Practice News

Understanding how to support your teen through these ups and downs is crucial for their well-being and future success. Our Medical Library offers a wealth of expert tips and resources designed to help you gain insight into the unique challenges faced by teenagers and equip you with practical strategies to foster their resilience and promote healthy development. By exploring these valuable resources on teen health, you can empower your teen to not just survive but truly thrive during this critical period of their lives. Explore our teen health resources now!

It's incredibly important to recognize your baby's unique hunger cues – subtle signals like rooting, lip smacking, or increased alertness can indicate they're ready to eat. For those who are breastfeeding, ensuring a proper latch is crucial for both effective feeding and comfort. Likewise, for bottle-fed infants, maintaining the correct bottle position is key. Regardless of the feeding method, consistent burping breaks are essential to help alleviate discomfort from swallowed air. Prioritizing these foundational aspects of newborn nutrition will help set the stage for your baby's healthy start in life. Learn more about feeding your baby.

Sunny days and starlit evenings spent playing, splashing and exploring can leave kids with more than warm summertime memories. Balmy weather also can lead to itchy, irritated skin. Check out the list from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to see how you can help prevent, identify and soothe these common summertime skin rashes.

Regular well-child visits are essential for nurturing your child's growth and ensuring they reach every developmental milestone. These comprehensive check-ups are key to staying up-to-date on important vaccinations and proactively addressing any health concerns that may arise. From those crucial first newborn appointments through the teenage years, we are dedicated to providing the care and support needed to ensure your child stays healthy and thrives. Don't delay in investing in your child's healthy future – schedule your next appointment with us today!

The term "pneumonia" means "infection of the lung." While pneumonia was extremely dangerous in past generations, today, most children can recover easily with proper medical attention. What Causes Pneumonia? Viruses, like the flu or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), cause most cases of pneumonia. Children with viral pneumonia often develop symptoms gradually, which tend to be mild. Most cases of pneumonia follow a viral upper respiratory tract infection, such as the common cold. Less often, bacteria can cause pneumonia. When this happens, children typically become sick more quickly, often with a sudden high fever, cough, and sometimes rapid breathing. Types of bacterial pneumonia include pneumococcal pneumonia, mycoplasma pneumonia (walking pneumonia), and pertussis (whooping cough). Certain children, such as those whose immune systems or lungs are weakened by other conditions like cystic fibrosis, asthma, or cancer, are more likely to develop pneumonia. Children with other abnormalities in their airways or lungs may also have a higher risk. Since most forms of pneumonia are linked to viral infections that spread from person to person, they are most common during the fall, winter, and early spring, when children spend more time indoors in close contact with others. The chance that a child will develop pneumonia is not affected by how they are dressed or by cold air temperatures. Signs & Symptoms of Pneumonia in Children Like many infections, pneumonia usually causes a fever, which in turn may lead to sweating, chills, flushed skin, and general discomfort. The child may also lose their appetite and seem less energetic than usual. Babies and toddlers may appear pale and limp and may cry more than usual. Since pneumonia can cause breathing difficulties, you may notice other, more specific symptoms, including: Cough Rapid, labored breathing Retraction (drawing in of the skin) around the ribs and breastbone Flaring (widening) of the nostrils Chest pain, especially with coughing or deep breathing Wheezing Bluish tint to the lips or nails, caused by decreased oxygen in the bloodstream Although pneumonia is usually diagnosed based on signs, symptoms, and examination, a chest X-ray may sometimes be needed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of lung involvement. Pneumonia Treatment When pneumonia is caused by a virus, there is typically no specific treatment other than rest and standard fever control measures. Cough suppressants containing codeine or dextromethorphan should not be used, as coughing helps clear the excessive secretions caused by the infection. Encourage the child to drink clear fluids, use nasal saline, and, in some cases, take guaifenesin (to loosen mucus). Viral pneumonia usually improves after a few days, although the cough may linger for several weeks. If a child’s cold does not improve or worsens after 7–10 days, the pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic, as it can be challenging to distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia. All antibiotics should be taken for the full prescribed course and at the recommended dosage. While it may be tempting to stop them early, this can allow some bacteria to survive and lead to a recurrence of the infection. Follow up with the doctor if your child shows any of the following warning signs that the infection is worsening or spreading: Fever lasting more than 3–4 days despite antibiotic use Fever that goes away and then returns after a few days Breathing difficulties Increased lethargy and sleepiness Evidence of an infection elsewhere in the body, such as red, swollen joints; bone pain; neck stiffness; vomiting; or other new symptoms Is Pneumonia Contagious? Generally, like ear and sinus infections, pneumonia itself is not contagious, but the respiratory viruses and bacteria that cause it are. These germs can spread through coughs and sneezes if they are present in someone’s mouth or nose. Germs can also spread through shared drinking glasses, eating utensils, and contact with used tissues or handkerchiefs. If someone in your household has a respiratory or throat infection, keep their drinking glasses and eating utensils separate from others, and wash your hands frequently, especially if you’re handling used tissues or dirty handkerchiefs. Additionally, children under one year old are at higher risk if they are exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke, especially if their mother smokes. Can Pneumonia Be Prevented? Some types of pneumonia can be prevented with vaccines. Children typically receive routine vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, and whooping cough beginning at two months of age. Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection and one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. Influenza spreads easily from person to person, typically when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Influenza is a common cause of pneumonia, especially among young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions or those living in nursing homes. While most flu cases do not lead to pneumonia, those that do tend to be more severe. The flu vaccine and an updated COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for all adults and children aged six months and older. These vaccines are especially important for children with chronic illnesses such as heart or lung disorders or asthma. Since flu strains change each year, getting a flu vaccination each season is necessary to stay protected against the most current strains. When possible, keep children away from anyone showing respiratory infection symptoms (such as a runny nose, sore throat, or cough). During the COVID-19 pandemic, masks were shown to be very effective in preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia.

If you take your child to an Urgent Care or Emergency Room when we are closed, please take them to a facility that is staffed with Pediatricians at ALL times. (Especially if you have a child under 5 years old). Also, please let us know in the portal so we can request records. These are the ONLY facilities in the area with PEDIATRICIANS at ALL TIMES: Kidmed Urgent Care 5021 Craig Rath Boulevard, Building IV, Midlothian, VA 23112 4687 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen, VA 23059 8356 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Chippenham ER 7101 Jahnke Rd, Richmond, VA 23225 VCU Pediatric ER 1001 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23298 St. Mary’s ER 5801 Bremo Rd, Richmond, VA 23226 This DOES NOT INCLUDE Swift Creek ER, St. Francis ER, Bettermed, or Patient First among others . We take pride in knowing your families and providing comprehensive, compassionate, and continuous care to your children. Sincerely, Dr. Lee & Dr. Blakey AAP: Best Care for Children Remains at the Pediatrician’s Office - HealthyChildren.org

We have the FLU SHOT & FLUMIST available now for everyone 6 months and older. Schedule today in our patient portal.

We are so grateful to Jati for being our rock these first 3 years we have been open! She has also been in the medical field for about 6 years. Outside of work Jati spends the majority of her time with her 4 children and husband. They go to church and enjoy family game/movie nights together! She enjoys reading, doing Sudoku puzzles and going to fun enjoyable places with the family.