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Smita Tandon, MD Blog View all posts
Why the Flu Shot and Other Vaccines Matter for Kids This Season

Why the Flu Shot and Other Vaccines Matter for Kids This Season
Flu shots and other vaccines prevent children from illness, spreading illness, hospitalization, future disability, and, in some cases, death. Immunization is that important, a key reason why so many infectious diseases have been eliminated or reduced.
Nov 9th, 2025
Beyond the Candy: 5 Tips for a Safe and Healthy Halloween

Beyond the Candy: 5 Tips for a Safe and Healthy Halloween
With the arrival of October, thoughts of Halloween and candy may be filling your young ones’ heads. It’s a magic time, and it’s also a time for parents to be prudent. We’ve compiled a list of five tips for a safe and healthy Halloween. 
Oct 22nd, 2025
Autumn Health Tips: Keeping Kids Healthy as the Seasons Change

Autumn Health Tips: Keeping Kids Healthy as the Seasons Change
Back-to-school is out of the way, and we’re into the heart of the first semester. Most parents know autumn is also the start of respiratory infection season, stuck on the end of the fall hay fever bombardment. Here are some tips to keep kids healthy.
Oct 14th, 2025
3 Zones of an Asthma Action Plan: Green, Yellow, Red Explained

3 Zones of an Asthma Action Plan: Green, Yellow, Red Explained
A feature of an asthma action plan is the zone system, a three-level guide that helps you work through asthma symptoms appropriately. Using traffic light colors — green, yellow, and red — asthma zones guide you through your child’s asthma levels.
Sep 4th, 2025
Frequent Colds or Allergies? How to Tell the Difference

Frequent Colds or Allergies? How to Tell the Difference
With the summer months here, there may be a break in the respiratory illness cycle that sometimes dominates the cold and flu season in fall and winter. However, it’s prime time for pollen and other airborne allergens that can produce similar symptoms.
Jul 7th, 2025
The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Obesity

The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Obesity
Since 1975, the rate of childhood obesity has grown about eight times higher, according to a report included in the National Library of Medicine. It’s not just an increase in lingering baby fat, it’s a health epidemic with long-term consequences.
Jun 4th, 2025
Our Best Potty Training Tips

Our Best Potty Training Tips
As developmental milestones go, potty training might not be the most glamorous, but it’s up there among the most important learned skills your child can master. For parents, it represents the end of the diaper cycle, always a welcome transition.
Jun 4th, 2025

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Strep Throat Symptoms
While sore throats sometimes seem like a common childhood condition, not every incident is a harmless part of growing up. Strep throat has some potentially serious complications without medical treatment.
May 5th, 2025

5 Ways to Prevent Asthma Complications
Preventing asthma complications comes down to controlling and reducing the frequency of your child’s attacks. We’ve prepared a list of five key ways you can prevent asthma attacks or reduce their severity.
Apr 9th, 2025
My Toddler Is a Picky Eater — What Should I Do?

My Toddler Is a Picky Eater — What Should I Do?
Most picky-eating toddlers are developmentally normal in terms of size and body weight, so their limited food choices generally won’t endanger their growth. In fact, conflicts with your child over food may create a more significant problem.
Apr 7th, 2025
When to See a Specialist About Your Child's Rash

When to See a Specialist About Your Child's Rash
Any childhood rash can appear serious when it’s your kid who’s showing symptoms. Sometimes, it’s difficult even for physicians to identify a rash by appearance alone. Here’s how to know when to see a specialist about your child’s rash.
Mar 1st, 2025
How to Treat Your Child's Chronic Acne

How to Treat Your Child's Chronic Acne
While acne can affect anyone, the most common time for outbreaks are the teen years, starting around the age of 11. The key to treatment is often persistence, in finding both the right products to help and also regular applications as directed.
Feb 1st, 2025
Is It a Cold, the Flu, or Covid?

Is It a Cold, the Flu, or Covid?
December is prime time for seasonal respiratory viruses. As a parent, are you ready to identify the health concerns surrounding your child and other family members from cold, flu, or Covid-19? We’re here to help.
Dec 1st, 2024
How Does a Sports Physical Differ From an Annual Checkup?

How Does a Sports Physical Differ From an Annual Checkup?
There are differences between an annual checkup and a sports physical, but they’re also often similar enough that you can combine the two in a single appointment. If you have a child involved in organized sports, you need to know these.
Nov 6th, 2024
Which Childhood Vaccines Are Optional?

