Children's Primary Care Medical Group Jefferson Temecula

You may have seen recent headlines about heavy metals being found in some baby foods. It may sound scary but heavy metals are common in our environment and some are even found naturally in our bodies. Low levels are unlikely to be harmful but we should do what we can to minimize exposures to our children when possible. Here’s what you need to know about heavy metals and your child. #babyfood

True or false? My toddler does not need fluoride toothpaste. #mythmonday That’s false! From the time your child’s first tooth erupts, it is recommended that you start using fluoride toothpaste. Until 3 years of age, use a grain of rice size amount of fluoride toothpaste with a soft bristled brush twice a day. After age 3, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day. #NationalChildrensDentalHealthMonth

We are so lucky to live in Southern California where sunny days are plentiful. Even in winter we can get outside for fresh air and healthy exercise. National Play Outside Day reminds us of the many reasons playing outdoors is beneficial for our children. Fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity are good for health and development. Children use up more energy playing outdoors to help maintain a healthy weight and strengthen and build strong bones. Playing outside also inspir...es curiosity, creativity, and learning. Experiencing nature has also been shown to improve stress, attention span, and sleep quality. If you have a back yard, build a fort, fly a kite, play Frisbee, jump rope, or go on a scavenger hunt. Away from home, explore local hiking trails, enjoy a neighborhood walk, or take a bike ride. Don’t forget to follow local public health guidelines when planning outdoor activities. Wear a mask, keep at least 6 feet distance, and wash your hands. #nationalplayoutsideday #getoutside

Even though February is Black History Month, learning about the African American experience and its contributions to our country’s history is something that we should take every opportunity to teach our children about all year round. By helping children learn from our past, we can foster a generation of children who value diversity, inclusivity, and equality. Follow the link for tips to incorporate this important topic into your daily life. #BlackHistoryMonth

The number one cause of death for teens and young adults? Accidental injuries and many of them can be prevented, like head injuries from falls off bicycles, skateboards and scooters. Dr. Kamei Tolba at CPCMG Encinitas has a good point for teens who won’t wear a helmet. He’ll ask to see their cell phone and point out that if the cell phone gets a protective case, they may want to give their brain the same respect. #helmets

Not only do sports have obvious health benefits for boys and girls alike, studies have shown that the benefits of sports to a girl’s self-esteem in addition to her physical health reach far beyond the playing field and can set her up for success for the rest of her life! Follow the link to see just how big of an impact sports participation can make on your daughter’s life. #ngwsd #LeadHerForward

Just a reminder that all CPCMG offices are open to see your family! Our after-hours locations are also open, and you also have the option to schedule a Video Visit (use your MyChart account to schedule and if you don’t have a MyChart account, give your CPCMG office a call to get started). Please don’t delay seeking health care for your child. We’re here to keep your kids healthy! #healthykids

Load the kids into the car and hit the road for a tour of Riverside County’s best holiday lights! #christmaslights

True or False? Sport drinks give better hydration than water, so your child need a sports drink if they play sports. #MythMonday It’s false! For most children who play sports and exercise, plain water is best. If you child is playing sports, be sure they drink water before, during and after practices or games. ... Sometimes sport drinks may be necessary. If intense physical activity lasts more than 1 hour in a day or your child is sweating a lot, sports drinks can help to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes. Some people may need sports drinks during shorter periods of activity in hot or humid conditions. The key is to use sports drinks in moderation. Their sugar content can cancel any health benefits if used as a regular drink they’re like a soft drink! The extra carbohydrates and calories in sports drinks can increase the risk of obesity and dental decay. Always choose water, not sports drinks, to be the main source of hydration for children and teens.

Just a quick reminder that CPCMG offices are closed this afternoon as well as tomorrow, the first day of 2021! As always, pediatric nurses are available to answer questions and offer advice - call your pediatrician's office and listen to the prompts to reach a nurse. CPCMG hopes you have a safe, fun New Year's Eve! #newyearseve

If you had a choice between fresh vegetables and French fries, which would you choose? Turns out that the foods we are introduced to as toddlers combined with advertisements for unhealthy foods has a lot to do with our food choices. #nutritution

The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its recommendations about playing sports during the pandemic including the expanded use of masks during most sports. More importantly they updated some recommendations about playing sports after being diagnosed with COVID. If your child had COVID, make sure to discuss a safe return to sports with your CPCMG pediatrician. #COVID19 https://www.aappublications.org//12/04/sportsguidance120420

From parents to children to extended family, it’s likely everyone could be feeling the stressed out. With 2021 right around the corner, here are some coping tips for the holiday season and beyond. Remember, your CPCMG pediatrician is here to help your family be sure to reach out if you have questions or concerns or need help. #mentalhealth https://bit.ly/3hufdXi

#happyhalloween

How do you fix a broken jack o-lantern? With a pumpkin patch! #friyay

October is National Pizza Month! While pizza is a treat, it doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Here are some tips to try to make pizza more nutritious for the whole family. #pizza

Last year more than 882,000 pounds of unused or expired prescription medications and vape devices were collected at Take Back Day events throughout the country. Keep your kids safe and clean out your medicine cabinets today! Find a Saturday, October 24 collection event near you. #TakeBackDay https://takebackday.dea.gov/

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a brain disorder that can affect anyone of any age. Learn more, find resources and share stories during ADHD Awareness Month. #adhdawareness

Parents of new babies need to know that there are steps they can take to protect their child from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). From sleeping on their backs on a firm surface and keeping pillows and blankets out of the crib, learn about safe sleep for babies. #SafeSleep #InfantSafety

It’s only two weeks away! Learn how to safely celebrate Halloween during the pandemic. #halloween

A young patient once asked Dr. Jaime Friedman, I’ve lost my voice! Can you help me find it? #fridayfunny #friyay

As your toddler starts their rapid growth spurt and you keep buying new clothes and shoes as they outgrow everything they may complain about leg pain. Don’t worry, these growing pains are normal! Learn more from CPCMG pediatrician Dr. Jaime Friedman. #wellnesswednesday #toddlers

October is a busy month! It includes National Physician’s Assistant Week, National Pediatric Nurses Week and National Medical Assistants Recognition Week. The individuals who fill these roles have a vital part in providing CPCMG families with top-notch pediatric primary care. CPCMG couldn’t do it without you! #teamwork

Just when we thought cooler temperatures were here to stay, the heat has made a sneaky return to southern Californiabe aware of a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service, starting today at 11am and running through Friday 10/16. #heatadvisory Drink plenty of fluids, stay cool with air conditioning or fans, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

The election is coming and it never has been more important to vote. Don’t forget that teaching children about our democratic process is important too! #vote2020 #election2020

The loss of a baby during pregnancy is a sad reality for many families, and talking to other children about it can be particularly difficult. If you need help, reach out to your CPCMG pediatrician for additional resources we’re here to help your family through good times and bad. #worldmentalhealthday #pregnancyandinfantlossawareness #neverforgotten #miscarriage #stillbirth #stillborn #grief https://www.psychologytoday.com//talking-children-about-pr