COPC - Step by Step Pediatrics

Looking for your next race to set goals and stay motivated? Tag your running buddy or walking crew and register for our 4-mile or 2-mile walk/run on September 14! Registration fees are $25 or less, see the details here!
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/86662/4-the-health-of-it

See you at the starting line!

As the summer heats up, it's important to find a balance between indulging in sweet treats and fueling our bodies with . The key is to include protein or healthy fats in our snacks to keep energy levels up and avoid crashing later.

Need new snack ideas?
Check out these low or no-added-sugar recipes to keep your nutrition on track.
⭐Melon "Fries" and Coconut Dip
⭐Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites
⭐Fresh Peach Pops

Delicious Low-Sugar Snacks for Summer | Central Ohio Primary Care Summer is a time for sunshine, more daylight, time outside, and yummy treats. With all the seasonal celebrations, travel, and changes in routine, it’s easy to fall into less structured eating habits. Many summer favorites—lemonade at picnics, trips to Dairy Queen, campfire s’mores, and popsicl...

PELOTONIA is 1 week away. In 15 years Pelotonia has raised $283 million dollars for innovative cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Team COPC has been a part of Pelotinia since its inception. Check the impact with the link below and then donate to help END CANCER.

Our Impact Pelotonia is a community that is determined to see an end to cancer. Together, we've saved countless lives. Help us save more.

P**p takes up entirely too much brain space for parents! What's normal and what's not?

P**ping By the Numbers: What's Normal for Infants? Once babies have proven themselves capable of clearing out their meconium you can now pay attention to the so-called normal pooping patterns of infancy.

Enjoy this SBS Staff Spotlight…

Walk or run, we know you'll have fun! Register now for the Sept. 14, Run 4 The Health Of It 4-mile or 2-mile walk/run, or the Kids Fun Run.
Registration fees are now $25 or less! Sign up here!
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/86662/4-the-health-of-it

📅 Date: Saturday, September 14
⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Westerville Sports Complex

Recent statistics are showing continued increases in Autism. Rates are now about 2.8% of children (1 in 36). We screen for development at every well child check, but specifically look at markers for Autism at 18mos and 2 yrs. Early intervention with therapies can make a significant impact in symptoms. If you have any concerns for development reach out to the office. Additional resources are also available through Help Me Grow.

The hottest days of summer are here! It's important to take steps to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke during outdoor activities. Click to read the 6 steps to staying safe in high temperatures.

Stay Active and Safe in Summer Heat: 6 Essential Tips | Central Ohio Primary Care Outdoor summer activities, while fun, can often distract us from the dangers a hot day can cause for our bodies. With a bit of preparation and listening to your body, you can prevent developing severe conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone can experience these conditions, but senior...

Good question on Babies and microplastics in the comments below. How concerned should we be about the effect of microplastics and where are we exposed? What specifically about baby bottles?
The baby bottle crisis started back in the 90's with BPA. BPA is a chemical that softens plastics and it is used everywhere. BPA is also a potent hormone disrupter. BPA has been banned in infant products like bottles, however, the chemicals they used to replace them have not been tested and may not be better. In general the heating of any plastic causes the release of microplastics and chemicals that may be harmful. Since baby bottles are always heated, this is a potential issue. If this is a concern for you, then the only bottles you should use are glass.
The truth is we are all being exposed, continuously, in multiple products due to our modern, throw away consumer lifestyle. Single use plastics are everywhere and microplastics have entered our food and water supply with very little regulation. They are hard to escape. For example, your dashboard, carpet, and the linings of most cans can contain BPA. You can reduce you exposure by rinsing all cans good well and for looking for BPA free cans or products sold in glass jars. Never heat plastics in the microwave. If you have left-overs or a microwavable food, put it on a plate or in a glass bowl before microwaving. Do not drink from single use plastic bottles, use a glass or stainless steel bottle (it is cheaper also). At the end of the day, you do what you can, but try not to get hyper-focused. Many of these lawsuits are cash - grabs focusing on false advertising as opposed to any documented harm being done. See the link for more.

Why You Don't Need to Panic About the New Baby Bottle Lawsuits Do Dr. Brown's or Philips Avent baby bottles really expose your baby to microplastics? Here's what experts have to say.

