News You Need To Know

Sore throats are common in children and can be caused by a variety of factors. They can be caused by either a virus or bacteria, but in the majority of cases a virus is the source. Viral infections, colds, allergies, post nasal drip, reflux and strep throat can all be to blame for the condition. It can be difficult for even pediatricians to determine the cause of a sore throat. Typically, your pediatrician will perform a strep test. It this procedure, a special Q-tip will be used to swab the throat. The strep test is simple and reliable in detecting the illness. If your child does test positiv......

Having a sick child at home can be unsettling and, at times, stressful for many parents. When your child begins to run a fever, the root of the problem and course of action can be uncertain. Many parents become anxious when it comes to determining how to treat the problem. A fever is the body’s first reaction to an infection. When the body has realized there is an infection, the immune system begins taking steps to combat the problem. Running a fever is a sign that the body is already hard at work fighting the infection. When you are not quite sure what to do, consider this advice. Determining......

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that impacts the lungs, throat and nose. The flu can be very dangerous for children. Since their immune systems are not fully developed, children are at a higher risk for contracting the flu. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that children six months and older receive a flu vaccine. Here are all the flu facts you need to know: When It Occurs: Flu season occurs primarily in the fall and winter months and typically peaks in January and February. Signs and Symptoms: There are a variety of signs and symptoms associated with the flu......

The decorations are hung, the candy is in the bowl and Halloween is just around the corner. With costumes and candy, Halloween is a beloved holiday for many children. Before your princess or Power Rangers take to the neighborhood streets, there are a few things to remember. Plan Your Route: Plan your trick or treating route in advance and during daylight hours. Check for broken sidewalks and other obstacles that could become hazards in the dark. It is best to trick or treat in familiar areas. Wear Proper Shoes: Princess heels and superhero boots may look great with your child’s costume, but co......

Fall is a beautiful time of year in the Tennessee Valley. From fall festivals to Halloween hauntings, there are a variety of activities the entire family will enjoy. Check out some of our favorite fall activities in the Chattanooga area. Boo in the Zoo at the Chattanooga Zoo Celebrate Halloween in spooktacular fashion at the Chattanooga Zoo. The event will feature animal meet and greets, character photos, trick or treating, animal enrichment activities, costume contests and a scavenger hunt through the zoo! Halloween Eerie Express All aboard! Board a vintage train for a trip over four bridges ......

While urgent care centers have significantly lower costs than a visit to the emergency room, the copay at an urgent care facility is still higher than that of a doctor’s office. There are several factors that lead to higher copay costs. Traditional doctors’ offices have lower overhead costs than urgent care clinics. Since appointment times are not necessary at urgent care facilities, they must always plan for the unexpected. The lack of appointment schedules means that the clinic must always be properly staffed to treat whatever injuries and illness come through their doors. This may also lead......

No matter how many preventative measures you take, sometimes children just get sick. With cold and flu viruses running rampant among children, preventing the spread of germs is critical to keeping everyone healthy. We recommend that children do not return to school until 24 hours after their symptoms improve. Keeping children home while they are sick will not only aid in their recovery, but can prevent them from spreading the virus to other children. It can be a challenge to determine when your children are healthy enough to return to school. Here are a few tips for making the decision process......

Cold and flu season is just around the corner. While a cold can seem unavoidable in the cooler months, there are several preventative measures you can take to stay healthy. Here are a few tips for keeping your family cold and flu free. Make sure you have the essentials in case your household falls victim to cold and flu season. Tissues, cough drops, fever reducers, thermometers, hand sanitizer and cough medicine can all be useful supplies to combat the symptoms of the season. To prevent the transfer of the virus avoid sharing cups, towels and utensils. Washing your hands is one of the......

When children don’t eat a healthy lunch, it is harder for them to concentrate in the classroom. “Children who ate more fruits, vegetables, protein and fewer calories from fat performed better on literacy tests compared to children with a high fat and salt diet...", a study published in the “Journal of School Health” concluded. The USDA recommends a lunch that consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and a full serving of dairy. Here are a few tips for making sure your children get enough of the nutritious foods they need: Pre-slice fruits before packing them in their lunch box. Wrapping......

The school supplies have filled the shelves and parents and children everywhere are preparing for the start of a new school year. A new school year means more than new folders and backpacks, it means new germs. Prevention and preparation are the keys to keeping the illness at bay. Here are a few tips for staying healthy this school year: Immunizations Shots: No one enjoys them but they are one of the foundations for a healthy life. Before the start of school make certain that your child is up to date with all the required vaccinations and immunizations. In addition to the required shots, flu v......