Children's Health Center - West Des Moines, IAWest Des Moines Pediatrician Doctors for Children's HealthType of Physician: Pediatrician What is a Pediatrician? A certification by the Board of Pediatrics; practitioners are concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a wide range of health services, from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. The pediatrician understands the constantly changing status of his/her patients due to growth and development, and the consequent changing standards of "normal" for age. Specialty: Pediatrics Common Name: Children's Doctor Pediatrician Doctors in West Des Moines * Westown Pediatrics Clinic  Mercy West Pediatric Clinic  Mercy West Pediatric Clinic  Mercy West Pediatric Clinic  Mercy West Pediatric Clinic  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  Iowa Health Physicians Pediatrics  West Des Moines Childrens Clinic  Iowa Health Physicians Pediatrics  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  West Des Moines Childrens Clinic  West Des Moines Childrens Clinic  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  Iowa Health Physicians Pediatrics  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  Iowa Health Physicians Pediatrics  IHP Walnut Creek Pediatrics  IHP Lakeview  IHP Lakeview  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  IHP Lakeview  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  IHP Lakeview  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  Iowa Health & Physicians Clinics Lake View Pediatrics  Mercy Jordan Creek Pediatric Clinic  Des Moines Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic  Des Moines Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic  Mercy Johnston Medical Clinic  Mercy Johnston Medical Clinic  Des Moines Pediatric & Adolescent Clinic  Johnston Pediatric Clinic PC  Iowa Health System  Blank Childrens Hospital Physicians  Blank Childrens Hospital Physicians  Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  IHP Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  IHP Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  IHP Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  Methodist Plaza Pediatrics  Broadlawns Medical Center Pediatrics  Broadlawns Medical Center  Broadlawns Medical Center Pediatrics  Waukee Clinic Pediatrics  Waukee Clinic Pediatrics  Waukee Clinic Pediatrics  Mercy Des Moines Pediatric Hospitalist  Mercy Des Moines Pediatric Hospitalist  Mercy Des Moines Pediatric Hospitalist  Mercy Jordan Creek Pediatric Clinic  Mercy Central Pediatrics  Mercy Central Pediatrics  Mercy Central Pediatrics  Mercy Central Pediatrics  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  IHP Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Ankeny Pediatric Clinic  Bilgi Clinic  Delaware Family Medicine  Delaware Family Medicine  Mercy North Pediatric Clinic  Mercy East Pediatric Clinic  Health Trust Physicians Clinic  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  Kidcare MD PC  Webster City Clinic  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  McFarland Clinic Pediatrics  Trimark Physicians Group Pediatrics  Mahaska Health Partnership  Pediatric and Young Adult Clinic  Trimark Physicians Group West Des Moines, IowaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-08
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Children's HealthRead the Children's Health article » IntroductionChildren's health, or pediatrics, focuses on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. It is vitally concerned with all aspects of children's growth and development and with the unique opportunity that each child has to achieve their full potential as a healthy adult. Children's health was once a part of adult medicine. It emerged in the 19th and early 20th century as a medical specialty because of the gradual awareness that the health problems of children are different from those of grown-ups. It was also recognized that a child's response to illness, medications, and the environment depends upon the age of the child. There are many aspects to children's health. Any organization of these aspects of
child health is necessarily arbitrary. For example, the topics could be
presented in alphabetical order. However, it seems most logical to start at the
Growth and developmentA healthy child's development actually begins before conception with the parents' health and their genetic legacy. It continues on to conception and through the prenatal period. During this time, there is naturally considerable overlap between pediatric concerns for the fetus and obstetrical concerns for the mother. Once the baby is delivered, there are new and important matters to ponder, such as breastfeeding, newborn screening tests and sleeping safety. All too soon, there are health-care appointments to be kept, for example, for well-baby checkups and immunizations. These are followed by other challenges, such as when to introduce solid foods and to start toilet training. The field of pediatrics recognizes classic stages in growth and development, but these are artificial since a child's growth and development constitute a conti... Recommended Reading Related to Children's HealthWhat is impetigo? What causes impetigo?Impetigo (pronounced im-puh-TIE-go) is a contagious, superficial infection of the skin caused by staphylococcus (Staph) and streptococcus (Strep) bacteria. Impetigo is more common in children (especially 2- to 5-year-olds) than in adults. Impetigo is most likely to occur in warm and humid environments and is most commonly spread by close contact (such as family members).
What are the types of impetigo, and what are impetigo symptoms and signs? What does impetigo look like?There are two kinds of impetigo:
Other Related Children's Health ArticlesEmergency Contact for West Des Moines
Nearby West Des Moines Hospitals *Mercy Franklin Center Blank Children's Hospital Iowa Methodist Medical Center VA Central Iowa Health Care Des Moines Broadlawns Medical Center Mercy Medical Center Des Moines Iowa Lutheran Hospital Madison County Healthcare System Dallas County Hospital Mary Greeley Medical Center Boone County Hospital Story County Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Children's Health by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
153 articles-
Scabies
- Scabies are itch mites that burrow under the skin and produce intense itching that's usually worse at night. Symptoms of scabies are small bumps and blisters on the wrists, knees, between the fingers, on the back of the elbows, in the groin and on the buttocks. Treatment involves applying a mite-killing cream, antihistamines for itch relief, washing bedclothes and linens.
