centennialpediatricsofspokane

Patient Portal Scheduling

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 21:50:49 GMT

NOW AVAILABLE: Self-Scheduling on Our Patient Portal

Have you been woken up at 3am with a fussy child complaining of ear pain and wish you could schedule a visit right then for later in the day?
Do you struggle to find time in your busy day to call during office hours and schedule your child's next check up?
Do you prefer to schedule appointments when you can sit down and look at your entire family's schedule to see when would work best?

We are excited to announce self-scheduling through our Patient Portal . This will now allow our families to schedule well checks when it works best for them; vaccine-only visits with our nurse or medical assistants; and sick visits up to 3 days ahead of time.

As this is a new feature, we know there will probably be some kinks which we hope to work out along the way. Some visit types and patients* may not yet be available for self-scheduling.

*Due to privacy restrictions, patients 13 years and up are not yet eligible for this. Additionally, some of our more complex patients may not yet be eligible.

Let's Chat About Vaccines

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:55:16 GMT

Vaccine Questions: We Know You Have Them

The discussion about vaccines has become forefront in our society. It extends from parents on the playground to governmental officials, and so we know many of you have questions as you navigate this issue. As professionals who care for children, our job is to look into the research and educate families as to the science behind childhood vaccinations.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has always stood behind a schedule that reinforced the need to protect children against life-threatening/life-altering diseases. Vaccine science has become so fine-tuned that children these days receive less of the antigen (illness-causing portion of the vaccines) than their parents or grandparents did as children while protecting against many more diseases. The diseases that these vaccines protect still exist. Cases of measles continue to crop up in large amounts. Whooping cough (pertussis) is common in our community. RSV lands tons of young infants in the hospital annually requiring supplemental oxygen and can result in death. And not uncommonly, there are outbreaks of hepatitis A that circulate in Spokane. We would love for all of these illnesses to be eradicated, but the truth is that they still exist and still pose a threat to our children and adults.

We have the benefit in the US of having many educated researchers and clinicians who have tackled the vaccine question for decades. They know what circulates in the US, what poses the highest risk for our children and what we need to do to prevent mortality and morbidity. These are the people who we turn to in order to get guidance about vaccines schedules.

We know that the news has brought into question vaccines and the schedule that has been validated for years. We know you have questions. We invite you to ask us those questions, and we will give you honest answers. Vaccines are not something we recommend to get "kick backs" or do so blindly knowing that kids are having adverse effects. Vaccines are the forefront of pediatrics and one of the biggest medical marvels ever. We are fortunate to be able to offer vaccines to patients and will continue to do so as per the AAP recommendations.

Many parents ask if we are concerned about access to the recommended vaccines with the CDC changes, and at this time, the Washington Department of Health (as part of the West Coast Health Alliance) continues to advocate for the vaccines as per the AAP. We are always happy to discuss if any vaccines can be given on an earlier schedule if there are concerns about access.

Here are some links for more information:

https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/west-coast-health-alliance-continues-recommend-vaccination-alignment-american-academy-pediatrics-aap

https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf?_gl=1*il3ebr*_ga*NDM3MjgyNDYwLjE3NjUyNDg0NDI.*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*czE3NjgyODE0NzEkbzckZzAkdDE3NjgyODE0NzEkajYwJGwwJGgw

What You Need to Know About Measles

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:09:53 GMT

Measles In a Nutshell

As everyone has probably heard at this point, there are confirmed cases of measles in and around Spokane and all over the country. Our job as your family's pediatric provider is to provide accurate, scientific information about illnesses such as measles and ways in which you can keep your family and others protected.

Measles is HIGHLY contagious . It will linger in a space for 2 hours after the infected person leaves. Often, we tell patients that you can do your best to avoid a sick-appearing person (maybe someone with a rash), but if you happen to step into a space in which a person with measles was within 2 hours of that person leaving, you are at-risk of contracting the virus.
The MMR vaccines is highly effective. After the 1st dose, a person is 93% protected and with 2 doses on-board, the protection is 97%.
We typically give the MMR at 1 year old and 4 years old; however, doses can be done as early as 6 months old* (especially if there is upcoming travel or concern for exposure during an outbreak). We can also give them closer together than 1 year and 4 years.
We know there can be questions surrounding vaccines, especially the MMR. We are always happy to answer these questions, but in brief, there has been NO link between the MMR vaccine (or any vaccine for that matter) and autism.
Someone who is immunocompromised is at great risk of serious complications of the measles virus, and since the MMR vaccine is a live-virus vaccine someone who has a suppressed immune system cannot get the vaccine themselves.
92-94% of the population needs to be immune to measles (by vaccination or history of infection) in order to limit/prevent spread of the illness.

