John M. Young, MD

Pediatrician In Amarillo, Texas

Best of Amarillo - Pediatrician

Amarillo

What You Should Know Before Your Child’s Annual Sports Physical

by

More than 40 million kids participate in school sporting activities every year. If your child is involved with school athletic events, you want to be sure they are physically healthy enough to meet the challenges. The risk of injury will be higher during the practice workouts than during the actual games or competitions. Your child should get a sports physical before the season starts to make sure they are prepared from the beginning.

Why your child should have a sports physical

Soccer, basketball, and football report the highest number of sports-related injuries, but other activities actually share the same risks. No matter the type of sport or physical activity your child enrolls in, you should schedule a sports physical before training starts. Having a physical completed will alert you to any issues that could interfere with your child’s ability to compete or prepare for a physical event. Sports physicals are not a suggestion; they are required by most educational institutions, including high schools and colleges, before your child can participate.

What you should know and expect with a sports physical

At your child’s sports physical, the doctor will check their vitals, joints, and flexibility. Have your child attend the physical with comfortable clothing, so their movements are not restricted. You can also expect a short fitness assessment to determine whether or not any physical limits may affect your child’s performance as an athlete.

Some states ask that your child’s immunization record be presented at the time of the sports physical. Before the appointment, you should check whether or not you need to bring this documentation.

During the examination, your child’s vision will be tested and evaluated. If your son or daughter currently wears prescription glasses, it will be determined during the appointment if an adjustment is necessary to the prescription.

With a flexibility check, your child is tested to see if any areas could be prone to injury. The doctor will test your child’s joints, posture, strength, and flexibility. Any concerns with these tests could result in suggested exercises your child can perform to strengthen problem areas to make them less prone to injury.

During the fitness exam

A fitness examination will include checking your child’s ears, nose, throat, lungs, and heart. These tests will determine if any cardiovascular irregularities could restrict or limit your child’s physical activity. Should any issues arise from this part of the sports physical, it will be determined if restricted participation is possible. In some instance, it is deemed that a child cannot perform sports at any level.

Find the best pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas

If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s sports physical, call Dr. John M. Young in Amarillo, Texas. Dr. Young and his team work hard to give you and your child the best possible clinical experience. Call us at (806) 354-0404 or Contact Us through email with any concerns you may have, or to learn about our services. You can also our office at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite # 3 in Amarillo to schedule an appointment.

What To Know About Allergy Symptoms And Treatments For Toddlers

by

If your child has an allergic reaction, you should have the knowledge needed to quickly spot the problem. By learning the common signs of food and environmental allergies, you can help protect your toddler from serious health problems. The following information will give you the tools necessary to identify the symptoms of these allergies so that you can quickly respond and treat them.

Identifying food allergies

When a child experiences an allergic reaction to food, they may exhibit one or more of several common symptoms. Some toddlers break out in hives or eczema when exposed to a food they are allergic to. Serious food allergies may result in respiratory distress such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing. If your toddler is exposed to a food allergen, they may also experience abdominal pain or vomiting.

Your child may not show the symptoms of an allergic reaction until the second or third time they consume food. Wheat and milk allergies are often discovered after the child has already consumed them several times. Also, severe reactions often begin as milder allergic reactions. These reactions can quickly progress to severe respiratory distress or anaphylactic shock. It is important to slowly introduce food to your child and pay attention to any new allergy symptoms.

Identifying environmental allergies

Children often display seasonal or environmental allergies after the age of two. Toddlers show sensitivity to pollen around ages three to five. Pollen is responsible for many seasonal allergies. Symptoms can include itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and wheezing. Indoor allergens such as mold, animal dander, and dust can cause similar symptoms.

Seasonal and environmental allergies are diagnosed through skin-prick tests. To conduct the test, a pediatrician pricks the toddler’s skin on the arm with a variety of allergens. If redness or swelling appears, the pediatrician will determine which allergen caused the reaction. Blood tests then determine the child’s reactions to the specific allergens. Although seasonal and environmental allergens are uncomfortable for your toddler, they are not often considered dangerous conditions.

Allergy treatments

Treatment options for environmental and seasonal allergies depend on your toddler’s symptoms. Congestion can be treated with nasal saline rinses. More severe symptoms can be treated with antihistamines or nasal sprays. Speak to your pediatrician about allergy treatment options for your child’s specific symptoms.

In the case of an allergic reaction to food, you must stay calm. Many mild reactions can be treated with antihistamines such as Benadryl. Although mild reactions can be treated with over-the-counter medications, call 911 if your toddler has trouble breathing. Emergency personnel can often stop allergic reactions with an injection of epinephrine.

