5 Fever Facts
5 Fever Facts
For parents with young children, the “F” word can be scary – of course we are talking about a fever. Many parents believe that fevers are caused only by serious medical problems, have the potential to cause brain damage if not treated properly, and can even trigger seizures. Dr. Kapadia of Quakerbridge Pediatrics gives you the fever facts behind the top 5 most commonly heard fever myths.
[notification type=”attention”]Parents Note: The following fever facts do not apply for newborn children or infants under the age of 3 months. Please call Quakerbridge Pediatrics if your newborn or infant is displaying symptoms of fever. Please also note that the following information will not apply to all forms of fevers.[/notification]
Myth #1: All fevers are bad or unhealthy for children.
Fact: If you child is sick, a fever can actually be a good thing. Fevers turn on your child’s immune system and help the body fight any infection your child may have. Normal fevers between 100° and 104° F (37.8° – 40° C) may play a vital role in helping your son or daughter get healthy.
Myth #2: Fevers above 104° F (40° C) are very dangerous and may cause brain damage within your child.
Fact: In a child with a normally functioning brain, a fever is a normal response to an infection. All brains act with an internal “thermostat” that will prevent a child’s body temperature from reaching high enough level to cause brain damage. Most fevers will never reach levels above 103° or 104° F (39.5°- 40° C) and will rarely go to 105° or 106° F (40.6° or 41.1° C). Temperatures above 108° F (42° C) may cause brain damage, but it is extremely rare for a child to reach such a high temperate. A normal fever in response to an illness in a normal child will not cause brain damage.
Myth #3: You must treat your child’s fever with medication.
Fact: A fever can make your child feel horrible and treating a fever with medication only helps them to feel better – it will not necessarily fight the cause of the fever. Anti-fever medications do not work to “break” or bring your child’s temperature back to normal, but rather help your child when they are uncomfortable. Treating your child’s fever can help them rest and decrease the risk of dehydration, which can ultimately help them become healthy faster.
Myth #4: There is a certain temperature that requires emergency medical attention.
Fact: All children will react differently to fever-inducing illness and thus they may exhibit body differ temperatures during these times. Aside from specific expectations, children do not need to maintain a “normal” temperature throughout the duration of their sickness. Remember that fevers are the body’s way of fighting common infections and that fevers are symptoms of another illness. Fevers are not their own disease. Many parents think a fever of 104° F (40° C) is a sure signal of an emergency, but that is simply not the case.
Myth #5: A child that feels warm, is a child with a fever.
Fact: Yes, a fever will make your child feel warm and uncomfortable, but there are many other reasons why your child may feel warm. If you child has been running or playing, was crying or is upset, or was exposed to a warm environment they may feel warm to the touch. This is their skin “giving off heat” and is a normal function of a healthy child. Skin temperature should return to normal within 20 minutes or less.
Possible Fever Symptoms
If you believe your child does have a fever it is best to take their temperature. Use the following base guidelines to begin to diagnose a possible fever:
- Ear, forehead, or rectal temperature: 100.4° F (38.0° C) or higher
- Oral (mouth) temperature: 100° F (37.8° C) or higher
- Armpit (under arm) temperature: 99° F (37.2° C) or higher
If you child is experiencing symptoms of a fever or illness, or if you have questions for Dr. Kapadia or the pediatric staff of Quakerbridge Pediatrics, please do not hesitate to call our office at (609) 631-9006.
- Published in Ask Dr. Kapadia, General Health
Mistakes Parents Make During Pediatrician Visits
Mistakes Parents Make During Pediatrician Visits
Dr. Kapadia and the entire staff of Quakerbridge Pediatrics are always ready and willing to assist your family with expert pediatric care. Throughout the years we have met many different patients with many different types of medical concerns, health issues, and developmental questions. During these office appointments, Dr. Kapadia sometimes encounters parents who make treatment more difficult than it should be. Most of the time parents may not even be aware they are doing something that could detract from their office visit. Here is a list of the top 4 most common mistakes parents make during pediatrician visits. Use this resource as a way to improve your experience!
Parents Come Unprepared
Life can be hectic. Life with a sick young child can be even worse! As a parent of three daughters, Dr. Kapadia understands that parents may not always have as much time as they would like to prepare before their office visit. He also stresses the importance of not underestimating the value of bringing a list of discussion topics to your next appointment. There is nothing worse than leaving our office after a visit and remembering something you wished you asked! Dr. Kapadia suggests keeping a small list on your mobile phone. This ensures the list will always be with you and you can add new items to it very easily. On your list, include questions you wish to discuss with your pediatrician and notes about any symptoms and medications related to your child’s illness. If another family member is bringing your child to our office you can also send the list to them at the touch of a button.
Parents Are Not Honest
We encourage all parents as to be as honest as possible during an office visit. As a parent, Dr. Kapadia understands how you may feel embarrassed or not want to admit certain details about your child’s recent behaviors or even about your own parenting style. However, Dr. Kapadia will never judge you, your parenting methods, or your children. He is only dedicated to assisting your family and whatever advantage you can provide to him will help him make the most accurate and effective diagnosis and treatment plan for your son or daughter. No matter what the situation, remember that Dr. Kapadia has probably seen something worse, so there is no need to feel embarrassed.
