Well Rooted Pediatrics

11/21/2025

Travel disrupts routines, exposes kids to new germs, and can compromise immune systems through stress, dehydration, and lack of sleep.

YOUR THANKSGIVING TRAVEL CHECKLIST:

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
✓ Make sure everyone is well-rested and taking their regular supplements (Vitamin D, probiotics, etc.)
✓ Pack your natural remedies - don’t rely on finding them at your destination!

DURING TRAVEL: Hydration is HUGE. Airplanes and long car rides are dehydrating, which weakens immune defenses. Encourage water constantly - not sugary drinks that further suppress immunity.

AT YOUR DESTINATION:
🛏️ Stick to sleep schedules as much as possible - exhausted kids get sick
💊 Keep up with daily supplements even when routines are disrupted
🧼 Hand washing before every meal (especially with extended family around)
🥤 Don’t share drinks or utensils with cousins
🌬️ Fresh air breaks during long indoor gatherings
😷 If someone at your destination is sick, maintain some distance

IF ILLNESS STRIKES ON THE ROAD: Don’t panic! This is why you packed your natural remedies.
• Extra fluids and rest
• Double up on immune support (Vitamin C, elderberry, zinc)
• Isolate if possible to prevent spreading

OUR #1 TIP: Start boosting immunity NOW, not the day you leave. Prevention is always easier than treatment. The week before travel, focus on:
• Quality sleep every night
• Nutrient-dense meals
• Extra Vitamin D and probiotics
• Limiting sugar (it suppresses immunity for hours)
• Reducing stress where possible

THE INTEGRATIVE APPROACH: We can’t control every germ exposure during travel and family gatherings. But we CAN prepare our children’s immune systems to handle those exposures effectively. A well-rested child with a strong immune foundation will fight off illness much better than an exhausted, stressed child - even with all the hand sanitizer in the world.

This is educational information, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements.

11/19/2025

Plot twist: Your Thanksgiving dinner is actually an immune-boosting feast!

Yesterday we talked about natural prevention strategies - kitchen medicine, supplements, daily habits. Today, let’s connect that to the meal you’re planning this week.

Thanksgiving food = Functional medicine

That turkey? Packed with zinc and immune-supporting amino acids. Those sweet potatoes? Loaded with Vitamin A for respiratory health. The Brussels sprouts your kids complain about? Vitamin C powerhouses. The herbs in your stuffing? Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

Here’s what most people miss: We’ve been conditioned to think of Thanksgiving as “bad for you” - too much food, too much sugar, too indulgent. But the TRADITIONAL Thanksgiving meal is actually incredibly nutrient-dense!

The real immune supporters on your table: 🦃 Quality protein (turkey) 🥔 Colorful vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans) 🧅 Allium vegetables (onions, garlic) 🌿 Medicinal herbs (sage, rosemary, thyme, ginger, cinnamon)

The problem? When we focus on the processed sides, the sugary desserts, and skip the vegetables, we miss the medicine hiding in plain sight.

Our Thanksgiving tips:

- Fill kids’ plates with turkey and vegetables FIRST
- Use real herbs and spices liberally - they’re medicinal!
- Don’t skip the vegetables because “it’s a holiday”
- Save desserts for after substantial food (blood sugar matters!)
Remember: One nourishing meal supports immunity; one indulgent meal doesn’t destroy it
The integrative approach: Enjoy your celebration! Just make sure the nutrient-dense foods get as much attention as the pie. Your immune system will thank you during cold and flu season.

What’s your family’s must-have Thanksgiving side dish? Bet we can find the immune benefits! 👇

11/18/2025

11/12/2025

Happy Nurse Practitioner Week! 💜

This week, we celebrate the incredible Nurse Practitioners who are transforming healthcare - including our amazing Well Rooted Pediatrics team!