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Rash
- The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
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Infectious Mononucleosis
- Infectious mononucleosis is a virus infection in which there is an increase of white blood cells that are mononuclear (with a single nucleus) "Mono" and "kissing disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
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Ringworm
- The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. Among the different types of ringworm are the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
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Appendicitis
- Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis often causes fever, loss of appetite, and right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Delay in surgery can result in appendix rupture with potentially serious complications.
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Headache
- Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
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Heat Rash
- Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age and it appears as a rash that itches or feels prickly, and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Pictures of heat rash are included.
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Anemia
- Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, and more. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
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Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
- Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home. However, a person should be seen by a health care professional if they have a sore throat that has a rapid onset, and is associated with a fever or tenderness of the front of the neck; a sore throat that causes the person to have difficulty swallowing (not just pain swallowing) or breathing; or if a sore throat lasts for more than a week.
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Diarrhea
- Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency are all symptoms of diarrhea. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.
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Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
- Gastroenteritis (viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu) is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Even though it is often called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the influenza viruses. Viruses that can cause gastroenteritis (stomach flu) include: rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk virus, and a group of Noroviruses. Gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria. The main symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting and watery diarrhea, however, headache, fever, and abdominal cramps (stomach ache) may also be present.
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Hand Foot and Mouth Disease
- Hand-foot-and-mouth syndrome is clinical pattern consisting of a rash on the hands and feet, and in the mouth. Hand-foot-and-mouth syndrome is caused by various viruses including several types of the coxsackievirus. Other symptoms include sore throat, decreased appetite, irritability, and (or) fever.
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Nosebleed
- Nosebleed is common in dry climates during winter months, and in hot dry climates with low humidity. Individual taking blood clotting medications, aspirin, or antiinflammatory medications may be more prone to nose bleeding. Other factors that contribute to nosebleed are trauma (including nose picking), rhinitis, and high blood pressure. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
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Pink Eye
- Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.
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Leukemia
- Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood cells in which the growth and development of the blood cells are abnormal. Strictly speaking, leukemia should refer only to cancer of the white blood cells (the leukocytes) but in practice it can apply to malignancy of any cellular element in the blood or bone marrow, as in red cell leukemia (erythroleukemia).
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Dehydration
- Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
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Pneumonia
- Pneumonia is inflammation of one or both lungs with consolidation. Pneumonia is frequently but not always due to infection. The infection may be bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic. Symptoms may include fever, chills, cough with sputum production, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
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Migraine
- Migraine is usually periodic attacks of headaches on one or both sides of the head. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light (photophobia), increased sensitivity to sound (phonophobia), dizziness, blurred vision, cognitive disturbances, and other symptoms. Treatments for migraine headache include therapies that may or may not involve medications.
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Strep Throat
- Strep throat is a sore throat caused by a bacterium called streptococcus (strep) that can be treated through antibiotics. Common symptoms of strep throat include pinkeye, runny nose, skin rash, cough, hoarseness, diarrhea and more. Complications of untreated strep throat include middle ear infections, meningitis, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, and more.
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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
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Anorexia
- Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious psychological disorder and is a condition that goes well beyond out-of-control dieting. With anorexia, the drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and/or fears relating to one's body. There are psychological and behavioral symptoms as well as physical symptoms of anorexia including: depression, social withdrawal, fatigue, food obsession, heart and gastrointestinal complications, kidney function, flaky skin, brittle nails, and tooth loss (this list is not exhaustive).
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Warts (Common Warts)
- Common warts are skin growths causes by the human papillomavirus. There are many types of warts, including plantar warts, common hand warts, warts under the nails, mosaic wars, and flat warts. Over-the-counter treatments typically involve the use of salicylic acid products.
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Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
- Whooping cough (pertussis) is highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. There are an estimated 300,000 plus deaths annually from whooping cough (pertussis). Whopping cough commonly affects infants and young children, but can be prevented with immunization with the vaccine. First stage whooping cough symptoms are a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, a mild cough with the cough gradually becoming more severe. After one to two weeks, the second stage of whooping cough begins.
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Impetigo
- Impetigo is a contagious skin infection caused by staph and strep bacteria. There are two types of impetigo: non-bullous and bullous. Symptoms of non-bullous impetigo include small blisters on the nose, face, arms, or legs and possibly swollen glands. Bullous impetigo symptoms include blisters in various areas, particularly in the buttocks area. Treatment involves gentle cleansing, removing the crusts of popped blisters, and the application of prescription-strength mupirocin antibiotic ointment.
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Allergy
- An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Dyslexia
- Dyslexia affects a person's ability to spell, read, write, or even speak. It's considered the most common learning disability in children. Dyslexia may be caused by genetics, hormonal development during the early stages of fetal development, or injury to the area of the brain that controls reading and writing.
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Head Lice
- Head lice infection is called pediculosis. Lice are parasites that feed on blood and can be found on the scalp and hair of infected people. Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation include a tickling sensation, itching, and sores on the head. Head lice may be eliminated with various over-the-counter shampoos and washing all clothing and bed linens in the hot water cycle. Combs and brushes should be disinfected, and the floor and furniture should be vacuumed.
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Fever
- Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degrees F. (37 degrees C.), in practice a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C.). Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal: rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease- producing organisms.
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric condition, can develop after any catastrophic life event. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, sweating, rapid heart rate, detachment, amnesia, sleep problems, irritability, and exaggerated startle response. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, group support, and medication.
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