Videos

Planning a trip to the beach?

Dr. Monica Thint offers these five tips to ensure you have a safe, fun time.

• Always swim where there is a lifeguard.
• Have a designated water watcher
• All boaters and individuals who are not strong swimmers should use a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket
• Save your neck - don't dive into water you can't see through and also be mindful of where you're stepping.
• If you get caught in a rip current, don't  panic; instead, swim toward the shoreline. If you can't swim, float or tread water and wave your hands to nearby beachgoers and boaters to draw attention to yourself that you may need help.

For more information on children's health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Pediatrics page.

Dr. Monica Thint on beach safety

Dr. Monica Thint is a board-certified pediatrician and a mom.

UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, Webster clinic

Before the start of another summer day, take a moment to add some sunscreen into your routine.

To help you choose the best sunscreen option for you and your family, Dr.Raimer-Goodman offers the following advice:

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as these will protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Avoid products with oxybenzone in it as this has been known to be a hormone disruptor
• Mineral-based products containing zinc or titanium oxide are best for younger children.
• For children under six months of age, limit the amount used and instead wear breathable, full coverage clothing, including hats, and stay in the shade as much as possible.
• Reapply every hour and a half to two hours
• If swimming or doing other water activities, try to use a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every time you exit the water

For more information on children's health and wellness measures --including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Pediatrics page.

UTMB Health pediatrician Dr. Lauren Raimer-Goodman on sun protection

Dr.Lauren Raimer-Goodman is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Texas Medical Association. She has a special interest in pediatric advocacy and global health.

UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, Friendswood clinic

For many people with school-age children, summer is a time when alarm clocks can be snoozed and bedtimes can be optional; however, while enjoying the relaxed schedules and routines, pediatric providers like Amy Haverty, nurse practitioner with the UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, Friendswood clinic urge parents to not be as lax when it comes to snacking.

With less structure surrounding daily lives, the opportunity to snack more freely on "junk" food options may readily present itself, but Haverty insists nutrient dense options like veggies with hummus, fruit with Greek yogurt or refreshing smoothies are the way to go.

For more information on children's health and wellness measures -- including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Pediatrics page.

UTMB Health provider Amy Haverty on healthy summer snacks

Amy Haverty, PNP is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at UTMB Health.

UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, Friendswood clinic

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are an estimated 11 drowning deaths per day in the United States. That number comes to a total of approximately 4,000 fatal drownings a year.

Staggering stats like that are exactly why UTMB Health providers like Laura Ellender, nurse practitioner with the UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, South Shore clinic, are passionate about spreading water safety information.

To help keep children safe when swimming, Ellender recommends that adults:

• Always supervise children closely while they are swimming.
• Ensure that proper vests or flotation devices are used for inexperienced swimmers at all times and for all swimmers in large bodies of water, such as lakes.
• Discourage children from playing games in the pool that require prolonged periods of holding your breath.
• Encourage children to keep away from all pool drains.
• Keep children from swimming when sick.

For more information on children's health and wellness measures --including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Pediatrics page.

UTMB Health provider Laura Ellender on swimming safety

Laura Ellender, MSN, RN, CEN, FNP-C is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at UTMB Health.

UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, South Shore clinic

(Please note, this was filmed in August 2021, so there are mentions of COVID-19 precautions, considerations and standards that may no longer apply.) 

Did you know, pre-participation sports physicals may be required up to six weeks prior to the start of the activity? Dr. Namita Bhardwaj, assistant professor with the Department of Family Medicine and a fellowship-trained primary care sports medicine provider shares tips like that and more during this interview with Houston Moms.

Namita Bhardwaj, MD, Assistant professor with the Department of Family medicine and a fellowship-trained primary care sports medicine provider.

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

With the advent of technology, children and parents have to be wary about bullying not just in person, but online, too.

For those who may fall victim, Dr. Jeff Temple, professor with the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology--Family Violence,  offers  insight  and  advice.

For more information on behavioral health and wellness resources -- visit the Child and Adolescent Services portion of the UTMB Health Developmental, Behavioral and Mental Health page.

Dr. Jeff Temple on cyberbullying