San Dimas Pediatrics, Valley Children's Medical Group

Happy 4th of July! Our office will be closed tomorrow, July 5 in observance of the holiday. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, July 6.

The 4th of July is nearly here and if you’re celebrating, remember to be safe! While fireworks are best left to the professionals, follow these three tips to keep your kids as safe as possible during the celebrations: Find a substitute for sparklers. Consider glowsticks instead! Keep your distance from where fireworks are being lit. Be prepared. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and always have a bucket of water nearby.

Watch for important information to have a safe and fun 4th of July!

Many parents and caregivers often turn to allergy medication to find relief for their kids. To give medicine safely to children, use only the dosing device that comes with liquid medicine, not a kitchen spoon. The dosing device that comes with the medication is much more accurate!

Whether it’s engaging with your child’s healthcare record and healthcare team or preparing for your child’s doctor visit or surgery, there are a few things you can do to be an active participant in your child’s healthcare. Click to read more: https://www.valleychildrens.org//how-to-be-an-active-parti

The Central Valley heat is here. Cars heat up quickly! Do not leave your child unattended in a locked car. In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up 20 degrees F. Always check the back seat and make sure all children are out of the car before locking it and walking away.

To all the dads, grandpas, and father figures out there, we wish you a happy Father’s Day!

As temperatures soar, adults can help keep kids safe from the dangers of hot vehicles. Valley Children’s Trauma Coordinator Carlos Flores, RN, gives advice to p...arents on how to avoid heatstroke associated with being left in a hot car. https://www.valleychildrens.org/news/news-story?news=1290 See more

Today is International Picnic Day kick off your weekend with a picnic! Spending time together outdoors is a great family activity. Where is your favorite family picnic spot? Tell us in the comments below!

Outdoor play brings the chance of bug bites. For younger kids, teach them not to touch insects. To help prevent bites, avoid using heavily scented soaps or sweet-smelling perfumes and lotions, ensure your child wears shoes when playing outside, and cover their arms and legs as much as possible. Learn more at our Health Library: https://www.valleychildrenspediatrics.org//he/insect-bites

When it comes to a healthy childhood, start with your pediatrician! Call us today to schedule a well-child visit to ensure your child's immunizations are on track.

Water play is a great summertime activity for kids of all ages. To play safely, watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Young children can drown in as little as one inch of water, so it’s important to keep them within an arm’s reach of an adult. Learn more by visiting: https://www.valleychildrens.org//abcs-for-h20-safety-tips-

For kids 6 months and older, sunscreen is a key tool for safely being in the sun. Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Try to keep your child out of the sun between 10am and 4pm, when UVB rays are most intense.

Today is World Bicycle Day! Celebrate this fun holiday with a bike ride. To ride safely, be sure your child’s helmet is properly fitted. This is the most effective way to prevent a head injury in a bicycle crash. Learn more by visiting: https://www.valleychildrens.org//how-to-get-your-child-to-

Our office will be open 1/2 day on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. We'll return with regular hours on Monday, December 28. Visit your local emergency department if your child needs to be seen urgently during this time. We wish you a safe and healthy holiday season!

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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/

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.

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.