DoctorSchutt

Stomach bugs happen.
Dehydration is what turns them serious.

Watching hydration closely is one of the best things parents can do.

Save this so you have it when you need it.
What’s your go-to sick day drink for your child?

Recalls for by heart formula. Please stop using immediately!

When you bring your kids to see me, I want you to feel safe, heard, and supported. My job is to listen, answer your questions, and give the best evidence-based care I can.

Preventive care is how we keep kids healthy before problems start. Together, we can build a strong foundation for your child’s health and help them thrive now and in the future. 💙

Check out my Health Talk—https://www.baptisthealth.com/blog/healthtalks/paducah-keeping-your-child-healthy

Please consider dining or pickup with us TONIGHT at Texas Roadhouse-Paducah, KY!

Book for Hope will get 10% of proceeds that night, but you must show them this barcode for it to count towards our fundraising goal! Help our local families and eat some great food!

Do you know why your child needs a sports physical to participate in competitive sports?

A sports physical is different from a regular check-up. Just because your child has had a yearly physical doesn’t mean they’ve had a full sports participation exam.

What’s the difference?
A sports physical includes a more thorough cardiac and musculoskeletal exam, as well as a detailed family history. We’re looking for conditions that aren’t always visible from the outside — especially those affecting the heart.

In the history, I want to know if there’s been any central chest pain with vigorous activity or significant shortness of breath, beyond what would be expected from being deconditioned or experiencing a harmless “stitch” in the side.

Sudden cardiac death is one of the leading causes of death in teenagers, and my screening exam is aimed at identifying the underlying causes.

Some of the main heart concerns we’re screening for are:
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle)
• Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
• Long QT syndrome or other arrhythmias (electrical wiring issues)
• Valvular heart disease (trouble with the “doors” of the heart)
• Aortopathy (aortic root dilation) from connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome

If something concerning pops up during the exam or in the family history, your child may need further testing — like an EKG or echocardiogram — or a visit to a cardiologist before getting the all-clear to play.

Because as much as I love cheering kids on from the sidelines, I’d rather make sure their heart is truly ready for the game.

Can my baby eat… 🍉🍓🫐 Summer Fruits?”

Ahh, summer—the season of sunshine, sprinklers, and sweet, juicy fruit! If you’re wondering whether your little one can join in on the fruity fun, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down by fruit so you can feel confident about what’s safe for your baby to munch, smash, or slurp.

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First things first: Is your baby ready to dive into solids?

Most babies start showing signs of readiness between 4–6 months old. These signs include good head and neck control and being able to sit up with support in a high chair (no slouching allowed in this food party!).

Whenever you introduce a new food, try one at a time and keep an eye out for anything unusual—like rashes or tummy troubles. A little redness around the mouth from acidic fruits? Totally normal. A big reaction? That’s your cue to chat with your pediatrician. And always keep your baby upright and within arm’s reach during mealtime to help prevent choking.

Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff…

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🍉 Watermelon (4+ months – SAFE in small, seedless pieces or puréed)

Sweet, hydrating, and oh-so-refreshing—watermelon is 92% water, making it the MVP of summer hydration. It’s also loaded with vitamin C (hello, immune boost!) and vitamin A for healthy skin and strong little teeth.
🚫 Skip the store-bought juices though—they’re loaded with sugar and not ideal for tiny tummies.

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🍓 Strawberries (4+ months – SAFE in tiny pieces or puréed)

These bright berries bring more than just flavor—they’re full of vitamin C, minerals, and carbs to support immunity and digestion.
⚠️ Don’t panic if those tiny seeds show up in a diaper later—just a little reminder of berry fun!

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🫐 Blueberries (6+ months – SAFE when smashed, puréed, or cut into small pieces)

Blueberries are mini nutrition bombs! Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, they’re a brain-boosting, body-loving snack. Just make sure they’re mashed or cut to avoid choking hazards.

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Remember: Every baby is unique, so check in with your pediatrician to decide when it’s the right time to start solids.