Parents Don’t Speak Up
Pediatricians are people too, and like all people they sometimes make honest mistakes. If you feel that Dr. Kapadia has missed an opportunity to ask an important question, was confusing when explaining a diagnosis, or has made you upset in any way, he wants to know! It is important for parents to speak up when in the examination room. Ask as many questions as you can, and remember that the conversation you have with your pediatrician is the reason you made an appointment in the first place. If you leave the Quakerbridge Pediatrics office feeling confused or believing your problem has not been resolved, then there is a larger issue. Miscommunication may happen, but we can never address it unless we know about it. Dr. Kapadia welcomes constructive criticism and wants you to feel as comfortable as possible during your office visit. So remember to always speak up for it is in the best interest of your children!
Parents Do Not Work With Their Pediatrician
It is extremely important for all parents to understand that Dr. Kapadia is on your team! While Dr. Kapadia and his staff at Quakerbridge Pediatrics are medical professionals, they will never be able to understand you child as well as you do. In the examination room, parents are the real experts when it comes to their children’s everyday behaviors and actions. In order to provide the best care for your child, Dr. Kapadia must build a personal relationship with them and he could never do this without your cooperation. By taking an active role as a parent during your office visit, helping your child feel comfortable with the doctor, encouraging communication between patient and pediatrician, and providing parenting insights, you are providing incredible value that will help your child be happy and healthy.
Admit Your Mistakes
Everyone has faults, but not everyone can learn from them. If you think you’ve made a mistake during your last appointment, we want to know. Leave a comment below and Dr. Kapadia will help you explore better ways to improve your examination room presence! We will also use your feedback to be more cognoscente to other patients’ needs and better the experiences of everyone who visits Quakerbridge Pediatrics.
- Published in Ask Dr. Kapadia
Remove Gum From Your Child’s Hair
Remove Gum From Your Child’s Hair
Bubble gum can put a smile on almost any child’s face, but what happens when it get stuck, tangled, and mashed into your child’s hair? This sticky situation may sound like a parenting nightmare, but don’t worry, there is a fairly simple solution to remove gum from your child’s hair.
A quick search of the internet will turn up many methods to remove gum from your child’s hair. Some parents swear that freezing the gum will work, while others simply grab a pair of scissors a cut it out. Dr. Kapadia explains how tips from the Academy of Dermatology can help you safely remove gum from your child’s hair without using scissors or dangerous chemicals. The answer? Use creamy or smooth style peanut butter to remove gum from your child’s hair.
How To Use Peanut Butter To Remove Gum
- Retrieve a jar of peanut butter from your kitchen’s pantry (olive oil or vegetable oil will also work)
- Completely coat the gum and hair surrounding the sticky mess with regular, creamy peanut butter
- Let the peanut butter sit on the gum and hair for approximately 30 minutes
- Easily work the gum out of your child’s hair using your fingers
- Wash your child’s hair as your normally would
How It Works
The science behind the peanut butter method is pretty simple. Gum is what is called a hydrophobic material. Hydrophobic materials such gum will not dissolve in water, and thus, you cannot simply wash gum out of your child’s hair. Instead, you must use another hydrophobic material, such as fats and oils, to remove the gum. Lucky for most parents peanut butter, which is made up of fats and oils, is only an arm’s reach away.
The Academy of Dermatology demonstrates removing gum from your child’s hair using peanut butter in their video entitled “Remove Gum without Cutting Hair”.
- Published in Ask Dr. Kapadia, Parenting Tricks
Teach Your Child To Meet A Dog
3 Steps To Teach Your Child How To Meet A Dog
As a parent it is extremely important to teach your child the proper way to meet a dog. Kids often become eager to approach and interact with a furry and happy looking canine, yet not all dogs are kid-friendly. This doesn’t imply that an unwilling dog is mean or bad, but simply that it may not be familiar with children or their energy levels. Dr. Kapadia of Quakerbridge Pediatrics recommends teaching your children the following 3 steps for safely meeting a new four legged friend.
Step 1: Ask Permission
An overly excited child may often rush up toward a dog they are interested in before thinking twice if the dog is friendly or if the dog’s owner will even allow the child to interact with their furry friend. It is important to teach your child to always ask permission before petting a pup. It is good practice to tell your child to stop at least 5 feet away from any dog and ask the owner “May I please pet your dog?” Demonstrate this step in the comfort of your own home using one of your child’s stuffed animals.
Always remind your child that not all dogs may be friendly and sometimes an owner may say no. Reinforce the notion that there are many other dogs that would be happy to play with your child! If the owner does say yes, it is a good idea to then have your child introduce themselves to the dog and actually ask the dog for permission as well.
Step 2: Ask The Dog If It Would Like To Be Petted
Quakerbridge Pediatrics reminds you that it is vital not to skip this step when teaching your child the proper way to meet a new dog. Explain to your child that dogs cannot use human words to communicate their feelings and teach them how to rely on a dog’s body language instead. Take on the role of the dog and act out different emotions such as anger and fear to demonstrate possible reactions a dog may have.
