Baby Proofing Checklist

Whether you are a first-time parent or a seasoned professional, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your baby proofing knowledge. We want you and your children to be safe, so we put together a checklist of items for your house that you should do while baby proofing.

The Baby’s Room

• Keep diapering supplies out of reach of baby and toddlers.
• Keep loose blankets out of the crib. If you are worried about baby staying warm at night, dress them appropriately and consider using sleep sacks or wearable blankets.
• Avoid attaching pacifiers to the crib or to your baby with a string, as the baby can get tangled up when they are asleep.

The Kitchen

• Latch any drawers, cupboards, and doors shut that are within reach of your child.  Be sure to store any cleaning supplies in one of these latched or locked places. Keep glasses and dishware out of reach.
• Install oven or stove knob covers.
• Place knives and forks pointed side down in the dishwasher. When you are finished with the dishwasher, be sure you securely close it.

The Rest of the Home

• If you have stairs, be sure to place baby gates on both the top and bottom.
• Anchor your TV to the wall and keep cords out of reach.
• Place safety covers on all electrical outlets. Remember to unplug and store electric appliances that are not in use.
• Remove blinds with looped cords.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors on each story of your home.

Following this simple checklist will help you keep your child safe which is a priority of Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado. We have extended hours because we know that injury and illness don’t abide by a 9-5 schedule.

Best Sledding Hills In Northern Colorado

Snow has finally made its way to Northern Colorado, and if you’re not planning on packing up the family and heading to the slopes, you can still enjoy the snow close to home! Northern Colorado has plenty of sledding hills that you and your family can enjoy this winter. Here are just a few of them.

City Park | Fort Collins

1500 W. Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521

This hill is for our experienced sledders out there! Expect to catch some serious speed with plenty of stopping room. There are trees just past the bottom of the hill so you might want to consider having the kids wear helmets while sledding on this hill.

Kroh Park | Loveland

5200 N. Garfield Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538

The hill at Kroh Park in Loveland is one of the regions most popular sledding hills and is certainly a hot spot for Loveland residents. Get there early, because this place gets packed! The hill at Kroh Park is great for all experience levels, so take the whole family!

Nottingham Field | Greeley

17th Ave Reservoir Road, Greeley, CO 80639

Right on the west side of the University of Northern Colorado’s campus, next to Nottingham Field, is Greeley’s best and oldest sledding hill! The hill has an impressive view of UNC’s central campus and there is plenty of parking and room for sledders. Sledders of all ages love this hill!

Aggie Greens Disk Golf Course | Fort Collins

2449-2543 S. Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Often referred to as “the best sled hill on Fort Collins,” the hill at Aggie Greens Disk Golf Course is tall enough to get a thrill, but not tall enough to worry about the kids’ safety. People come to this hill from all over the region to feel the thrill of sledding on this hill!

Water Valley Senior Living Resort | Windsor

805 Compassion Drive, Windsor, CO 80550

The large hill behind the Water Valley Senior Living Resort in Windsor is a go-to location for the town residents. There are a few obstacles that can get in the way, so be sure that you are sledding in a clear area.

Sledding Safety

While sledding is a fun way to enjoy the winter weather and spend some time playing outside, we also want to remind you and your family to be safe while sledding. Here are some easy sledding rules to follow this winter:

• Avoid sledding in crowded areas as to not hurt yourself or anyone else
• Keep sledders away from motor vehicles
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times
• Consider wearing helmets to avoid head injuries
• Dress in many layers so you stay warm
• Sled feet first to avoid injury and to maintain control of the sled

If your child happens to get injured, bring them to the Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado. Illness and injury don’t take a day off, so we are open 365 days a year!

Winter Health and Safety Tips

Colorado winters are unique in that we can experience winter storms and deep freezes, and turn around the next day and have weather that feels more like spring or fall. No matter the conditions, parents should be prepared to face anything this winter. Here are some winter health and safety tips that parents should keep in their back pocket.

Dress your children in layers

Some of the common health issues kids can experience in the winter are hypothermia and frostbite. Both of these are typically the result of children playing in cold temperatures and snow without the proper clothing. Dress your children in several thin layers to keep them dry and warm during outdoor activity. An easy rule of thumb to remember is to dress them in one more layer than you would dress in those conditions. Be sure that your child wears gloves, scarves, hats, and boots if they are playing in the snow. This will help prevent frostbite.

