2017-2018 Flu Vaccine, What You Need to Know.
1. The flu virus is a common and unpredictable illness, and it can cause serious complications and death, even in healthy children.  The best way to protect your child is by getting the flu vaccine each year.   According to recent studies, At least 101 children died from the flu in the 2016-2017 seasons.

​The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual influenza vaccination for all people ages 6 months and older, including children and adolescents. Especially out of home caregivers and caregivers of children with high risk conditions including all children under the age of 5.

2. Even though it may seem late, now is the time to get your child vaccinated.  Flu vaccine shipments have already arrived.  Call your local Pediatrician to schedule your appointment. 

3. People DO NOT get the flu from the flu vaccine.  The Flu vaccines are made from killed viruses. Mild symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and chills, can occur. The side effects of the flu vaccine are usually mild and resolve quickly. The most common side effects are pain and tenderness at the site of injection as with any other vaccine. Fever can also be seen within 24 hours after immunization. 

4. This year’s flu vaccine is only available by injection.  The nasal form of the vaccine was not found to be as effective.   

5. Can I still get the Flu if I have been vaccinated?  Yes. Previous studies have shown that the flu vaccines are about 60% effective. The good news is that vaccinated people who do get the flu usually get a milder form of the virus. People who are not vaccinated will be more likely to be in bed longer with fever feeling miserable and could develop a secondary infection like pneumonia.  

6. The flu vaccine can be given at the same time your child receives his/her other vaccines. It is also important to note that children 6 months through 8 years of age may require 2 doses of the vaccine spaced one month apart to be fully protected. These children should receive their first dose as soon as the vaccine becomes available.

Please contact the office to schedule your child’s Flu Vaccine today:

Central Office: 1100 West 39 ½ Street, Austin, TX 78756 
Phone: 512-454-4545 

North Office: 4100 Duval Rd., Bldg 4, Ste. 100, Austin, TX 78759 
Phone: 512-250-0220 

Additional Resources:

• Flu.gov (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Preventing the Flu: Resources for Parents & Child Care Providers

 

Here are 5 great ways to involve your child in the kitchen that will not only teach them useful skills but also help them build confidence.

Engage other senses.
It can be a challenge raising a picky eater, but some of these challenges can be overcome by encouraging your young ones to join you in the kitchen. Did you know that taste not only includes the sensations on your tongue but also smelling with your nose? For many children it causes anxiety to try new and foreign foods. However, if they participate in the cooking process they can be familiar with the ingredients along the way. Encourage them to touch, taste, or smell new ingredients to build familiarity.

Use cooking to raise smart kids.
Many lessons can be taught in the kitchen. Children learn the process of planning and completing a project by following a recipe. This can also provide children with a sense of fulfillment. Children can also learn math skills such as adding and measuring.

Make cooking part of the family culture.
Family meal time does not have to start at the table. You can create family traditions and make memories by cooking together as a family. This is a great way to pass down recipes from your cultural heritage and teach your children the importance of a healthy lifestyle. It is also beneficial to share with your child some of your holiday traditions that often revolve around meals. Share with them the meaning of your traditions and encourage them to help you maintain these seasonal traditions.

Keep it safe.
It is very important to teach your children the proper skills to stay safe in the kitchen. Show them how you can use a hot pad to protect your hands from heat and how to hold kitchen utensils properly. When you involve your child in the kitchen make sure to keep in mind their abilities. Assign simple tasks like rinsing produce and tearing lettuce leaves to ensure the safety of little ones in the kitchen.

Ask for input.
Help your children feel more included by involving them in the meal planning and preparation process. Ask them what recipes they would like to make and have them help you shop at the market. When you are cooking together let your child critique the recipe and discuss what you do and do not like together. Overall these tips will help your children feel more included and build more confidence in the kitchen.
 
Reference: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Cooking-With-Your-Children.aspx

The holiday season is an exciting time filled with friends, family, fun, and of course food. Holiday traditions continue to become more centered around food. As you enter this holiday season feel free to divulge in a few meals but remember that the purpose of celebrating is not simply to over eat. 
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The rate of childhood obesity has continued to increase throughout the United States. “The consequences of obesity on children include health issues that are typically seen only in adults, such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, joint problems and high cholesterol.” As parents let us do our best to decrease childhood obesity by creating healthy habits within our own homes.
Here are some tips we have for you!

Eat Right
-Save calories by filling up on fruits and vegetables instead of heavy casseroles and desserts.
- Try infusing water with lemons, limes, and other fruits. This will add a twist to your beverage but will save you and your children calories that would have been consumed by soda and other sweet beverages.

Be Active
-Offset the extra calories consumed over the holidays by getting active with your family. Choose to spend one less hour in front of the TV and swap it for some family games and activities outside.

