Author name: Admin_Pediatricsfrisco

International Yoga Day June 21 . It is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the lifelong benefits of yoga. This is essence of yoga.

Summer Safety Tips for Kids in Texas Summer in North Texas means sunshine, swimming pools, outdoor sports, family vacations, and plenty of opportunities for children to stay active. While summer is a wonderful time for outdoor fun, it also brings unique safety risks. Here are some important tips to help keep your children safe, healthy, and happy all summer long. 1. Water Safety: Drowning Prevention Starts with Supervision Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related death in children, and it can happen quickly and silently. Even strong swimmers require supervision. The CDC recommends several key layers of protection around water. Water Safety Tips Always provide close, constant, and undistracted supervision around water. Designate a “Water Watcher” during pool parties and gatherings. Enroll children in formal swim lessons when developmentally ready. Never rely on floaties, inflatable toys, or pool noodles as safety devices. Children should never swim alone. Learn CPR and keep emergency numbers readily available. Studies show that formal swimming lessons can significantly reduce drowning risk in young children 2. Pool Safety at Home If you have a backyard pool, safety measures are essential.Pool Safety Checklist Install a four-sided fence around the pool Use self-closing, self-latching gates Remove pool toys when swimming is finished Keep rescue equipment nearby Use pool alarms and safety covers when appropriate Never leave children unattended near the pool, even for a moment The National Drowning Prevention Alliance recommends multiple layers of protection, including barriers, supervision, swim skills, life jackets, and emergency preparedness. (NDPA) 3. Sun Protection and Sunscreen Texas summers bring intense UV exposure. Sunburns during childhood can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer later in life.Sunscreen Recommendations Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before outdoor activities. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or excessive sweating. Don’t forget ears, nose, lips, neck, tops of feet, and scalp areas. Use hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing whenever possible. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) maintains an annual sunscreen guide that reviews sunscreen safety and effectiveness. Many highly rated children’s products use mineral-based ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Parents can review EWG’s current sunscreen recommendations here under the resource section. 4. Heat Safety in North Texas North Texas temperatures frequently exceed 100°F during the summer months, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Signs of Heat Exhaustion Excessive sweating Fatigue Dizziness Headache Nausea Muscle cramps Prevention Tips Encourage frequent water breaks. Schedule outdoor activities during the morning or evening. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces. Never leave children in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Children may not recognize early signs of overheating, making adult monitoring especially important. 5. Bug Bite and Mosquito Protection Mosquitoes are common throughout North Texas, particularly after rain and near standing water.How to Reduce Mosquito Bites Use EPA-approved insect repellents as directed. Dress children in long sleeves and pants when practical. Remove standing water around the home. Avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk. Also remember to perform tick checks after hiking, camping, or spending time in wooded areas. 6. Bicycle, Scooter, and Sports Safety Summer often means more time on bikes, scooters, skateboards, and sports fields.Safety Reminders Wear a properly fitted helmet every time. Use protective gear for organized sports. Stay hydrated during practices and games. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear. Supervise younger children when using wheeled devices. 7. Travel Safety Many families travel during summer vacation.Important Travel Reminders Ensure car seats and booster seats are correctly installed. Pack medications and a basic first-aid kit. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Keep children hydrated during long trips. Review water safety rules before visiting lakes, beaches, or unfamiliar pools. When Should You Call Your Pediatrician? Contact your pediatrician if your child experiences: Symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke Significant sunburn Near-drowning incidents Near-drowning incidents Dehydration Severe insect bite reactions Unusual rashes after outdoor activities Enjoy a Safe Summer! Summer is a time for making memories. With a few simple precautions, families can enjoy swimming, outdoor adventures, sports, and vacations while staying safe. Our team is here to help keep your children healthy all year long. Wishing your family a fun, safe, and healthy North Texas summer! – Dr. Sreemdevi Ramakrishnan MD, FAAP, DABP Helpful Resources CDC Water Safety 👈 Click here National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) 👈 Click here Environmental Working Group (EWG) Sunscreen Guide 👈 Click here EWG Top-Rated Kids Sunscreens 👈 Click here