Prepare for winter sports and activities

Your kids likely will want to play in the snow and participate in fun winter sports and activities like skiing, ice skating, and sledding. As with any sport, injury can occur, but there are ways to prevent injury. If your children are interested in ice skating, be sure they skate in the same direction as the crowd, avoid darting across the ice, and wear equipment like helmets and knee and elbow pads, especially while they are learning. If your kids want to go sledding, make sure they are supervised by an adult at all times, they sled feet first, and they stay away from crowds and vehicles. If your family plans on going skiing or snowboarding this winter, make sure all equipment fits properly and is in good shape. Children should never ski alone and should be supervised by an adult.

Winter car seat safety

Winter can be a tricky time for car seats, and for new parents, some of this might be news. As a rule, bulky clothing, like snowsuits and winter coats, should not be worn under the harness of a car seat. The best thing to do is dress your child in thin layers, strap them into the car seat, and place their coat or blanket over them if you think they won’t be warm enough. Make sure the harness is snugly tightened across your child’s chest. Another way to ensure your child will be warm in the car seat is to bring it inside when it is not in use. That way you avoid placing them in a cold environment. Also, avoid putting blankets behind them in the car seat. They will add extra padding, leaving space for your child to potentially slide out of the harness in an accident situation.

This winter, we want all families to be safe from illness and injury. These tips are easy to follow and will be beneficial in the end. If your child falls ill or gets injured this winter, bring them to Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado. We are open 365 days a year, and our staff is committed to providing the best care for your child.

History of The Flu

The flu is the commonly used name for a virus called influenza. The influenza virus has affected the human population for thousands of years. Flu season peaks in the winter months, which means there are separate flu seasons for the northern and southern hemisphere. Typically, the flu causes symptoms two days after exposure to the virus, and the symptoms last about a week.

The Flu Throughout History

As many as 2,400 years ago, symptoms of influenza were described in the writings of ancient Greece. During the 1500s, a particularly deadly case of the flu struck Rome, killing over 8,000 people. Flu pandemics continued during the 17th and 18th century, and a period between 1830 and 1833 saw the infection of nearly one-quarter of the population. In 1918, a particular strain of the flu known as “Spanish fever” killed between 50 and 100 million people. The strain of flu that caused the Spanish fever was H1N1, the same strain that caused a worldwide flu epidemic in 2009.

Strains of Influenza

Currently, there are four known types of the flu: Type A, Type B, Type C, and Type D, although type D is not known to infect humans. Influenza type A is the most common, and variations of this flu virus have been known to affect other species, such as the H5N1 variation also known as the Bird Flu. Type B is less common, but much more severe while type C is the least common and also the least severe. Although the strength of the flu virus changes, symptoms are similar for each influenza type.

Treating The Flu Virus

While the best way to treat the flu virus is prevention with the flu vaccination, once the flu sets in, the primary treatments focus on managing the symptoms. People who have the flu are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and to take anti-inflammatory drugs for the fever and pain. Because the flu is a virus, antibiotics have no effect; antiviral drugs are sometimes prescribed by doctors, but they are not always effective in reducing the duration of the flu.

Testing for the flu is quick and painless. If you think you or your child may have contracted the flu, contact Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado today!

Holiday Travel Tips

The winter holidays are one of the biggest travel seasons of the year. However, the colder months of the year also mean more people are traveling while sick. In order to make it to your destination with a clean bill of health, consider some of these holiday travel tips. With a combination of smart planning and common sense, it will be much easier to avoid being sick during the holidays this year.

Planning For Holiday Travel

When packing for holiday travel this year, be sure to add a few extra items into your carry-on bag. These items will help keep you and your children better protected from illness this winter. Be sure to add a bottle of hand sanitizer to your carry-on bag or purse. While it is important to always wash your hands before and after meals, there are plenty of other scenarios where you’ll want clean hands without a bathroom nearby. This includes things such as touching the handrail of an escalator or spending time on public transportation, including airport shuttles. By keeping your hands free of germs, you’ll go a long way to staying healthy.

