Laramie Pediatrics, pc

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How to Stay Healthy

Childhood Obesity Now Epidemic

   The American Academy of Pediatrics has released information saying that the numbers of overweight children has reached epidemic proportions. Almost 60% of children to age 18 have trouble with their weight, almost double the numbers a generation ago.

   One study recently published looked at common causes of childhood obesity and found the obvious. Kids that watch TV, play video games and are not in sports are 3 times more likely to be overweight. Children with parents who smoke are 4 times as likely to be obese.

   Even more concerning is how hare it has become to lose the weight. During preschool years, only 1 in 12 children

overweight are able to return to normal weights. By School age, only 1 in 27 can return to normal weight; by the end of High School only 1 in 35.

   The most critical thing to do to lose weight is to increase the activity. More kids are overweight due to inactivity than overeating. The rule still is: Eat normal foods in normal quantities, avoid snack foods and increase your activity by 10%.

Chicken Pox Shots are finally having impact!

   The Journal “Infectious Diseases in Children” reported that this summer over 80% of children have been vaccinated for Varicella or “Chicken Pox”. The program to protect children against this common illness is finally having a positive impact and disease rates are starting to fall. It is estimated that Chicken Pox cases have fallen almost 90% since starting to give the vaccine.

   Parents used to try to expose their children to the disease to create a lifetime immunity, but the shot offers the exact same immune response without the risk.

Every year in this country over 50 kids die from chicken pox, mostly from pneumonia or meningitis from the chicken pox virus. Thousands are hospitalized. One serious complication is getting the skin lesions infected with the “flesh eating” strains of strep and going into shock from the illness. This one complication seems to be rising according to the infection study.

   If your child has not either had the shot or the disease and is over a year of age, come in to for a vaccination today.

Influenza Vaccine here and Ready to be Given

   We have received out Influenza vaccine supply now and will be ready to start giving the vaccine the middle of October.

   Last year we had a strong Influenza epidemic in Laramie; at least three different strains made their way through Laramie. Fewer adults were vaccinated due to supplies arriving late. Each year between three and five strains of Influenza will come through Laramie; arriving between November and Late March.

   Symptoms of Influenza include fever and chills, muscle aches, cough, stuffy nose and headaches. It’s like a head cold only more severe and lasting longer (1-2 weeks). Some of the complications include, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis and even death.

   All adults are recommended to get the flu shot each year. Exceptions are adults very allergic to eggs. Children may also receive the vaccine down to age 2 years as an option. Children with serious and chronic illness (like asthma, diabetes and kidney disease) should get the vaccine.

   Out office will be giving the vaccine for the same price as Public Health and will begin mid October and run until we run out of vaccine. Call or contact Jackie for more information and get your flu shot.

Office Emergencies

      Parents coming to the office after having been to the Hospital’s Emergency Room are surprised they could have been seen here in the office. Most of the illnesses parents take their kids to the Hospital for can be seen here.

   Cuts, stitches, possible broken bones, injuries are all seen in the office. Even if the problem occurs after the office is closed, Dr. Kleppinger can meet you at the office and treat the problem. Call the office number at 745-3704 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week and we’ll help you sort out if you can be seen in the office for your medical problem.

Saturday office Hours

   As the School year starts up again, we’ll be offering Saturday office hours. Each Saturday until Memorial Day, we’ll have office hours from 9:00 am until 11:00am.

   You can call our office at 745-3704 from 8:30 am on to schedule a Saturday Appointment.

Cold and Flu Season Busy Time for Infants

   Many of our parents are still recovering from last year’s cold and flu season and probably don’t want to know it’s right around the corner again this year. We usually see increases in our illnesses from Thanksgiving until Spring Break.

   Infants are especially susceptible to the colds and stomach “flu” that pass through Laramie each winter. An average infant age 6 months to 2 years will get 12-15 “Head Colds” and 4-6 “Stomach Flu” episodes. They will also average 3-4 Ear infections and 3-4 Sinus Infections. That translates into about one illness each week. No wonder parents complain their child is “always sick” during the winter!

   Older kids and Teenagers also get sick but not as often because their Immune System has built defenses against most of the common illnesses and help prevent their getting as sick.

How to stay Healthy during “Cold n Flu” Season

   Parents and Children alike have at least a change to stay healthy this winter from all the illness we’ll see here in the office. In fact, I get asked why I don’t get more than one or two minor colds each season. Here are a few tips to stay healthy:

1.wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean from the germ laden surfaces in the winter is important. Hand spread most Cold and Stomach Flu viruses directly to your nose and mouth.

2. Moisturize your nose. The dryness of winter makes your nose irritated and less able to fight off illnesses. Use a saline nose spray 3-4 times each day to re-moisturize your nose and you have a nose better able to prevent the illness.

3. Try to Avoid contact will sick people.

Not easy in Laramie in the winter. You can’t help standing in line at the grocery store and having the person behind you cough all over you. You can stay away from friends and relatives who are sick and don’t drink after other people at any time.

4. Drink extra fluids. All winter, we all get a bit dehydrated during the daytime. Drinking extra fluids can help your body stay at top shape for fighting illnesses.

5. Get some rest. Your immune system works best when you are well rested. Getting the rest you need is always a good idea, but even better when extra illnesses are in the community.

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