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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month worldwide. It is a month when researchers and the medical community work with aid organizations to raise awareness of the need for research funding for childhood cancer. It is important to remember that childhood cancer is rare. With continued funding for research into treatments, the survival rate for childhood cancers has increased.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. At Kids First, we believe in support, not stigma. From the American Academy of Pediatrics: “It is important to acknowledge the harmful effects of weight bias and stigma. There is no place for blame or guilt about body shape or size. What is important is that our bodies function in a healthy way.”

PBS has a great list of resources for parents and guardians for back-to-school. With articles, videos, book recommendations, and downloadable checklists, we wanted to share this resource with our patients and their families. We also have highlighted some tips we think can help your child thrive this fall.

Back-to-school physicals are an easy, effective way to check on your child's overall health and address any questions you might have. Seeing the doctor at least once a year builds a clear, accurate record of your child's growth and development. Contact Kids First today to schedule your back-to-school check-up appointment and get ready for the 2026-2027 school year.

From Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, “There is absolutely no evidence that sunscreen causes skin cancer. This claim is false, it has no scientific basis and worse yet, it endangers public health. What we do know with 100% certainty is that the main cause of most skin cancers is unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Sun exposure causes DNA damage in skin cells. That damage can cause mutations that lead

Regular checkups are an important way to keep track of your child's health and physical, emotional, and social development. These visits are important for ALL children, including children and youth with special health care needs who may also be under the care of specialists. Your conversations can range from sharing your successes and milestones to overall concerns about child development, to challenges in daily routines.

Although insect bites can be irritating, they usually begin to disappear by the next day and do not require a doctor's treatment. To relieve the itchiness that accompanies bites by mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and bedbugs, apply a cool compress and calamine lotion or a low-potency topical steroid on the affected areas. Use oral antihistamines to control itch.

Summer is nearly here; that means summer camps. Kids First offers physicals for summer camps. Johns Hopkins Medicine offers some great tips and reminders for parents and caregivers to help kids “camp-ready.” The article is “4 Tips for Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp."

The following tips are provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you have questions or concerns about your child's mental health, be sure to talk to your child's pediatrician. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Kids First Pediatrics: Raleigh, (919) 250- 3478 or Clayton, (919) 267-1499. "Positive experiences and safe, stable relationships help children develop skills they need to manage their emotions, solve problems, communicate and develop close connections with others.

our pediatrician is one of many mental health resources available to you and your child. “Many pediatricians check for mental health concerns at well-child visits. The doctor may ask your child questions or ask them to fill out a questionnaire that checks in about how they're doing. As your child gets older, it's important for them to have the opportunity to talk privately with their pediatrician. This also lets them practice talking with the doctor.

Autism Acceptance Month recognizes that Autism is more than a diagnosis—it is identity, community, and a lived experience that encompasses both challenges and triumphs.

Kids First Pediatrics of Raleigh and Clayton continues to monitor the ongoing measles outbreak in North Carolina. For the most up-to-date information, you can visit North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services - Measles Cases and Outbreaks in North Carolina tracker. We are providing updated guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on the prevention and management of measles.

A few things are happening simultaneously here in North Carolina: spring allergies are starting, and so is spring youth sports! With that, we are sharing some helpful information about asthma, exercise, and keeping your active children breathing easy from healthychildren.org.

Spring Cleaning Safety Tips. While we love a manicured lawn and a tidy home, many of our favorite spring cleaning and gardening supplies can be dangerous for curious kids. At Kids First Pediatrics, we want to make sure your spring refresh is as safe as it is productive for your little ones.

In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, Kids First Pediatrics is sharing some information on early intervention (EI).

Ear infections are common in children, with most kids having had at least one by age 3. But sometimes it can be difficult to know the symptoms and when it is time to take them to Kids First.

You’ve probably seen or heard of gambling platforms in the news recently. And maybe you are wondering how it could affect your teens. Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, from Healthychildren.org, shares information about gambling and what parents can do to help.

Measles exposure locations & times available through the NCDHHS.

As we approach peak flu season in North Carolina, we are sharing some helpful prevention tips from healthychildren.org : Flu infections are highly contagious. The respiratory illness is caused by a virus. It spreads easily when children are in a group with other children, such as in a child care center or family child care home. The flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children. It can lead to serious health conditions like pneumonia or bacterial infections. Each

Short days, regrouping after the holidays, and winter sicknesses can make the start of the second semester seem daunting for students and their parents. But it is just as important now as it was at the beginning of the year to help kids create routines and healthy habits to help them finish out the year strong.