All Starr Pediatrics

Warmer weather means more time in the water, so now is a great time to give yourself a refresher on swim safety!
🟢 Watch kids in and around the water
🔵 Teach kids how to float or tread water, exit the water, and how to return to the surface if they are in water over their head
🟢 Educate them on the differences between swimming in a pool vs. swimming in open water like a beach, bay, or lake
🔵 Learn CPR in case of an emergency
For more swimming safety tips, visit https://bit.ly/3QISVUN.

Wishing you a very Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there! 💙

Around the time your child turns 11-12 years old, we may suggest they begin spending time with their pediatrician alone on their healthcare visits. While you may have a great relationship with your child, it's not always easy for them to open up about personal things around their parents or caregivers, and they need to know that as doctors, we’re here to help in any way we can. It is crucial that they know they can trust us and are able to open up about things they may not feel comfortable going to another adult with. Building this bond is important as we continue to see them into early adulthood and may be able to help answer any questions they have when navigating anything from issues at school or home, to being introduced to drugs or alcohol. Your child’s care is important to us, and so is their trust.

In the blink of an eye, your baby is 2 months old, which means it’s time for their wellness check! Here are some things to expect at your 2-month wellness visit!
🩺 We will measure their weight, height & length to make sure they are growing properly
🩺 Measure their head size and record it on a growth curve
🩺 Give their first set of immunizations
🩺 Screen for postpartum depression
🩺 As always we will answer any questions and concerns you have about your child and their development

Potty training can be a complex experience for both you and your toddler. Here are some helpful tips when starting to potty train,
🔵 Place their potty in a convenient spot.
🟢 Start a schedule, have them use the bathroom when they first wake up, after meals and nap time and right before bed.
🔵 Find ways to encourage them to want to use the potty. From sticker charts, big kid underwear to rewarding them each time they go. Positive reinforcements go a long way.
🟢 Read age-appropriate potty training books with them.
Remember, learning a new skill may take some time so it's important to be patient and help them through this transition.

Summer is here, which means it's time for a camp physical! During this physical our pediatricians will examine your child to make sure they are physically fit enough to participate in sports and other activities safely. It will also be a great time to bring up any questions or concerns you have about your child’s growth and development. Call to schedule their camp physical today!

School’s out, but that doesn't mean what they learned has to be. While kids may view summer as a time to forget about school, it's important they don't lose everything they worked hard to learn over the course of the school year. Here are some tips to keep your kids on track.
⏱️ Create a routine- If your child is sent home with homework for the summer, make sure they dont leave it for the last minute. Set aside time for them weekly to keep up on their skills.
🧮 Do the math- Math skills are often the first thing to fade over summer break. Try to incorporate math into daily skills like playing card games, or encouraging them to calculate the change they should receive when buying something.
🎨 Be Creative- Give your kids a fun creative outlet like painting or drawing. Bring them to museums to learn about art or history.
📖 Read frequently- Keep on top of their summer reading list. Start a family book club, bring them to the library, and encourage them to read signs, menus, and posters wherever they go.
📝 Write often- Have your child practice writing and spelling words. Ask them to help write your grocery list, or write a letter to a family member.

The years between childhood and becoming an adult are difficult to navigate, not just for teens but for parents as well. You may notice your teens spending more time away from home whether with friends, after-school activities, or working. It's important now more than ever to keep conversations flowing between you and your teen and make sure they know they can rely on you and come to you if they need to. Some of the best tips to keeping open communication with your teens are
🔵 Making time daily to hear about their activities, hobbies, and friends.
🔵 Ask questions that will assist in deeper conversations.
🔵 Take advantage of time together on trips or weekends.
🔵 Show interest in their hobbies and activities. Make time to try their hobby together or attend their games.

Today we honor the brave women and men who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and dedication to our freedom will never be forgotten. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend! 🇺🇸

Just like you taught your child the importance of sitting properly in their car seat or wearing their seatbelt, it's just as important to teach them safety when it comes to their bike, scooter, skateboard, or skates. While a child may see these items as toys, it’s crucial they know that safety must come first. Make sure each time your child goes for a ride they:
🚲 Use their helmets to protect their head
🚲 Have their shoes tied tight so they do not come loose and get caught in a wheel or chain
🚲 Wear bright clothing especially if riding at night so they are seen by cars
🚲 Keep music devices out of their ears so they can stay focused on what's going on around them

Congratulations to all of the 2024 graduates! Whether you’re moving up to kindergarten, venturing into middle school, or heading off to college we are so proud of our All Starr kids. The sky is the limit and we are excited to see you through this next step in your lives!