Allergy testing and treatment for toddlers in Amarillo, Texas

If your toddler is dealing with an unknown allergy, contact a pediatrician as soon as possible. Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.

Looking For A Pediatrician? Follow These 5 Tips!

by

Your child’s health is probably one of your biggest concerns as a parent. You put healthy food on the table, keep their clothes washed and ready, and try to teach them not to lick everything they come across. A large part of keeping your child healthy is finding the right pediatrician. Here are five tips you can use to find the best pediatrician for your child.

Ask people you know and trust

The people you know will be able to help you narrow down your choices. If you are new to an area and haven’t made any deep relationships yet, check online reviews and message boards for local pediatricians. You will want a pediatrician with a good reputation. Once you have found a physician you are interested in, you can start looking more into them.

The following are some simple questions you can ask each pediatrician. How long are the wait times for an appointment? Is this pediatrician part of a larger practice or do they practice on their own? If the pediatrician is part of a practice, will your child see the same doctor every time? Do other parents believe that this pediatrician takes the time to listen, understand, and explain things?

Be sure to check the location of the office as well. A long drive might outweigh other benefits. You should also check with your insurance company to verify that the pediatrician you are looking at is in your plan network.

Be ready for the first appointment

Sometimes, the best way to choose a pediatrician is to take your child in for an appointment. When you make the appointment, create a list of questions and concerns to bring along. If your child has known issues or a history of certain conditions, be ready to discuss them. If you have particular beliefs about healthcare, you need to make the pediatrician aware of them. The pediatrician should respect your wishes when it comes to personal beliefs.

If you have a spouse or partner, they should come for the first visit and meet the pediatrician as well. Both of you are raising your child, so you should both know their doctor. Make a note if you do not have a good feeling about any part of the visit, especially if an issue cannot be resolved.

Pay attention to how the pediatrician responds

Ideally, a pediatrician will listen to you, answer questions clearly, and demonstrate genuine concern for the health of your child. You are looking for a physician who will help you, but also make sure that your child is not over-treated. The best pediatricians give you a realistic reply to whatever concern brought your child to the office that day.

Sometimes, the issues are less urgent than they seem, so drastic measures aren’t necessary. At other times, proactive measures are the best response, and you may have extra follow-up visits to make sure the issue is nothing too serious. The best pediatricians will have the training and experience to determine which course of action your child needs.

Understand what happens before and after the appointment

Healthcare does not begin or end at the door of the exam room, so make time to look around when you arrive at the practice. How does the waiting area look? Are the staff members friendly and helpful? Ask them about after-hours care and hospital affiliations. Illness and injury seldom wait for regular office hours, and knowing how to handle emergencies ahead of time helps reduce the stress of those situations.

When you leave the office, double-check the instructions and medications to ensure you understand everything. If you have any more questions, call the office. If a nurse isn’t available, one should get back to you with more details.

Only expect the possible from your pediatrician and yourself

The best pediatricians not only know their own limits but also respect yours. Even when parents mean the best, children sometimes won’t follow the wisdom they are given. Kids refuse to eat healthy food and often argue about taking medicine. Your pediatrician should offer you tips and guidelines for a healthy upbringing and understand when your child acts out.

Choosing the best pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas

If you need to find a pediatrician near you, call Dr. John M. Young in Amarillo, Texas today. You can call us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo to see how our friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you.

How To Prepare Your Child For Their Vaccinations

by

It is possible to have an easier and less stressful visit to a healthcare professional when your child needs vaccinations. Depending on your child’s age, there are a few simple things you can do to achieve a better outcome before, during, and after the appointment. These include preparing before the appointment and comforting them during the visit.

Prepare before your child’s appointment

You and your child will experience less stress if you come prepared for an appointment. Make sure to read all paperwork your health care provider has given you. Write down any questions you have and take them to the appointment. You should be aware of the recommended schedule for childhood immunizations and local school requirements as well. Review vaccination information statements, which can be found at the pediatrician’s office. Also, don’t forget to bring your child’s personal immunization record to the healthcare provider after you have made sure that it is current. This tells the pediatrician which vaccinations your child has already received.

You can be prepared to comfort your child by bringing along a favorite toy, blanket, or book. If your child has a mild illness, check with your doctor to see if there is any reason why they should avoid the shot.

It is important for you to be honest with your child and tell them that vaccinations will give them a little sting or pinching feeling. Tell them that this will not last for long and ask other family members to support your child. You should also avoid making threats about shots or telling scary stories about them. Remember to tell your child about the health benefits of getting vaccinations as well.