Show your kids how to ask for a dog’s permission by slowly extending their arm and hand toward a dog in a safe manner. Be sure your child keeps their fingers curled into their palm to reduce any risk of an unfriendly dog nipping at them. Once they offer their hand to the dog, pay attention to the dog’s reaction and body language. Does the dog sniff and wag its tail? Does it lean forward for a quick sniff and rub against the hand? Or does the dog turn his face away from your child and back away? Or does the dog bark or growl? Such actions are all major indicators of the dog’s intention.
Stressing the importance of interpreting a dog’s body language reinforces the idea that not all owners may understand their dog’s decisions when it comes to meeting new children. While an owner may offer their dog or say it is alright to pet, the dog may have other feelings that need to be respected.
Step 3: Pet The Pup
If the owner and the dog’s body language both say yes to your child, then allow him or her to pet the dog. Explain to your child that a dog’s ears, eyes, and mouth are sensitive areas and should be avoided. Demonstrate the proper way to calmly pet a dog. Most people tend to pet dogs on the top of their head, however dogs have a blind spot in this area and it may not be the best place to show your affection. Suggest to your child to pet the dog along the side of the its neck, along its back, or over its chest. Dr. Milan R. Kapadia reminds parents and children to use caution when meeting a new dog and to always respect the body language of the canine.
Share Your Pet Friendly Photographs!
Has your son or daughter recently found a new four legged friend? Share photographs of your child with their pet on the Quakerbridge Pediatrics Facebook page here or use the hash tag #QBPediatrics on other social media platforms to share your pictures on our website’s Social Media Sharing Wall.
- Published in Ask Dr. Kapadia, Household Safety
Overcome A Fear Of Needles
Overcome A Fear Of Needles
Children living in the United States will receive over 30 shots for vaccinations during the course of their lives. This number doesn’t include possible Novocain shots at your dentist’s office or other injections to draw blood for tests. Unfortunately, such practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect – nor does frequency imply your child’s fear of needles will improve. Estimates may vary, but studies have suggested that almost 63% of children express a fear of receiving shots (along with 24% of adults).
As a parent, there are steps you can take to help your child overcome a mild to moderate fear of needles as well as the anticipatory anxiety surrounding injection phobias.
Educate Your Child About Shots
The more you can do to educate your child about needles and shots, the better. A large part of a child’s fear regarding injections can be directly related to misconceptions. Education can help to correct these. Often children believe that needles are extremely large and the process of receiving a shot is especially long and painful. Both of these misconceptions can be minimized with the use of visual aids. YouTube is a great resource for videos that instruct and educate children about shots. Be sure to select an age appropriate video.
Video
Another high impact method to make use of online videos is to demonstrate the bravery of other children receiving shots. Create a visual role model for your child by watching a video of a similar aged child showing brave behavior when receiving an injection. Remember to reinforce the idea that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared, but rather that brave children may be scared but will complete the task anyway. Allow you children to watch these videos as much or as little as they want. Often, seeing the action over and over will eventually allow your child to believe they too can
If you child knows what to expect before visiting the pediatrician’s office, there will be less surprise related fear and a lower level of distress.
Develop A “Brave Body”
Instill confidence in your child by having them develop and practice a “Brave Body” pose. Have them sit up straight with good posture, hold their head up high, and relax their arms and feet. Allow them to practice the pose while viewing the instructional videos. When the time comes for the actual shot, habit will take over and the entire process will go more smoothly.
Reinforce your child’s bravery by helping them develop an explicit coping plan for the shot. Several days before your appointment work with them to come up with a plan, or list of things they will do such as sitting up straight and holding their head high. Avoid focusing on things you child should not do – such as “don’t be scared” or “don’t cry”. This may only lead to additional thoughts that are counter productive.
Steps Your Child May Take
Power Playlist
Collaborate with your child to develop a list of songs they associate as power songs (think of athletes warming up before a game). Allow your son or daughter to listen to their playlist on the ride to Quakerbridge Pediatrics and in our waiting room (bring headphones). The songs selected to make your child feel confident, inspired, and excited to the point where they can accomplish anything.
Personal Mantra
Help your child write their own personal mantra. This should be a message to him or herself that they can recite out loud while receiving their shot. This will take the focus off of the actual shot and allow your child to focus on something positive, often distracting him throughout the entire process.
Award A Reward
Offer your child a reward that will be provided immediately after he demonstrates specific behaviors. Create an official document or reward contract with your child that outlines their behaviors and incentives. Both parent and child should sign the written agreement.
For instance, if your child agrees to listen to their power playlist, exhibit a confident brave body pose, and repeat their mantra during the process then they will be reward with a special lunch after the appointment at their favorite restaurant. Remind them that even if they are scared or cry during the shot, that if they demonstrate brave behaviors they will still receive their reward.
We have the privilege of meeting and dealing with many children that must have shots in our Quakerbridge Pediatrics office. We have experience an array of different reactions and will always cooperate with your family to make any vaccines or injections as comfortable, quick, and painless as possible.
- Published in Ask Dr. Kapadia