Our phones are working again! Thank you for your patience and understanding. 🤗

Just an update on the Costco baby wipe lawsuit. A group is suing Costco for the presence of PFAS in their baby wipes. These are forever chemicals that are linked to health conditions. Unfortunately, they are everywhere including your carpet, fast food packaging, candy wrappers, pizza boxes, clothing, non-stick cookware. I could go on, but you get the idea. Limiting exposure is important, but baby wipes may not be your biggest exposure. The lawsuit is more focused on false advertising than anything else. If you want to learn more about PFAS, follow the link.
https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas #:~:text=PFAS%20Can%20Be%20Found%20in,and%20private%20drinking%20water%20wells.

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Everyone has been there. Your toddler is loosing their mind for no apparent reason and you are not able to calm them down. Insert tablet and the tantrum instantly stops. Unfortunately, this is reinforcing the behavior and will lead to more problems down the road. Recent research now backs up this common sense knowledge. Children need to learn frustration tolerance and emotional self control by feeling the big emotions and then managing them. This will take time and some guidance from parents and in some cases some consequences. However, investing early in emotional self control will pay big dividends in the long run. See the article for more information on the study.

How Handing a Child a Screen During a Tantrum Could Backfire Long-Term TUESDAY, July 2, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- When your preschooler pitches a fit, handing them a smartphone or tablet is probably the fastest -- and the worst -- w

Just a reminder, the office will be closed for the 4th of July Holiday. We are back on Friday for normal office hours.

We got a call today asking if baby wipes have cancer causing chemicals. This was not on Dr. Doom's radar, surprisingly. According to a Consumer Reports investigation they did NOT find lead, several other heavy metals; bacteria, other microbes; parabens (linked to hormone disruption); or two potential carcinogens, formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in baby wipes. However, they did find several different concerning plastics and some compounds that may cause irritation of the skin. If you are looking for non-irritating wipes that are better for the planet, check out the link below.

How to Choose Baby Wipes Without Harmful Chemicals - Consumer Reports Consumer Reports looked at baby wipes to see which don't have harmful chemicals and are safest for your family and the planet.

July is right around the corner. So you know what that means - handing your young child a molten stick of metal burning at 2000 degrees. That's right sparklers burn between 1800 - 3000 degrees. For reference glass melts at 900 degrees. Hey, everyone, it is Dr. Doom telling you to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Almost 10,000 people were injured from fireworks last year, most of them during the week surrounding July 4th. See the article below for more.

4th of July Fireworks Safety: Tips for Families ​Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. The AAP continues to urge families view public 4th of July displays rather than buying fireworks for their own or their children's use. Learn more here.

We had a special first-time visitor to SBS today! Meet Theo…❤️

June is Pride Month and it is not surprising that when a child's identity is accepted they are much more positive about their future. LGBTQ youth are at significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Having supporting and affirming people in their lives significantly reduces that risk.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE: All practices and services will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th.

OK, it is going to be stupid hot this week and it is still June. A concerning start to what may be a scorcher of a summer. Remember, children dehydrate much faster than adults. Heat index numbers take into account humidity that makes temperatures more dangerous. Your body cools not from the sweat itself, but from the evaporation of the sweat. If the air is already saturated then sweating is less effective. Fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting are all signs of heat exhaustion. If you become dehydrated, you may stop sweating all together and then your body temperature rises, which can be dangerous. See link for more.

Extreme Heat: Tips to Keep Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar Extreme heat can cause children to become sick in several ways. Make sure to protect your child from the heat as much as possible, watch for symptoms, and call your doctor if you see any develop.

Just a reminder, the office will be closed this Wednesday, June 19th in honor of the Juneteenth Holiday.

What is June 19th or “Juneteenth” and why is it so important? - Society for Public Health Education - SOPHE SOPHE's director writes a compelling blog hhighlighting Juneteenth aka Freedom Day - the oldest commemoration of the end of slavery in the US

Becoming a new parent is full of precious moments and challenges. Dr. Brooke Crum answers common questions about newborn gas, constipation, and colic. It's normal for babies to experience these things, but there are strategies to help ease their discomfort.

New Parent Guide: Expert Tips for Baby Care and Development | Central Ohio Primary Care Becoming a new parent is an adventure filled with precious moments and a fair share of challenges. From sleepless nights to decoding your baby's cries, the learning curve can feel steep. It's natural to have questions and experience stress as you navigate the early stages of parenthood. Pediatrician...

Free Patient Education Series!

The first weekend in August, Columbus turns a bright green as over 7,000 Pelotonia riders cycle to help cure cancer. Do you have a budding cyclist in your house? Well, in conjunction with local cycling groups, Pelotonia is launching an initiative to get kids involved to raise money to fund pediatric cancer research. Several area child cycling events are now being grouped together as Pelotonia Kids. There are several events through June. Check the link below for more.

