Here is a sampling of what we are seeing at the office:

Another “Flu-like illness”. High fevers (103-104 F), body aches and extreme tiredness. Almost no other symptoms until the end of the illness (day 5-7) when runny nose and cough develops. I have been surprised by this illness at this time of year, but we are rolling with the punches! Please bring your child in if she has trouble breathing or keeping hydrated….over the counter GENERIC tylenol or motrin help tons with the symptoms.

Strep Throat–extreme sore throat, refusal to eat or drink, fevers and sometimes a red, “sandpaper” type rash on body. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. Bring your child in for evaluation–we have a quick test we can do to determine if it is the actual “Strep” germ and then treat with antibiotics.

Roseola–this is another high fever illness that ends with the fever going away and boom, a total body rash that is a red color. Classic viral illness that requires no antibiotics, just much love and care.

Injuries: These are preventable with proper protective wear and thinking! Helmet always with any riding activity–bike, skateboard, scooter, etc. Sometimes protective knee wear and wrist/elbow pads. Please insist on these things and start early so it becomes natural to put these on before the activity. One more pet peeve: Parents MUST wear the gear also to be good examples and for the same reasons–prevention of a serious injury!!

And last (but certainly not least!), we are seeing a lot of people having a great summer break–get out there and enjoy the time off! Until next time…..

Parent and child

Parenting: “One who nurtures and raises a child”

Parenting is one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life–it is also one of the most exasperating things I’ve ever done in my life! Are these little ones manipulating me or really showing a need? How do I teach them to care and love others? What about doing the dishes, laundry and knowing how to prepare the best meal ever for that “special someone” in their lives?? What about that first game on the soccer field or the first time the car is driven by my new “adult” child?

Well, here is a view of what bannana slugs do…a parent with the child. Leading the way, but allowing the child to forge ahead on their own. Close enough for help, yet far enough for independence….wow!!

Fun with cups!

Well, you may think that we are serious and professional at our office….however, I have learned through my “more experienced” colleagues, if you aren’t enjoying yourself by being silly, what good is it??

I have found that the best “toys” for kids are the ones that have other purposes….kitchen utensils, pots and pans, plastic cups…these things cost a fraction of what the “real” toys cost and for some reason, the kids love them!

Enjoy your day and I hope you have gotten a giggle from our silliness!!

Imagine how excited I was when a mom commented to me yesterday that she loves our practice and feels like she is in Disneyland whenever she comes in with her child -”It is magical what you guys do here”!

Now I realize I am fortunate to work here in Monterey at “Disneyland”!!

Disneyland in Monterey

Dr. Rosen, come back!

PS: Actually, we have known all along where he was and can’t wait for his vacation to end!

Spring fever

Oh boy! Spring is in the air and kids of all ages are doing what they do best–sharing germs!

For the past few weeks, we have been busy “stamping” out diseases (or letting your child’s body do its job with the “stamping”!)

Just for review: Viruses are germs that only go away when your immune system works its magic….antibiotics do NOT help kill viruses! Bacteria are germs that your immune system can fight, however, antibiotics are often used to help your body eliminate the bacteria.

So, here is what we are seeing out there in our wonderful Monterey County community:

Roseola…VIRAL illness. Your child will get high fevers and feel yuk. Most of the time there are no other symptoms. This will last for several days and then the fever disappears. You think all is well, but wait, now your child has a red, blanching rash on their body (tiny little spots)! Yikes! Take a deep breath, the rash is not dangerous and will go away in a few days. Your child is no longer contagious once the rash develops. You and your child have survived Roseola!

Hand-Foot-Mouth (and sometimes Butt) Disease….VIRAL illness. Your child will have fevers, will drool and refuse to take liquids or food, will complain of throat pain (if old enough to talk) and you will notice red and/or blister-like lesions in your child’s mouth, on the palms of your child’s hands, the soles of their feet and yes, sometimes around their bottom area. Once again, take a deep breath, as this illness will resolve on its own. Very important: pain/fever management (tylenol or motrin) AND lots of cool, non-citrus, non-salty liquids to drink. The mouth sores really hurt and certain foods/liquids will make it worse. If you think your child is getting dehydrated, please call our office!! 333-0999

Finally, we are seeing Strep Throat…BACTERIAL illness. This one is a good one! Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes you will notice a “sandpaper”-like red rash on your child’s body (mainly abdomen area). This illness will need antibiotics in order for your child to get better. We can test for this in the office which means bring your child in if you suspect Strep Throat.

