Listed below by topic are "handouts" or information regarding routine care of infants and children.  You will need Acrobat Reader® to view them:

     We are providing these pages to our patients and their parents as a quick reference guide to some common health issues.

     Please maintain regular face-to-face contact with us! No website or reference guide can replace personal professional care for your child.  If your child is taking medication or is being treated for a specific condition – or if you have questions about whether any information is appropriate for your child – check with us or schedule an appointment.

Although we will try to keep the information on these pages up to date, check with us for the most current insights or if you have any questions. Let us know if you find this service helpful, have suggestions to improve it, or think any information on these pages is incorrect. We'd appreciate your feedback!

Summertime Safety!

Tick Bites:  Most tick bites amount to nothing but an annoyance.  While ticks in North Carolina can carry some illnesses, it is very rare to find Lyme disease here.  After a tick is removed, sometimes there can be a firm slightly red bump that can last for a couple weeks.  For information on how to remove ticks and the care of tick bites, click here. You will be taken to an external website at the University of Michigan.  If you have any questions about a tick bite that your child has received, please call our office.

To prevent bug bites, from ticks to mosquitos, certain precautions can be taken, such as wearing clothing that covers more of the body and tucking pants legs into socks.  You can also use bug repellent, sprayed on the skin and on clothing. We recommend bug sprays with DEET, as no other product has been shown to be as effective, and safe in younger children.  Children can use DEET products of 10% when exposure is for a couple of hours.  Up to 30% DEET has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics when exposure may be prolonged or intense.  Keep products with DEET away from the mouth and eyes. It should be washed off at the end of the day.  For more information about bug bites and repellents, please click here, and you will be taken to an external website.  Mosquito bites in North Carolina can leave a large red bump that can be itchy. This bump, often caused by the tiger mosquito, can last for a couple of days. A reaction that is worsening, or that concerns you should likely be seen.

Sun Exposure:  As beach trips and days at the pool increase, we need to be careful about sun exposure. We recommend for children to use a sunscreen, SPF 30 or greater for children who may be in the sun for more than 30 minutes, especially from 11am to 4pm, when the suns rays are the strongest.  Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight.  If it is likely that an infant will have sun exposure, we recommend the use of a sunscreen, even under 6 months of age.  For more information on sun exposure and sun burns click here. You will be taken to an external website.

General Information/Child Care

Also: Check out this site for some fun and helpful health information for the whole family!

 WELL CHILD CARE
We at Cary, Fuquay-Varina and Apex Pediatrics understand that there is much information on talk shows and the internet about vaccines.  Through our evaluation of current research and review of recommendations by pediatric and infectious disease experts, we have confidence in vaccines; in the prevention of dangerous diseases and in their safety -particularly with relation to their reported association with developmental disabilities.


While there are numerous sites reporting stories and personal statements about vaccine safety, we would recommend you visit the website:

www.vaccinateyourbaby.org

and the handout:

Advice about your Baby's Shots

They specifically address concerns in the community about reported associations with vaccines.  Bear in mind that diseases we vaccinate are not gone.  The number of cases of measles last year was more than any single year since the 1990's; most of the cases in children who have not been vaccinated either because of age or by choice.    

Scientific reports about the association between vaccines and autism can also be found here:

Autism Science Foundation


You can also visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website for more information.


Checkups


The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends yearly checkups for all children from 1 through 18.  These visits are an opportunity to "catch-up" with the doctor, to make sure that health and development are proceeding normally, and to anticipate any changing needs of the child emotionally and physically in the year to come.


Checkups sometimes serve as an opportunity for a family to discuss other concerns, like asthma, allergies or medications. If you have concerns beyond routine for your child, please let our staff know ahead of time so we can ensure you have an appropriate amount of time with the provider during your visit.

Infections

Extensive information on vaccines, the illnesses they prevent, and vaccine controversies can be found at:

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

The National Network for Immunization Information

Parent of an infant born prematurely?  Please follow the link below, and fill out our form on the Synagis® Vaccine for your next visit if your child qualifies.

Information on RSV

Synagis® Form

Injuries

Safety