Pelotonia Kids Launches in Collaboration with the OSUCCC—James to Accelerate Pediatric Cancer Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Pelotonia is a community that is determined to see an end to cancer. Together, we've saved countless lives. Help us save more.

Did you know that we are able to complete your child’s sports forms for up to 13 months after their annual well visit? Just complete all patient information and answer all student section questions on the OHSAA forms before submitting them to us.

If your child is past due for a well visit, please schedule on MyChart as soon as possible (or call the office) as summer appointments are going fast. Make sure to check your insurance to see if your plan requires 365 days between annual well checks.

While “sports physicals” are not a replacement for your student’s annual wellness exam, we do offer this option if needed.

May is National Drowning Prevention Month. Fabulous, right? Well as most pools open up after Memorial Day, I am hitting the pool thing again with a nice little video from USA Today on drowning prevention. Drowning is the leading cause of death in childhood and there are easy steps that can significantly reduce the risk..

Drowning is a top cause of death for young children. Here's what parents should know. May is National Drowning Prevention Month. Here's a look at ways to help prevent tragedies this summer.

Nature Deficit Disorder. Have you heard of it? I am a firm believer in the concept of Nature Deficit Disorder. The term was first introduced by Richard Louv in his 2005 book “Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder.” The research evidence shows that when children don't go outside and spend much of their time indoors staring at a screen instead, it may result in a shortened attention span, decreased problem-solving skills, obesity, and issues with their emotional health. Columbus has a fabulous network of Metro Parks and if you are up for the drive Dawes Arboretum in Licking County off state route 13 is wonderful. Check out the article below for outside ideas.

Playing Outside: Why It’s Important for Kids ​No matter what the weather brings, playing outside is good for kids. There is scientific evidence that playing outside improves health, and children of all ages love it. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, outdoor time and nature exploration are safe for most kids. And we know that the more ...

With temperatures already popping into the 80's this week, staying cool at the pool is sounding like a really good idea. Swimming lessons are an important way to keep kids safe at the pool. Swimming pools are attractive hazards and younger kids don't always show the best judgement when excited about swimming time. Check the article below about swim lessons and staying safe at the pool.

Swim Lessons: When to Start & What Parents Should Know ​Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the best time to start swim lessos and what to look for in a quality learn-to-swim program.  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We at Step by Step take mental health very seriously and continue to work on integrating mental health wellness in all of our visits. We have seen a tremendous increase in mental health issues including anxiety and depression over the past 10 years and have seen an even greater spike since the pandemic. Recent research has shown 49% of children will have a diagnosable mental health problem before the age of 18. 22% will have a mental illness with "serious impairment." However, only 7% will have had any type of mental health visit in the previous year. Step By Step is always here for support and promotes access to mental health services. Mid-Ohio Psychiatric Services is now co-located in our office on Mondays and Thursdays. Call the office for more information. The link below is to the National Institute of Mental Health for additional resources and information.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Find information about child and adolescent mental health, including warning signs, latest news and resources, videos, and how to find help.

Speaking of lead, you may have noticed that we have automated our lead screening process. At 1 year old and 2 year old well child checks a questionnaire will be sent to MyChart or you will fill it out at check in on the iPads. This has helped us catch children who would benefit from lead screening due to exposure risk.
Although you may have read about lead in spinach (AsYouSow.org) and in Oregano (ConsumerReports.org) by and large the largest exposure for children is environmental. Older homes with lead based paint and zip codes where the municipal water supply may still have lead soldering in the pipes are the largest cause of lead poisoning in children. If you have additional concerns, always ask. It is an easy finger stick blood test and can bring peace of mind.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Lead-Screening-for-Children.aspx

Lead Exposure: Steps to Protect Your Family Prevent lead exposure before it occurs. If your child may have been exposed to lead, talk with your pediatrician about getting a blood test to check for lead. Learn more here. 

Time for ask Dr. Doom . . . .
Q - Hey, Dr. Doom, you worry about everything, have you heard about lead in Stanley stainless steel cups? Do I need to be worried?
A - There is a class action lawsuit against Stanley for their vacuum sealed insulated cups. However, you do not need to be worried. Several manufacturers use lead solder to close the vacuum seal in their cups. This is sealed from the inside of the cup with stainless steel and from the outside by a cap on the bottom of the cup. You would have to severely damage the cup for any lead exposure. The lawsuit is more focused on false advertising as opposed to any injury. Just FYI we test lead at 1 and 2 years old for children with high exposure risks.

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