Here are six simple tips to help you stay focused and keep your family safe on the road.

1. Put Your Phone Away
Texting, calling, or checking apps while driving can wait. Before you start the car, silence your phone or place it out of reach. If you need directions, set them before you begin driving.

2. Set Up Before You Go
Adjust mirrors, seat position, music, and GPS before you leave. This helps you avoid making changes while the car is moving.

3. Keep Kids Safely Occupied
Children can sometimes need attention while you are driving. Bring snacks, toys, or books to keep them busy. If your child needs help, pull over safely before turning your attention away from the road.

4. Avoid Eating While Driving
Eating may seem harmless, but it takes your hands and focus off the wheel. Try to eat before or after your trip instead of during it.

5. Stay Focused on the Road
Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on driving. Even a few seconds of distraction can be dangerous.

6. Be a Good Role Model
Children learn by watching adults. When you practice safe driving, you teach your child good habits that can last a lifetime.

When children do not have enough iron, their bodies cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells. As a result, less oxygen reaches tissues and organs, which can make children feel tired or weak.

If untreated, iron-deficiency anemia can affect a child’s growth, brain development, learning, and behavior. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent these problems.

What causes iron-deficiency anemia in children?
Low iron at birth
Babies usually store iron during the last three months of pregnancy. Some may start life with lower levels, including:
• Babies born prematurely
• Babies whose birth parent had anemia
• Babies whose birth parent had certain health conditions

Low iron in the diet
Children get iron from the foods they eat, but the body absorbs only a small amount. If a child’s diet does not include enough iron-rich foods, anemia may develop.

Rapid growth
Infants and children grow quickly, especially during infancy and growth spurts. This in-creases the body’s need for iron to produce more red blood cells.

Breastfeeding without added iron
Breastmilk is the best nutrition for babies but contains limited iron. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends iron supplements for breastfed babies starting at 4 months until iron-rich foods are introduced.

Digestive problems
Iron is absorbed in the upper small intestine. Some digestive conditions or surgeries can make absorption harder.

Blood loss
Losing blood can reduce iron levels. Causes may include bleeding in the digestive tract, menstrual periods in teens, or injuries.

What are the symptoms?
Some children with anemia have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
• Pale skin
• Fatigue or weakness
• Getting tired easily during play
• Irritability or fussiness
• Fast heartbeat
• Sore or swollen tongue
• Enlarged spleen
• Craving non-food items such as dirt or ice (pica)

How is iron-deficiency anemia diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose anemia with blood tests. Because it is common in young children, routine screening is recommended. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises a hemoglobin test for all babies at 12 months and will ask parents questions to determine risk fac-tors. If hemoglobin is low, additional tests may be done, including a complete blood count (CBC).

How is iron-deficiency anemia treated?
Treatment depends on the child’s age, symptoms, and severity.

Iron supplements: Many children need iron drops or pills for several months to restore iron levels. They work best on an empty stomach and taking them with orange juice may im-prove absorption. Mild stomach upset or darker stools can occur. In some cases, iron may be given through an IV.

Iron-rich foods: Diet also plays an important role. Good sources include:
• Iron-fortified cereals, breads, pasta, and rice
• Red meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish
• Beans and peas
• Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and kale
• Whole-wheat breads and rolls
Foods high in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes, help the body absorb iron.

How can iron-deficiency anemia be prevented?
Parents can help prevent iron deficiency by:
• Giving iron supplements to breastfed babies starting at 4 months if recommended
• Offering iron-rich foods when solids begin
• Providing a balanced diet with vitamin C foods
• Limiting cow’s milk to 16-24 oz a day (unless your pediatrician tells you differently)

1. It can strongly affect young brains.
Did you know that your child’s brain keeps growing until about age 25? Studies show that using marijuana during the teen and young adult years can cause:
• Trouble thinking and solving problems
• Problems with memory and learning
• Slower reaction time and poor coordination
• Difficulty paying attention and staying focused

2. It can hurt school performance.
Using marijuana often can make school harder. Teens who use it regularly may struggle with grades and are less likely to succeed in college or future careers.

