BCH Primary Care Alliance

Did you know seasonal depression can happen outside of winter? It's known as reverse seasonal affective disorder and typically presents with trouble sleeping, decreased appetite and weight loss, and a lack of motivation and interest in activities. ‍ Here's how to help your child through summer depression. If you have serious concerns about your child's mental health, be sure to reach out to your pediatrician. ‍ #MentalHealth #KidsMentalHealth #ReverseSeasonalAffectiveDisorder #Depression

Looking for an easy and healthy, frozen summer treat? Homemade popsicles are packed with fruit and perfect for a hot day. Here’s how to make them. ‍ 1️⃣ Blend together Greek yogurt and your child’s favorite fruits 2️⃣ Pour into a popsicle mold or paper cup with a popsicle stick 3️⃣ Freeze overnight — pop them out the next morning and enjoy! ‍ #KidsRecipes #HealthySummerRecipes #HealthyKidsRecipes #Popsicles

Since families maintain a relationship with their pediatrician from birth to young adulthood, selecting one is an important decision that parents shouldn’t take lightly. ‍ You should begin your search while you're still pregnant and try to establish a relationship with your pediatrician before your child is born. It’s worth researching and meeting with potential pediatricians — just as you would with a childcare provider. ‍ Here are 10 questions to consider to make the best choice for you and your family. ‍ #Pediatrician #Pediatrics #NewMom #NewParents

If your child is suffering from a headache, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help — but which one should you reach for? Dr. Caitlyn Hark at Framingham Pediatrics breaks down the differences between both medications. ‍ "We generally recommend using these medications only when needed, but if following the recommended dosing, they are generally very safe," Dr. Hark advises. ‍ Remember to carefully read the label before administering any medication. If you have questions about giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen to your child, reach out to your pediatrician. ‍ #Ibuprofen #Acetaminophen #Headaches #MHAM

“I have always told young pediatricians that being a pediatrician may not help you be a better parent, but being a parent will definitely help you be a better pediatrician. ‍ I have six children who have all grown up and dedicated themselves to making the world a better place. It has been hard to live up to the standards they have embodied in their lives and careers. But most remarkable of all, I have the rare privilege of sharing a profession with my daughter, who is a pediatrician and my partner in my pediatric practice. There is nothing more satisfying as a father than to collaborate with their doctor daughter in the profession you hold dearest to your heart. ‍ My advice to new fathers: remember that it is a great blessing to spend time with your children, and that your children are the best teachers in the world. Listen to them, share with them, and experience the world with them. Being a Dad means realizing that you don’t have to be a perfect role model for your children. You just have to love them more than life itself.” ‍ Dr. Charles Brown Newton-Wellesley Family Pediatrics #FathersDay

While enjoying a dip in the pool is a favorite summertime activity, drowning is a real danger for children. It ranks among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ‍ You can help protect your children by keeping a watchful eye while they swim. Lifeguards provide only added protection. There should always be a designated adult watching the water free from distractions. ‍ Starting swimming lessons early also helps your child stay safe in the pool. The American Academy of Pediatrics says some children can start swimming lessons as early as one year old, and most are ready by age four. ‍ In the event something does happen, call 911 immediately and administer CPR until medical professionals arrive. ‍ #WaterSafety #SwimmingSafety #PoolSafety

Fitness is important for every member of the family! Hyde Park Pediatrics, Greater Lowell Pediatrics, Alena Ashenberg MD Pediatrics, and Lexington Pediatrics share their families' favorite ways to stay active. ‍ For parents who are finding it hard to encourage their child to unplug from technology and spend time outdoors, Ramey Harris-Tatar at Lexington Pediatrics suggests getting involved yourself. "Make physical activity a competition with a parents vs. kids sports match or outdoor game." ‍ #FamilyHealthAndFitnessDay #KidsExercise #KidsFitness #FamilyFitness #OutdoorActivities

Helmets can help prevent head injuries while bicycling, but they need to fit properly in order to be most effective. Use this checklist for the perfect fit for your child. ‍ 🚴 When on the head, only two adult fingers should fit between the eyebrows and the bottom of the helmet. ‍ 🚴 The straps should form a “Y” at each ear. You should only be able to fit one finger under the buckle once secured. ‍ 🚴 The helmet should visibly pull down when your child opens their mouth. ‍ 🚴 The helmet should not slip or move when your child shakes their head. ‍ 🚴 When looking up, your child should see the front of the visor. ‍ #BikeHelmet #KidsBikeHelmet #BikeSafety #BicyclingSafety

Nowadays, teaching your kids how to navigate the Internet is just as important as helping them navigate real life. Here’s how to help your child stay safe online. ‍ Know the risks by being aware of where predators are online, how they interact, and ways to spot them. Keep up-to-date on the latest news regarding online safety to understand current threats. ‍ Open up a dialogue with your child and teach them how to navigate the Internet safely, such as how to identify inappropriate content online. Remind them never to respond to messages or click links from someone they don’t know, or to share personal information. ‍ Monitoring your child's activity online is a balance between respecting their privacy and looking after their safety. Especially for younger children, keep the computer in a common room and set up parental controls, such as filters that block certain sites and content. ‍ Establish a plan for how to respond if your child is exposed to cyberbullying, predatory behavior, or inappropriate content. Do not shame or blame your child for what happened, but help your child through their feelings and work to restore a sense of safety. ‍ #InternetSafetyMonth #OnlineSafety #InternetSafety #InternetSafetyTips

Regardless of your skin tone, too much fun in the sun without the proper protection can lead to sunburn. Use these tips to help soothe the sting. ‍ ☀️ get your child out of the sun right away 🚿 have your child take a cool shower or bath 🚰 give your child extra liquids over the next few days 🧴 use aloe gel or moisturizing cream to soothe itching 👖 cover any sunburn areas when going outside 💊 give ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed for pain relief if needed ‍ Prevent sunburn before it happens by regularly reapplying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. ‍ #Sunburn #SunburnTips #SunSafety #Sunscreen #SunProtection

Beat the heat! As temperatures begin to rise this summer, here are three ways to help your child stay cool. ‍ 🏖️ Stay in the shade Avoid peak heat hours (between 10 AM and 4 PM). If you have to be outside during this time, take advantage of any shady areas or set up an umbrella outdoors. ‍ 👚 Dress for the weather Clothes made from loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable fabric are the best choice when spending the day outdoors. ‍ 🚰 Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Offer your child water regularly throughout the day and remember to pack a water bottle if you are spending the day at a pool or playground. ‍ #SummerSafety #HeatStroke #HeatExhaustion #SummerBreak

Energy drinks are appealing to kids, but the excess caffeine can be harmful. Here’s what parents should know. ‍ Energy drinks have a higher amount of caffeine than soda and coffee, and many contain additional stimulants besides caffeine too. The high amounts of caffeine found in energy drinks can cause sleep disruption, increased anxiety, and mood swings amongst other symptoms. ‍ Caffeine is also addictive. Quitting energy drinks can cause withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and irritability. ‍ If your child has already started drinking energy drinks, you can reduce withdrawal symptoms by cutting back slowly. Replace energy drinks with alternatives like flavored seltzer water and find natural ways to help your child get an energy boost like exercise, balanced meals, and getting a good night's sleep. ‍ #KidsHealth #HealthyHabits #KidsAndCaffeine #Caffeine #EnergyDrinks