Mahaska Health Partnership Shares Tips for Keeping Children Healthy

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – Being a parent of a young child can be stressful. MHP Pediatrician Dr. John O’Brien educates on some of the common concerns of parents and how to keep your child healthy and happy.

“Being a parent brings on a whole new world of responsibilities and worries,” Dr. O’Brien shared. “I often get asked about normal development and how to protect a child from illness and injury. While these fears aren’t unwarranted, it’s normal for a child to get sick or have a bump or bruise once in a while.”

According to Dr. O’Brien, a child averages six respiratory illnesses and a few diarrhea-causing infections before age two. “Your little ones take a couple of years to develop a fully functional immune system, so they’re going to catch the occasional illness. There are a few steps you can take to keep them as healthy as possible, but don’t be alarmed if they get a mild sickness, it’s normal.”

One way to protect your baby is to breastfeed as long as possible. “Babies who are breastfed get fewer colds, stomach bugs and ear infections,” Dr. O’Brien explained. “If they do get sick, these babies tend to get have less severe symptoms. Not only are you sharing your immunity with them, but you’re also giving them key nutrients, all in one feeding.”

Another way to keep your child healthy is to make sure their nose is free and clear. “If your child gets a stuffy nose, it’s easier for them to develop an infection,” Dr. O’Brien explained. “If they get a clogged nose, you can use non-medicated saline nose drops to soften the mucus, then suction it out with a nasal aspirator. You can also run a warm shower and sit with them in the bathroom to breath in the steam. Another option is running a cool-mist humidifier at night to combat dry winter air.”

Keeping your baby’s space as clean as possible will help minimize their risk of catching an illness too. “Don’t keep a ton of dust collectors in their bedroom, such as stuffed animals,” Dr. O’Brien advised. “Keep any perfumes or aerosol products far from their sleeping area and make sure no one is smoking around your child.

“If your child is going to daycare, make sure it’s healthy for them there too,” Dr. O’Brien continued. “Ask about their policy on sick children and how often they sanitize toys. Sharing of bottles and other personal items, along with diaper changing stations close to food preparation areas are breeding grounds for illness and should be avoided if possible.”

One of the most important steps in keeping your child healthy is regular visits to their primary care provider. “Staying on schedule with immunizations is one of the easiest ways to protect your child’s health,” Dr. O’Brien stressed. “Maintain a regular visit schedule and make sure your child is on the right track to being a healthy toddler. While you can’t protect them from everything, taking steps to keep them healthy can provide great benefits in their overall well-being.”

Pediatrician Dr. John O’Brien specializes in the care of children from birth to 21 years. Dr. O’Brien believes children are capable of doing wondering things. He has enjoyed helping them achieve their potential in good physical and emotional health for more than 28 years. Dr. O’Brien has made great strides treating children with ADHD and prides himself on educating parents. To schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Brien, call 641.672.3360.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.