Our doctors are dedicated to your child’s healthcare. For existing patients who require a physician's advice, we are available after hours to take calls! To get in contact with one of our on-call providers dial 678-833-5199! We’re always one call away!

Eating disorders affect not only eating behaviors, they can also change your child’s attitude and feelings about food and their body. Sadly, eating disorders are common during teen years as their bodies change and they can begin to compare themselves to those around them. It’s important to pay attention to your child's eating habits and look out for potential signs of an eating disorder in order to keep them healthy and help them build positive relationships with food. Some signs to look out for include:
🔵 Food aversions, being picky with what they eat
🟢 Being secretive about food, not wanting to eat around family and friends
🔵 Negative self-talk about their image and body
🟢 Preoccupation with food or weighing themselves

If you notice these signs in your child it's important to call our office so we can get them the help they need.

Take the guesswork out of your infant well visits! For your baby's first month, you can expect your family to have settled into a routine following your newest addition. During your one-month well visit, we will go over your child's eating, sleeping, and bowel habits. We will also check their growth and development and answer any questions you may have!

Babies can start to teeth as early as 4 months, but it can be hard to tell when they start if you can’t see the tooth quite yet. So here are some signs to look out for if you suspect your baby might be cutting a tooth!

Today we celebrate the incredible mothers and mother figures who inspire us with their strength, compassion, love & dedication. Happy Mother’s Day to all 💙

Please join us in congratulating our very own, Lyla, on completion of her Nursing degree! She graduates TODAY from the Nursing program at University of West Georgia! Congratulations Lyla!!! We’re all so proud of you! 👏👩🏼‍🎓

It’s National Nurses Week! This week we recognize both the invaluable contributions and dedication they bring to healthcare every day. Whether you are a healthcare provider, patient, a fellow nurse, or have a friend or family member in the field, this week is the perfect time to show your appreciation to the nurses who make a difference in your life!

Calling all ASP Gardeners!! 🌸 🌹 🍅 🫑 🥕 🌳
Did you know that there is lots of evidence showing that gardening is so healthy for the mind and body!!
….EVEN FOR THE LITTLES!

Attaching a few articles speaking to the sensory stimulation, motor skills, cognitive, mood and confidence boosting benefits of playing in the DIRT!

Now! Join your ASP family in planting/playing in the dirt and feeding the bees!! 🪴🐝
Leave a like or friendly comment below on something positive you saw today or a gardening fave….and pick up a pack of American Meadows wildflower seeds ON US! 🤗 (one pack per family please)

Happy belated Earth Day! 🌎 🌱 🌳

https://www.cdm.org/blog/how-gardening-activities-for-preschoolers-help-nurture-and-develop-a-childs-creative-side/ #:~:text=Gardening%20can%20be%20used%20as%20sensory%20play&text=Kids%20can%20feel%20the%20different,grow%20edible%20plants%20like%20herbs.

https://natlheadstart.medium.com/gardening-to-enhance-early-childhood-and-help-children-grow-1f075f420674

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/gardening_with_young_children_helps_their_development

Gardening to Enhance Early Childhood and Help Children Grow Office of Head Start Director on the value of gardening

Your ASP Family enjoyed spending time together outside of the office at Bloom Ball 2024, held this year at the GA Aquarium. 🐠 🐳 🪼
Bloom is an organization supporting foster children and parents across the state of Georgia. All Starr Peds has been a proud Bloom supporter since opening, and a sponsor of this event for 7 years now!

Happy Friday ASP Families!!

Check out https://bloomouryouth.org to learn more!

