Stockdale Pediatrics, Valley Children's Medical Group

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!

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.

Today, we honor all Veterans who have sacrificed their lives and served our country. Valley Children’s sincerely thanks and appreciates you! Happy Veteran’s Day to all!

We now have MyChart! Schedule or change an appointment, check vaccination records , pay bills, and more. Sign-up today!https://www.valleychildrens.org/mychart

Falling leaves, runny noses, colder weather, coughs... yep, it's cold and flu season! As parents it is important to keep your kids happy and healthy. Remember to get your flu shots, wash your hands, eat balanced meals, and stick to those bedtimes! If your child shows any symptoms, it's safest to keep them home. Any questions or concerns? Call our office and we will be happy to help!

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.

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.

There’s a growing concern that fewer children are getting their immunizations, as parents are worried about visiting their pediatricians due to COVID-19. Immunizations are incredibly important, especially with flu season right around the corner. Call and schedule your child's annual flu vaccination today! We’re here to discuss any questions or concerns you might have about the office visit.

Having teenagers confined to home during the pandemic comes with many challenges. For teenagers, their friends and being social are hugely important. There are lots of ways your teenager can keep in touch with their friends online. Encourage your teen to keep up with their friends by playing games together, using apps with video chats and filters, or sharing funny videos. Click on the link to learn more ways to support your teenager and how to stay safe. https://www.healthychildren.org//P/Teens-and-COVID-19.aspx

Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook. Neither does adjusting to distance learning or dealing with a global pandemic. Some days may be tougher than others, but listen up this is important. You are doing great! Doing your best is more important than being the best. It’s been said before, but it holds true: we are all in this together. Remember to wash your hands and stay safe!

Air quality throughout much of the Valley today is unhealthy, as smoke from nearby wildfires continues to pour into the area. Please do not go outside. If you have an appointment at any Valley Children's location, a reminder that only one parent/guardian is allowed in with each child. There are no indoor waiting areas available for others who accompany you. As always, check the latest air quality conditions here.

Family dinners are an easy way to bring everyone together and create unity in the home. Plus, regular family meals are associated with lower rates of obesity and foster strong family relationships, which may reduce a child's risk for delinquent behavior. When preparing for a family dinner, assign each member of the family an age-appropriate task. Setting the table, putting water into glasses, or mixing the salad promotes responsibility, encourages communication, and promotes healthy habits! Keep the communication flowing by involving everyone in the conversation while you eat. Have each person share something that made them smile that day, or everyone answer a silly question.

We know COVID-19 has changed many things, but whether your kids will go back to school in-person or online, you still need to keep up with their vaccinations and well child visits. It’s possible you may have missed your regular check-ups in the spring or summer, so now is the time to get back on track! Schedule your child’s appointment today!

Dr. Hailey Nelson is answering your questions about COVID-19 and the upcoming flu season.