Smoke Exposure

With all the media attention to second hand smoke these days, many people are not aware of third hand smoke.  This is tobacco smoke that comes in on your clothing, skin and in furnature.  Recent studies show that risks of lung disease, cancer and death are as high from third hand smoke exposure as from second hand smoke exposure. 

So, even if you only smoke outside your children are being exposed and placed at risk.  I stongly encourage all smokers to see their physician for help with smoking cesation.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
(775) 359-7111
975 Roberta Lane, suite 101 B, Sparks, NV 89431
www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv

Well Visit Schedule

Parents often are unsure of when children should come in for well visits.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
Shortly after birth
2 weeks
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
12 months
15 months
18 months
24 months
30 months
36 months
48 months.

I then recommend being seen yearly after age 4.

Don't short change your child, come in for wellness checks.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
975 Roberta Lane #101B
Sparks, NV 89431
775-359-7111

My child is orange!!!

I get this panicked call every so often.  We typically need to examine the child to make sure that the whites of their eyes are truly white and to make sure that their liver and spleen are normal.  once we have verified this we can typically diagnose hypercarotenemia.  This is from deposition of the pigment that makes carrots and yams orange into the skin.  It is harmless and typically gets better within a few days of stopping eating carrots, yams, etc.

I hope that this has been educational.

Kevin M. Windisch MD, FAAP
Sparks Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
(775) 359-7111
975 Roberta Lane, suite 101 B, Sparks, NV 89431
www.facebook.com/sparkspeds.nv