Some retro things are fun and cool... like My Little Pony, Lincoln Logs and Strawberry Shortcake, but one thing is for sure, and that is that measles is absolutely not. As a pediatric practice, we know how a successful vaccine can save the lives of so many, and we will continue to do our part to protect children.

*A dose given at less than 1 year old does not qualify for the 2-dose series needed for school entry and confirmed immunity; however, it counts that you may protect your child against measles.

Bringing Home a Sibling

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:12:04 GMT

Some Tips to Make It As Smooth As Possible... Or At Least We Hope

Welcome to the club! You are bringing a new baby home to meet the older sibling. Although as a parent you know you have enough love in your heart for all of your children and the benefits of a sibling are huge, sometimes there can be hurdles along the way. We have some tips and tricks on ways to ease the introduction.

Start preparing the older sib early. As soon as your feel comfortable, start talking with the older child about a new sibling. Getting your child a baby doll that they can practice caring for can be helpful. If you are out and about and see siblings, point out the fun that they are having. There are a lot of books about being a big brother or big sister and these can start setting the stage.

Expect some behavior changes as it gets close to the arrival. Kids are very observant. They almost have a sixth sense about changes coming. Often parents will say that their older child started regressing with milestones (like sleeping in their own bed and pottytraining) even before the baby sibling is born. Your child may also have some big meltdowns and tantrums that seem uncharacteristic. Roll with these as much as you can. This is how they are dealing with the stress they are feeling.

THE BIG DAY! Make the day special for the big brother or big sister. For example, if you haven't announced the baby's name yet, tell the older sibling first and let them tell people. Let the older sibling participate in some early baby care depending on their age. This can be offering the baby a pacifier, giving the baby a special gift, etc. A lot of families will also have the baby sibling "gift" something to the older sibling.

At home. Get ready for man-on-man defense! This is coming from the playbook of a parent who has done this a time or two (actually, two!). Babies demand a lot of attention, and the older sibling won't understand this. All they will see is mom or dad not being able to play with them or hold them.
Have a special container with novel items in it that the older sibling ONLY gets to bring out when the baby is being fed. Some fun items are reusable sticker scenes, Play-Doh, a figurine set that they can play with, race cars or a simple card game such as a matching game or Go Fish. Try to avoid anything too messy, too noisy (as we know some kids' toys can be) or anything that requires too much space or thought. You'll be busy multitasking and feeding a baby, so keep it simple, but your older child may look forward to the special things in this container. Put it away after the feed is over.
Try not to phrase things in a way that makes it sounds like you are prioritizing the baby over the older sibling. Instead of "I will help you after I put the baby down for a nap," try "In 5 minutes, I will help you" and set a timer.

Keep routines. If your older child normally attends daycare, most people recommend keeping them in this if you can. Kids LOVE routines even the most mundane daily activities. It can be stressful to them to have the chaotic schedule that a newborn brings into a house so try to continue somewhat of a schedule at least for them.

One-on-one time. Even if it's going to the park for 10 minutes, carving out some special time with the older sibling is important. This is good for the older sibling and also for the parent to have some one-on-one time.

Obviously, there is no instruction guide that comes with having a new baby. That's why you have use to help you navigate these new waters. HealthyChildren.org also has some good resources you can check out ( https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Preparing-Your-Family-for-a-New-Baby.aspx?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=69654055&gbraid=0AAAAADyMpZGUp0yeLDt8cjf21-_HTXap3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4bPkuXusUrhnDRhZPcBUBkbpug6RfToWdSjBr7oNdWNXj-vNQ5n-KIaAmL2EALw_wcB ).