To Nurse Practitioners everywhere: You are so much more than healthcare providers. You are:

The compassionate listeners who truly HEAR patients’ concerns 👂
The skilled clinicians who blend science with holistic care seamlessly 🩺
The tireless learners who continuously expand your knowledge to serve better 📚
The patient educators who take time to explain the “why” behind recommendations 💡
The root-cause seekers who refuse to accept “that’s just how it is” 🔬
The gentle healers who see the whole person - mind, body, and spirit 💚

WHAT MAKES NPs SPECIAL:

You don’t just treat symptoms - you investigate WHY. You don’t rush patients - you create space for real conversation. You don’t dismiss concerns - you validate, explore, and partner with families to find answers.

Your unique training combines advanced clinical expertise with a patient-centered, holistic approach. This allows you to spend meaningful time with patients, dig deeper into health concerns, and provide comprehensive care that addresses root causes, not just surface symptoms.

TO OUR WELL ROOTED NP TEAM:

Thank you for choosing to serve families in a way that honors the whole child. Thank you for bringing integrative pediatrics to life every single day. Thank you for making our practice a place where families feel heard, valued, and truly supported. Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make all the difference! 💚

We see you. We appreciate you. We celebrate you! 💜

11/10/2025

URGENT RECALL ALERT: ByHeart Infant Formula 🚨

Parents, please check your formula immediately!

ByHeart Inc. is recalling two lots of their Whole Nutrition Infant Formula after 13 infants in 10 states were hospitalized with infant botulism.

RECALLED LOT NUMBERS:
📌 206VABP/251261P2
📌 206VABP/251131P2

STATES AFFECTED:
Arizona, California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington

IF YOU HAVE THESE LOTS:

1️⃣ RECORD the lot number before disposing
2️⃣ THROW OUT or return to place of purchase
3️⃣ CLEAN all bottles, ni***es, and surfaces that touched the formula with hot, soapy water or dishwasher
4️⃣ DO NOT use this formula

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF YOUR INFANT:
⚠️ Has consumed recalled formula AND shows:
• Poor feeding
• Loss of head control
• Difficulty swallowing
• Decreased facial expression
• Constipation
• Weak cry

IMPORTANT: Symptoms can take WEEKS to develop, so remain vigilant even if your baby seems fine now.

ABOUT INFANT BOTULISM:
Infant botulism is caused by bacteria that produces toxins in the large intestine. It is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

All 13 affected infants were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The FDA is investigating how the contamination occurred.

WHAT TO DO NOW:
✅ Check your formula lot numbers immediately
✅ Share this with anyone you know who uses formula
✅ Contact your pediatrician if you have concerns
✅ Follow FDA and CDC updates for more information

At Well Rooted Pediatrics, your child’s safety is our top priority. If you have questions or concerns about this recall, please reach out to our office.

Please share this widely to ensure all parents are aware! 🙏

Source: FDA, CDC, Associated Press

11/06/2025

Flu shot decisions can feel overwhelming for parents. Here are important questions to discuss with your healthcare provider 💉

The goal isn’t to tell you what to decide - it’s to help you make an informed choice that’s right for YOUR family.

💉 BASIC INFORMATION TO GATHER:
Understanding which specific vaccine is recommended, what flu strains it covers, and optimal timing helps you make an informed decision. Different formulations exist (egg-free, preservative-free, etc.) that may be better for children with specific sensitivities.

🔬 INGREDIENT TRANSPARENCY:
You have the right to know what’s in any medical intervention. Ask about preservatives, adjuvants, and inactive ingredients, especially if your child has allergies or sensitivities. Thimerosal-free options are available if mercury exposure is a concern.

⚖️ INDIVIDUALIZED ASSESSMENT:
Your child’s specific health history, current medications, and risk factors should all be considered. A child with asthma may have different risk-benefit calculations than a healthy child. Immunocompromised children need special considerations.

🌿 COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH:
Whether you choose vaccination or not, discuss natural immune support strategies. Vitamin D optimization, nutrition, sleep, and stress management all play crucial roles in flu prevention.

🎯 AT WELL ROOTED PEDIATRICS:
We support whatever decision you make after careful consideration. Our job is to provide information, answer questions, and support your family’s health regardless of your choice.