3. It has been linked to mental health problems.
More research is still needed, but cannabis use has been linked to anxiety and depression in teens. It may also trigger psychosis, which is a break from reality and can be an early sign of serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Teens who use marijuana may also have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

4. It can damage your child’s lungs.
Marijuana smoke irritates the mouth, throat, and lungs, just like tobacco smoke. It contains many of the same harmful chemicals, including ones that can cause cancer. Using marijuana can lead to bronchitis, coughing, and mucus buildup, which can make it hard to sleep well.

5. It can make life more dangerous.
Activities like driving, biking, skateboarding, or playing sports while high can lead to serious accidents. Teens who are high may also take more sexual risks, which can cause long-term problems.

6. It can be addictive.
Many people think marijuana is not addictive, but that is not true. About 9 out of every 100 people who use marijuana become addicted. For those who start using it as teens, the risk increases to about 17 out of 100.

Learn more: www.cpcmg.net

What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection?
An upper respiratory infection affects the nose, throat, and sinuses. These infections are usually caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, RSV, or influenza. Typical symptoms include:
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Mild fever
• Decreased appetite or irritability
Most URIs last seven to ten days. While antibiotics do not help viral infections, supportive care can make a big difference.

Babies (0–12 Months)
Why extra caution is needed: Infants have smaller airways and limited ability to clear mucus, making them more vulnerable to breathing difficulties and dehydration.

Home care tips:
• Use saline drops and suction: A few drops of saline followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator can clear congestion.
• Humidify the air: A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture and helps relieve nasal stuffiness.
• Encourage feeding: Offer breast milk or formula frequently; hydration is essential.
• Monitor breathing: Watch for fast breathing, grunting, flaring nostrils, or pauses in breathing.

Call your CPCMG pediatrician right away if your baby:
• Has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (in infants under 2 months)
• Shows signs of labored breathing or wheezing
• Is feeding poorly or has fewer wet diapers
• Appears unusually sleepy or irritable

Toddlers (1–3 Years)
Their immune systems are still developing, so multiple colds each year are normal.

Home care tips:
• Fluids and rest: Offer water, diluted juice, or warm broth to stay hydrated.
• Honey for cough (if over 1 year): A teaspoon of honey can soothe cough and throat irritation.
• Gentle relief: Saline sprays and cool-mist humidifiers can make breathing easier.
• Avoid over-the-counter cold medicines: They are not recommended for young children and can have side effects.
• Consider bringing them into a steamy bathroom or shower twice daily and encourage gentle coughing and nose blowing during the shower to help loosen stubborn mucus.

When to call your CPCMG pediatrician:
• Fever lasting more than 3 days
• Persistent ear pulling, irritability, or ear drainage
• Difficulty breathing or bluish lips
• Signs of dehydration (dry lips, few tears, reduced urine output)

School-Age Children and Teens

As kids grow, their immune systems become stronger, but viruses still make the rounds at school, sports, and social events.

Home care tips:
• Rest and fluids: Encourage plenty of sleep and hydration.
• Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with fever or sore throat (use age-appropriate dosing).
• Good hygiene habits: Teach kids to wash hands often, cover coughs, and avoid sharing drinks.
• Symptom management: Saltwater gargles, warm tea with honey (for teens), and nasal saline rinses can bring comfort.
• Consider taking them into a steamy bathroom or shower twice a day and encourage gentle coughing and nose blowing in the shower to mobilize stubborn mucus.

Call CPCMG your pediatrician if:
• Symptoms last longer than 10 days or worsen after initial improvement
• There’s high fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• You suspect strep throat or a sinus infection

The good news is that bonding doesn’t have to be complicated. Below are three research-based tips you can use in daily life to feel more connected to your child and build a stronger relationship over time.