Safe Sleep

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 23:29:18 GMT

Safe Sleep Rules

Everyone has heard of the Back to Sleep campaign. This has led to a significant reduction in SUID (formerly known as SIDS) cases, but there are many other aspects of safe sleep for your baby that also play a role in decreasing your baby's risk of SIDS or other sleep-related issues.

Leave the cutesy bedding at the store. We all have seen the photos of the beautifully decorated nursery cribs, but did you know the ONLY things that should be in your baby's sleep space (crib or bassinet) should be (1) a firm crib mattress and (2) a tightly-fitted crib sheet? Keep blankets, crib decor such as bumpers and stuffed animals out of the sleeping area. They will look just as cute on a rocking chair or in a basket.

To swaddle or not to swaddle. Babies have spent the last 9 months swaddled inside mom, so it is natural for them to feel secure and calm when swaddled. If you are swaddling your baby, be sure it is with either a lightweight, well-secured blanket or a special swaddle blanket. Once your baby shows signs of rolling which can start as young as 2 months, we want to get them out of the swaddle. A swaddle that is too tight around the hips can also lead to hip issues such as dysplasia. For a good resource on swaddling, check out HealthyChildren.org's article ( https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Swaddling-Is-it-Safe.aspx ).

Sleepsuits and other sleep "aids." We do NOT recommend weighted sleepsuits. These can put additional pressure on the baby's chest. Additionally, Boppy pillows and Dock-a-Tots should not be used for sleep. There has been evidence that the use of pacifiers can lower the risk of SUID.

A crib = a safe space. Babies should sleep in their own space whether that is a crib or bassinet. Co-sleeping carries with it significant risks of SUID and suffocation. We know how exhausting it can be to have a new baby and nodding off during a feeding session isn't unheard of. Set a timer on your phone to go off after about 10 minutes or so to alert you if you happen to doze off.

A few other tips. Keeping your baby upto date with vaccines and breastfeeding also have been linked with decreasing SUID.

Babies spend a huge chunk of their days sleeping, so let's keep that a safe time for them.

Coming Soon -- Lactation!

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 04:43:38 GMT

Much like you get excited to announce your new baby's arrival, we have been keeping a little secret that we can't wait to share!

We will soon be offering lactation services at our clinic with a certified IBCLC and RN -- Chelsea Wilhelm! She brings with her years of knowledge as a lactation specialist and postpartum nurse and an excitement for educating new families that is contagious. More details to come soon, but we couldn't hold the news in any longer!

Urgent Care or ER? Making the Right Choice for Your Child

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:30:00 GMT

The Right Place for the Right Issue

Often, parents don’t know whether to take their sick or injured child to the emergency room or urgent care. The emergency room can be a long wait, but urgent care can’t treat emergency situations. We’re here to help you decide where to bring your child for the best and most efficient care!

Urgent Care can be a great place to go when we aren’t open and need to be seen soon. Before you go, make sure the urgent care you go to treats children to ensure proper care for your kid. You should take your child to urgent care if they:

Have a fever accompanied by symptoms that might be the flu, and they are over 2 months old
Has a minor cut that may need stitches
Is tugging at their ear and might have an ear infection
May have a sprain or minor bone fracture, but the bone is not coming out of the skin
Has mild wheezing
Is having a mild allergic reaction
Mild skin rash
Foreign objects in ears or nose
Burning when they go pee
Has a minor burn
Had a seizure with a fever that stopped on its own
Is vomiting or has diarrhea without blood in stool but no belly pain or signs of dehydration
Has a headache or migraine without numbness, tingling, or weakness

Emergency rooms are for true emergencies. We are associated with Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, so we highly recommend you take your child to their emergency room for high-quality care. You should take your child to the ER if your child:

Is younger than two months with a fever of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher
Has possibly swallowed a button battery
Has a suspected fracture with visible swelling or unevenness and bumps in the injured area
Has ingested a poisonous substance or taken too much medicine
Has a severe burn on large parts of the body or on the face, extremities, or genitalia
Has hit their head AND lost consciousness
Has sudden neurological concerns such as a change in mental status, high fever with a headache and stiff neck, or sudden changes in the ability to speak, see, walk, or move
Has changes in alertness or trouble waking
Has bluish lips or face
Shows signs of dehydration, such as very dry lips and mouth, absence of urination for more than 12 hours, lethargy, confusion, and a fast heartbeat.
Has trouble breathing - heavy, fast breathing, gasping for air, or manages to utter only two or three words before taking a breath
Has persistent chest pain or pressure
Has gaping cuts, especially on the face
Has a skin rash that is oozing
Has a complex chronic illness
Has a psychiatric issue, including suicidal thoughts
Facial or dental injuries

If you are unsure whether to go to the ER or Urgent Care, we recommend heading to the ER, where they will take good care of your child and assess for further treatment. Contact us for further questions or concerns!

