Southside Pediatrics

12/19/2025

12/17/2025

River has been working hard this week✨

From reminding our patients to color an ornament to hang on our tree, to helping our front desk make copies 🖨️

He may need a little more training on how to make copies but his motivation to help is appreciated and River knows that helping is a way to be on Santa's nice list✨

12/11/2025

Come see our friends next door (and SANTA!) this weekend! 🎅☕️

We’re ready for Santa! Book your tickets in the link below. If you don’t have $25 for the professional pics, just text 256-438-6934 and we will book your time slot and waive the cost. Hot chocolate that day for $2 and Christmas tree waffles for $3!

Book your tickets:
https://ticketscandy.com/e/breakfast-with-santa-photo-package-12730

12/08/2025

✨River has been very busy… reading! 📚

He snuck into our Reach Out and Read books and is reminding all of our little patients that reading together every day helps tiny brains grow big and strong! 💪🏼

Happy reading, friends! ❤️🎄

12/04/2025

We’re so happy River is back, but staying in clinic this season!

Stay tuned for elf entertainment! 🎁🎄

11/30/2025

✨ December Digital Detox for Kids ✨

The holiday season is the perfect time to reset our little ones’ screen habits. With school breaks, family gatherings, and cozy winter days, it’s easier than ever to swap screens for connection. ❤️

🌟 Try these simple swaps:
• Replace 30 minutes of screen time with a family walk or hot cocoa chat
• Keep devices out of bedrooms to protect sleep
• Build a “boredom box” with books, puzzles, crafts, & fidgets
• Create a family charging station for all devices
• Use the 20-20-20 rule to protect eyes: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds

A small reset now can support healthier habits all year long. Your child’s brain, mood, sleep, and attention will thank you. 💛

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1352902376846703&set=a.674249214712026&type=3

Problematic use of social media was associated with worse measures of mental health in this study; a 1-week social media detox reduced short term symptoms of anxiety by 16%, depression by 5%, and insomnia by 15%. https://ja.ma/3XTwX4s

11/25/2025

✨Sensory Hours✨

A specially designated time for guests with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the magic in a more comfortable setting. During these hours, the lights will shine bright, but music will be at a reduced volume to create a calmer experience, in
collaboration with Autism Support of Alabama. A limited number of sensory toys will be available for checkout at the Admission Desk (first come, first served).
• November 30@4:30 p.m.
• December 3@4:30 p.m.

From sparkling pathways to animated scenes that tell a story of holiday cheer, every moment spent in Galaxy of Lights is a brush with magic.

11/24/2025

📌 NEW RESEARCH ALERT for Parents of Young Children
A recent randomized trial found that using hypertonic saline (about 2.6% salt-water) nasal drops in kids up to 6 years old with a common cold reduced symptom duration from ~8 days to ~6 days — that’s two fewer days of sniffles, coughing and general misery. 

📋 Key Findings:
• 407 children enrolled; 301 developed colds.
• In the treatment group: parents made & applied 3 drops per nostril, at least four times per day, until well. 
• Fewer household family members caught the cold when the child used the nasal drops (46% vs. 61% in usual-care group). 
• The mechanism: extra chloride from the salt solution helps nose & airway lining cells make more hypochlorous acid, which can suppress viral replication. 
• The intervention is cheap, simple and appears safe when done under guidance. 

✅ What this means for your family:
Consider discussing with your provider whether saline nasal drops could be a safe adjunct tool when your child catches a cold. While it’s not a cure or a substitute for other recommended care (hydration, rest, monitoring for complications), it may help your child recover a bit more quickly and reduce spread to siblings.

🚨 When to call us instead of doing home-care alone:
• Your child has difficulty breathing, high or persistent fever, signs of dehydration, or worsening after initial improvement.
• Symptoms are unusually severe or lasting much longer than a typical cold.
• You’re unsure about using nasal drops (e.g., the child has allergy, asthma, or nasal/anatomical issues).

Using hypertonic saline nasal drops can reduce the length of the common cold in children by two days, according to a study that will be presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria. They can also reduce the onward transmission of colds to family members.

11/24/2025

Cold and flu season is here and we know it can be stressful when little ones are sick 🤒

Most colds (runny nose, cough, scratchy throat) last:
• 7–10 days
• Antibiotics aren’t indicated
• Cough may linger 2–3 weeks

Seek care if:
• Breathing is fast or labored
• Fever > 100.4°F in babies under 3 months
• Fever lasts > 72 hours
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers)
• Symptoms suddenly worsen after initial improvement

AAP guidelines emphasize monitoring hydration, respiratory effort, and duration of fever as key markers for escalating care.

We’re here all season to help your family breathe easier. 💛

11/22/2025

🍂 Thanksgiving Tips for Kids

🦃 Keep Little Chefs Safe
Let kiddos help with safe kitchen tasks—mixing, washing veggies, setting the table—while keeping them away from hot stoves and sharp utensils.

🥧 Manage All the Holiday Snacking
Offer a small, balanced snack before the big meal (fruit, cheese, etc). It helps prevent hangry meltdowns and overeating at dinner.

🧃 Hydration Helps
Kids get busy and forget to drink. Water between treats helps digestion and prevents tummy aches.

🧸 Bring a Comfort Item
If you're traveling, pack a favorite toy or cozy blanket. Little routines help regulate big emotions on holiday days.

🛌 Ensure Rest Time
A quick nap or quiet break can reduce sensory overload from crowds, noise, and excitement.

👐 Encourage Gratitude
Ask your child to name one thing they’re thankful for—big or small. It helps build emotional awareness and connection.

🚗 Safe Travels
Double-check car seats before long drives and take stretch breaks every few hours.

11/19/2025

💫🎄 Christmas decorating is underway, and the office has never looked cozier! We hope it makes each visit a little more magical. ⛄✨

11/07/2025

‼️We will close for lunch at 11:00 today. We will be back at 1:30!‼️