Which Childhood Vaccines Are Optional?
The way our immune system works is complex and not easily understood. In the United States, we’re well protected from diseases that are still spreading in other parts of the world. Trying to choose optional vaccines for your child is dangerous. 
Oct 10th, 2024
How to Guard Against Asthma Attacks

How to Guard Against Asthma Attacks
Controlling childhood asthma centers around controlling exposure to asthma triggers, as well as managing the medications that improve breathing. Knowing your child’s triggers is the best way to guard against asthma attacks.
Sep 17th, 2024

My Child Has a Sore Throat, But is it Strep?
Sore throats are common, often caused by the same viruses that give your child cold and flu symptoms. Not all infections have viral origins though, and the streptococci bacteria also can cause sore throats, commonly called strep throat.
Aug 7th, 2024
Does an Early Diagnosis of Autism Improve Symptoms?

Does an Early Diagnosis of Autism Improve Symptoms?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents as deficits in communication skills and social interactions. Symptoms can emerge in infancy or later in your child’s life. Early treatment provides your child with a better long-term outlook. 
Jun 18th, 2024

How Can I Help If My Child Is Starting to Have Weight Problems?
A child’s growth has unpredictable elements along with normal milestones. Body weight is one of those aspects that may seem difficult to gauge what’s normal. As a parent, you can’t wait indefinitely for an overweight child to grow into their body.
Apr 4th, 2024

I Think My Child Might Have Autism: What Can I Do?
The effects of autism typically emerge in early childhood. Prompt intervention helps a child avoid developmental issues caused by the disorder. How does a parent recognize these early signs and how should they act on their suspicions?
Feb 1st, 2024

From Pimples to Preteens: A Parent's Guide to Acne
It doesn’t matter to teens that acne is a common skin condition tied to hormonal changes. It happens as they’re placing emphasis on their personal appearance. Working with acne specialists is the edge your child needs to get past the acne issue.
Jan 10th, 2024

5 Strategies for Managing Conjunctivitis at Home
While we think of the winter months as cold and flu season, it’s also prime time for conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis stems from bacterial or viral infections, but you can manage conjunctivitis symptoms at home.
Dec 5th, 2023
Tonsillitis Vs. Strep Throat. What's the Difference?

Tonsillitis Vs. Strep Throat. What's the Difference?
A sore throat is a sore throat, right? It’s not when your child has one. It might be tonsillitis due to a cold or it could be strep throat, a bacterial infection with the potential for long-term complications.  
Nov 15th, 2023
Are These Allergens Affecting Your Child?

Are These Allergens Affecting Your Child?
Almost one in five American children suffer from seasonal allergies and about 6% have allergies to food. An overreaction of their young immune systems, an allergy commonly results from exposure to normally harmless substances.  
Sep 8th, 2023
My Child Has a Concussion. What Should I Do?

My Child Has a Concussion. What Should I Do?
Being a kid can be tough work, particularly with their coordination and balance affected by their ever-changing bodies. Activity levels and contact sports may also lead to head injuries. As a parent, you need to recognize concussion symptoms.
Aug 1st, 2023
Is Strep Throat Serious?

Is Strep Throat Serious?
While anyone can get strep throat, it’s more common in children and teens. Stemming from a bacterial infection, strep’s pain can be sharp and scratchy, making it difficult to swallow. It can lead to other serious illnesses if left untreated.
Jul 13th, 2023
Is There a Link Between Diet and Acne?

Is There a Link Between Diet and Acne?
You’ve likely heard plenty of opinions on the connection between acne and eating certain foods. Some claim acne stems from greasy foods. Others say it’s chocolate. Connections between acne and food exist, but there’s no proof of strong effects.
Jun 6th, 2023
5 Reasons to Vaccinate Your Tween Against HPV

5 Reasons to Vaccinate Your Tween Against HPV

While there are over 100 strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), only a handful can lead to cancer. Those few, though, often result from sexually transmitted infections affecting the genitals. HPV vaccines protect against the most harmful strains.
May 19th, 2023
Myths and Facts About Routine Childhood Vaccinations

Myths and Facts About Routine Childhood Vaccinations
Though vaccinations prevent sickness and death, there’s still a segment of the population that’s hesitant about immunizing their children, even with vaccines that have proven safe over decades. Persistent myths interfere with sound decisions.
Jan 23rd, 2023
Can My Child Outgrow Their Food Allergy?

Can My Child Outgrow Their Food Allergy?
It’s possible for a child to outgrow some types of food allergies particularly if the reaction started prior to the age of three. In other cases, it’s unlikely an allergy will vanish especially in those with severe symptoms.
Nov 1st, 2022
Are Antibiotics the Only Cure for Strep Throat?

