Preparing for Sick Season: Essentials of a Well-Stocked Medicine Cabinet

What should you keep stocked in your medicine cabinet to be ready for whatever the season throws at you?  Here are our recommendations.

The back-to-school buzz, crisp morning air and pumpkin-flavored everything often come hand in hand with sniffles, coughs, and the dreaded onset of the sick season. Every parent knows the drill: midnight fevers, sudden earaches, or the unexpected tummy troubles. While there’s no magical potion to ward off every illness, being prepared can make those challenging days (and nights) more manageable. Here is a list of essential pediatric over-the-counter medications to have in your medicine cabinet, ensuring that when sickness strikes, you’re not making a midnight dash to the local pharmacy.

Medication #1:  Motrin/Tylenol

When your child is running a fever (100.4 or higher), typically we suggest giving a fever reducing medication.  Motrin and Tylenol are both great options for children HOWEVER, children under 6 months of age should not use Motrin.Tylenol can be used starting at 2 months of age.  If your child is younger than 2 months and running a fever of 100.4 or greater, they need to be seen for evaluation. 

Medication #2:  Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra

Who else suffers from seasonal allergies?  Our Saving Grace providers do not have a preference on which allergy medication you choose.  However, we do suggest that once a bottle is finished you try a different brand the the next time.  This prevents the body from becoming immune to one medication.

Medication #3: Miralax

Constipation is a common childhood problem.  Children who suffer from constipation have hard, dry stools and infrequent bowel movements.  Miralax is a great option for children when diet changes and probiotics are not doing the trick.  If your child has chronic constipation problems, schedule an appointment so we can get them on a specific regimen.

Medication #4: Benadryl

Benadryl is used for several situations.  Benadryl helps treat reactions to food, bug bites and medications.  Benadryl is also a great over-the-counter option for runny nose, cough and congestion.

*extra tip: pair your children’s Benadryl with honey to relieve cough but DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 12 MONTHS.

As always, it’s important to consult with your pediatric provider before administering any medication to your child, but knowing what to keep on hand is half the battle.  We hope your family stays healthy during sick season but, if not, Saving Grace is here to help!  Give us a call or use our online scheduler to schedule a virtual or in-home visit.

Preventing Tick-Borne Illness in Oklahoma

5 EASY Tips to Prevent Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks in Oklahoma are very unlikely to carry Lyme Disease.  However, there are some tick-borne diseases that are present here in Oklahoma.  Here are some very easy and important ways to prevent illness. 

PICK AN EFFECTIVE REPELLENT

• 20-30% DEET is the best studied and most effective tick repellent.  And, yes, it is safe to use.
• Picaridin is also considered to be an effective tick repellent
• APPLY TO ALL EXPOSED AREAS OF SKIN.  For young kids, avoid the hands and face.
• More information about tick repellents can be found on the EPA website.

CLOTHING TIPS

Cover your body.  Yes, it is hot outside but this is a great way to prevent ticks from attaching!  This means long-sleeved shirts, long pants, closed toe shoes, etc.

• Tuck in your clothing.  The waistline is a spot that most people don’t spray with bug repellent and it is an easy spot for ticks to gain access.
• Treat clothes with 0.5% Permethrin.  This is especially important with socks and shoes.
• When washing and drying clothing, turn machines to high temperatures. 

TICK CHECKS.  EVERY SINGLE DAY.

• If you and your children have been outside during the day-perform tick checks!  They’re easy and it is better to find the tick early!  Ticks  often need to be attached for long periods to transmit lyme disease although this is not always true for other tick-borne illnesses. 
• Check your kids, your pets, shoes, coats and any equipment you use outdoors.
• Pay particular attention to crevices including:

                  -in and around the ears

                  -armpits

                  -feet, including between toes

                  -scalp

                  -groin

                  -around the waist

CHECK YOUR PETS TOO

• Check both your indoor and outdoor pets for ticks daily and remove any ticks you find.
• Discuss preventative medications with your veterinarian.  These can include, but are not limited to, flea and tick medications as well as Lyme disease vaccine options.
• Pay particular attention to crevices including:

                -in or around the ears and eyelids

                -around the collar area

                -backside of front and back legs

                -throughout the tail

                -between the toes

HAVE A PLAN

• Have a plan for what to do if you find. tick on you, your child or pet. 
• Be aware, having items you need on hand, and knowing how to effectively handle the situation is key.  Don’t find yourself going down a Google spiral.
• When in doubt, call Saving Grace Pediatrics and we can help you through what to do and what to watch for.  We are always here for you!  405-590-0950