National Grandparents Day was celebrated last month on Sept. 11th, 2016. This special day to honor grandparents was initiated by Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade in 1970. It was first celebrated in West Virginia in 1973, and later US Congress passed legislation in 1978 to celebrate…
Therefore we must prepare with timely vaccination. West Plano Pediatrics will be holding our first flu clinic on September 27, 2016. This year the Influenza injection (“Flu Shot”) will be the only vaccine available. Due to the ineffectiveness of the live nasal spray vaccine (“Flumist”).…
Our lives are highlighted by many milestones; the first which begins from the time we are born and take our first breath. As a parent and physician, it has been a wonderful journey watching not only my own children achieve their milestones, but observing hundreds…
School is out! Summer vacation starts! As a child growing up in a family of five, I often took road trips with my family whenever we traveled on vacation. I remember sitting snugly between my sisters in the backseat for hours and hours. I also…
When the weather warms up, our children enjoy being outdoors- especially exploring wooded areas and looking for creatures in the creeks. At other times, they simply enjoy spending time with us as we work on our yards and gardens. Now that the outdoors are green…
The sun is shining…outdoor play is calling. How can you protect you and your family from the sun’s harsh rays? Limit time outdoors from 10am-2pm as this is when the sun’s rays are strongest Protect your skin by keeping it covered and by wearing a…
So, you have tried every cream and steroid and cleanser on the shelf. What is next? Sometimes, an infection may exist which requires antibiotics and a visit to us. However, there are 2 more trials of therapy that help some children: bleach baths and/or wet…
Spring is here…mosquitoes will start to appear. Zika and West Nile viruses are known to be transmitted via mosquito bites. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family. Generally, it is recommended to avoid being outside during dawn and…
Spring is here… the groundhog foretold. Are you prepared? Springtime signals new buds on the trees, flowers blooming, and grass renewing. For gardeners, it is a wonderful time of the year. For those with allergies, it may be a dreaded time of year. Allergic rhinitis…
Eczema is a frustrating skin condition that many children have. Eczema causes dry, red, itchy skin that gets better or worse no matter what you do! During an eczema flare, almost anything will worsen the eczema, including scratching. Of all the things that we can…
As parents, we unquestionably love our children. How could anyone resist a cuddly and smiling infant? However, during the teenage years, our love is often put to the test with teenage attitudes and behaviors. Yet, our love remains unquestionable. But, does your teenager know it?…
Cold and flu season is in full swing and with it comes FEVER. Children in the first few years of life get on average 6 viral colds and 3 viral diarrheal illnesses a year. These viral illnesses do not respond to antibiotics and each one…
When my older boys were younger, I wanted to make New Year’s Eve a special and meaningful time. But, what to do when they were too young to stay up until midnight? I came up with our own New Year’s Eve tradition. We had a…
How do we help our children to have hearts of gratitude? When my boys were younger, I had them earning money for simple chores at home. Instead of using a chart system or actual money, I printed up Leon Family Credits on paper. My boys…
Breast milk has lots and lots of advantages; breast is best. Even so, breast fed babies require additional vitamins. They should begin Vitamin D once breast feeding has become established. In the baby aisle at the grocery store, Enfamil sells D-Vi-Sol. (You may not buy…