Sky Park Pediatrics, Valley Children's Medical Group

Together, we can do our part to keep our kids safe. While it is difficult to predict how a specific person’s immune system is going to react to COVID-19 or the flu, it is important to take all the recommended precautions. Read more about cold and flu season during a pandemic on our blog: https://www.valleychildrens.org//what-to-know-about-cold-a

What is in season this month? Broccoli, carrots, potatoes and squash are abundant this winter. Use these veggies to make a hearty soup or roast for a tasty side dish. The options are endless and the vitamins and minerals can help build strong bodies!

The holiday season can be joyful, but for many, also stressful. Help your child manage their feelings this holiday season by keeping lines of communication open. Let them know that their feelings matter, and try to find ways to help them process. Practice gratitude as a family by sharing what you are grateful for. Encourage your kids to support the community with their talents: baking cookies for a neighbor or writing letters or drawing pictures for frontline workers. And never hesitate to talk to your pediatrician if you need guidance on helping your child manage their stress.

Here in the Central Valley, some children have gone back to in-person learning, while others remain in the virtual classroom. Parents and caregivers: how is it going for your family? What tips or tricks have you learned? Share your ideas in the comments below!

This year has taught us all there is so much to be thankful for, so in the spirit of Thanksgiving we have started a list of gratitude and thanks. Comment what you and your children are thankful for this year and let's get the list to 100! 1. Time together as a family 2. Friends 3. A support system... 4. Having Valley Children’s so close to home 5. Modern medicine 6. Weekends 7. Laughing so hard you cry 8. Better air quality 9. Music and spontaneous family dance parties 10. Healthy children See more

Does your child have an upcoming telemedicine visit? These appointments allow patients to get medical care or advice from the comfort and safety of their own home. If you are preparing for a virtual telemedicine appointment, here are some things to keep in mind: Write down your child’s symptoms. It is important to provide your medical team with as much information as possible, so having a list of symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, any medications you’ve tried, etc. can be h...elpful. We also suggest writing down any questions you may have! Having a list will help make the most of your appointment and ensure you don’t forget to ask anything you’ve been wondering about. Use any medical equipment you have at home to your advantage. Take your child’s temperature and provide an up-to-date result to your doctor. Even using a bathroom scale can be helpful if your medical team needs to know the current weight of your child. Charge your device! Plug in your phone, tablet or laptop to give the battery a charge ahead of your appointment. Check your internet connection, and make sure you know how to log in to your appointment.

Happy National Cookie Day! In honor of this sweet day, here’s a recipe for nutritional oatmeal cookies that kids and adults alike will love. https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com//desserts/healthy-oatmea/

COVID-19 has impacted each of us in some way. From school to work to grocery shopping, the way we live our lives has changed. For families with young children, childcare options may be tougher than usual to navigate. No matter your childcare situation, remember to stick to small and consistent groups of people. Limiting who enters your bubble will help limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19. If someone is feeling ill, encourage them to stay home and get medical help if necessary.

Halloween is just around the corner, and many parents are wondering how to safely celebrate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Consider doing a candy hunt for your family! Similar to an Easter egg hunt, hide treats around your home for your kids to find while they wear their costumes. Do you have other ideas for a socially distant celebration? Share them in the comments below!

Now you can see your child’s pediatrician without leaving the safety and comfort of your home! Call our office to set up a virtual visit for minor illnesses, behavioral health concerns and ongoing management of stable, chronic conditions. Once it’s time for your appointment, your pediatrician will send you a link on your computer, smartphone or tablet no special app download required.

Did you know October is National Dental Hygiene Month? One great way to encourage healthy habits is to turn brushing into a game! Encourage your kiddos to brush away those "sugar bugs" or set a timer for two minutes and play "beat the timer." Most importantly, remember that kids learn by your example, so be sure to practice healthy dental habits, too!

Stay connected to your child's healthcare with MyChart! Get instant access to your child's medical records online, securely communicate with your child's physician and care team, request prescription refills and view account statements -- online, anytime! Visit wwww.valleychildrens.org/mychart to sign up today!

Here at Valley Children’s we want to celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month! October presents the perfect opportunity to raise even more awareness and acceptance for the Down syndrome community and celebrate all of their abilities. Find some time this month to learn the stories of people with Down syndrome and let’s celebrate them all month long! Looking for practical steps to get involved? Consider doing one (or all) of these this month. 1. Donate to an organizat...ion 2. Volunteer with an organization 3. Spread the word! Share a post, share a story. See more

Parents, let's check in. How are you doing? In the hustle and bustle of today's busy remote work and remote learning world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Below are a few ways to help cope with stress and promote overall well-being. Comment any additional tips you've found helpful! 1. Pause, breathe and check in with how you feel. 2. Take breaks from news and social media. 3. Eat well and exercise to take care of your body.... 4. Reach out to family and friends to stay connected. See more

Currently, the West Coast is experiencing fires like we've never seen before. Now is a great time to talk with your kids about what they can do to help others in times of need. What are some ways your community has come together to support families affected by the wildfires?

Prepare yourself and your family now for the upcoming cold and flu season! Get a flu shot, continue wearing a mask, avoid close contact with others, and practice good hand hygiene. Please continue to remain vigilant as you enjoy the fun things fall brings.

Today is National Children's Health Day. Did you know that establishing healthy habits doesn't have to be difficult? Below we've included 5 easy ways to implement healthy habits. Like and share with friends and parents! 1. Try out a new healthy recipe 2. Read with your child every day 3. Enjoy outdoor activities (air quality permitting)... 4. Stay positive 5. Spend time together as a family See more

Join us for a special edition of the Valley Children's Virtual Health Series discussing suicide prevention in partnership with Fresno Cares and Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health. Speakers will answer your questions live.

As California continues to battle wildfires, it's important to know that while cloth face coverings protect you and others from COVID-19, they do not protect your lungs from smoke particles. We encourage you to stay inside your home as much as possible, change air filters at least every 90 days (or more frequently during hazardous air quality) and ensure you are up to date on respiratory medications.