--Blog post written by Maggie Rietze, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane Summer Intern Extraordinaire

Spooky but Safe: Top Tips for a Safe Halloween

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:16:56 GMT

Stay Safe and Have Fun

As a kid, Halloween is an amazing holiday, as they get to dress up as anything they want and go get free candy from their neighbors. As parents and medical providers, we see how Halloween can be dangerous, from accepting free candy from strangers to walking around in obscuring costumes at night. But don’t worry—we have some tips to help make Halloween safe and fun for your family.

An adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If your older children are trick-or-treating without an adult, make sure they have at least one buddy and plan and review a route that you approve of. Set a strict curfew and ensure they have flashlights with working batteries.

Always stay on well-lit streets and use the sidewalk. Cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Try to plan costumes that are bright and reflective. If the costume isn’t, you can add strips of reflective tape to the back of costumes and all-around trick-or-treat bags.

Make sure your child's shoes fit well and that they won’t trip on their own costume. To avoid hurting themselves or other children, avoid using sharp or long swords, canes, or sticks as costume accessories. Look for “flame resistant” on costume labels, as your child might encounter fire pits or candles in pumpkins.

If your child wants to use makeup to add to their costume, find non-toxic face paint and makeup. Wear hats and face paint rather than costume masks to avoid obscuring your child’s vision and face. Do not use decorative contact lenses sold in costume stores without an eye exam and a prescription. These are illegal and could cause serious eye disorders and infections, which could lead to permanent vision loss.

Never allow small children to carve pumpkins. Children can paint or draw on the pumpkin with markers; if necessary, an adult can do the cutting for them. Tealight candles are the safest for setting pumpkins aglow. Never place candlelit pumpkins on a path near trick-or-treaters.

Consider offering non-edible goodies to trick-or-treaters who have food allergies. Look into the Teal Pumpkin Project for more information. Wait until children are home to sort and check for any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items. Avoid homemade treats received from strangers. Eating a snack or a good meal before heading out can prevent wanting to snack on candies before they are inspected by an adult eye. Keep an eye on what your child has in their mouth while trick-or-treating. Remember that babies and toddlers should not have hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn, small candies, or gummy candy.

Try to ration treats for the days and weeks after Halloween. You can make a plan with your kids and teach them about moderation. Contact us with any other questions or concerns. Everyone at Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane wishes your family a safe and spooky Halloween!

--Blog post written by Maggie Rietze, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane Summer Intern Extraordinaire

Car Seat Safety in Winter: Ditch the Puffy Coats

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:11:20 GMT

Bundling Blunders Uncovered

When it is cold outside, and you hop into a cold car with your child, it is easy to forget how dangerous it is for your child to wear bulky winter clothes in their car seat. As a general rule, bulky clothing, including winter coats and snowsuits, should not be worn underneath the harness of a car seat. In a car crash, the fluffy padding in a coat can immediately flatten out from the powerful force, leaving extra space under the harness. A child can then slip through the strap and be thrown out of the seat or have more injuries from not being snugly secured in their car seat.

You can still keep your child warm in the car while being safe by following these tips:

You can store the carrier portion of infant seats inside your warm house when not in use to avoid having to put your child in a freezing seat.
Dress your child in thin layers with close-fitting layers on the bottoms, then pants and a sweater. Infants should wear one more layer than adults, so you can also drape a blanket or coat over the car straps or put their coat on backward over the properly fitted harness. Once you reach your destination, putting your child’s coat on is easy after getting out of the car seat.
They can wear hats, mittens, and extra socks to help keep them warm without interfering with their car seat straps. Never use sleeping bag inserts or other stroller accessories in the car seat.
Always keep an emergency bag in your vehicle with items like blankets, extra clothing, a cell phone charger, food, and water.