Are Antibiotics the Only Cure for Strep Throat?
While strep throat is a relatively rare cause of sore throats, kids and teens are most susceptible. It’s a bacterial infection, so it will respond to antibiotic treatments. As a concerned parent, you might be wondering if this is the only cure.
Aug 9th, 2022
My Acne Is Embarrassing: Can You Help?

My Acne Is Embarrassing: Can You Help?
Driven by the hormone changes that drive physical growth through adolescence, acne is a common problem that sometimes has uncommon severity. Home care is often not enough to control embarrassing cases of this teen skin condition.
Jul 12th, 2022
Is Asthma a Life-Threatening Condition?

Is Asthma a Life-Threatening Condition?
Asthma symptoms vary widely between children. It can be a barely there nuisance that your child outgrows, or it can be a serious lifelong condition requiring careful management. In some cases, asthma attacks can be life threatening.
Jun 1st, 2022
5 Symptoms of Chickenpox and How It's Treated

5 Symptoms of Chickenpox and How It's Treated
The best way to treat chickenpox is to avoid it altogether with the varicella-zoster vaccine. While vaccination has greatly reduced the incidence of chickenpox, it’s still out there, and you need to know what to do if your child is affected.
Apr 5th, 2022
The Difference Between Blackheads and Whiteheads

The Difference Between Blackheads and Whiteheads
As many teens learn, acne is a hormone-driven event that’s difficult to control. It’s not a problem that results from poor hygiene but rather from changes to the skin during adolescence. Both blackheads and whiteheads occur during acne outbreaks.
Mar 6th, 2022
What to Expect When You Get Care at a Teaching Clinic

What to Expect When You Get Care at a Teaching Clinic
The learning never stops for doctors. Once medical school is well underway, medical students build valuable skills with patients in teaching clinics, working alongside experienced doctors to hone their instincts.
Feb 3rd, 2022
How to Know What Triggers Your Child's Allergies

How to Know What Triggers Your Child's Allergies
Asthma is the most common chronic condition from which children suffer, and while it can’t be cured, some children do outgrow it. In the meantime, part of the asthma management process requires recognizing and avoiding asthma triggers.
Jan 13th, 2022
Managing Your Child’s Asthma

Managing Your Child’s Asthma
The most common chronic illness suffered by children is asthma. Fortunately, many outgrow the condition and with careful management, the impact of asthma can be minimized, allowing your child to enjoy most normal activities.
Nov 14th, 2021

Is There Help for My Child’s Problematic Acne?
Acne is a common problem for teens, driven by the hormonal changes of puberty. However, some children face a bigger challenge than others. Your pediatrician can help manage your child’s problematic acne. Keep reading to learn how.
Oct 12th, 2021
Help for Your Child’s Allergies

Help for Your Child’s Allergies
Parents want the best for their children, so it’s often hard to watch them suffer through the symptoms of allergic reactions. You can sometimes help, though, by controlling exposure to allergy triggers and arranging the appropriate medical care.
Sep 8th, 2021
The Causes of Bad Acne

The Causes of Bad Acne
Any case of acne can undermine your child’s confidence. When it becomes severe, it can be even more distressing, and the overlapping outbreaks increase the risk of permanent scarring. Here are some of the causes of bad acne in children.
Aug 15th, 2021

What’s Triggering My Child’s Asthma?
Asthma results from the immune system’s reaction to certain substances and conditions. This reaction then causes inflammation of the airways and breathing difficulties. Read on to learn how you can help your child avoid attacks.
Jul 21st, 2021

What a Sports Physical Offers Your Child
As a parent, you may often be amazed at the energy your child displays. Through play and sports, most children are naturally athletic. Once they reach school age and participate in organized leagues, sports physicals become necessary.
Jun 23rd, 2021

Summertime Asthma Tips
The cold air of winter is a common asthma trigger, but summertime air can trigger breathing issues, too. Read on to learn how you can help safeguard your child against asthma attacks this summer.
May 9th, 2021

How To Introduce Your Infant to Common Allergens
Food allergies in children are increasing dramatically, so it’s important to know how to safely expose your infant child to new foods to rule out or pinpoint allergic reactions. Read on to learn more.
Apr 11th, 2021

Helping Your Child Deal With Acne
No matter how common acne may be, your child may feel singled out and devastated. In many cases, acne progresses at its own pace, no matter what you try. Here are some tips for helping a teen through this troublesome time.
Mar 8th, 2021

