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Showing posts from June, 2019

One Question Could Save Your Child’s Life

As pediatricians, the safety and well-being of all children is our primary concern. When we counsel families on topics like safe sleep, baby proofing a home, selecting the right car seat, sunscreen, choking risks and even preventative care, we are ensuring children grow up safe and healthy. Firearm safety is no different. Children are naturally curious and no matter how many times you tell them not to touch something, it’s inevitable that their curiosity will get the better of them. Even if parents think their firearms are safely stored or hidden out of a child’s reach, studies suggest that children do know that there is a gun in the home – and they know how to get to them. One in three homes in the United States have guns. Having access to firearms can significantly increase the risk of injury to children of all ages. Among children, 89% of unintentional shooting deaths occur in the home . Most of these deaths occur when children are playing with a loaded gun in their parent’s absen

SPORTS PHYSICALS:Get your child ready to compete!

Summer is almost here but believe it or not, it’s also time to prepare for the next school year. Soon thousands of middle, junior and high school student-athletes will be trying out and practicing for their school teams. Whether they’re playing on a court or a field, your child will need proof of a current sports physical examination. Pre-participation exams are usually required by the school district or sports league and are important to ensure your child is physically ready to play. In addition, sports physicals are the best way to inform coaches about a player’s medical issues or previous injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the pre-participation physical exam take place with the student-athlete’s primary care doctor. This allows for a complete and private visit with a physician who knows your child and is familiar with their health history, allowing them to evaluate any record of past injuries or concussions. During your child’s sports physical, your CPCMG ped