--Blog post written by Maggie Rietze, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane Summer Intern Extraordinaire

How to Keep Medications Out of Little Hands

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 23:58:42 GMT

A Pill No One Wants to Swallow

Kids are sneaky and like to get into things that they are not supposed to, so it is extremely important to take every measure to prevent children from accessing dangerous medications. We have some tips for safely securing all medications and avoiding an ER trip with your child.

Store all medications in a cupboard or on a high shelf out of your child’s vision and reach. If possible, keep all cabinets locked or child-proofed with latches for an extra layer of protection. If there are controlled substances in your home, consider using a locked box for extra safety. Make sure to keep medicine in its original container with child-safety caps.

Keep track of ALL medications, especially those known to be addictive medicines like opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. Know how many pills are in each bottle in case of an accident to know exactly how much the child took. Keeping a sticky note on the bottle or in the medicine cabinet with its updated inventory can be helpful in these situations.

When giving your child medicine, lean over a counter or table to avoid spills on the floor. If a medication spills, vacuum or sweep the entire area as an extra precaution so that no little hands put a stray pill or liquids in their mouths.

Any medication can be dangerous, even blood pressure or diabetes medications. Learn basic first aid and keep the Poison Center Number (1-800-222-1222) in your phone’s contacts and easily displayed on the fridge.

Teaching your children the difference between medicine and candy and why adults should only handle medicines is important. Contact us with any other questions or concerns!

--Blog post written by Maggie Rietze, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane Summer Intern Extraordinaire

Back-to-School Lunches: Healthy, Easy, and Kid-Approved

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 23:49:16 GMT

Spruce Up Their Lunch with Some Helpful Tips

Now that we are a few weeks into the school year, packing lunches for school can start to seem daunting. We wanted to share a few tips on creating a healthy and yummy lunch for your kids to keep them engaged throughout the day. A healthy diet improves children’s ability to focus, along with memory, brain function, behaviors, and moods. Packing a nutritious lunch for your child can boost their daily energy levels and personalize the meal according to their likes and dislikes.

For a filling and well-rounded lunch, a little rule that we like to use includes adding one protein, one to two fruits, one vegetable, one dairy item, one crunchy snack, and one small sweet to their lunchbox.

For proteins, we recommend making sandwiches with lean cuts of meat like ham or turkey or salad sandwiches (tuna, egg, chicken). A fun way to mix up a boring sandwich is to roll the fillings up in a tortilla (maybe even with a hidden veggie)! If your child is vegetarian and/or more adventurous, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt with granola, fried rice, roasted chickpeas, or hummus can be great protein sources.

For fruits, you can add whatever fruit is in season or whatever your child insists on having that day, like berries, apples, bananas, oranges, grapes (halved), pear, mango, dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots), and dates.

Getting your child to eat veggies can be a fight, but we recommend adding cucumber, celery, carrots, bell pepper, snow peas, or cherry tomatoes. Adding a tasty dip or spread, like ranch or hummus, can encourage your child to eat those pesky veggies.

For dairy, our favorites are yogurt with fruit, mini bagels with cream cheese, cheese sticks, and baby bells. If your child or family doesn’t eat dairy, you can swap any of these options with a dairy-free version.

A crunchy snack isn’t usually part of most suggested lunches, but adding various textures and flavors can be fun for your child. We suggest crackers, pretzel sticks, dry cereal, tortilla chips, goldfish, Pirate Booty, animal crackers, or veggie straws. These are all good alternatives to potato chips, which are full of unhealthy fats.

Adding a small sweet to your child’s lunch excites them to sit with their friends and start eating. This is optional, but it is perfectly okay to add a small sweet to their lunch. Some good options are dark chocolate-covered raisins or almonds, granola bars, yogurt or chocolate-covered pretzels, fruit leather, a small piece of candy (especially after Halloween), and mini cookies.

If your child often sends home their lunch fully uneaten, you can try to get them involved and ask them what they want in their lunch. You can guide them to healthier options while also letting them voice their opinions and wants. Mixing up lunch items and including various choices from day to day can motivate your child to eat lunch every day.

