Arbor Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in Southlake, TX.
Melissa Asgaonkar, MD
Melissa Asgaonkar, MD
We are excited to welcome a new provider to the Arbor Pediatrics team! Collin Naugher is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who joins us from North Fort Worth, where he has been practicing pediatric primary care for the last eight years.
As children get older, car safety continues to be extremely important. Many school-age children still need a booster seat to help the seat belt fit correctly and provide proper protection during a crash.
A properly fitted seat belt should rest across the upper thighs—not the stomach—and the shoulder belt should lie across the chest and shoulder, not under the arm or behind the back. Children should also continue riding in the back seat as long as possible, since it is the safest place for kids under 13 years old.
Common mistakes include moving out of a booster seat too early, allowing children to sit in the front seat before they are ready, or using seat belts incorrectly for comfort.
If you are unsure whether your child still needs a booster seat or if the seat belt fits properly, contact Arbor Pediatrics or schedule a certified car seat safety check for guidance.
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There are many sunscreen myths that can lead to accidental sunburns and skin damage during the summer months.
Myth: Higher SPF means you only need to apply it once.
Fact: No sunscreen lasts all day. Sunscreen should be reapplied about every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
Myth: You cannot get sunburned on cloudy days.
Fact: UV rays still reach the skin through clouds, so sun protection is important even when it is overcast.
Myth: Spray sunscreen works instantly with a quick spray.
Fact: Spray sunscreen should be applied generously and rubbed in evenly to ensure full coverage and reduce missed areas.
Myth: One bad sunburn is no big deal.
Fact: Sunburns during childhood can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer later in life.
If you have questions about sunscreen choices, sensitive skin, or sun protection for your child, contact us for guidance.
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Around 2 years old, many toddlers are becoming more independent, active, and communicative.
Children develop at different rates, but there are several common milestones families may notice during this stage.
Common 2-year milestones may include:
- Using short phrases or combining 2–4 words together
- Following simple two-step directions
- Running, climbing, kicking a ball, and exploring more confidently
- Showing interest in pretend play or copying everyday activities
- Beginning to play alongside or interact more with other children
- Pointing to body parts, naming familiar objects, and expressing more emotions and preferences
Some children may reach milestones earlier or later than others, and development can vary widely.
Have you scheduled your child’s wellness visit yet? Call today to schedule so a provider can assess your child’s development and answer any questions you may have.
817-865-3564
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Swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections are different conditions, even though both can cause ear pain.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal and is often linked to trapped moisture after swimming. Symptoms may include pain when touching the ear, itching, redness, drainage, or discomfort with pulling on the ear.
Middle ear infections happen behind the eardrum and are usually related to viruses, colds, congestion, or pressure buildup.
Symptoms may include fever, ear pain, poor sleep, fussiness, congestion, or temporary hearing changes.
One common misconception is that swimming or getting water in the ears causes middle ear infections.
In reality, water exposure is typically associated with swimmer’s ear, not infections behind the eardrum.
To help prevent swimmer’s ear, dry ears well after swimming, and avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
If your child has ongoing ear pain, drainage, fever, hearing concerns, or worsening symptoms, contact Arbor Pediatrics to schedule an appointment.
817-865-3564
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Reusable water bottles are great for hydration, but they can also collect mold, bacteria, and odors if they are not cleaned regularly. Straws, spouts, lids, and rubber seals are common places where buildup can hide, especially during the hot summer months.
Water bottles should be washed daily with warm soapy water and allowed to dry completely before reuse. Straw cleaners and small brushes can help clean hard-to-reach areas. If bottles are dishwasher safe, regular deep cleaning cycles may also help reduce buildup.
Strong odors, discoloration, visible mold, cracks, or damaged seals may be signs that it is time to replace the bottle.
If your family uses reusable water bottles regularly, now is a great time to check lids, straws, and cleaning routines before heading into another busy summer week.
817-865-3564
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Active children and teens can develop overuse injuries when the same muscles, bones, or joints are stressed repeatedly without enough time to rest and recover.
Common overuse injuries include shin splints, Sever disease (heel pain), Osgood-Schlatter disease (knee pain), stress injuries, and shoulder or elbow pain from repetitive motions.
Warning signs may include pain that keeps returning, limping, swelling, decreased performance, pain during or after activity, or complaints that worsen over time instead of improving.
Rest days are important for growing bodies. Children benefit from taking breaks from repetitive sports movements, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and gradually increasing activity levels instead of pushing through pain.
Proper footwear, stretching, strength training, cross-training, and listening to early symptoms can also help reduce injury risk.
If your child has ongoing pain, limping, swelling, or sports-related injuries that are not improving, contact Arbor Pediatrics to schedule an evaluation.
817-865-3564
arborpediatrics.com
#arborpediatrics #southlaketexas #southlaketx