Blog Archive

Your child receives many vaccines from birth through their teen years. These vaccines not only give them essential protection against serious illnesses, but many are also mandatory for your child to participate in activities like attending school. With rare exceptions, our team at Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California, requires all...

If your child can’t stick out their tongue or move it fully, it’s not just a developmental stage they’ll outgrow. Instead, they have a condition called tongue-tie, which physically connects more of your child’s tongue to their mouth than usual and inhibits movement. According to board-certified family pediatricians Rainilda Valencia,...

When your child encounters a substance that causes an allergic reaction, it can be deeply unpleasant. When their allergies are severe, it could even threaten their life. By making a plan with family and board-certified pediatricians Rainilda Valencia, MD, and Deepika Saini, MD, FAAP, and our team at Valencia Pediatrics...

When your child is active in sports, it’s important to make sure they’re healthy enough to reap all the benefits that come from playing a sport. In addition to their annual well-child exam, children and teenagers who play sports need another exam called a sports physical. When our team at...

As your child grows, they can catch many common illnesses while their immune system develops. Whether it’s a runny nose, sore throat, or a cough that won’t go away, there’s a good chance your child will occasionally get sick. When your child is ill but doesn’t need emergency treatment, you...

During your child’s first few years, they grow and meet new milestones at an impressive rate. A developmental screening checks that your child is meeting various expected milestones in their early years, including language and learning development. Your child’s developmental screening might show they need additional help with learning. Pediatricians...

As your child grows, they get taller and gain weight on the way to developing an adult body. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a growing child and a child who’s overweight. Pediatric care professionals Rainilda Valencia, MD, and Deepika Saini, MD, FAAP, and our team...

As your child is growing up, you can expect them to catch certain childhood illnesses. It’s common for children to develop a fever in response to a viral or bacterial infection. A fever isn’t always something to worry about, but certain fevers can mean your child needs extra support. In...

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that impacts children as well as adults. With early detection and treatment, you can help your child manage their condition and live a healthy and normal life. Pediatric care practitioners Rainilda Valencia, MD, Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C, and Megan Reynolds, C-PNP, from Valencia Pediatrics in...

It’s said that we’re all creatures of habit, but when it comes to following a daily routine, creating and maintaining the right structure for your child doesn’t always happen naturally. Making the effort, though, is well worth the work. Creating routines that work for your entire family brings many benefits...

As your child grows older and becomes a teenager, you’ll notice them going to bed later and sleeping fewer hours. Although teenagers need less sleep than younger children, it’s still important to their growth and development that they get enough sleep. Just 15% of teenagers get the recommended amount of...

If your child gets diagnosed with asthma, it means they need to use an inhaler to prevent symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, and chest pain. Many children with asthma find their condition gets more severe when they’re active. When your child has a desire to participate in sports, an asthma...

When managed correctly, screen time with your child and teenager can be positive. Programming on screens can be educational, expose your child to other cultures, and help you connect as a family. But when your child spends too much time in front of screens, they can experience a number of...

When your child suffers from untreated allergies, they can find themselves dealing with uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms on a regular basis. For a few children, allergic reactions can even be life-threatening. Fortunately, though, with the right diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment plan from pediatric care specialists Rainilda Valencia, MD, Micaela Marin-Tucker,...

Getting your child’s routine vaccines helps keep their immune system strong and protects them from potentially dangerous childhood diseases. The process of getting immunized usually requires your child to get a small injection in their aim. Vaccination appointments can be intimidating for some young children, which is why board-certified pediatrician...

Allergies are very common in children and adults, and reactions to allergen exposure can range from mild to severe or life-threatening. Determining if your child’s allergies are life-threatening is something that could save their life. According to board-certified pediatrician Rainilda Valencia, MD, and pediatric care providers Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C, and Megan Reynolds, C-PNP, at Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville,...

If your child is having trouble breathing, a lung function test is one of the best ways to figure out what’s happening. A lung function test can help determine if, and what kind of, medical condition your child has that impairs their breathing. One common question parents and caregivers have...

Your child complains of throat pain, has a fever, and generally feels unwell. A throat culture confirms it: strep throat. After your child gets a diagnosis of strep throat, our pediatric care specialists Rainilda Valencia, MD, Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C, and Megan Reynolds, C-PNP, at Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California, are...

As a parent, you want your child to get the best possible start in life and grow into a healthy, thriving adult. One of the best ways to do that is to ensure your child attends their well-child visits at Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California. Board-certified pediatrician Rainilda Valencia, MD, Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C, and Megan Reynolds, C-PNP,...