1. Read, talk, sing, and play together: Shared activities create “time in” that strengthen family bonds. Talking with your child while reading together and playing in a responsive way are proven strategies that help build language skills and create positive parent-child connections. These activities support both cognitive development and relational health.

2. Catch your child being good! Offer specific, positive praise for appropriate behaviors rather than focusing primarily on corrections. This approach reinforces desired behaviors and helps children develop positive self-concepts. Starting with small, achievable goals allows children to experience success quickly.

3. Establish supportive routines and relationships: Encourage good health habits and supportive relationships both within and outside the family. Establishing family routines, supportive peer relationships and maintaining consistent sleep and activity patterns are essential for preventing childhood anxiety and depression.

Symptoms of infant botulism include:
• Constipation
• Weak cry
• Facial weakness or drooping
• Droopy eyelids
• Reduced muscle tone causing weakness and floppiness like poor head control
• Difficulty breathing
• Poor feeding

If your baby has any of these symptoms, along with a possible exposure, seek medical care right away. Early administration of antitoxin can reduce symptoms.

1. The most important step is to always place your baby on their back to sleep—never on their stomach or side. Babies breathe best in this position.

2. Use a firm, flat sleep surface, like a crib mattress with a fitted sheet. Keep soft items, blankets, pillows, and toys out of the crib, since they can block a baby’s breathing.

3. Your baby should sleep in the same room as you, but not in the same bed. Having their crib or bassinet near your bed makes it easier to watch them and feed them safely.

4. Don’t let anyone smoke around your baby, during pregnancy or after birth. Smoke can in-crease the risk of SIDS. Also, keep the room at a comfortable temperature—not too hot.

5. Breastfeeding and using a pacifier at nap time and bedtime may also help protect your baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to research SIDS and provides valuable guidance to both pediatricians and parents on how to keep babies safe during sleep. If you have questions about safe sleep, please contact your CPCMG pediatrician.

Our team of pediatric registered nurses (RNs) brings a wide range of experience, including emergency medicine, critical care, infusion therapy, hospital care, and triage services. They currently manage the majority of messages sent through MyChart—up to 25,000 per month—providing education, guidance, helpful resources, and timely responses. When needed, they can quickly connect with your CPCMG provider or office to escalate urgent concerns or coordinate appointments.

This year, our RNs also began handling medication refill requests from both patients and pharmacies. In the months ahead, they’ll play a larger role in coordinating care for specific needs such as newborns, asthma, mental and behavioral health, and more.

Thanks to our new phone system, RNs can now follow up directly with families after appointments, medication changes, or emergency visits, as directed by your child’s provider. Each RN has their own phone extension, voicemail, and a dedicated phone number to ensure smoother communication.

Our Population Health Care Coordinators (PHCCs) are also a vital part of our care team. Many families need non-clinical support—whether it’s connecting with community resources, navigating the healthcare system, or managing the everyday challenges of caring for a child with complex needs. Sometimes, it’s the foundational support that makes all the difference.

When your CPCMG provider submits a referral to our Population Health team, our PHCCs are alerted that you may need assistance in a specific area. This support can include helping you find essentials like food or diapers, locating a therapist for your teen, arranging transportation to a specialist, or connecting you with autism-related services for your child.

Several important value-added programs are part of our Population Health team. This includes Lactation Services, Behavioral and Mental Health, our W.E.L.L. (nutrition) program, Adolescent Care, and the newborn experience. Our goal is to ensure these services are interconnected and closely coordinated with our PHCCs and RNs, so your child receives the most comprehensive and seamless care possible throughout their journey with CPCMG.

No matter the region, office, or CPCMG provider, our Population Health team is always a key part of your care team.

