Hot Topic: Heat Illness
by Dr. Michelle Kirshenbaum, Town Center Pediatrics, CHKD Medical Group
When children lose too much water from sweating, they are in danger of developing heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal. To prevent it, make sure your child knows to drink plenty of water. Choose a single layer of light-colored, lightweight clothing and limit play or exercise outdoors when it's extremely hot and humid. For more information, including signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, visit CHKD.org.

by Dr. Stephen Bolduc, Newport News Pediatrics, CHKD Medical Group
Children overheat faster than adults, which means that leaving a child in a car on a hot day, even for a few minutes, could have tragic consequences. Last year, 43 children in the U.S. died from heat stroke after being left in vehicles on a hot day. Parents may want to consider leaving something in the back seat, such as a purse, shoe or phone, as a reminder to check for their children when getting out of the car. Also, don't forget to lock your doors when you get out of your vehicle. This will prevent children from getting inside on their own and possibly getting trapped. Additional tips can be found on CHKD.org.

Safe Summer Fare
by Lynn Kistler, MS, RD, Healthy You for Life
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 48 million Americans get food poisoning each year. The following tips will help keep you and your family safe. Keep it clean: Wash your hands, cutting boards, utensils and countertops when preparing foods, as well as fruits and veggies before eating. Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods. Cook: Use a thermometer to ensure that cooked foods reach a safe internal temperature. Chill: Keep foods that will spoil in the refrigerator at 40 degrees.

Could it be Swimmer's Ear?
by Dr. Gracie Bernardo, Nansemond Pediatrics, CHKD Medical Group
Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal. Swimmer's ear occurs when water gets trapped inside the ear canal, irritating the skin and leaving it prone to infection. For this reason, swimmer's ear occurs more often in the summertime, when swimming is common. The main symptom of swimmer's ear is pain, which may worsen when the outer part of the ear is pulled or pressed on. The ear canal may also itch before becoming painful. See your family pediatrician if you think your child has swimmer's ear. Ways to prevent swimmer's ear can be found on CHKD.org. 

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
by Dr. Christos Gabriel, Rheumatology, Children's Specialty Group
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an umbrella term used to describe several different types of chronic joint inflammation that, if not treated early, can result in significant joint damage. Nearly 300,000 children in the U.S. have some form of arthritis, which can appear in children between six months to 16 years of age. Early signs may include morning stiffness, joint pain, swollen joints, recurring spiking fever and recurring rash. There is no cure for JIA, but there are effective treatment options for patients in most cases. Most patients with JIA lead active, normal lives as a result of the advances in treatment. Talk to your family pediatrician if you think your child has JIA.

Health Center Opens in Hampton, Suffolk Coming Soon
More Than A Hospital
Did you know CHKD has 35 locations? From pediatricians' offices to ambulatory surgery centers to sports medicine gyms to specialist clinics and more, we've got your child's healthcare needs covered. Adding to our extended network of care, the new CHKD Health Center at Butler Farm Road in Hampton opened in May. The health center offers lab, X-ray, sports medicine rehabilitation and physical, occupational and speech therapy. In addition, offices for pediatric specialists are scheduled to open in the Harbour View area of Suffolk later this summer.