Vitamin D is crucial for supporting children’s bone health and immune systems. The AAP recommends that all children begin receiving vitamin D supplements shortly after birth. Babies younger than 12 months of age should receive 400 IU of vitamin D each day, and toddlers and older children should receive 600 IU. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4inQanF
The Power of Hand Washing: A Simple Way to Stay Healthy
How often have you and your child washed your hands today? It might not be something you think about much—it’s either second nature, done automatically throughout the day, or perhaps not as often as it should be. However, as your pediatrician may have mentioned, hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness.
Building a Hand Washing Habit
Encouraging your child to wash their hands frequently and properly from an early age can help establish a lifelong healthy habit. Throughout the day, children come into contact with countless bacteria and viruses—whether playing with friends, handling toys, or petting a family pet. These germs can quickly enter their system when they:
Rub their eyes
Touch their nose
Put their fingers in their mouth
In just a matter of seconds, this can lead to infections that last days or even weeks.
When to Wash Hands
Hand washing is a powerful tool in stopping the spread of germs. It’s essential to encourage kids to clean their hands regularly, especially:
Before eating meals or snacks
After using the restroom
After playing outside
After touching animals, including pets
After sneezing or coughing (especially when covering their mouth with their hands)
When someone in the household is sick
Unfortunately, studies show that many people don’t wash their hands properly—often just rinsing with water or using a small amount of soap without thoroughly scrubbing.
How to Wash Hands Properly
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps for effective hand washing:
Wet hands with clean water.
Apply soap—either liquid or bar soap placed on a draining rack.
Rub hands together vigorously, making sure to scrub every surface, including between fingers and under nails.
Continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds to remove germs.
Rinse hands thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer.
Are Antibacterial Soaps Better?
While antibacterial soaps are widely available, research suggests they are no more effective at removing dirt and germs than regular soap. Some experts even warn that overuse of antibacterial products may contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
For the best results, stick to warm water and regular soap without antibacterial agents like triclosan. When soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be a helpful alternative—but only if hands aren’t visibly dirty.
Making Hand Washing a Routine
A proper hand washing routine takes longer than most people realize—20 seconds may seem short, but it’s longer than you think! To make it fun, try timing your child or singing a short song that lasts about 20 seconds. Encourage them to practice good hygiene not just at home, but also at school, at friends’ houses, and in public spaces.
Good hand washing habits are easy to develop and can make a big difference in staying healthy year-round!
This content has been provided by the Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN.
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Food Help For Families
Children need enough healthy food to grow, but food can cost a lot. If you’re worried about running out of food, your pediatrician can help direct you to various resources. Programs such as SNAP, WIC and in-school meals can provide your kids with food to lighten the cost burden that comes with grocery shopping. You can also talk to your doctor about other resources such as food banks, food pantries and other possibilities. Learn more about these programs at https://shorturl.at/hfnLv.
Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): What Families Should Know
Birds across the United States can contract avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu or H5N1. But what does this mean for your family? Here’s what parents need to know about bird flu, how it spreads, and how to reduce exposure.
What Causes Bird Flu?
Bird flu is caused by avian influenza type A viruses, with the H5N1 strain currently circulating in the U.S. This virus primarily affects birds worldwide but has been detected in other animals and, in rare cases, humans.
Is Bird Flu Spreading in the U.S.?
Wild birds can carry and spread the virus, leading to outbreaks in poultry farms. In 2022, bird flu was found in wild birds in the U.S. for the first time since 2016, and multiple states have since reported cases in poultry and wild bird populations. These outbreaks have led to the loss of millions of chickens, impacting egg availability and prices.
Does Bird Flu Only Affect Birds?
While bird flu is most common in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, it can spread to other animals. The virus can be transmitted through an infected bird’s saliva, nasal discharge, and droppings. Families raising backyard poultry or keeping birds as pets should take precautions.
In 2024, bird flu was identified in dairy cattle for the first time, spreading concern beyond birds. Additionally, several cats in Texas died after drinking raw milk from infected cows, and some indoor cats became sick after consuming contaminated raw pet food. The virus has even been linked to the deaths of a flamingo and a seal at a Chicago zoo in early 2025.
Can Humans Get Bird Flu?
Though rare, bird flu can be transmitted to people. Since last year, more than 60 human cases have been reported in the U.S., including two children. In both cases, the children had mild symptoms and recovered after receiving antiviral treatment. However, a 13-year-old in Canada experienced severe illness, and in January 2025, an elderly person in Louisiana died after exposure to an infected backyard flock.