Autism Awareness Day: A Call to Love, Awareness, and Responsibility Today, as we recognize Autism Awareness Day, we pause not only to raise awareness—but to deepen our understanding, compassion, and responsibility toward a rapidly growing community of children and families. Across the world, we are seeing an increase in autism diagnoses. While genetics play a role, we cannot ignore the growing body of evidence pointing toward environmental influences, lifestyle shifts, and changes in our ecosystem as contributing factors. But today is not just about statistics. It is about children. It is about love. The Gift of Unconditional Love Children with autism bring into this world something profoundly beautiful—the purest form of unconditional love. They remind us: To slow down To connect beyond words To experience joy in its simplest, most authentic form In a fast-paced, achievement-driven world, they gently guide us back to what truly matters—presence, connection, and compassion. A Deeper Reflection: What Is Changing Around Us? As autism rates rise, we must ask ourselves deeper questions: What has changed in our environment? How has modern living impacted our health? What are we passing on to the next generation? We are living in a time of: Rapid industrialization Declining soil quality Loss of biodiversity Disruption of the human microbiome Our soil —> once rich with life —> is becoming depleted. Our food —> once nourishing —> is becoming less nutrient-dense. Our environment —> once balanced —> is increasingly burdened. And as these systems change, so do we. The Connection Between Nature and Health There is a growing realization that human health is deeply interconnected with the health of our plane. Healthy soil → nutrient-rich food Diverse ecosystems → resilient microbiomes Natural living → balanced physiology Movements like regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and initiatives to save our soil are not just environmental efforts—they are human health movements. Because when we protect the Earth, we protect our children. A Wake-Up Call for Our Future Everything we pursue—success, comfort, achievement—is ultimately in the pursuit of happiness. But somewhere along the way, we have: Over-consumed Over-industrialized Disconnected from nature And now, we are beginning to see the consequences. Let us pause and reflect Let not our future generations become victims of our present actions. A New Path Forward. And now, we are beginning to see the consequences. This Autism Awareness Day, let us move beyond awareness into action and intention. Let us: Build a world rooted in love and compassion Choose sustainable living practices Support clean food and regenerative agriculture Reconnect children with nature Protect and nurture the human microbiome Because the future of our children is not just in medicine—it is in how we live, what we grow, and what we value. Because the future of our children is not just in medicine—it is in how we live, what we grow, and what we value. A Message of Hope Children with autism are not here to be “fixed.” They are here to teach us—to evolve as individuals and as a society. They are a reminder that: Love matters more than perfection Connection matters more than speed Awareness must lead to responsibility Let us come together—as parents, physicians, educators, and communities—to create a world where: Every child is understood Every family is supported And every action we take honors the future we are shaping Because in the end, A healthier planet creates healthier children. A more conscious world creates more connected lives. – Dr. Sreemdevi Ramakrishnan MD, FAAP, DABP This Autism Awareness Day, let us choose love. Let us choose sustainability. Let us choose a better future. -Support Thrivekids Foundation Visit Thrivekids To Donate

Encouraging healthy eating behaviors in children As a mother of three, my greatest lessons in nutrition did not come from textbooks — they came from watching my children explore food with wonder. In the first year of life, children are naturally mindful eaters. They do not simply taste food; they experience it. They see the colors, squeeze the textures, bang it on the tray to hear the sound, and then look up to read our reaction. Eating is not just nourishment — it is discovery. I learned that when we allow space for this exploration instead of rushing it, we nurture curiosity rather than control. Each of my children also taught me that every child has a unique relationship with food. My youngest insisted on independence, pushing my hands away to feed himself. My middle child approached each bite cautiously, tasting with the tip of her tongue before committing — now a budding young chef. My oldest embraced every flavor without hesitation. These differences reminded me that our role is not to force, but to guide. When we offer food with patience, joy, and respect for their individuality, we help build not only healthy bodies, but a lifelong, healthy relationship with food. – Dr. Sreemdevi Ramakrishnan MD, FAAP, DABP

What Are the Symptoms of an Allergy? An allergy arises when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance (allergen) for a threat. This triggers an inflammatory response, leading to symptoms that vary depending on the allergen and the individual. These signs can help you identify a potential allergy and seek medical attention.Common allergy symptoms often involve the respiratory system. You might experience a runny or stuffy nose, accompanied by frequent sneezing. Itchy, watery eyes are another telltale sign. In some cases, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing can occur, indicating a more serious reaction.

Developmental Disabilities Developmental disabilities are severe, long-term problems. They may be physical, such as blindness. They may affect mental ability, such as learning disabilities. Or the problem can be both physical and mental, such as Down syndrome. The problems are usually life-long, and can affect everyday living. Often there is no cure, but treatment can help the symptoms. Treatments include physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Special education classes and psychological counseling can also help.

Why Is Newborn Care Important? While it is natural for new parents to show the utmost care for their newborn baby, there are so many different things to consider, and remember that it can be difficult for parents to do so on their own. As such, the desire to care for one’s baby is not always matched with the knowledge of how to do so in every situation, especially for new parents. With that in mind, having a board-certified pediatrician who is trained and experienced in providing expert medical care to newborns is an invaluable support for parents.Newborn care can help minimize the risk of your baby acquiring an illness or accidental injury while also optimizing their growth and development. Additionally, newborn care can provide parents with the reassurance that their child’s pediatrician will take excellent medical care of their child and be in their corner should they need any medical guidance or advice as they care for their little one.

What Happens During A Pediatric Vision Screening? As your child grows and develops, the depth of the vision screenings will become more in-depth and check for different abnormalities. For example, a pediatric vision exam for an infant will involve tests of pupil response to light, their ability to fixate on an object and follow it with their eyes, and other similar exams. As they get older, they will be tested with retinoscopy, which examines the retina, random dot stereopsis to see how well your eyes work together, and a visual acuity test, in which they will also be asked to read letters or numbers of various sizes on a chart at a specific distance to observe how far they can see. These tests can help identify issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes, color blindness, problems with depth perception, and more.