Topeka Pediatrics

‼️We will repost these lifesaving water safety tips EVERY summer!

Drowning is the number 1 cause of death in kids ages 1-4 after birth defects. Here are some helpful tips to keep kids safe near the water:

👶 1. Always Supervise
Never leave children unattended near water—even for a moment. Stay within arm's reach, especially for babies and toddlers.

🏊 2. Use Life Jackets
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are a must for boating, lakes, and even pool time for less experienced swimmers. Arm floaties and other water toys do not replace life jackets.

🚫 3. No Substitutes for Supervision
Floaties and water toys are NOT life-saving devices. Active, undistracted adult supervision is essential. Make sure some is assigned to watching and knows they are the one assigned. Multiple people "watching" at once, increases risk for distraction.

📱 4. Ditch the Distractions
Avoid using phones or reading while kids are in or near water. Do not multitask while you are on "watch duty."

🧼 5. Teach Water Rules
Kids should learn to never run near pools, never push others in, and always ask permission before getting in the water.

🏖 6. Choose Swim Areas Wisely
Stick to lifeguard-supervised pools or beaches when possible. Most drownings in kids under the age of 4 happen in home swimming pools.

👩‍🏫 7. Enroll in Swim Lessons
Children as young as 1 can begin water safety and swim lessons to build confidence and skills.

🚪 8. Secure Your Pool
Install a 4-sided fence with a self-latching gate and use pool alarms if possible.

🧠 9. Know CPR
Be prepared. Knowing CPR can be invaluable to help in an emergency until emergency services arrive.

💦 10. Pool Alarms
Drowning is silent, alarms help notify if someone unexpectedly goes into the pool.



For more information on pool dangers and drowning prevention please visit the following link: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Pool-Dangers-Drowning-Prevention-When-Not-Swimming-Time.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawSTnGRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4T29wbzdCNFBzZkJTRmt6c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlnB8HskqkQlxDfr4CgeFe0K6xRxqDChIVdC-a1UNs90BoLqCI8zoEnZfBjf_aem_HoFm7cVBTGwfIwH9TqljSQ

🌞 Warmer weather is here— so is strong UV exposure! 🌞

A few simple habits can help keep kids safe from sunburns while they enjoy the sunshine. 🕶️🏖️
✔️ Apply SPF 15+ sunscreen 15-30 minutes before heading outside
✔️ Reapply every 2 hours (and after swimming!)
✔️ Wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight protective clothing
✔️ Keep water bottles handy to stay hydrated 💧
✔️ Take shade breaks during the hottest part of the day

☀️ Even one severe sunburn during childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.



For more information on sun safety and sunburns, follow the link below:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx

🏈⚽ Sports Physical time is here!⚾🏀

Is your child playing school sports during the 2026-2027 school year? Make sure they’re game-day ready for the season and schedule their sports physical at our office!

We know there are other places to get your child seen for their sports physical, but we LOVE to see our patients.
Being seen at your pediatric primary care office ensures:
✅ Friendly, kid-focused care
✅ Continuity of care – we already know your kiddos and their history! ❤️
✅ All required forms completed AND stored on the portal – just incase 😉

Our pediatric team is here to ensure your child is healthy, safe, and ready to perform their best this season 💪

For kiddos that are not yet our patients, we ARE taking new patients and would be honored to become your new pediatric home!

📅 Don’t wait—appointments fill up fast!
📞 Call us today to schedule 785-273-4165

Let’s keep your young athletes strong, healthy, safe, and ready to play! 🎉

🌡️Measles cases are rising in some areas, and it’s a good reminder to make sure your child is protected.

🤒 Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People are contagious up to 4 days before the rash appears and are still contagious 4 days after it appears.

Children under the age of 5 are at highest risk for severe complications such as:
• Pneumonia
• Brain swelling (encephalitis)
• Severe ear infection and diarrhea
• Permanent hearing loss
• In rare cases, death

The good news: the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) is safe and highly effective at preventing measles. Children typically receive it at:
✔ 12–15 months
✔ 4–6 years

💉 Vaccinations not only protects your child but also helps protect babies and others who cannot be vaccinated.

If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date on vaccines, we’re happy to help review their record. Call our office to schedule an appointment or ask questions.

Keeping our community healthy starts with prevention 💙


For more information on the measles virus, follow the link below:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/vaccine-preventable-diseases/Pages/Measles.aspx