Handing vaccinations with babies or young children

If you have a baby or small child, try distracting them by cuddling, talking softly to them, or singing. Let them know everything is okay and make sure to make eye contact with them. You can also comfort them with a familiar object from home. If possible, hold your child on your lap and be very supportive once your child has had their shot. Swaddle babies, provide skin to skin contact, offer a sweet drink like juice, or breastfeed to show them everything is normal.

Giving vaccinations to older children

You can help an older child handle the slight pain from a shot by taking deep breaths with them. Distractions are helpful, such as pointing out interesting things in the room or telling a story. You should never scold your child if they cry or shame them for not being brave. It is possible, and common, for an adolescent to faint after their vaccination. Your child should stay in a sitting position for 15 minutes after the shot to prevent this from happening. You may want to ask your healthcare provider about giving your child a pain reliever after the vaccination or advice about further comforting them.

What to expect after vaccinations are administered

It is possible for your child to have a small reaction after the shot, such as fever, pain at the injection site, or a rash. These are normal side effects that can be easily minimized. You can review the vaccine literature given to you by the healthcare provider to be aware of side effects. A cool, wet cloth provides comfort and relief from soreness, swelling, or redness. Non-aspirin pain reliever and a cool sponge bath can bring down a fever.

Make sure your child gets enough water to drink after the shot. You should also know that they may not have a normal appetite for up to 24 hours after the vaccine is given. Pay special attention to your child for a few days after their visit and contact the doctor if something seems wrong.

Where to go for vaccinations and how to pay for them

Your health insurance will most likely pay for your child’s vaccinations. However, you may want to call the customer service department to verify the pediatrician of your choice is covered by your insurance. If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover the shots, ask your pediatrician about other options. Another place you could check is the local health department. They will be able to tell you if there are any public health clinics in your area that give eligible people free vaccines.

Find the best pediatrician for vaccinations in Amarillo, Texas

If your child is in need of vaccinations, you should contact a pediatrician you can trust. Dr. John M. Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services, including recommended and required vaccinations.

5 Common Allergy Treatment Options For Children

by

For many people, allergy symptoms flare up when seasons change. Allergy sufferers want to enjoy the outdoors in any season, but their symptoms present a challenge. This can be especially difficult for children who love to play outside. Fortunately, there are several allergy treatment options for children that deal with environmental allergies. These treatments include allergen avoidance, nasal rinses, and antihistamines.

Minimizing exposure to allergens

Allergy symptoms can be triggered by many things. If you are not exposed to an allergen, you won’t have allergy symptoms caused by that trigger. When your kids are struggling with uncomfortable symptoms, you may want to lock them up inside where their allergy triggers cannot affect them. The good news is that you can minimize exposure without having to keep your kids indoors all of the time. Keep your car windows closed while driving to keep pollen out and tell your kids not to roll in the grass. You can also have them change clothes after playing outside. Try to avoid being outdoors on days with high pollen counts. It may be tough, but some symptoms are too uncomfortable to risk exposure to allergens.

Nasal rinses

Many people benefit from nasal rinses because they relieve cold and allergy symptoms. This treatment option removes the allergens that have been caught in your child’s nose. After being outside for a while, have your child do a quick nasal rinse when they come back in. Nasal rinses are rather simple and consist of a saline solution going through one side of the nose and out the other. You can purchase this product at most local drugstores.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines work quickly and well for most children dealing with allergies. Benadryl is one commonly used, an over-the-counter antihistamine that helps relieve symptoms. Talk with your child’s pediatrician to determine which antihistamine would work best as an allergy treatment for your child.

Nasal steroids

Some allergy symptoms are so bad that your child needs daily medication to keep them under control. Nasal steroid sprays can help with a number of issues. These medicines are often more effective, but more expensive, than oral antihistamines. Side effects of nasal steroid use are rather minor, as some people have issues with drying out of the nasal passages. It is recommended you speak with a pediatrician to determine whether this allergy treatment is right for your child.

Eye drops

Some children suffer from itchy, watery eyes. Antihistamine eye drops can typically offer a great deal of relief from these allergy symptoms. Many options are available over the counter as well as from your child’s pediatrician. Unfortunately, eye drops may be difficult for young children to handle. If you are able to keep your child still, eye drops can be an effective allergy treatment option for you.

Professional pediatrics and allergy treatment in Amarillo, Texas

If your child suffers from allergies, finding an experienced pediatrician is the best way to help. Dr. John M. Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services, including allergy testing and treatment.

