How to Avoid Common Kid Injuries in the Summer

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The summer is a fun time for kids as they have more free time and can enjoy outdoor activities. However, more time for outdoor activities can create more opportunities for injuries at a higher rate.

Here are some common summer kid injuries and how to avoid them:

When kids are at the beach or pool, it is important to watch them when they are in and around the water. Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure more experienced swimmers are with a partner every time. Designate a Water Watcher by choosing an adult to be responsible for watching children in or near the water for a certain period, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be a Water Watcher.

It is also important to teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll them in swimming lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development, and how often they will be around water. Learn CPR and be ready in case of an emergency.

Sun exposure during daily activities and play can cause the most sun damage. Overexposure to sunlight before the age of 18 is most damaging to the skin. UV rays are strongest during summer months when the sun is directly overhead; this normally occurs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Use an SPF of 15-30 or higher sunscreen to block the sun’s rays. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it often during the day. Use broad-spectrum sunscreens that block the greatest amount of UVA and UVB rays.

The risk of a head injury is higher in the spring and summer months, with popular activities such as bike riding, skating, and skateboarding. Parents should seek medical attention for their child should any of the following occur after a head injury:

Vomiting

Alteration in mental state

Increased irritability, fussiness

A seizure

Weakness in parts of the body

A bad headache

Wearing a helmet can prevent brain injuries and should become a habit. Helmets that fit properly can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45%.

Summer is a rare time when children can enjoy trampolines. However, trampoline jumping can pose a high risk of injury for children. The activity can result in sprains and fractures in the arms or legs, as well as head and neck injuries. If you allow your child to use a trampoline, follow these important safety rules:

- Always have adult supervision when children use the trampoline

- Use safety nets and pads. Cover the trampoline’s frame, springs, and surrounding landing surfaces

- Place home trampolines at ground level, as a fall from a higher surface can increase the risk of injury

- Make sure the trampoline is set at a safe distance from trees and other hazards

- Allow only one person to use the trampoline at a time

- Don’t allow flying somersaults or other potentially risky moves on the trampoline without proper supervision, instruction, and proper use of protective equipment such as a harness

- Don’t allow unsupervised jumping. If you use a trampoline ladder, always remove it after use to prevent unsupervised access by children

Summertime fireworks can be fun on holidays like the Fourth of July. However, it is important to make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave lighting fireworks to the professionals

When barbecuing or grilling, it is important to make sure children stay a safe distance from the grill. Make it a point to:

- Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill

- Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately

- Be aware of charcoal that may still be hot in grills and fire pits. They can burn children even when there isn’t a fire

- Always supervise children around outdoor grills

If your child has suffered an injury, you can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-3007. If they are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

July is observed as Juvenile Arthritis Month. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease, children can suffer from it as well.

Juvenile Arthritis or pediatric rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that describes inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children who are 16 years and under.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and is rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:

Physical exams

Blood tests

Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:

Medications

Physical or occupational therapies

Surgery

Self-care

If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, it is important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-3007.

Why Are More Kids Getting Kidney Stones?

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Kidney stones are deposits of different minerals that can accumulate in the urinary tract. They typically occur in adults but can affect children and babies as well.

There are many types of kidney stones, including:

Calcium stones are the most common type usually caused by a high intake of certain substances such as salt
Cysteine stones can form in people who have cystinuria, an inherited disorder, marked by increased formation of stones in the bladder, kidneys, and ureter
Struvite stones, most often occur in women who have urinary tract infections
Uric acid stones can occur with gout or after chemotherapy

Kidney stones don’t cause symptoms until they move around in the kidney or pass into the ureter. Small stones can pass out of the body with little or no pain. However, larger stones in the urinary system can get stuck and cause many symptoms, including:

Intense pain in the lower back and/or in the sides
Frequent, urgent, and painful urination
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in the urine and/or cloudy urine
Urinary tract infections secondary to kidney stones accompanied by a fever

Kidney stones have several causes, but two of the most common causes in children are not drinking enough water and having a diet containing too much salt and ultra-processed foods. Most children with underlying conditions are more at risk for kidney stones. These conditions include:

Diabetes
Obesity
Problems with how the urinary tract is formed
Metabolic disorders
Gout
Other kidney conditions
Conditions that affect the thyroid or parathyroid gland
Some urinary tract infections

Other reasons that make a kidney stone more likely are:

Not having enough citric acid in the urine
Having too much calcium in the urine
Some medicines
Special diets, such as a ketogenic diet that is sometimes used to prevent seizures

Kidney stones are diagnosed when a healthcare provider asks about the symptoms and how long they have been going on, about the child’s diet, whether the child is dehydrated, and if there is a family history of kidney stones, or urinary or kidney problems.