As always, if you feel your child does not look good, is having trouble breathing or seems dehydrated, do not hesitate to call us and make an appointment! We are committed to seeing your child for acute illnesses on the day you call. It is always better to get your child seen than to worry.

Until next time….

Dr. Jill's chickens...they love their coop

Well, so far it has been a busy month!!

Here is what we are seeing at the office:

The croup virus (or “coop” virus as one mom said) is still raising its flag and waving quite vigorously! As mentioned in the “February 2010 blog” post, lots of “seal-like” coughing, a raspy voice, a runny nose and healthy fevers (sometimes up to 104 degrees). It can last up to 7 days and will keep you (and your child) up most of the night. Cool, fresh night air helps settle the cough (and also will help you get to know the sea lions that now live on your front lawn looking for their new friend–your child!). Please come see us or call us if you think your child is not doing well. Most children will get better without any help from us…

A big one: Fever! There is a virus out there causing healthy fevers, chills, body aches and grumpiness! As a parent, you should always be on the lookout for ear aches or coughing that worsens…we have seen many “secondary” complications (ear infections, pneumonias and dehydration) from this tough virus. These complications sometimes require further care (antibiotics, additional care in the hospital, fluid replacement due to dehydration, etc.). As always, when in doubt, call the office: 831-333-0999

The stomach virus is starting to fade, but still there….lots of time in the bathroom near the toilet! Small sips of clear liquids (pedialyte, gatorade, ice chips, etc) and tylenol/motrin for fever or abdominal pain. Once again, please call if your child does not look good, if they haven’t urinated in 8-10 hours, or if they turn green! I’m always on the lookout for aliens and I’m pretty sure they are green…

May the force be with you and may the “coop”, I mean croup virus, stop laying the “eggs” of infection in our beloved community…those sea lions need to go back to their own home!!

Those pesky germs!

Have you ever heard one of the pediatricians at MPPMG tell you that “Fever is your friend”?? What kind of a friend is that? Are we crazy? Isn’t it our job to stop the fever??
Fever is your body’s natural way of fighting any infection. If you boil water, the germs will die–same with fever. Your body knows how high a fever should get to kill the infection. Sometimes it’s 100 degrees, sometimes it’s 104 degrees (fahrenheit). Of course, a person doesn’t feel good with a high fever, but the fever is doing it’s job. There are even some studies to suggest that letting your body have the fever will help you get better quicker.
Now, some people worry that if the fever gets too high, their child will suffer seizures or brain damage. I have yet to see a child (with a normal brain) have a fever above 106.5 degrees….it is pretty rare and your child’s body knows to not go above that number. Trouble can happen when your temperature is above 106 degrees and you want to get your child evaluated ASAP if the temp is getting that high.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen) are great for lowering fever and helping your child feel better. It is ok to let your child have the fever as long as they look good, but it is also ok to give medicines to lower that fever.

Bottom line: Fever is your friend AND your child’s friend–doing its job in a spectacular way!

Dr. Gendelman...stamping out diseases and grumpiness

Just a quick blog to let you know what illnesses are out there this month:

We are seeing the stomach virus–lots of time in the bathroom with vomiting and diarrhea! Keep your child hydrated with pedialyte, gatorade, clear liquids. Wash your hands often and wash them again!! Did I mention that you should wash your hands?? This will keep you from getting sick as soon as your child gets better.

We are seeing the common cold–congestion, headache, coughing and sometimes fever. Treat your child with tylenol or motrin should they feel achy or have fever. Sometimes this becomes an illness called bronchiolitis. Watch your child’s breathing and should you see problems, call us immediately!

We are seeing the “croup”–that illness with the seal-like barky cough in the middle of the night and high fevers. Here in Monterey, the cough sounds a lot like all those sea lions out there…don’t be surprised if a few of them show up on your front doorstep looking for their new friend–your child!!

Kidding aside, with any illness, do not hesitate to call us if your child has trouble breathing, is not staying hydrated, or just doesn’t “perk” up when their fevers go down. We are available 24 hours a day to help you.

More updates in future postings….