How You Can Help Your Child Handle Their Allergies

by

With spring and summer come warmer temperatures, green grass and leaves, colorful flowers, and more opportunities to enjoy being outside. However, the allergens these changes bring can be challenging to many people, including children. Allergic reactions show up in many different ways, from sneezing and watering eyes to rashes and hives. As if that weren’t enough, allergies can also cause colds.

If your child seems to get sick every time the weather changes, allergies may be the culprit. It is important to know the causes of allergies in children to help you identify any allergens that may be affecting them. It is also important to know what actions to take in order to treat their allergies.

Causes of spring and summer allergies

One common cause of allergies is genetics. If you have allergies, your child may develop them, too. However, that does not necessarily mean that you and your child will have the same type of allergies. You could primarily have food allergies, while your child suffers from environmental allergies. Sometimes allergies appear early in life and other times they show up in the teenage or adult years. The effect of allergens can also change, becoming less severe over time or with treatment.

Identifying allergies in your child

Some allergic reactions are simple to identify, such as when a child is playing outside in the grass and a rash appears on their skin. However, some reactions are harder to credit. Is it the trees outside or your perfume that makes your child’s eyes water and their sinuses clog? A qualified pediatrician can perform thorough allergy testing to help identify the underlying allergens.

Actions to take once allergies have been found

One of the best ways to reduce allergic symptoms is to avoid or eliminate allergens. Washing clothes in hot water helps kill some allergens and remove them. Your child should take nightly showers or baths before bed to scrub away allergic triggers. You can also shut your windows and doors and use a HEPA air filter to help prevent allergic reactions. Pay attention to your cleaning products, because many of them contain fragrances or dyes that can irritate the sinuses or skin. All of these changes should be made slowly so you can monitor what helps your child and what doesn’t.

Treatments for allergies in children

There are many medications available to help with allergic reactions. Many are sold over the counter and come in forms like liquids, pills, nasal sprays, and topical ointments. A simple dose is often all your child needs to bounce back from their allergy symptoms. Prescription medicines, immunotherapy, and natural regimens are also available for more severe cases. All of these options may seem overwhelming, but your child’s pediatrician can help you narrow down the best choices and how to implement them.

Handling lifestyle changes

It can be very hard to avoid certain allergens, especially if that means your child must make sacrifices by avoiding certain foods or the outdoors. Pollen is everywhere and eating out safely can seem impossible. People with allergies sometimes find that non-allergy sufferers can be unsympathetic or unhelpful. It can also be difficult to remember to take medications each day and may seem emotionally overwhelming to your child when they cannot play outside.

Keep in mind that you and your child DO have the ability to overcome even the worst allergic reactions. While some reactions can be life-threatening, you and your child don’t have to stop enjoying life. Speaking with a pediatrician can help you decide where lifestyle changes are needed and where they are not necessary.

Empowering your child

Kids can take an active role in improving their own health by being aware of their surroundings and knowing their allergic triggers. Parents can partner with pediatricians to create age-appropriate lessons for children to learn how they can avoid likely problem areas. Children can even practice better techniques for taking medicines like nasal sprays, which need to be inhaled rather than snorted for best effect. When children know that they are able to help themselves, the misery of allergies will not be so overwhelming.

If you suspect your child has allergies, finding the right pediatrician with experience in allergy testing and treatment is vital. The office of Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas is committed to making allergy testing as easy as possible for you and for your child. Call us today at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about Our Services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo.

Best of Amarillo 2017- Voting Closes June 30th!

by

Please vote Dr. Young for the Best Pediatrician of Amarillo 2017. Thank you for all of your support last year, naming us Best Pediatrician of Amarillo 2016. Click the link below to vote. Voting ends June 30th!

Please do not hesitate to email youngpediatrician@gmail.com or send us a message on our Facebook, we would love to hear your feedback on recommendations or any blog topic ideas you may have.

John M. Young, M.D. & Staff

Visiting Friends & Family

by

This summer many of our families will have friends and family members visit Amarillo.  If any of these visiting children get sick or injured, feel free to call us.  It has always been our policy to make every effort to find an appointment for them so they can avoid visiting an urgent care center or ER.  Please call on behalf of the child so that we can confirm that they are visiting your home.

John M. Young, M.D. & Staff

Please call (806)-354-0404 ext 3330, to make an appointment.

Know When To Call Your Baby’s Pediatrician

by

As a parent, you will take your baby to several visits with a pediatrician throughout their first year of life. Many of these visits are routine, but you may have to make other visits when your child needs immediate medical attention. You can typically wait until normal office hours if your baby has a small cough or fussiness. However, you should understand what signs to look for to determine whether or not a situation requires you to call your pediatrician immediately.