The healthcare provider will also perform exams to diagnose kidney stones, including:

Blood tests
Urine tests
Kidney function tests
Imaging tests, which can show the exact size and location of the kidney stones, helping the doctor decide on the best treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the type of kidney stone and its size. Some children will only need to drink a lot of water and take pain medications to pass the stone. Those with larger stones may need surgery or other treatments to help remove the stones.

It is not always possible to prevent some types of kidney stones. However, all children who have had kidney stones should drink a lot of liquids, water being the best, throughout the day while avoiding dark sodas, soft drinks, and sports drinks. They should also limit the amount of salt and protein in their diet.

If your child is experiencing kidney stone symptoms, you can talk with a doctor at the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-670-3007.

Staying Safe from the Quad-emic of the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the Norovirus

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Winter is usually a prime season for flu and RSV cases to rise. However, in recent years, COVID-19 and norovirus infections have been added to the list of winter illnesses creating a “quad-emic”. A quad-emic means these four viral illnesses are spreading simultaneously.

It is important to know when you, a loved one, or a child are showing signs and symptoms of any of the four illnesses to seek immediate care. These contagious viruses can cause health complications and hospitalization, especially for those in high-risk populations if they are left untreated. High-risk people include:

Children
Elderly people
Pregnant women
Those with preexisting health conditions such as asthma and heart conditions

Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). Flu cases typically rise in the winter. A flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection, but it is still possible to get the flu if stronger strains form or if you are considered high-risk.

COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is highly contagious and symptoms vary from person to person. Even if you are vaccinated or have immunity from a past infection, you may still be at risk as new variants form.

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and the flu and are very dangerous for infants, young children, and older adults.

Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu causes vomiting and diarrhea and is extremely contagious.

Symptoms of the quad-emic illnesses include:

Fever
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Runny nose
Body aches
Sore throat
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
Fatigue

Treatment will vary by severity of the symptoms and by diagnosis. Some cases can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, but others may need prescription medication. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best treatment plan. If you are considered high-risk, they will monitor your symptoms to ensure they aren’t getting worse.

Ways to help to reduce the risk of infection include:

Practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands
Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Staying isolated if you are feeling sick to avoid spreading it to others
Getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19

If you are experiencing any of these quad-emic illness symptoms, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Norovirus

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is very common and highly contagious. About 685 million cases are reported globally each year. Of those cases, over 200 million affect children.

Norovirus outbreaks occur most often between November and April in countries above the equator and between April and September in countries below the equator.

There are several symptoms of norovirus, including:

Nausea
Stomach pain
Headache
Fever
Body aches

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last one to three days. Norovirus symptoms are generally the same in adults and children, but adults may experience more diarrhea than children and children may vomit more than adults.

A virus in the Caliciviridae family causes norovirus. When the virus enters your body, it causes your stomach and intestines to swell or become inflamed. This is called gastroenteritis, which leads to norovirus symptoms.

There are many ways to contract norovirus, including:

Through close contact with someone who has the virus
Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose
Eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages

Norovirus is the biggest cause of illness from contaminated food in the U.S. The virus typically spreads when someone who has the virus touches food before serving it to someone else. Sometimes, certain foods such as oysters and other seafood are naturally contaminated with norovirus.

Anyone can get infected by norovirus. Factors that put you at risk for norovirus include:

Coming in contact with someone who has the virus
Having genes that make you more likely to develop symptoms

A healthcare provider will diagnose norovirus after learning about your symptoms. Testing isn’t usually necessary, but a healthcare provider may ask for a stool sample to confirm your diagnosis. Testing will be done if you have an underlying medical condition that affects the performance of your immune system and your ability to fight infections.