Your Child Has Autism. Now What?
A diagnosis of autism in your child may be disconcerting to you, but it’s important to realize that the only thing that changed was a formal recognition of what already existed. Read on to learn how you can help your child manage this condition.
Feb 16th, 2021

5 Tips for Avoiding UTIs
Children can be susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs) because of their physiology and bathroom habits. It’s not hard to help your child avoid UTIs. Some simple behavioral changes can make all the difference in preventing infections.
Jan 13th, 2021

The Importance of Prompt Treatment of Eye Infections
Like ear infections, your child’s eyes may seem prone to frequent problems. While this is common for many children, eye infections shouldn’t be overlooked as a minor condition. Eye infections are quite contagious and they can spread rapidly.
Dec 6th, 2020

5 Causes of Abdominal Pain in Children
Abdominal pain is common in children, and sometimes it’s severe enough for their parents to seek medical care. Fortunately, most cases aren’t serious, and the child recovers quickly. Read on to learn potential causes of abdominal pain.
Nov 19th, 2020

Your Child’s Flu Shot Is More Important Than Ever
September and October are always the best time for your child to get their annual flu shot before the current strains of the disease are widespread. This year, with COVID-19 in the mix, avoiding the flu is more important than usual.
Oct 6th, 2020

Returning to School and Sports with COVID-19
Returning to school has its challenges every year, but in 2020 with the COVID-19 crisis, it can be even more challenging for parents and students. Here are some recommendations to help make the transition safely.
Sep 17th, 2020

The Importance of Vaccinations during COVID
As the nation came to a halt with the COVID-19 crisis, regular routines, such as well-child doctor appointments, were put on hold. However, regular immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases may be missed because of these disruptions.
Aug 28th, 2020

Now’s the Time To Clear Your Teen's Acne
Teen acne is a problem that affects most of the adolescent population, although it can be more severe for some. Learning how to care for teen skin at the first sign of pimples can help your child fight back against acne.
Jul 27th, 2020

Understanding the Vaccine Schedule
Tracking your child’s immunizations may not be easy given the number of vaccines recommended by authorities. The vaccination schedule is a convenient tool that can help you make sure your child receives the right protection.
Apr 16th, 2020

Is it a Bump on the Head or Something More Serious?
Concussion awareness in professional sports is all over the media. Your child, too, can suffer head injuries while participating in recreational activities, even when they’re wearing protective equipment. Read on to learn the signs of a concussion.
Mar 2nd, 2020

Is My Child Physically Ready to Play Sports?
Are you a sports fan who can’t wait to get your child involved in the game? Remember, every child has a physical learning curve when it comes to playing sports, and it’s important to be aware of the right time to sign them up.
Feb 3rd, 2020

Helping Your Child Cope with Autism
No parent is prepared to hear that their little one has autism spectrum disorder. If your child recently received this diagnosis, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Read on to learn how to help your child cope and, even better, thrive with autism.
Jan 3rd, 2020

Can My Child Get Sick From a Vaccination?
If you’re a parent, you want what’s best for your child. You may have heard some rumors about vaccines, and are wondering if they can make your child sick. Knowing the facts can help you make the right decision about getting your child vaccinated.
Dec 1st, 2019

Helping Your Teenager Cope With Acne
Fashion choices, social media, dating, and homework cause enough stress during the teen years. Don’t let adolescent acne add one more thing to worry about. Find out how you and your teen can handle breakouts.
Oct 1st, 2019

What Makes Kids More Susceptible to Ear Infections?
Ear infections are practically a rite of passage for kids. But when was the last time you heard of an adult getting an ear infection? Find out why kids are more likely to get an ear infection, as well as how to prevent and treat the infections.
Jul 3rd, 2019

What to Expect From Your Child’s Upcoming Sports Physical
Your child or teen is pumped to play baseball, basketball, or football this season, but their coach said a sports physical is required before they can play. It might feel like a formality, but this is a critical step that ensures their safety.
Jun 1st, 2019
Autism Diagnosis Is Delayed Smita Tandon, MD, in Fountain Valley, California

5 Reasons Why Autism Diagnosis Is Delayed
About 1 in 59 children have autism spectrum disorder. While an early diagnosis can help children with autism develop better social skills and get resources to help them thrive, many children aren’t diagnosed until later in childhood. Find out why.
Apr 17th, 2019

Most Common Allergies in Kids
Approximately 40% of children in the United States suffer from allergies, with food allergies and hay fever leading the charge. Here’s a look at what to watch out for when it comes to kids and allergies
Mar 29th, 2019

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine
Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.
Jun 4th, 2025