At some point in your parenting journey, you’re bound to come across a temper tantrum. Though small, children still feel big emotions just like adults, and during early childhood, they won’t know how to process their feelings just yet. Children can be easily overwhelmed with emotions which causes them to react and lash out and it’s important that as their caregiver, to decode their emotions and help them through their frustration. Here are some tips to help:
🔵 Encourage your child to use words to express their feelings. This will help you come to a resolution faster.
🟢 Try to remain calm, as a loud or angry tone may cause your child to continue or imitate your behavior.
🔵 Acknowledge their feelings and help them work through to get to a calmer place.
🟢 Praise good behavior by acknowledging when they calm down.

Spring is the perfect time to educate patients and their families because it's the peak season when patients are affected by these conditions. Since 1984, May has been recognized as Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month. 2024’s theme is debunking myths and misinformation about allergies and asthma. You can help by spreading awareness and resources to those around you! For more information on Asthma and Allergies, visit https://aafa.org/

Spring has sprung, and so have the bugs! While most bug bites are harmless, they can be known to spread diseases. Some helpful ways to avoid bug bites this spring and summer are
🦟 Using insect repellent, whether you use candles or bug spray, this is a surefire way to avoid unwanted bites
🦟 Wearing protective clothing, covering exposed skin will lessen your chances of being bit
🦟 Use bed nets if sleeping outdoors
🦟 Pay attention to outbreaks on the CDC website and news to stay informed

***RECALL***

Crate & Barrel Recalls Hampshire Cribs Due to Fall Hazard Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Crate & Barrel for a free repair or full refund. Crate & Barrel is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Saturday am hours continue for next few weeks! (8–12p)
We’re here if you need us!

ADHD is developmental disorder which affects adults and children. Symptoms of ADHD often overlap with symptoms from other related physical and mental health conditions. In order for someone to be diagnosed with ADHD, they must exhibit multiple symptoms to meet the criteria for the diagnosis. Here are some symptoms to look out for:

🟢 Failure to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes
🔵 Difficulty sustaining attention
🟢 Not appearing to listen
🔵 Fidgeting with hands, feet, toys or when sitting in a chair for periods of time
🟢 Running and climbing excessively
🔵 Difficulty engaging in quiet activities

While someone can have symptoms it does not always mean they fit the criteria for the diagnosis. If you have questions or concerns about yourself or your child’s behavior, call to make an appointment with one of our doctors.

We want our kids to succeed in all walks of life, and research shows that early learning activities help mold a child to be curious about the world around them and ready to learn. Use the 5 R’s of Early Education:
📖 READ- read together daily, this helps build literacy, social/emotional skills and of course language!
🎵 RHYME- Play games, sing, or talk with your child to keep their minds stimulated.
🧠 ROUTINES- This helps children learn what to expect daily and what is expected of them. Find a schedule that works best for you and stick to it!
🥇 REWARD- if you see your child doing something good, praise them for it! Positive reinforcement is a great way to keep your kids on track.
👫 RELATIONSHIPS- a strong parent-child relationship is important to a child’s mental and emotional health. Teaching children to create strong bonds with those around them.

Happy Earth Day! Let’s celebrate and cherish our beautiful planet today and every day! 🌎💙💚

What is the best and safest way for your baby to sleep? This long-debated topic has gone on for generations, but experts say the safest way for your baby to sleep is by following these tips:
💤 Put your baby on their back for all naps & night sleeping
💤 They should be in an object & toy free environment
💤 The bedding should be tight-fitting on a firm flat surface
💤 Never sleep with your baby
💤 Don't let your baby overheat

Happy Friday!
Meet Dr. Julie Bernstein! Dr. Bernstein is the newest addition to the All Starr Pediatrics team and is currently accepting new patients. She is a Board Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with extensive training and expertise in the area of behavioral and mental health. Dr. Bernstein has experience in treating children and adolescents with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, psychosis, and autism spectrum disorders. Learn more about Dr. Bernstein's education and experience and contact us to schedule an appointment! https://allstarrpediatrics.com/About-Us/Our-Physicians/Julie-Bernstein,-DO

Julie Bernstein, DO Please welcome Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr. Julie Bernstein to our All Starr team! Dr. Bernstein grew up in Southern Ohio where she earned Bachelor@s degrees in Biology and Psychology at Shawnee State University. She went on to work as a County Behavioral Support Specialist before entering...