1. Viral Respiratory Infections
Colds and other viral infections are one of the most frequent asthma triggers. Rhinovirus (the common cold), RSV, the flu, and parainfluenza viruses can all spark asthma symptoms. When asthma flares due to a virus, symptoms often become harder to control and may lead to ER visits or hospital stays.
What to do: If your child has asthma and comes down with a cold, monitor their symptoms closely. Watch for increased coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. If they need their rescue inhaler (albuterol) more often, contact their CPCMG pediatrician.

2. Tobacco Smoke and Air Pollutants
Tobacco smoke is particularly harmful to children with asthma. Exposure—whether firsthand, secondhand, or even thirdhand—can irritate the lungs and trigger symptoms. Other lung irritants, such as smog, cleaning chemicals, and strong fragrances, can also cause flare-ups.
What to do: Avoid exposing your child to smoke and other pollutants. Use fragrance-free cleaning products, ensure good indoor ventilation, and keep your home smoke-free.

3. Indoor Allergens
Common household allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and mold can contribute to year-round asthma symptoms, especially for children who also have allergies.
What to do: Minimize exposure by using allergen-proof bedding, washing sheets weekly in hot water, and using a dehumidifier to reduce mold. Regular cleaning and pest control can also help.

4. Outdoor Allergens
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can trigger asthma—especially during specific seasons.
What to do: Limit outdoor activity during high pollen seasons. Encourage your child to shower and change clothes after playing outside. Keep windows closed on high-pollen days to reduce exposure indoors.

5. Pets with Fur or Feathers
Pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and rodents can trigger asthma symptoms through their dander, saliva, and even urine.
What to do: If your child is allergic, avoiding the pet is usually best. Clean thoroughly if a pet previously lived in the home. Using a HEPA air filter can also reduce allergens in the air.

6. Cold Air and Weather Changes
Cold, dry air and sudden changes in temperature can irritate airways and trigger asthma. Even air conditioning can cause issues for some children.
What to do: If your child’s asthma seems tied to weather, talk with their doctor about adjusting their treatment plan during colder months or sudden weather shifts.

7. Exercise
Exercise-induced asthma is common and can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness during or after physical activity.
What to do: Your pediatrician may recommend giving albuterol 20 to 30 minutes before exercise to prevent symptoms. If flare-ups are frequent, a medication adjustment might be needed.

8. Insect Stings
For children who are allergic, insect stings—especially from bees, wasps, hornets, or fire ants—can cause severe asthma reactions quickly.
What to do: Seek immediate medical help after a sting if asthma symptoms occur. Your child may need medications like epinephrine or antihistamines. An allergist can evaluate whether your child needs additional protection.

9. Stress and Emotional Triggers
Stress, anxiety, or emotional upheaval can increase inflammation in the body and contribute to asthma flare-ups.
What to do: If you suspect stress is affecting your child’s asthma, talk to your CPCMG pediatrician. Emotional support, therapy, and coping strategies can make a big difference.

If you’re unsure what’s triggering your child’s asthma—or how best to manage it—don’t hesitate to consult your CPCMG pediatrician. With the right plan, your child can thrive despite asthma.

Here are the risks if parents choose to follow medical advice from social media sources that are not medical professionals:

Misinformation
Non-professionals may share incorrect or misleading information, which can lead to improper care or treatment decisions.

Delayed Proper Medical Care
Relying on unverified advice may delay seeking timely help from qualified healthcare providers, worsening your child’s condition.

Use of Unsafe or Harmful Treatments
Some advice may involve treatments or remedies that are unsafe, untested, or even harmful, potentially causing adverse effects.

Misdiagnosis or Missed Diagnosis
Without proper medical evaluation, symptoms may be misunderstood or ignored, leading to missed serious illnesses.

Increased Anxiety or False Reassurance
Social media advice can either cause unnecessary worry or falsely reassure parents, both of which are harmful.

Parents and guardians should consult with licensed healthcare professionals for medical concerns and use social media only as a supplemental source, not a primary guide. If something from social media sounds questionable, be sure to verify the advice with your CPCMG pediatrician.