Welcome

Hello to all of our Kids Central Pediatrics families!

Hey, KCP Family

We are excited to launch a monthly newsletter for patients, families and friends focused on our favorite topic: kids. In each month’s newsletter, we will share timely, health-related articles, helpful tips and tricks for parents, info about local events, and more!

If you have ideas or suggestions on things you would like to see in an upcoming newsletter, let us know.

In the meantime, enjoy this first edition! 

All clinics will be closed Monday, May 27, 2024 in celebration for Memorial Day

Upcoming Events (come say hello)

Foothills Mall Kids Fest
When: May 25th, 2024
Where: Foothills Mall, 197 Foothills Mall, Maryville, TN  37801

Bumps and Beyond
When: June 22nd, 2024
Where: Farragut Community Center - Assembly Hall
239 Jamestowne Blvd #201, Farragut, TN 37934

Allergy and ADHD Online Screenings

Do you have a kid constantly battling a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes? Those symptoms could mean allergies. 

Do you have a kid who can’t sit still or gets in trouble regularly at school for excessive talking or movements? Your child could be struggling with ADHD. 

With either of those diagnoses, it can be difficult for parents to know where to start. 

Kids Central Pediatrics offers a free online assessment to determine if your child might need further treatment or discussion with a pediatrician. Check out the online assessments today to get started!

Getting Ready for Summer

It is May, the sun is shining, and most kids are counting down the days until school is out.

For parents, there can be a lot of things needing to be done before summer begins. We have created a checklist to help!

Arrange for childcare

For working parents, coordinating childcare when school is out of session can be a headache, but advance planning is helpful. Local schools may have summer programs, or parents can research sitters or other options for their child. 

Register for summer activities

Now is the time to be researching and registering for summer activities, like sports lessons, outdoor camps, art camps and more. Search for summer camps in your area and see what options might be best for your child. 

Schedule physicals for sports

Many sports require a physical with a healthcare provider before a child can participate. Look into the requirements for your child’s favorite sport and get the appointment scheduled. 

Update immunizations if needed

Depending on the child’s age, he or she might need their next round of immunizations. Call your child’s pediatrician to confirm the shot schedule and coordinate an appointment if needed. 

Switch out clothing/seasonal clothing

Time to make some room in the family’s closets! Pack away those sweaters and long-sleeved shirts and pull out the shorts/tanks and summer clothes. If you would like, involve your child in donating the clothes they have outgrown so those clothes can be passed on to others. 

Stock up on sunscreen

Keep your child safe this summer. Sunburns are easily preventable and parents are encouraged to always keep sunscreen on hand. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends all children wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

Purchase bug spray

Bugs are a summer annoyance. It can be difficult to not scratch bug bites when kiddos receive them, so it’s best to just prevent them! Dr. Cliff James recommends not using a bug spray with DEET until after the child is two. The best option for children under two is a non-toxic bug spray that uses scent technology to keep the bugs away. 

Gather summer essentials

Confirm your child has appropriate summer shoes and swimsuits that fit, so you aren’t having to make any last-minute trips to the store for those essentials. 

Plan activities for days at home

Be prepared with a few activities that can be done at home on rainy days or days where it might be too hot for outdoor activities.

Meet the Provider - Dr. Cliff James

Cliff James, III, MD, has wanted to be a pediatrician since he was nine years old. After completing medical school and his residency, he founded Kids Central Pediatrics in 2002, growing the practice into the current four locations across east Tennessee. 

In 2015, he started making videos to talk directly to parents, explaining the how and why of conditions and illnesses, and detailing what’s normal in development and when it’s time to worry. He built an online community called HelpMommy.com, which features videos, blogs and other information for parents and caregivers. 

His online videos have been viewed more than 10 million times, and, in 2023, his helpful, direct approach went viral on TikTok, amassing almost 300,000 followers. 

Dr. James’ passion is making sure kids get the care they need, while making each visit to his pediatrics clinic as fun and stress-free as possible.