Lunchtime can be a great time for your child to explore new foods while refueling themselves for the rest of the day of learning! If you want any more suggestions, feel free to contact us.

--Blog post written by Maggie Rietze, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane Summer Intern Extraordinaire

Be Sun Smart

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:31:17 GMT

Bright Sunshine, Safe Kids: Suncreen & Sun Safety 101

Here at Centennial Pediatrics, we often receive many questions about protecting children from the sun, including how to apply sunscreen. Here are some general sun safety tips and answers to common questions about sunscreen.

Keep babies under six months of age out of direct sunlight by finding shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a stroller canopy.
Put a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim on your child to shield his/her face, ears, and back of the neck.
Have your child wear youth-sized sunglasses with 99% UV protection to protect the eyes from the intense sun.
Try to limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest.
Dress your child in cool, comfortable clothing that covers as much skin as possible. For additional protection, you can buy UV-protected long-sleeved shirts or other clothing.
For babies, we recommend mineral sunscreen that includes titanium dioxide or zinc oxide instead of chemical sunscreen for younger babies as it is less likely to irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreen can also be used for older children on sensitive areas of the body, such as the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears, and shoulders.
You can apply a minimal amount of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to infants OVER six months of age. For the first application, apply a small amount on the inside of your baby’s wrist and watch for signs of irritation. Call us if your infant develops a rash or other concerning symptoms after the sunscreen is applied.
Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Use plenty of sunscreen to cover ALL exposed areas. Apply it about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and rub it in well.
Use sunscreen whenever you or your child spends time outdoors. You can get sunburned even on cloudy or cold days, as up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through the clouds.

If your baby is younger than one year old and gets sunburned, call us immediately or contact our triage service if we are closed. For older children, call us if there is extreme pain, fever, or blistering.

Remember, you are your child’s first and most important role model. By practicing sun safety for yourself, you’re protecting your health and teaching your child a valuable, life-long lesson. Contact us with any other questions about sunscreen application or sun safety. Have fun in the sun!

--Blog post written by Maggie Rietze, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane Summer Intern Extraordinaire

Neon = Safer Swim!

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:22:20 GMT

Swimsuit color can save a life.

Drowning can be a quick and silent tragedy that doesn’t always look like splashing around for help. An important fact that is not widely known is that the color of your child’s swimsuit could change the outcome of a drowning incident. Some swimsuit colors can virtually disappear in the water, making it difficult for caregivers to spot a struggling child.

Bright colors, including neon orange, yellow, and green, are recommended for children in clear pool water as they contrast sharply with the clear, blue water. Wearing a bright-colored swimsuit makes it easier for lifeguards or passers-by to see a child in the water, especially in crowded public swimming pools.

In murky or natural water, including lakes, rivers, and oceans, swimsuits that are neon orange, yellow, or bright red are more visible as they can effectively cut through the green or brownish tones of the water.

Blue, greens, and white can almost entirely disappear in the water. This blending effect can make it hard for lifeguards, parents, and other swimmers to spot a distressed child.

Although the color of swimsuits can improve visibility during a drowning incident, it is imperative to do everything to prevent drowning in the first place.

Always designate a “water watcher,” an adult who will stay within arm’s reach of children in or around the water.

If you have a pool, be sure it is surrounded on all sides by a fence at least 4 feet high, non-climbable, and has a self-latching, self-closing gate. Cover and lock hot tubs, spas, and whirlpools.

Always wear life jackets when in, on, or near natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, including when boating or participating in water activities like kayaking. Make sure they fit correctly and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Everyone - including parents, caregivers, and older children and teens - should learn CPR and life-saving techniques to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

We at Centennial Pediatrics are very serious about water safety and want to help you and your family prevent drowning tragedies.

--Blog post written by Maggie Rietze, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane Summer Intern Extraordinaire

Keepin' It Cool

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 21:53:46 GMT

Surviving the Spokane summer heat

During a heat wave, protecting your child from heat illness is important. Here at Centennial Pediatrics, we have a few tips on how to keep your child cool during the summer!

Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE!! Ensure that your child drinks plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If your child is stubborn or forgets to drink water often, you can buy a fun water bottle, set reminders for water breaks, or even make fruit-infused ice cubes or popsicles to encourage your child to stay hydrated. Consuming fruits and vegetables with a high water content, like watermelon, cucumber, and berries, can be a fun summer treat.
Infants can be given additional breast milk or formula in a bottle during hot days, but they should NOT be given water in the first six months of life.
Close your blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day, and use an air conditioner or fans to keep your home cool. If you notice that your home cannot stay cool, our local libraries, like the Spokane Public Library, have air conditioning and can also be a fun outing for your kids to find fun new books!
Visiting our local pools, lakes, or splash pads can be a fun activity that keeps your child cool. Make sure to supervise your children, always practice water safety, and wear sunscreen.
A cool shower or bath can help cool your child off. If you don’t want to go through the ordeal of bath time, chilling the pulse points on their wrists, back of the neck, hands, tops of feet, inner ankle bones, and inner thighs with an ice pack or ice cubes in a towel can help speed up the cooling process.
NEVER leave your child in the car alone, especially during hot weather. Within minutes, a young child can start to exhibit symptoms of life-threatening heatstroke. A child’s body temperature rises 3–5 times faster than an adult’s.

Make sure to watch your child for signs of heat illness. Call us immediately if your child develops any of the following symptoms due to the heat: headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness, increased thirst or sweating, not urinating for many hours, muscle cramps or spasms, skin numbness, or cool, clammy skin despite the heat. In infants, watch for concerning symptoms such as restlessness, rapid breathing, lethargy, irritability, and vomiting.

If you have any questions about protecting your child during extreme heat waves, don’t hesitate to call us!

--Blog post written by Maggie Rietze, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane Summer Intern Extraordinaire

Annual Scholarship

Wed, 15 May 2024 05:01:41 GMT

Annual Scholarship for Graduating Seniors

At Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane, we value education, and we try to encourage children to reach for their goals. We have started an educational scholarship for graduating seniors who are established patients in our practice. Interested students can complete an application and essay and submit it. Up to two graduating seniors will receive a $500 scholarship to put towards their upcoming educational expenses. Please find this form

Ear-Piercing

jennkalisvaart@gmail.com (Jennifer Kalisvaart) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:02:05 GMT

You've decided to get your child's ears pierced... now what?

Ear-piercing is something that people decide to do for either personal or cultural reasons. Ear-piercing should be a positive experience for all involved. As such, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane has decided to provide this service. We have had several of our staff and providers undergo extensive training on the use of the medical-grade Studex system.

When should a child have the ears pierced?

This is a tough question. Some recommend waiting until the child is able to help care for the piercing. Others feel that as a young child, the parents are better able to help with this care. Each family and child have to make this decision for themselves.

What type of piercing do you do?

We only do earlobe piercings in our office. We do not pierce cartilage or any other areas other than the ears.

What makes a pediatric office different than another piercing location?

We know kids... and they know us. The families also know the care and attention we put into maintaining a clean, healthy environment. Additionally, we are more than familiar with sterile procedures and keeping things as clean as possible. For our patients, the child and family are already familiar with us and feel comfortable in the office.

What system do you use and why?

After much thought, we decided on the Studex system. This is a medical-grade device that maintains sterility of the earring and clasp during the entire procedure. The earrings we have chosen are nickel-safe and allergy-free. Interestingly, nickel is one of the most common allergens to which people become sensitized, so we want to make sure we avoid products that would contribute to this. We also found that the education Studex provides as part of the process is top-notch. Members of our staff and providers have been trained by the Studex team.

What is the aftercare routine?

We believe in doing things right the first time which is why we bypassed the standard aftercare solution and went for the advanced one. This allows the piercing to heal better and faster. This is included with your piercing. It is a hypoallergenic solution that is good for sensitive skin. We will provide aftercare instructions at the time of piercing, but the use of this solution allows the piercing to heal in 3 weeks rather than 6-8 weeks with the standard aftercare solution.

What should I watch for after an ear piercing?

