Blog

Why the 2020 Flu Vaccine is Necessary for Your Family This Year

Every year we share information about that year’s flu vaccine. As pediatric providers, we believe wholeheartedly in the importance of receiving the vaccine for influenza, and this year is no exception. This year, it is even more critical for families to act early in getting their family vaccinated. First and foremost, when you are exposed […]

Talking to Teens About Suicide

Suicide – something no one wants to think about, but every parent should talk about it. Many believe that if you mention suicide, you plant the idea, but this is not the case. Some things should never be swept under the rug. Open communication can be challenging for some teens and parents. However, identifying age-appropriate […]

As Pediatric Autism Rates Increase, the Pandemic Creates Challenges in Timely Screening

Well-child examinations are essential for several reasons, but one reason, in particular, is gaining special attention: developmental and behavioral surveillance. For the first time in twelve years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its clinical recommendation on autism spectrum disorder. Research has shown that early identification of developmental delays allows the quicker implementation […]

Five Breastfeeding Challenges You Can Conquer

More women are coming forward to share their personal experiences and struggles with breastfeeding. At Rainbow Pediatrics, we believe that breastfeeding is the best way to nourish a growing baby. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their life. […]

Seven Ways New Moms Can Help Avoid Postpartum Depression Amid COVID

When a baby is born, friends and family gather to celebrate the new arrival. However, that was before COVID-19. Today, many new moms are struggling with loneliness, exhaustion, and fear. Without a social support system to lend a hand, many feel emotionally and physically overwhelmed. Outside of the apparent need to safeguard against COVID, new […]

Parental Burnout: Four Tips for Parents

Summer is usually a time for camps, trips to the pool, sleepovers, and listening to the joyful sounds of kids giggling outside while playing. But this year is different. This year, most camps are closed. Pools aren’t open, and sleepovers aren’t permitted. Making matters even more challenging for working families: daycares aren’t open. Back in […]

The Damaging Effect of Racism and Discrimination on Children in America

The recent events surrounding racial discrimination have caused a cacophony of sounds from people on both sides of the argument. While the adults fight for injustices near and far, children are left with a myriad of feelings. Understanding racism and its effect on children is critical for parents, teachers, and everyone. The fact of the […]

Debunking Scoliosis: 5 Myths You Should Stop Believing

Scoliosis is a common spine condition that is most often diagnosed during adolescence. Scoliosis occurs when the vertebrae form a curve as opposed to being straight. While small curves do not usually cause a problem, they can worsen. There are approximately 3 million new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. While there are […]

COVID and Multisystem Inflammatory Disorder: What Parents Need to Know

New research and media coverage surrounding the mysterious illness affecting children and adolescents have many parents rapt with concern. It is called Multisystem Inflammatory Disorder in Children, or MIS-C, and while around 220 confirmed or suspected cases had been reported, the latest research indicates it may be connected with COVID-19. North Carolina is actively monitoring […]

Pediatric Immunization Rates Plummet and How This Can Impact Your Child

Many parents are avoiding the pediatrician’s office due to concerns about COVID-19. This means well-child appointments are being postponed, and necessary pediatric immunizations aren’t being administered on time. Public health experts warn that collateral damage from the current crisis epidemic could show up as outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and whooping cough. National […]

Pediatrician Approved Tips for Helping Families Thrive During Social Distancing

Too much of a good thing can be a little overwhelming. The current health pandemic has given us many things to be concerned about but has also provided many things for which to be thankful. Despite this, many families are struggling in search of some semblance of normalcy and peace amid the chaos. Fear and […]

Ten Tips for Staying Active and Positive in Isolation from COVID-19

Depending on the age of your children, the isolation caused by COVID-19 can cause feelings that are both positive and negative. It can be hard to watch kids who usually are very active sit still in front of screens for many hours of the day. With access to gyms closed and access to parks limited, […]

Eight Things Parents Need to Know About Coronavirus COVID-19

This past week, the first two positive cases of Coronavirus-COVID-19 were reported in North Carolina. With that change, many parents are concerned about the safety of their families. Here’s what your trusted pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics wants you to know about Coronavirus COVID-19. What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)? While Coronaviruses are common causes […]

Not Another Shot! Effective At-Home Allergy Treatment

Allergies can be downright miserable for the person suffering from them. They feel like having a cold, causing symptoms such as sneezing, a running nose, and fatigue. Allergies affect a child’s ability to focus in school, resulting in missed school days, as well as limiting their ability to enjoy time with family and friends. Knowing […]

Five Reasons All Children Should Have a Dentist by Age One

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children receive their first dental exam when the first tooth appears or by age 1. Does that seem early to you? Those budding teeth are just temporary. Does a dental exam at such a young age really matter? Small children are downright squirmy and have short attention […]

Four Ways to Prevent Birth Defects

When dreaming about having a baby, we yearn for a healthy, full-term infant. While some birth defects cannot be prevented, others can. Some things can be done to prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy. The challenge, however, is making sure women know precisely how and when they should get their body ready for having […]

Pediatric Obesity Rates in North Carolina are Not Adding Up

According to the State of Childhood Obesity, pediatric obesity rates have declined in North Carolina. However, what is being reported state-wide doesn’t correlate with what many pediatric providers are seeing in their offices. At Rainbow Pediatrics, we see patients every day who are morbidly obese. Often, when we look back on their medical history, the […]

Is My Child Ready for Contact Lenses?

There are the kids who love glasses and how they look in them, and there are kids who would prefer not to have to wear them. No matter the person, at some point or another, contact lenses may become a topic of conversation. Here are some readiness tips and age-appropriate considerations to help you decide […]

Whooping Cough Vaccine: Why it is Not Just for Kids

Perhaps you’ve seen the commercials. Mom and Dad bring home their beautiful new baby and Grandma comes to visit. She kisses and hugs her new grandbaby in loving endearment. In addition to the love she shares with her new grandbaby, she also shares a highly contagious respiratory infection. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is […]