Trust your pediatrician’s advice

New parents often deal with uncertainties regarding their child’s health. It can be hard to determine whether or not a bout of diarrhea is harmless or an indicator of a greater issue. This uncertainty is when advice from your pediatrician is needed. Your baby’s pediatrician can alert you to potential problems and help ease your worries.

Signs it may be time to call the doctor

There are quite a few symptoms to watch for that may need immediate attention from a pediatrician. Call the doctor if your baby has diarrhea and vomits more than usual, has a rash, shows signs of dehydration, or refuses to eat. Dehydration is a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as you see the symptoms. The signs of dehydration include a decreased number of wet diapers, sunken eyes, or absent tears when crying. If you are ever unsure of what symptoms to look for, call your pediatrician for advice.

Emergency situations

Although the above symptoms can be indicators of a serious issue, there are several things that would better qualify as an emergency. Call your pediatrician immediately if your child has blood in their vomit or stool, seizures, paralysis, or a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Other emergency symptoms include poisoning, bleeding, and yellow skin or eyes.

If your child is sleeping more than usual, will not wake up, or becomes limp, call your doctor immediately. These are issues that need to be addressed as quickly as possible. Many of these situations may require a trip to the emergency room as well as a call to your pediatrician.

Professional pediatrics in Amarillo, Texas

Issues such as diarrhea can turn into a dangerous condition in no time at all. This is why it is important to know your pediatrician’s office hours, phone number, and on-call hours before your baby is born. If you prepare yourself properly, dealing with an emergency should go smoothly.

If you are searching for a reputable pediatrician for your baby, contact Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas. Dr. John Young and his team are committed to providing the best experience for you and your child. Call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also Contact Us by email or visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services.

5 Questions You May Have About Your Baby’s Soft Spots

by

Newborn babies are delicate and require constant care and supervision. You will notice many things about your newborn baby that older babies do not have, including soft spots on the head. These spots, also called fontanels, are sections of your baby’s skull that have not completely formed yet. It can be dangerous if damage occurs in these areas, so it is important to understand what they are and how to protect them. The following are five questions that many parents have about soft spots.

What exactly are soft spots?

The soft spots on your baby’s head usually come in pairs, with one being larger than the other. However, it is possible for your baby to have more. The soft spots help your baby move through the narrow birthing canal more easily, reshaping the head. This process is known as molding and also allows your baby’s brain to develop better after birth.

Where are the soft spots are located?

The soft spots are located on the center and the back of your baby’s head. Typically, the largest soft spot can be found on the top of the head and is triangular or diamond-like in shape. If you do not know where to find the soft spots, try gently feeling for them in the general areas where they may occur. Be careful as you do this and be aware that there may be more than two fontanels.

When will the soft spots disappear?

The length of time it will take for your baby’s skull to completely form will vary. Depending upon where the soft spots are located, it can take up to eighteen months or longer. The smaller soft spots can take six weeks or more to completely close, while the largest will not close until the brain has fully developed.

If your baby’s soft spots completely close earlier than this, it can be a sign of trouble. If this issue happens, it may mean that the brain has stopped developing. Contact your pediatrician immediately if soft spots have closed early.

What can I do to keep my baby safe?

Taking proper precautions to protect your baby’s skull and developing brain is important for every parent to do. However, you do not need to avoid touching your baby’s head. You can press on the soft spots without hurting your baby, as long as you do not apply too much pressure. When lifting your baby, be sure to gently place your hand on the back of the head and neck for support, but do not press down too hard. You should also teach anyone who will be handling your baby the proper safety procedures to avoiding hurting the soft spots. If your baby’s head is ever injured and they develop a fever shortly afterward, call your pediatrician immediately.

What happens if the spot spots suddenly look different?

Normal soft spots are slightly indented, but if you see that the indention has become deeper, your baby could be dehydrated. If you have given your baby enough liquids and the soft spot is still too deep, call your doctor as soon as possible. In contrast, if the soft spot is swollen, there still may not be a medical issue. Sometimes, after excessive crying or coughing, soft spots can become swollen, but they should decrease in size within hours. If the swelling does not go down, contact your pediatrician quickly.

Finding the best pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas

If you are searching for a reliable, experienced, and caring pediatrician, contact Dr. John M. Young, M.D. Pediatrics today. Dr. John Young and his team are committed to providing the best experience for you and your child. Call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also Contact Us by email or visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services.