Keep Tissues Handy

Another item to be sure to carry during the winter months is extra tissues. If you find that you or your child has the sniffles or a cough, having spare tissues handy can prevent spreading the illness any further. Plus, the people around you at the airport will appreciate your kids using tissues instead of wiping their hands on chairs and door handles! When combined with the hand sanitizer, tissues can help clean up plenty of messes during holiday travel.

Stay Hydrated While Traveling

Finally, it is very important to stay hydrated while traveling. Holiday travels often mean long hours on the road, and this can greatly affect parents and children. For parents, they often forgo drinking water in exchange for coffee or other caffeinated drinks. Children will typically use travel as an excuse to ask for sugary drinks instead of their typical water or juice. Both of these scenarios result in weary travelers who are dehydrated which can lead to an increased chance of children not feeling well. One way to avoid this problem is to travel with refillable water bottles for each person. Not only will this keep your family of travelers well hydrated, but it also will save money on buying drinks during holiday travel.

Do you have a tip for staying healthy during holiday travel? Let us know in the comments, or contact the Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado for more information!

Infants’ Ibuprofen Recalled from Walmart, CVS Pharmacy and Family Dollar

Earlier this week, Tris Pharma—a major pharmaceutical company based in New Jersey— issued a voluntary nationwide recall of Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP (NSAID) due to potential higher concentrations of ibuprofen. 

The products were labeled as 50 mg of ibuprofen per 1.25 mL, however, the company claims the concentration may be higher than labeled. There’s a remote possibility that the higher dosage in these products could lead to permanent kidney injury, nausea, and vomiting among other adverse effects. To date, the company says it has not received any reports of harmful events related to the recall. 

The products in question were sold at Walmart, CVS and Family Dollar under the brand names Equate, CVS Health and Family Wellness. Infants’ ibuprofen is often recommended by health care professionals as a pain reliever and fever reducer for infants.

(Photos: PRNewsfoto/ Tris Pharma Inc.)

Tris Pharma has issued an urgent recall notice and wholesalers and retailers have been instructed to stop further distribution of the affected lots of ibuprofen. 

More information about the recall is available from the company’s official release. 

If you have any health-related questions or concerns about this recall please call us at 970-494-2626. 

Attention: NEW EXTENDED HOURS

You Asked. We Listened.

Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado is excited to announce our new extended hours, effective immediately.

Monday – Friday 

9:00am – 9:00pm

Saturday & Sunday 

8:00am – 8:00pm

“The health care providers at Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado are committed to treating children and families with the same respect and quality care as at the best hospital emergency rooms,” said Larry Mortensen, Executive Director of Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado. “By extending PUCNC’s hours, we hope to be the first choice for your family’s medical needs not only during the day but into the evenings and on the weekends.”

Visit our list of Pediatric Services and Treatments or call 970.494.2626 for additional information.

Taking care of your kids 365 days a year. 

Cooking with Kids | Thanksgiving

When we think of Thanksgiving, we all focus on the big meal that we are going to enjoy at dinner. You don’t have to wait until dinner to celebrate with delicious Thanksgiving treats. Start the day off right with peanut butter turkey snacks that are easy for you and your kids to make together!

What you will need:

Muffin cups

Peanut butter

Red and yellow apples or bell peppers

Green Grapes

Directions:

1. 1. Slice your red and yellow apples or bell peppers.
2. 2. Have your child can fill the muffin cup with peanut butter.
3. 3. Let your child pick apple slices to place on one half of the peanut butter filled muffin cup. (You may also use sliced bell peppers)
4. 4. Place a grape on the other half of the peanut butter filled muffin cup for the head.
5. 5. Enjoy your healthy Thanksgiving snack!

*Photo and recipe from www.thepartyanimal-blog.org.

Upcoming Events for Children in Northern Colorado

Are you feeling like you and your kids need to get out of the house this fall? We get it. Here are some upcoming local events that your kids will love!

Weekly StoryTime With Jeanette

What: Storytime, a snack, and activities for kids aged 0-5. Jeanette will be on the stage in the Children’s Department to read a story and help the kids with some activities. This is a free event, so you just have to show up and enjoy the fun!

When: Thursdays from 10 am to 11 am.

