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Contact information

Blue Ridge Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Inc
579 Greenway Road
Suite 200
Boone, NC  28607
828-262-0100
828-264-7592 (fax)


Summer Health Information

Summer Health Tips
Staying healthy outdoors in the summer is simply a matter of preparation. Four common problems are sunburn, insect stings, poison ivy, and heat related illnesses.
We’ve all heard about the damage that sunburns can cause, but new evidence suggests that frequent exposure to sun, even without sunburn, can lead to skin damage as we age. It’s important to protect your child’s skin with three simple rules:
  • Plan activity early and late in the day avoiding the worst of the sun’s rays.
  • Wear sun screen with a SPF of at least 30.
  • Reapply the sunscreen every 1-2 hours.
Sunscreen can be safely applied on a child as young as 6 months of age, but care should be taken to avoid getting it in the child’s eyes and mouth. Also, for smaller infants, don’t forget the hats! Until that hair grows in, the scalp is easily burned.
 
Insect stings are sometimes unavoidable, but not using perfumes/colognes outside and wearing clothing without colorful, floral prints can minimize your attractiveness to insects. The only insect repellants with proven efficacy have DEET as the main ingredient. This can be applied lightly over exposed skin for children over 2 years of age with care being taken to avoid the eyes and mouth. Unlike sunscreen, insect repellant should not be reapplied but once every 8 hours.
If a sting does occur, gently clean the area with soap and water, elevate the affected limb, and apply a cool washcloth to the site. If there is a significant reaction, but it remains localized to the sting site, administer benadryl by mouth or apply topical hydrocortisone cream. If the reaction is widespread, or there is difficulty with facial swelling or trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care or consult your physician.
 
Poison ivy is a minor nuisance for most, but a huge problem for some. If you encounter the suspect plant, immediately wash and rinse your skin with soapy water. Be mindful that the sap can get on clothing and it should be removed and washed with care. If you develop a rash, oral benadryl and/or topical hydrocortisone generally will help it to resolve within 7-10 days. If the rash is wide spread, or if there is the appearance of a secondary bacterial infection (redness or crusted, yellow discharge) seek medical care.
 
Heat related illnesses can be prevented by frequent rest periods, adequate hydration, and wearing appropriate clothes for the heat. Know the signs of heat exhaustion: thirst, dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, clammy skin. If you see these signs, immediately cease your activity, lie down in the shade, and rehydrate. If there is an altered level of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat Related Illnesses
It’s the good ol’ summertime and that means fun in the sun! In the High Country, we seldom think of heat related illnesses because of our cool climate but the heat can still be dangerous. All vigorous activity in the heat of the day can lead to heat related illnesses. This includes obvious things like outdoor vocations, and sports participation, but also can mean yard work or simply engaging in vigorous play.
Heat related illnesses are categorized by severity.
  • Heat cramps develop during or after intense exercise and are characterized as sudden, painful, involuntary contractions of the larger muscles.
  • Heat Exhaustion is manifested by heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, weakness, nausea, and clammy skin.
  • Heat Stroke results from an elevated core body temperature and is evidenced by rapid heart rate, rapid respiratory rate, sweating (although the skin may be dry), vomiting, and altered mental status.
Fortunately, with proper awareness and preparation, serious problems can be avoided. Recognition of the possibility of heat related illness is the key to prevention. On days when the heat index is over 80 degrees (or any day that is going to be warm and muggy):
  • Plan your outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening.
  • Pace yourself and take frequent rest periods in the shade.
  • Wear light colored, cotton clothing.
  • Drink plenty of water or sports drinks to maintain hydration. You should consume roughly 8 ounces of fluid for each pound of weight loss during activity. On average, assume that you can easily lose 2 pounds of water weight with vigorous activity. That means that you need to drink at least 16 ounces of fluid during and after the activity.
If you have signs or symptoms of heat related illness, immediately cease activity, lie down in the shade, and rehydrate. Do not return to activity that day. For more serious signs of heat stroke, seek emergency medical care immediately. If you have underlying health problems or suffer from heat related illness, consult your physician before engaging in strenuous activity.

 


History

Established in 1992 as Boone Pediatric Center, Drs. Adams, Zimmerman and Brandenberger had a vision of opening a practice to serve the pediatric and adolescent population in the High Country.  They opened the doors in October, 1992 in our current Boone location and began serving families in the Boone area.   To meet the needs of the growing practice, Michelle Lubkemann, PA-C, joined Boone Pediatric Center in 1995.  Dr. Brandenberger left the Boone area in 1998 to pursue other interests and Dr. Lonas joined the practice a few months later.  As the need for additional providers in the High Country became apparent, we added Drs. Middlebrook and St Clair, opened an adolescent clinic beside our Boone office and opened a satellite office in Linville.  We also changed our name to Blue Ridge Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine to reflect our commitment to serve families across the entire mountain region.  

We have been tremendously blessed by our patients in this area and will continually strive to provide the best medical care for the children and adolescents of the High Country.  With offices in Boone and Linville,  we offer appointments for routine, chronic and emergent sick visits, check ups, sports physicals, and consultations for a variety of medical and behavior issues.  We employ a highly qualified staff to meet your medical needs and want to partner with you to provide the best healthcare for your child.


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