If you notice any drainage from the ear, swelling or redness, we would want you to contact us. We take every measure possible to avoid an infection, but as with any procedure, this can happen. Additionally, some people will develop a cyst or enlarged scar (keloid) after a piercing. This is less likely in children than adults, but it is definitely something to keep an eye on.

If I am interested in getting an ear-piercing at your office, what should I do?

We do require proof of at least one DTaP vaccine prior to piercing ears, which means the youngest that typically we would pierce would be 3 months of age. As ear-piercing is not an insurance-covered procedure, families do need to pay out-of-pocket for this. The cost is $100 which includes the piercing, the set of earrings and the aftercare products. If you are interested in doing an ear-piercing at Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane, please call 509-352-3777 to schedule.

CPOS Time-Out News Corner

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 04:10:10 GMT

Introducing CPOS Time-Out News: Stay tuned the news we feel like parents and children can really use!

Read All About It!

This is where you will find timely topics about parenting, children and everything else that we feel deserves a CPOS Time-Out. If you have suggestions for a newsworthy article, please let us know.

Small Batteries, Big Issues

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 03:59:37 GMT

Button batteries are nothing to mess with.

There are a few things in pediatrics that get our heart pumping extra fast. One of the time things on that list is BUTTON BATTERIES. Button batteries are the small disk-shaped batteries often found in watches, key fobs, remote controls and electronics. As we know, children will put anything in their mouths (minus green veggies), and this is where button batteries can cause devastating consequences.

If a button battery gets stuck in a child's trachea, he/she may not be able to breathe. Also, if the button battery is swallowed and goes down the esophagus, it will start dissolving and can erode through the tissue in the esophagus into potentially the largest vessels in the body or other organs. This process can start within minutes.

The best thing to do is to keep anything with a button battery away from your child and make sure that you inspect toys, remotes, etc. to assure that the battery covers are secured.

If you suspect that your child has swallowed a button battery, you need to take him/her to the nearest emergency room. As you head to the ER, you can give your child 2 teaspoons of honey* every 10 minutes to try to coat the battery to decrease the chemical reaction.

*For children 1 year of age or older.

They're One... Now What?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 02:52:33 GMT

You've made it one whole year... now what's next?

There are so many questions that first year of your baby's life (and your first year as a parent), but some of the biggest ones come when the first birthday approaches. Here are a few of the most frequent questions we get asked.

"What type of milk should I feed my child now?": Now that your child has turned 1, you are able to add in whole milk. Prior to this, you could give your baby foods with dairy in them, but he/she needed the extra nutrition that breastmilk or formula provides. Now you can start the transition to whole milk. Some kids can make the switch "cold turkey," but others need to be gradually transitioned. If your child needs to ease into whole milk, go ahead and do 1/3 whole milk to 2/3 breastmilk/formula. Then you can move to 1/2 and 1/2, 2/3 whole milk and 1/3 breastmilk/formula and finally all the way on to whole milk. You can make this transition over about 1 week.
"When do I stop the bottle?": This goes hand-in-hand with the previous question. Ideally, we like to get kids off the bottle by 15-18 months of age. One of the easiest ways to do this is to start introducing whole milk in a cup rather than in the bottle. This way you take care of 2 issues at the same time. If your child needs a little extra time weaning off the before-bed bottle, switch out the milk in this bottle for water. It'll be less damaging to the teeth and less exciting.
"Can my child eat honey?": Yes. Until 1 year of age, babies should NOT have honey due to a risk of botulism. After a year of age, you can go ahead and feed your child honey. And as a bonus, honey has been shown to help soothe a cough, so you just found a natural remedy for pesky coughs.
"Can my child face forward in the car seat?": No. For your child's safety, he/she should remain rear-facing in the backseat of the car until at least 2 years of age. Now in Washington state, this is also the law. In the unfortunate event of an accident, your child's neck has more support if facing backwards and so it is better protected.
"When does my child need to see the dentist?": It is recommended that children have their first dental visit around 1 year of age. This gives the children a chance to get used to having someone examine their teeth, and the dentist can talk about dental care and spot if there are any issues with those developing teeth. We are very lucky to have some amazing pediatric dentists in Spokane!

There is no way we can list absolutely every question on here, but that is why we always encourage you to ask us.

*Picture used with parental permission.