Where: Barnes & Noble Promenade Shops Centerra. Located at 5835 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland, CO 80538

Saturday StoryTime @ Barnes & Noble

What: Storytime and activities for kids aged 1-8. It is free, so take advantage of a quick break in your day and let your kids be creative and have fun!

When: Saturdays from 11 am to 11:30 am.

Where: Barnes & Noble Locations in Loveland and Fort Collins

Loveland: 5835 Sky Pond Drive, Loveland Co 80538

Fort Collins: 4045 S. College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80525

Weekend Toons @ Lyric Cinema Cafe

What: Weekend Toons allows you and your kids to catch some of your favorite classic animated cartoons. The toons are appropriate for all ages. The event is free, but if you’d like to take part in some breakfast, it’s just $5. There are also mimosas for the parents that just need an extra boost for the day!

When: Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to about noon.

Where: The Lyric Cinema Cafe. Located at 1209 N. College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Fort Collins Thanksgiving Day Run

What: A 4-mile family event in the heart of Fort Collins. This is the 25th annual Thanksgiving Day Run! The event is for people of all ages, and kids can participate in the Gobble Gobble Kids’ Fun Run! Register here.

When: Thursday, November 22, 2018, beginning at 8:45 AM.

Where: The Corner of Oak and Mason in Old Town Fort Collins.

2018 Pelican Lakes Turkey Trot – 5K Run/Walk

What: Start off your Thanksgiving celebrations with a 5K run/walk around the Pelican Lakes Golf Course in Windsor. A special kids event begins at 10:00 am. There will be two courses, one for kids 5 and under and one for kids aged 6-10. You must register to participate.

When: Thursday, November 22, 2018, beginning at 9:00 AM.

Where: Pelican Lakes Golf Course @ Water Valley, 1620 Pelican Lakes Point, Windsor, CO 80550.

2018 Loveland Turkey Trot 5K

What: Kick off Thanksgiving at the family-friendly Loveland Turkey Trot 5K. This event benefits the Clinical Services Fund, which supports growth in education, development, equipment, and improved hospital processes in the Loveland and Fort Collins area. You must register for the event to participate.

When: Thursday, November 22, 2018, beginning at 8:30 AM.

Where: McKee Medical Center, 2000 Boise Ave., Loveland, CO 80538.

21st Annual NCMC Turkey Trot 5K/2K Fun Run/Walk

What: The 21st Annual NCMC Turkey Trot is a fun family event, open to participants of all ages. All children 12 and under will receive a finisher ribbon for both the 5K and 2K. The 2K is a fun run, and the 5K is more competitive. To participate, register for the event.

When: Thursday, November 22, 2018, beginning at 9:00 AM.

Where: North Colorado Medical Center, 1801 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80631.

Stay tuned for more upcoming family events!

When You Should Go to the Doctor for a Sore Throat

In Colorado’s dry air, a sore throat in the morning isn’t uncommon, especially in the winter when home heating makes air particularly dry. If your child wakes up with pain in her throat, have her drink water.

The American Society of Pediatrics recommends taking your child to the doctor if her sore throat doesn’t abate after a drink of water in the morning. Get care immediately if your child’s sore throat is accompanied by difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling. These may signal much more severe health issues.

Adults don’t need to see a doctor about a painful throat unless it’s accompanied by a fever of more than 101 degrees, ear pain, joint pain or difficulty opening the mouth. See your doctor if you have frequently recurring sore throats, which may be a symptom of HIV.

Sore Throat Causes

There are many reasons your child may experience a sore throat, and many of them aren’t cause for concern. Commonplace causes of benign sore throats include:

• Postnasal drip: Allergies or colds that cause nasal congestion may cause sore throats.
• Dryness: Dry air, particularly when breathing through the mouth, may cause soreness.
• Voice strain: Excessive shouting can strain the muscles in the throat, causing pain.
• Poor air quality: Chemicals, tobacco smoke and environmental smoke (from campfires or nearby forest fires can irritate throats.

Often sore throats are just part of a cold caused by a virus.  However, if your child’s sore throat is persistent, or your child is experiencing a fever, flu like symptoms, or a stomach ache, they would benefit from seeing a provider.  If you have questions, call our nurse triage phone line at 970-267-6715.