Most infections have occurred in individuals who work closely with poultry or dairy cattle, but a few cases had no clear source of exposure. While there have been no confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission, health officials continue to monitor the virus closely.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in People
Bird flu symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:
Fever
Cough and sore throat
Muscle aches
Shortness of breath and pneumonia
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Neurological issues such as confusion or seizures
Will the Flu Shot Protect Against Bird Flu?
The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu. It is designed to prevent the most common strains of influenza circulating in humans. However, health officials strongly recommend the annual flu vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older, as seasonal flu poses a greater risk.
Can Bird Flu Spread Through Meat or Dairy Products?
Eating properly cooked poultry, such as chicken, turkey, or duck, does not pose a risk of bird flu infection. Likewise, pasteurized dairy products are considered safe.
Is Raw Milk Safe?
Raw (unpasteurized) milk can carry harmful bacteria and viruses, including bird flu. Health officials advise against consuming raw milk due to the risk of exposure to dangerous pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Pasteurization effectively eliminates these threats by heating milk to a safe temperature.
Are Eggs Safe to Eat?
Yes, fully cooked eggs are safe to eat. However, raw eggs can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, which is why it’s best to avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs, including in cookie dough or cake batter.
For those with backyard chickens, eggs should be cleaned properly with a dry cloth, brush, or fine sandpaper. Avoid washing warm eggs with cold water, as it can cause bacteria to enter through tiny pores in the shell.
Key Takeaways
Health officials continue to monitor bird flu outbreaks and their potential risks. To minimize exposure, families should:
Encourage frequent handwashing after handling birds or visiting areas with birds.
Supervise children around birds and discourage them from touching their face, eyes, or mouth.
Avoid handling sick or dead birds and report them to local authorities.
If you have any questions about bird flu and how to protect your family, you can contact the Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN for more information.
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3 Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make a significant difference in a child’s development. Many children on the autism spectrum show differences in social and language skills during infancy and toddlerhood. However, they often reach major motor milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking on time. Because of this, the more subtle differences in gestures (such as pointing), pretend play, and social communication can sometimes go unnoticed.
At The Children's Clinic in Jackson, TN, we are committed to helping parents recognize early signs of ASD so that children can receive the support they need as soon as possible. Here are three key developmental differences to be aware of:
1. Delayed or Limited Joint Attention
One of the earliest indicators of ASD is a delay or lack of joint attention, which is the ability to share focus on an object or event with another person. This skill is a fundamental building block for communication and social interaction.
What is Joint Attention?
Joint attention involves looking back and forth between an object and a person, signaling an understanding that they are sharing the experience. This interaction helps develop social engagement, communication, and learning.
Typical Joint Attention Development vs. ASD
By 12 months: Most babies will follow a parent’s pointing gesture, look at the object, and then back at the parent, often sharing a smile.
Children on the autism spectrum may not follow the pointing gesture, sometimes leading parents to wonder about their hearing.
By 15 months: Most toddlers point to things they want.
Children on the spectrum may instead take a parent’s hand and lead them to the object without making much eye contact or may place the parent’s hand on the object itself.
By 18 months: Most toddlers point to interesting objects and look back at their parent to ensure they are paying attention.
Children with ASD may only point to request something rather than to share their interest in it.
2. Language Delays & Differences
Nearly all children on the autism spectrum experience delays in nonverbal communication and spoken language. Some key differences to look for include:
Use of Labels vs. Requests: A child with ASD may learn words for objects but not use them to make requests. They may name a toy but not say “want toy.”
Repeating & Echoing: Many children repeat words and phrases, but those on the spectrum may do so for an extended period. Some repeat lines from movies or conversations in the exact tone they heard, a behavior called echolalia.
Unusual Speech Patterns: Some children with ASD develop speech but may use language in an unusual way. For example, they might sound more like an adult than a toddler.
Some children may appear to develop language typically and then suddenly or gradually stop using certain words. This regression, which can also include increased social withdrawal, typically occurs between 15 and 24 months.
3. Regression in Skills
Approximately 25% of children later diagnosed with ASD experience a regression in language or social engagement. They may stop using words they previously spoke or become more withdrawn. This can be an early sign that intervention is needed.
Screening & Early Intervention
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for autism at 18- and 24-month well-child visits. Research shows that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with ASD.
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
If you have concerns about how your child plays, communicates, or interacts with others, don’t wait—speak with your pediatrician. At The Children's Clinic in Jackson, TN, we encourage parents to trust their instincts. You know your child best, and your concerns matter.
Early action can make a big difference in your child’s development. Schedule an appointment with our team today to discuss any concerns and explore the best support options for your child.
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