There isn’t a cure for norovirus. Treatment for the infection focuses on relieving symptoms, which will go away in one to three days. You can manage the symptoms of norovirus by:

Drinking plenty of fluids, especially those rich in electrolytes
Getting a lot of rest
Eating soft, bland foods

There are many precautions you can take to reduce the risk of getting norovirus, including:

Washing your hands often with soap and water
Washing fruits and vegetables before eating them
Cooking your food thoroughly (especially seafood or shellfish) or to an appropriate temperature
Avoiding contact with people who are infected with norovirus
Cleaning and sanitizing frequently touched objects and surfaces
Washing your clothes thoroughly, especially if they are soiled

Please note that using hand sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus particles as effectively as washing your hands with soap and water. If you are infected with norovirus, you shouldn’t prepare food or care for others, as you can spread the infection.

If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms of norovirus, schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. It is an annual observance dedicated to promoting the safety of toys and gifts for children, particularly during the holiday season. It serves as a reminder to parents, caregivers, and gift-givers to choose age-appropriate and safe toys to ensure the well-being of the children who receive them.

Started by the nonprofit organization, Prevent Blindness, National Safe Toys and Gifts Month focuses on raising awareness about the importance of selecting toys and gifts that meet safety standards and align with a child’s age and developmental stage. The month aims to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inappropriate or hazardous toys, especially when gift-giving is most common.

Too often, accidents involving children and toys occur and may result in eye injuries. Each year, thousands of children ages 14 and younger suffer serious eye injuries, including blindness, from toys, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Approximately one in ten children’s eye injuries caused by toys end up in the ER.

Promoting safe toys and gifts during this month is essential for children’s well-being. Ways to participate and ensure safe gift-giving include:

Check labels: always look for age-appropriate labels on toys and gifts, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Avoid small parts: steer clear of toys with small parts or choking hazards for young children.
Inspect for hazards: examine toys for sharp edges, loose parts, or any potential dangers that could harm children.
Read reviews: research toys and gifts online, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from other parents and caregivers.
Consider the child’s age: consider a child’s age, interests, and abilities when selecting gifts for them.
Support educational toys: choose toys and gifts that encourage learning, creativity, and development.
Spread awareness: share safety tips and information about safe toys and gifts month with your community and on social media.

Taking the proper precautions can avoid many accidents and injuries involving children’s toys. Let’s all do our part to encourage their safety.

To schedule an eye exam for your child at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

What To Do If Your Toddler Has A Fever

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

A fever is an above-normal increase in the body’s temperature. A normal body temperature is about 98.6^°F. A temperature of 100.4˚ Fahrenheit (38˚ Celsius) or higher is considered a fever for a child. Fevers show the body is fighting off infection from a virus or bacteria. Your child’s body is raising its temperature to kill the germs.

In most cases, fevers are harmless and go away in three days. Signs and symptoms that your child may have a fever include:

Feels warmer than usual
Shivering
Sweating
General body aches
Loss of appetite
Fussiness or irritability

The best way to check your child’s temperature depends on their age. The type of thermometer used to take a temperature may make a difference. Use a digital thermometer. Never use a mercury thermometer. Additionally:

Rectal thermometers are the most accurate.
Forehead thermometers are the next best choice if used the right way.
Oral and ear thermometers can be used if done properly. For oral temperatures, wait 30 minutes after drinking something hot or cold. Wait 15 minutes after coming in from the cold for an ear temperature.
An axillary or armpit temperature can be used as a quick check but it isn’t very accurate.

A fever may not need to be treated unless your child is uncomfortable. Even higher temperatures are not usually dangerous unless they have a long-term illness. Here are some ways to provide relief and help reduce your child’s fever:

Dress your child in light clothing. Overdressing them can trap the body’s heat, causing the temperature to rise.
Make sure they drink lots of fluids. Prolonged fever can lead to dehydration.
- For babies under a year old, continue to give breast milk and formula. They should not be given water. If they are older than six months, give them rehydration liquids that are rich in electrolytes.
- For children over a year old, give them extra liquids, like water, diluted 100% juice, popsicles, or rehydration liquids that are rich in electrolytes.
Your child may not want to eat much. Give them small amounts of soft foods, but do not force them to eat.
Give them sponge baths or let them soak in a tub. Water should be lukewarm, not too hot or cold. Use a washcloth to pour the water over them.
- Do NOT add alcohol to the water as it can be dangerous.
- Recheck their temperature 15 minutes after the bath. Repeat the sponge bath if the temperature is 103˚F (39.4˚C) or higher.
Over-the-counter medicines can help lower a fever. Read the label on the bottle to know the right dose for your child.
- Acetaminophen may be used for all children over two months.
- Ibuprofen may be used for children over six months.
- Do not give aspirin to children.

Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if your child:

Has a temperature of 104 ˚F (40 ˚C) or above.

Has a temperature above 102˚F (38.9˚C) for more than 2 days or keeps returning.
That has been treated to bring it down, but it has not worked.

To speak with a pediatrician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center about your child’s fever, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment. Please call 911 if there is an emergency.

Halloween Safety Tips

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Halloween is a time for dressing up, eating candy, and having fun. Unfortunately, there can be several risks when trick or treating. Here are some tips to keep you and your children safe this Halloween:

Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics like polyester or nylon.
Wear bright, reflective costumes, or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible.
Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision.
Always accompany young children when trick or treating.
Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again when crossing.
Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left.
Put electronic devices down, and keep your head up while you walk.
Caution kids never enter a home or a car for a treat.
Wait until children are home to sort and check treats before eating them.
Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home.
If a child has a food allergy, check the label to ensure the allergen isn’t present. Tell children not to accept or eat anything that isn’t wrapped correctly.
Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from their Halloween bags.

Follow these important tips to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe this Halloween. If you experience any problems, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Enterovirus D68

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Enterovirus D68 is a virus that causes respiratory illness similar to the common cold. It can sometimes lead to severe breathing issues and outbreaks of neurological disease that cause paralysis. Enterovirus D68 mostly affects children and teens, but it also affects adults.

Symptoms of enterovirus D68 include:

Stuffy or runny nose
Cough
Fever
Muscle pain or body aches
Sore throat
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea

Enterovirus D68 is contagious and spreads when a person sick with the virus sneezes, coughs, or touches a surface without washing their hands.

If you have mild, cold-like symptoms, your healthcare provider likely won’t test you for enterovirus D68. However, if you have more severe symptoms, they might use a nasal swab to test for common viruses like the flu or COVID-19. If those results are negative, your provider may suspect the enterovirus if it is spreading in your area.

There isn’t a specific antiviral treatment to fight enterovirus D68. Mild symptoms usually improve in a week or two with minimal at-home care. Severe cases need to be treated in a hospital. If you have severe symptoms your healthcare provider may treat you with:

Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Bronchodilators for severe respiratory symptoms
Intravenous immunoglobulin which is an antibody treatment that can help fight off infections

You can reduce your risk of getting sick and prevent infection of enterovirus D68 and spreading it to others by practicing good hygienic habits including:

Sneezing or coughing into the crook of your elbow
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces like toys, phones, countertops, and doorknobs
Don’t share eating utensils, cups, towels, or clothing
Keeping your kids home from school and away from gatherings when they’re sick
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing or eating food

If your child is experiencing symptoms associated with enterovirus D68, it’s important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about preventing childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity is a critical public health challenge that affects one in three children in the United States. Children with obesity face an increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea, and bone and joint problems. Obesity can also impact children beyond physical issues. It affects their emotional and social well-being as well, which leads to challenges like bullying and lower self-esteem.

Many factors impact childhood obesity, including eating and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For some children and families, obesity can be influenced by the following:

Too much time spent being inactive
Lack of sleep
Lack of places to go in the community to be physically active
Easy access to inexpensive, high-calorie foods and sugary beverages
Lack of access to affordable healthier foods

Here are some tips on how parents can help prevent their child from experiencing obesity:

Monitor growth
Provide nutritious foods
Promote drinking water
Encourage physical activity
Model healthy behaviors
Create a healthy sleep environment

Childhood obesity can be prevented by working together to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight, improve their overall well-being, and build a foundation for a healthier future.

If you would like to speak with a pediatrician about childhood obesity at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5440 to schedule an appointment.