If you’re a parent, you know there’s more to keeping kids healthy than giving them orange juice at breakfast and chewable vitamins before bed. Dr. Stephen Stripling, one of the physicians at Coastal Pediatric Associates, is an expert at keeping kids well. He, along with the rest of the team at the Mount Pleasant and West Ashley locations, is committed to insuring both physical and emotional health for kids from infants to 18-years-olds.
“It’s wise to keep up with annual checkups and immunizations,” said Dr. Stripling. “By staying on top of your child’s health, we can help give them the best start possible.”
Coastal Pediatric Associates has been providing top-notch medical care to area children for more than 20 years. The practice, which was started by four doctors who trained at the Medical University of South Carolina, has grown to a total of 18 health care providers and is still going strong. They’re open seven days a week in both the Mount Pleasant and West Ashley offices.
According to Dr. Stripling, one important medical matter to address at the beginning of a school year is vaccinations. Making sure that your child is up-to-date with shots is a key to preventing many illnesses.
“Elementary children often need booster shots for tetanus, whooping cough, measles and chicken pox,” he said. “For preteens and teens, meningitis shots are important, particularly before college.”
Of course, there’s still the classic advice: Encouraging kids to wash their hands with soap regularly and not to share food, drinks or hairbrushes are still good ideas. But, in today’s scholastic environment, a child’s mental and emotional well-being is also key.
“Parents come to pediatricians as their first point of contact when something does not seem right with their child emotionally,” said Dr. Stripling. “Very few will rush to a therapist without getting a first opinion.”
It’s no secret that bullying has become a problem in schools – both in person and on the Internet. There are a few telltale signs that children are involved in bullying, either as the aggressor or the victim.
“Keep a lookout for antisocial kids who are having trouble getting along in groups,” noted Dr. Stripling. “Physical signs of being bullied might include bruises and scratches, but the emotional signs can be much stronger – withdrawal from activities, anxiety and wanting to skip school.”
Stripling said it’s best for parents who suspect a problem at school to communicate with teachers and administrators. Cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as values learned at home, can help children deal with the woes of school days.
“Parents need to teach kids compassion and self-esteem,” said Dr. Stripling. “Modeling positive behavior is essential. Kids are like little sponges and soak up everything, the good
and the bad.”
For more information about Coastal Pediatric Associates, visit
www.CoastalPediatricAssociates.com or call (843) 971-2992.