Flu shots

Flu shots will be arriving shortly, stay tuned for updated on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv  we will let you know when they are here.

Who should get the flu shot?  It is now recommened for all children.  We give 2 doses the first year or 2 doses to any child who did not complete the 2 dose series of swine flu vaccines last year.

Kevin M. Windisch MD FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
775-359-7111

Infant Hip Exam

Ever wonder what we are doing when we examine an infant's hips?  Ever wonder what we are looking for.  Here is your chance to learn how and why we do what we do.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPPkrS8ktp8

I hope that this is enlightening.
Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv
775-359-7111

Dosing liquid medications

When giving your child oral medications that come in liquid form, always use the eyedropper that came with the medication a calibrated oral syringe.  In a pinch a measuring spoon can be used.  Never, ever, ever just guess at the dose of medication.  The risks of over or underdosing your child on medication is too long to list here.

You wouldn't use a regular spoon from the kitchen table to measure the salt for your Nestle's Tollhouse cookies because this might make the cookies taste bad, so don't use a regular spoon to dose medications because this could have deadly results.  I know that this recommendation sounds very basic but you would be surprised how often I run across this.

I hope that this helps to keep your children safe.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
http://www.sparkspeds.com/
www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv
775-359-7111

Smashed Fingernails

How many times did I smash my fingers in a car door as a child? Too many to count. These injuries, while usually mild, can result in amputation of the finger tip or destruction of the bone. If there is obvious deformity, please see your doctor.




What I really wanted to talk about, though, was what to do for the bruise that then results under the finger nail. First is to ice the finger to reduce the swelling. You can give motrin as well for pain. Finally, if you bring in your child to see your doctor, we can drill some small holes in the nail to relieve the pressure and thus protect the underlying nail bed. The small holes will also help to decrease the pain by getting the pressure down.



I hope that this helps. Stay safe.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP

Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine



www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv

Boat and boater safety

Here are some tips for boating with children.

http://sparkspeds.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/boats-and-kids/