Children's Primary Care Medical Group Gateway

Popcorn may seem like an innocent snack, but did you know it’s a choking hazard for children under 4 years old? These kids don’t have fully developed teeth so they are unable to chew things and grind them down as well as older children and adults. Since popcorn almost always has hard kernels in it (both whole and half popped) they get swallowed and can get stuck in a child’s throat, causing them to choke. #PopcornDay #popcorn

Starting next week, all after hours appointments at CPCMG Children’s Primary Extended Care locations will require an appointment. This change is being implemented to help keep our families, providers, staff and the community safe. #safety For more information on this important change, please visit our web site.

Today we honor and celebrate the life and achievements of Reverend Martin Luther King, the influential American civil rights leader who promoted equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. The holiday is a tribute to Reverend King for advancing civil rights and social justice through non-violent protest. In 1955 he became Dr. Martin Luther King when he earned his PhD on theology from Boston University. At the age of thirty-five, he was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. #MLKDay

A CPCMG pediatrician recently shared this #fridayfunny: Due to the pandemic, I have been wearing scrubs and white tennis shoes to work every day since it’s easy to keep them clean by washing them in very hot water. But at a recent well check, I was reminded that sometimes things don’t go as planned. As part of a routine preschool examination, I asked one of my spirited and insightful 3 year-old patients all the usual questions about his favorite vegetables, favorite color,... and I asked him to draw a circle and count to ten. Then as part of his motor skill exam I asked him to stand on one foot. I was surprised at his initial hesitation since he went through all the other tests so easily. He paused for a moment, looked at me, smiled at his mom and then proceeded to step onto and stand on my right foot. I have since purchased grey sneakers. #smartypants

Don’t forget, CPCMG offices have adjusted their office hours for the holidays! Tomorrow, Thursday, December 24 CPCMG offices are open from 8am to noon and CPEC will be closed. On Friday, December 25 CPCMG is closed. Our nurse advice line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need medical advice. Just call your CPCMG pediatrician’s office and listen to the prompts to reach a nurse. #holidays

True or false: A baby walker is a great tool to help your child learn to walk. #mythmonday

COVID-19 vaccines are starting to roll out across southern California, but it may be some time before children can get vaccinated. High risk groups of people will have first access to the vaccine, including frontline workers like doctors and nurses in hospitals and elderly people in nursing homes. As soon as we have information about the COVID vaccine for kids, we will share the news with our CPCMG families. #COVID19

No matter how old you are, dry winter weather often means dry, itchy skin. To help your child stay comfortable, avoid bubble baths and scented soaps. These things often contain detergents that can strip skin of natural oils which the skin needs to stay moisturized. The fragrances and other chemicals in these products can also irritate skin. Try a non-soap cleanser that is less drying, fragrance-free, deodorant-free and hypoallergenic. #bubblebathday

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

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