Have Fun
-After big holiday meals encourage friends and family to stay active to boost their energy rather than becoming lethargic.
- Promote physical activities by encouraging games like football, jump rope, and other group related exercises.

Remember you are your children biggest role model. Implement these habits into your own lifestyle and your children are likely to follow.

We hope you have a happy, and healthy holiday season!
The Team at Capital Pediatrics 
 
Reference article: https://www.choa.org/~/media/files/Childrens/about-us/newsroom/english/thanksgiving-tips.PDF
 

Many children look forward to dressing up as their favorite character and going trick or treating during the Halloween season. We here at Capital Pediatrics also love to celebrate the season but we want to help you keep your children safe and healthy during Halloween.

Here are some tips we have for making Halloween a great experience:
First teach your children to watch out for candy that has already been opened. These treats may have been tampered with or can contain choking hazards. For the same reason discourage your child from eating homemade treats and goodies that have been made by strangers.

Second you can encourage you children to get their recommended 60 minutes of daily activity by playing games and activities at Halloween parties. This can even include the walking you do while trick or treating. This will allow their bodies to burn off all those extra sugary calories from the candy and it will help limit the amount of post-Halloween rushes/crashes. 

Lastly limit the amount of treats your child eats. It may sound exciting for a child to indulge in their Halloween candy haul, but we know this can negatively affect their health. Some parents discourage candy consumption by offering a dollar to their child for every pound of candy they “sell” to their parents.
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We hope you have a great Halloween with your children! Stay Safe!
 
 Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/index.htm

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​Did you know that up to 40% of kids contract the flu simply by being in close proximity with each other? Children spend the most time together in a confined environment when they head to school. This is the basis for the experts stating that fall is the best time to get your flu shots.

Generally, back to school is the time when the temperature also starts dropping. Schools reopen on the cusp of the fall season, which is followed by the winter. The low temperatures can lead to an increased risk of flu and the common cold, and immunizing your kids against the flu is essential.

Children, in particular, resist the flu shots because of the fear of the needle. You are unlikely to find many kids who willingly head to the doctor if you tell them they will receive an injection. As a parent, you need to understand the importance of the influenza vaccine. Kids have to receive the vaccine at a young age, because the immune systems of older kids are likely to resist the vaccination. You can explain to your children that the flu shot is for their protection, because contracting the flu can lead to a torrid experience for them.

According to the CDC, over 100 children die because of the flu every year. This is an extreme case but it gives you an idea of the importance of the flu vaccine. Hence, because you should not skip flu shots and have to receive them once a year, schedule them before or around the fall season. You can receive the shot along with your child to give him/her a sense of comfort. You can be the best role model for your children, which will also make it easier for you to convince your kid to head to the pediatrician. 

Call us today either of our two convenient locations to schedule your child's flu shot!
North Office Phone Number: 512-250-0220
Central Office Phone Number:  512-454-4545

Or you can fill out the form below and we'll get back to you shortly.

​​Why Schedule a Back to School Annual Physical for Your Kids?

It’s that time of the year again… The mercury is dropping and you will soon be waking up early in the morning. Why, you may ask? Well, it’s back to school time. Among the many things you have to manage, back to school is the perfect time for scheduling your kid’s annual physical, because:

• It’s easy to remember that your kid needs an annual health exam
• It’s a good idea to make sure your kid is in good shape before going to school

The fact of the matter is that annual physical exams are necessary. Your doctor will be better able to spot any potential health problems that may arise at an early stage, which makes treatment and prevention easier.
But, why is back to school the right time for the annual physical?

1. Some schools require that your child have a clean bill of health before the term commences. If you have young kids, you might have to provide proof of vaccination. Your child’s doctor will bring him/her up to speed in terms of vaccines and also provide a complete health report.
2. If your child is taking up sports in school, you might have to take him/her for sports physical. You can combine it with the annual physical. After all, you would have a hard time convincing your child to visit the doctor twice in a year!

Prepare Your Child for the Physical
The doctor will poke and prod your kid in different parts as part of the checkup. Obviously, your kid will not be used to this, and hence you need to prepare your child for the physical. You should talk to your child about what to expect and the questions the doctor might ask.
You can also inform your kid about the different vaccines and immunizations he might receive at the clinic. Some level of preparation will help you calm your child’s nerves before the exam and also keeps his/her anxiety level low.

What You Need
You need some documents to be ready for your kid’s annual physical. Among the items you need are

• Your family’s medical history
• Insurance card and photo ID
• Prescription for any medication your kid is taking

You can schedule your kid’s back to school annual physical with the Capital Pediatric Group. Get in touch with an experienced doctor to set up your kid’s checkup in a kid-friendly environment.