Pediatric Services
Expert Pediatric Care for Ages 13 and Up
SPECIALIZED PEDIATRIC CARE
Pediatric care is different from adult medicine. The smaller body of a child is substantially different physiologically from that of an adult. So treating children is not like treating a miniature adult. Congenital defects, genetic variance, and developmental issues are of greater concern to pediatricians than physicians treating adults. Our pediatricians provide personalized care for patients aged 13 and up.
PEDIATRIC SERVICES
Our kid-friendly pediatrician provides compassionate, personalized pediatric care in a comforting environment. In addition to caring for your children when they become ill, we are also dedicated to keeping them healthy and active. We recognize the importance of good health for a growing child, and our team of dedicated medical professionals works with your child to ensure he or she lives a healthy and active life. In caring for your child, a pediatrician will:
WELL CHILD VISITS
Regular well-child checks with your pediatrician are essential to understanding your child’s health and assessing their growth and development. Regular well-child visits allow you to build a relationship with a trusted pediatrician and discuss concerns about your child’s sleeping patterns, educational and social development, growth and nutrition, and overall health. Well-checks also show the pediatrician what is “normal” for your child so changes can be monitored. Our pediatric care team at VitalCare Family Practice is honored to work with families and help children grow.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We want to ensure that your child is developing at a healthy pace and hitting key growth milestones. Therefore, at each well-visit, we will record key metrics to track your child’s growth. During a well-child visit at VitalCare Family Practice in Chesterfield, VA, we will provide pediatric care and measure and screen your child’s:
- Height
- Weight
- Vision
- Hearing
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Overall physical health
Regular well-child health screenings are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and allow our team to monitor your child’s overall health and detect any issues early on. During the physical examination, you can address any concerns you have about your child’s growth and development, and have any questions you may have answered by our pediatric care team. If further analysis, diagnosis and treatment are required, VitalCare Family Practice can refer you to a specialist in the Chesterfield, VA area.
IMMUNIZATIONS
In addition to performing an overall physical exam, our pediatric team at VitalCare Family Practice can ensure your child is up-to-date on their immunizations. Vaccines can protect your child from contracting a variety of childhood diseases, such as measles and chickenpox. Some vaccines should be administered while your child is an infant, while others are not recommended until later on in their childhood. It is recommended to follow the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule for children ages 0 to 18.
In addition to these vaccines, VitalCare Family Practice is proud to offer the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the seasonal flu vaccine.
CHILD SAFETY TIPS
During your well-child visit with VitalCare Family Practice, we will discuss ways you can keep your little one safe, as outlined by the CDC and the American Association of Pediatrics. The following tips help reduce the risk of injury:
- Ensure your child has a proper-fitting helmet. If your child uses a bike, scooter or skateboard, it is important that they have a helmet to protect themselves from head injuries.
- Apply sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with SPF before exposure to the sun, and reapply often.
- Teach your child how to swim. Knowing how to swim can protect your child from water accidents or drowning.
- Ensure you are using the proper car seat. The type of car seat that you need depends on your child’s age. Visit the CDC website to learn more about car seat guidelines.
- Childproof your home. Put any potentially dangerous items out of reach or behind child-locked doors.
SICK CHILD VISITS
At VitalCare Family Practice, we understand that having a sick child can be a stressful experience. While some acute illnesses go away on their own, others require diagnosis and treatment from a trusted pediatrician. If you are unsure whether or not your child needs to be seen by a pediatrician, give us a call at (804) 256-8282. We are proud to offer same-day or next-day sick visits for your child, so your little one can start feeling better as soon as possible.
COMMON ACUTE ILLNESS IN CHILDREN
Between school, daycare, sports and other activities, it is easy for children to pass around minor illnesses. The most common examples of childhood illnesses include:
- Stomach flu (including vomiting/diarrhea)
- Common cold/viral upper respiratory infection
- Strep throat
- Ear infection
- Bladder infection
- Flu virus
While some of these illnesses are viral and go away on their own, such as a common cold, others such as strep throat or bladder infection may require antibiotics. Regardless of your child’s illness, our compassionate pediatric care team at VitalCare Family Practice will conduct a thorough evaluation and address any concerns you may have in order to provide you with the best possible treatment plan.
SYMPTOMS OF ACTUE ILLNESS
Your child’s symptoms will vary based on the type of illnesses they have and the severity. However, there are a few common symptoms of acute illnesses in children. These include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Body aches
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Fussiness
- Wheezing
During your sick-child visit with us, we will thoroughly evaluate your child’s symptoms and measure their vital signs, such as blood pressure and body temperature, in order to provide an accurate diagnosis. Depending on your child’s symptoms, we may need to run a few diagnostic tests, such as Strep test, Flu test, Mono test, and Urinalysis.
MANAGING SYMPTOMS OF ACTUE ILLNESS
Although some viral illnesses go away on their own, there are some steps you can take to manage your child’s symptoms and help them feel better. These steps include:
- Administering an over-the-counter fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Have your child drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated
- Use over-the-counter medications for congestion and cough
- Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and sleep
PREVENTING ACTUE ILLNESS
Acute illnesses are unfortunately unavoidable— however, there are some steps you can take to reduce your child’s risk of getting sick!
- Ensure your child regularly washes their hands with soap and warm water
- Encourage your child not to share toys with other children
- Encourage your child not to put toys or other objects in their mouths, especially outside of the home
- Regularly clean your child’s pacifier, toys or other frequently-used objects
- Discourage sharing of toothbrushes, sippy cups and silverware among children in the home
WHY A PEDIATRICIAN?
Here are some reasons to consider choosing a pediatrician:
PEDIATRIC SLEEP MEDICINE
Sleep problems affect up to 30 percent of children Chronic sleep problems can affect your child’s ability to function at home and perform well in school, and they can lead to anxiety and depression. Adolescents with chronic sleep problems face the additional risk of injury from driving while drowsy. Our sleep specialists can work with you and your child to diagnose and treat their sleep problems.
