January 2014 – Reflections

By Kelly Johnson, MD, the founder and owner of Pediatric House Calls.

During the winter months, it seems like everyone is sick almost constantly. Even excluding Flu and Strep throat, there are dozens of respiratory viruses that can make us sick. I often get asked by parents, “Is my child sick too often?”

Usually the answer is no. Most children average 9-12 illnesses a year and most occur in the winter. So that means at least once a month or more in winter is normal. As children get older, this usually lessens unless your child has asthma or some other chronic medical condition.

The number of illnesses is not as important as the severity of them. Most childhood illnesses should be mild and come and go quickly. If your child gets frequent complications that are difficult to treat, then your Pediatrician may need to do some extra testing or consult an Immunologist.

For most childhood illnesses, antibiotics do not help and are not needed. There are always exceptions, like Strep throat and urinary tract infections. Call your doctor if your child has been sick for longer than three days or you’re not sure of the best treatment.

Please do not send your child to school until they are fever free for 24 hours to prevent spread to other children.

If you have further questions, need an appointment or want to read previous newsletters, go to my website at www.pedihousecalls.com or 214-558-0037.

By Ray Dent
Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Lakehill Preparatory School

Regardless of one’s age or background, the concept of being home for the holidays creates a buoyant state in our minds and a warm glow in our hearts. The phenomenon was very evident last month through the twinkling eyes and big smiles at Lakehill as students, faculty, and parents anticipated a holiday break shared with family and friends. This first week back at school the halls and classrooms have been filled with cheery tales and audacious stories created from the holiday break memories.

Home gives us a place to belong. It is a comfortable place to share fond memories and build new ones. Home is a place filled with the people for whom we care most and who care most for us. In many ways, for many people, Lakehill Preparatory School is an element of home.

The community of students, parents, faculty, and staff at this school are often referred to as the Lakehill family. The size of the institution and the intensity of its many activities create profound bonds between classmates and often between their parents, as well. For most of the “Lakehill Family” there is a feeling of closeness and belonging very rare in today’s educational environment.

On January 7, twenty-eight Lakehill graduates, who are attending various universities around the country, came for an evening of Warrior Basketball and pizza. Lakehill parents made it possible for these Alumni, who were still on their respective holiday breaks from college, to spend an evening with current students and faculty, and with one another. As they hugged, laughed, cheered for the Warriors and shared their college experiences with each other, current students, and faculty, it was heartwarming to see these particular members of the Lakehill family… Home for the Holidays.

Lakehill college-age alumni gather at the January 7 basketball game.