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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing infants aged six months or older to solid foods.

Essential to a child's growth and development, healthy eating is something that should be encouraged from an early age, as it will lead to a lifetime of better health and reduce risk of chronic disease later in life.

In those early stages of eating, it's important to focus on foods high in iron such as cereals, grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.

As children begin to age, focusing on a well-balanced diet that contains a good mix of proteins, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats is encouraged to ensure they develop strong bones and muscles and a robust immune system.

Additionally, aim to incorporate forms of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants as they play a vital role in enhanced memory, concentration and cognitive function. 

For more information on health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Primary Care page.

Healthy eating tips from a family nurse practitioner

Barbara Herrington is board-certified by The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is bilingual in English and Serbian.

UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care, Lake Jackson clinic

To ease back-to-school jitters, pediatric physician's assistant Amy  Laird-Payne recommends establishing a good morning routine.

Routines create predictability and familiarity and ease anxiety. Routines also offer children a chance to try some independence and gives them the opportunity to practice good self care habits they can use as an adult.

When planning your morning routine it's important to do two things:

• Take into account the needs of you and your child(ren)
• Start the night before

Ways you can prepare the night before:

• Lay out outfits for the next day
• Discuss hairstyles
• Plan breakfast
• Consider your FULL schedule for the next day, to ensure you have anything extra you'll need for after school and work.

For more information on health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Primary Care page.

For tips on how to have get a good night sleep to come in to your morning well-rested and ready to seize the day, read this blog on bedtime routines.

Amy Laird-Payne on establishing morning routines

Amy Laird-Payne, PA-C is passionate about empowering people to pursue their dreams and obtain great health. She lives in the Brazosport Area with her husband and 3 children.

UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care, Lake Jackson clinic

Before sending the kiddos back to school, UTMB pediatrician Dr. Lee Elam recommends checking in with your child's health care provider to ensure they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations.

Below is a breakdown of routine immunizations administered throughout various stages of childhood and development. Additionally, Dr. Elam reminds parents that regular vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu are also available, with most clinics normally offering flu shots at the beginning of September. For the COVID-19 vaccines, she advises parents and guardians talk to their family's health care provider for the most up-to-date information about what's available to them.

Typical pre-K and Kinder vaccinations

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough "pertussis")
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

Typical 6th or 7th grade vaccinations

• Tdap (booster of the DTaP originally administered before the age of 7)
• HPV
• Meningitis

Typical vaccinations for 16-year-olds

• Meningitis booster (to support original dosage from middle school)
• Group B Meningitis

A more  detailed breakdown of vaccinations throughout childhood is available in a previous blog post.

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

Dr. Lee Elam on vaccinations

Dr. Lee Elam is happy to serve her hometown of Lake Jackson

UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care, Lake Jackson clinic.

In Texas, when summer comes to a close and school begins, the heat and humidity don't magically disappear, so it's important for everyone, especially those engaging in fall semester sports to stay vigilant and mindful of how they're feeling when practicing and playing outdoors.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion, include nausea, fatigue, headaches and muscle cramps.

To beat the heat and help prevent heat exhaustion, UTMB Health physician Dr. Stacy Leung has the following recommendations:

• Take breaks in the shade and AC
• Remove heavy pads and layers when cooling off
• Build up your endurance and tolerance for the heat by starting with shorter periods of time outdoors then gradually increase it.
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Replenish salts if you're sweating a lot.

For more information on health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Primary Care page.

Dr. Stacy Leung on sports-related heat injuries

Dr. Stacy Leung is a native Houstonian who has clinical interests in primary care, sports and international medicine.

UTMB Health Pediatric and Adult Primary Care, South Shore clinic

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

Change is an inevitable part of life, and no one young or old is immune to it.

School-age children (and their parents) in particular experience a significant amount of change as they navigate the educational system going from daycare to preschool to kindergarten, onto middle school, high school, potentially college and beyond until inevitably they grow up and set out on a path of their own.

The fluctuations in routine felt along the way can be hard to process for some children and the adults guiding them, so UTMB psychologists  with  the  Department  of  Psychiatry  and  Behavioral  Sciences Dr. Barbara Calvert,  associate  professor, and Dr. Kimberly Gushanas, assistant professor, share some helpful guidelines on how to manage the emotions and stress that come with change.

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