On August 28, 2024, we held an insightful and engaging session of "Zoom Into Dad's Mental Health," where we were fortunate to have Gustavo Olivares, PA-C from Acevedo Pediatrics, share his extensive experience in the field of child care. The meeting, attended by dedicated dads and caregivers, touched on various important topics ranging from healthcare transparency to sleep habits for children. Here’s a quick recap of the key discussions and takeaways:
Guest Speaker: Gustavo Olivares’ Journey in Pediatrics
Gustavo Olivares shared his unexpected journey into pediatrics, a path that began with an interest in cardiology but evolved into a 20-year career in child health. His deep connection to the Brownsville and Edinburg areas highlighted his commitment to serving his community. He reflected on the challenges and opportunities that come with starting anew after two decades in one practice.
Selecting the Right Healthcare Providers
One of the main themes of the discussion was the importance of choosing the right healthcare provider for your family. Gustavo emphasized the necessity of proper credentialing and licensing, advising parents to verify these through the Texas Medical Board website. He also underscored the importance of transparency in the healthcare industry and the need for trust in the doctor-patient relationship.
Managing Pediatric Issues: Fevers, Sleep Disorders, and More
Gustavo provided valuable insights into managing common pediatric issues such as fevers and sleep disorders. He advised that persistent or high fevers should be evaluated by a healthcare professional and offered tips for reducing fever symptoms. On sleep, he stressed the importance of establishing a regular bedtime and wake-up time for children, recommending 8-10 hours of sleep per night to support healthy growth and development.
The Importance of Healthy Routines
The team discussed the importance of limiting children’s screen time, aiming for no more than 1-2 hours per day, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Brandon shared his journey of gradually implementing a bedtime routine for his 7-year-old daughter, inspired by Gustavo's advice on the long-term benefits of proper sleep habits.
Transparency and Communication in Healthcare
Gustavo and the attendees also delved into the need for transparency in healthcare. Gustavo highlighted his approach to involving parents in medical decision-making and encouraged seeking second opinions if parents feel uneasy about a diagnosis. Lucas shared a personal experience where seeking a second opinion led to a crucial diagnosis for his daughter, reinforcing the importance of trusting one's instincts.
Next Steps: Practical Advice for Parents
As we concluded, several actionable steps were recommended for all parents:
- Establish Healthy Sleep Routines: Ensure children get 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
- Limit Screen Time: Keep children's screen time to 1-2 hours per day.
- Regularly Purge Expired Medications: Check your home medicine cabinets and safely dispose of outdated medications.
- Store Medications Properly: Keep them in cool, dry places away from heat.
- Trust Your Instincts: Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you’re unsure about a medical diagnosis.
Summary and Future Meetings
The session included a warm discussion about Gustavo's recent family trip to New Orleans and the group’s shared commitment to supporting local businesses, with a plan to meet next at Weslaco’s Daily Grind. The conversation was a reminder of the importance of community and mutual support in navigating the challenges of fatherhood.
We left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose and valuable advice to implement in our daily lives. As always, we encourage all dads to stay connected, share experiences, and continue growing as both individuals and parents.
Stay tuned for our next session, where we’ll continue to dive into the topics that matter most to dads. Until then, take care of yourselves and your families!
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