.

·         Learn to swim and teach your children to swim."

It’s perfectly all right for you and your kids to go outside and have fun during summer. Yet be sure to carry out the necessary precautions and to keep the above safety tips in mind so you can enjoy your time under the sun without any regret. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Having said all that, you can never tell when an accident may occur. As such, you also need to have a sensible strategy in place for any untoward incident that may occur, even in your own home. Fortunately, a reliable Westminster pediatrics office such as Indian Crest Pediatrics employs board-certified pediatricians who are ready to help you keep your child safe and well all year round.

(Source: 8 Top Tips for Safe Summer Sports, BrainLine.org)

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 

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.