Through all the winding roads and sacrifices throughout the last few months, we know you’ve been putting the health and safety of your entire family first. But as we all try to find a new normal, it’s important to feel confident again about seeking routine medical care for your kids.
We know keeping your children healthy, happy and safe is your top priority. So, if you’ve delayed your child’s pediatric care, we’re here to help you safely get back on track with whole-health care your baby, child or teen needs to stay strong and healthy.
Why Routine Pediatric Care is Important
Routine visits with a pediatrician help monitor and ensure your child’s healthy growth and development. Your child will receive scheduled immunizations to prevent potentially serious illnesses as well as annual and school physicals.
At any time, you can lean on your child’s pediatrician about a topic you’re concerned about, including nutrition, sleep, exercise, social behavior, emotional health, safety and other important issues.
Pediatricians are also here to care for your child when they are ill or experiencing concerning symptoms. It’s important for you and your child to stay connected with your family’s health care providers to stay up to date with the most recent developments surrounding coronavirus, too. Many providers are even offering virtual visits to make routine care safe and convenient for you and your child.
Finding a New Pediatrician
Finding the pediatrician who suits the unique needs of your family is a personal — and important — choice. If you’re searching for a new pediatrician, here are some tips to find the right fit.
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Talk with friends and family
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Start with a list of providers that accept your insurance
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Research each potential pediatrician’s background, training and specialties
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Determine office hours
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Understand availability and scheduling for sick visits
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Identify infection control protocols and procedures
Keeping Your Young Ones Safe at Our Offices
You can also rest easy knowing that anytime you need to visit the pediatrician’s office or one of our clinics, we’ve put the following strict safety measures in place:
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Temperature checks for all employees, patients and visitors
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Required masks for everyone in our hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices
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Social distancing in public areas
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Visitor restrictions
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Separate areas for anyone who has or is suspected of having COVID-19
In some cases, you may be able to substitute an in-person visit by talking with your child’s pediatrician by phone or through an online telehealth visit.
Stay-at-Home Strategies to Promote Kids’ Health and Happiness
In addition to staying in touch with your child’s pediatrician, here are other things you can do to promote your child’s whole health at home:
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Limit contact with children and adults from other households
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Avoid people who are sick
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Remain 6 feet apart from others when outside your home
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Watch your child for any sign of illness, particularly fever, cough or shortness of breath
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Clean hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
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Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily, such as tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets and sinks
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Have everyone older than age 2 use a cloth face covering in public places
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Launder items including washable plush toys as needed with hot water and dry completely
You can also help your child manage the emotional impact of changes to their daily routines. Stay alert for signs of stress and choose from these ideas of things you can do with your kids to ease stress and promote resiliency:
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Play outdoors or go for a walk or bike ride together
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Stretch and do indoor activities like an online workout
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Stay connected with friends and family via phone, video chats, email or letters
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Continue learning, whether it’s through school or resources
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Take a virtual field trip to a park, zoo or amusement park with online videos live streams
Safe Whole-Health Care for Kids
Your children still need care during this time, and we’re here to help make it as safe as possible. Our pediatric experts are available to talk with you face-to-face, whether it’s in a clinic or through a virtual visit.
You can get started with the AdventHealth App or learn more about our Children’s Care.
