Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to treat bacterial infections, but they are not effective for viral infections like the common cold, most coughs, or the flu.

Overusing antibiotics can lead to serious issues, such as antibiotic resistance, which means that bacteria may become resistant to the drugs, making infections harder to treat in the future. It can also disrupt your child’s gut health, leading to stomach issues or other complications.

Always consult your pediatric provider at Tamalpais Pediatrics to determine if antibiotics are truly necessary. They will be able to provide the proper treatment plan based on your child’s symptoms and the type of infection they have.

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Did you know texting while driving makes a crash 23 times more likely?

Talk with your teen about the risks, and lead by example.

Put the phone down, buckle up, and make safety the norm.

Start the convo today. Their life is worth it.

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tamalpaispediatrics.com

College life can be exciting AND overwhelming. From academic pressure to homesickness, young adults often juggle more than they show. Encourage regular check-ins, normalize asking for help, and remind them that their mental health matters. Help them set up new routines for their new life that include exercise, socialization, and sleep. Exercise, good diet, and adequate sleep are three of the most important things for a young adult`s mental and physical health.

Most colleges offer counseling services at the student health center that can give support and life skills. Also, we’re still here as a resource while they adjust to life on their own.

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Toddlers love milk - but balance is key!

Around 16–24 ounces a day is just right. Too little, and they may miss out on calcium and vitamin D. Too much, and it can lead to low iron or a full belly that skips meals.

All toddlers 12-24 months should drink whole milk to ensure they get needed fat, but after they turn 2, we recommend switching to 2% or lower milk.

If you’re not sure your little one is getting what they need, we can help guide you.

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tamalpaispediatrics.com

Is your teen heading off to college? Are you unsure what they do for health care during this transition?

College students get sick, stressed, and overwhelmed too, but knowing when to call our office versus when to see the student health center can be tricky. It’s usually best to call us for things like questions about chronic conditions, annual wellness care, or help with medication refills. If they’re dealing with symptoms like fever, sore throat, stomach issues, or minor injuries, they should head to the student health center.

Encourage your college student to save our number in their phone, or go to our website to log into their patient portal to reach out if they’re unsure.

We’re here to support your child, even from a distance.

Many teens are eager to try the latest skincare trends, but not all products are designed for young, sensitive skin.

The best skincare routines and products are simple and gentle. Look for non-comedogenic products (which won’t clog pores), fragrance-free options to reduce irritation, and daily use of SPF even in winter months. A good cleanser and light moisturizer are often all a teen needs to start.

We recommend products such as Cerave SA and Cetaphil for a gentle wash and their moisturizing products as well.

If your teen is struggling with acne or sensitive skin, we can help create a skin care routine that is specifically tailored to their skin type. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Iron is essential for brain development, and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency due to their rapid growth, especially around age one when their iron stores from birth begin to deplete.

Signs of iron deficiency can include low energy or fatigue, pale skin, brittle nails, poor appetite, picky eating, or frequent infections.

You can help boost iron levels with foods like beef, spinach, beans, and iron-fortified cereals, and pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges improves absorption.

At your toddler’s 1-year checkup, we typically screen for iron levels with a quick finger prick. If your child is at risk or shows signs of deficiency, we’ll guide you through safe supplementation and dietary adjustments to get them back on track.

Don’t forget to call our office today to schedule your child’s next wellness visit.