Early adolescence is a challenging time for many maturing boys and girls. Their bodies are growing, the way they think is changing, and they’ve started to navigate the confusing world of crushes. During this difficult but crucial transitional period, you can support your tween and make adolescence a less scary...

When it comes to keeping your child healthy, preventive medicine is one of the most important ways to ensure they’re far less likely to develop certain childhood conditions. One of the easiest, most effective forms of preventive medicine is getting vaccinated. Routine childhood vaccines are effective, safe, and important for...

Winter is here, and it brings a higher number of illnesses than the rest of the year. With COVID-19 entering the picture as a new virus in the past few years, it’s gotten more confusing than ever to figure out the sickness your child has. COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and other...

In previous eras, ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was seen as a condition that primarily affected boys. Now, we know many girls have ADHD as well, but their symptoms can present a bit differently than the traditional symptoms seen in boys. Rainilda Valencia, MD, Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C, and Megan...

All young children are distinctive, special individuals. As your child grows up into the unique person they are, you can also expect them to develop important physical, language, learning, and emotional coping skills that help them navigate life. Developmental screenings are the best way you can ensure your child meets...

Your child is wheezing, struggling to breathe, and generally feeling miserable. You know something is wrong, but it’s not clear what it is — and whether it’s an emergency. At Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California, Rainilda Valencia, MD, Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C, and Megan Reynolds, C-PNP, can help you differentiate between...

When your child participates in sports, they have the opportunity to stay active and make lifelong friends. Before beginning their sport, though, you need to make sure your child is healthy enough to play by scheduling a sports physical to assess their readiness to participate in their specific sport. Most...

When you have concerns about how well your child is breathing, it’s important to figure out what’s causing their breathing difficulties and get treatment as quickly as possible. One of the best ways to learn more about how your child’s lungs are working is with a lung functioning test. As pediatric...

After your child gets a diagnosis of ADHD, your main focus is usually on helping your child adjust and manage their needs. Supporting your child with ADHD is a top priority, but after your child’s diagnosis, the rest of your family might also need assistance. As part of treating your child...

Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes your child’s brain to work differently from other children, leading to potential challenges with communication, social skills, and motor skills. Getting the right help for your child with autism as early as possible helps them cope with their needs at home and school....

In their earliest months and years, your child grows and develops an incredible array of new physical skills. Alongside the awe of watching your child develop, it’s important to keep track of the pace at which they’re growing. At Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California, Rainilda Valencia, MD, Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C, and Megan Reynolds, C-PNP, make...

You know your child needs to see a pediatrician when they get sick, but did you know it’s just as important for them to have regular medical visits when they’re healthy? Bringing your child to scheduled well-child exams helps ensure they’re developing as expected, makes it easy to address any health concerns...

Thanks to the chickenpox vaccine, the chickenpox virus is less common than ever in children. However, your child could still get sick with chickenpox if they haven’t received the vaccine or experience a breakthrough infection after getting vaccinated. Whether or not your child has had the chickenpox vaccine, it’s important...

Maybe your child got cut by a knife, took a really hard fall, or got bitten. Whatever the cause, your child now has a deep cut, and it looks like it might need sutures. Emergencies can happen with children, so board-certified pediatrician Rainilda Valencia, MD, Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C, and Megan...

If your child struggles with or develops allergies, they aren’t alone in their challenges. Allergies to usually harmless substances are common in children, and without treatment, can cause symptoms that range from being unpleasant to life-threatening. In order to develop a treatment plan for allergies, board-certified pediatrician Rainilda Valencia, MD,...

When you have a baby, you want them to grow up with the highest quality of care and resources available to meet their needs. One of the best ways to ensure your infant or child gets the best start in life is to ensure they receive high-quality medical care with...

Children who have severe allergies can be at risk for a life-threatening reaction called anaphylactic shock, which makes it difficult for them to breathe. The good news is, a small and easy-to-carry device called an EpiPen® is a lifesaving tool for many children experiencing anaphylaxis. For some children who have...

Playing a sport is a fantastic opportunity for your child to get exercise in a fun way, make friends, and build community. If your child is an athlete or considering getting involved in a sport, you might be wondering what you need to do to ensure they’re ready to play....

Children who have autism are wonderful and delightful young people. Along with their many strengths, though, a diagnosis of autism can mean your child has behavioral challenges that make communicating, socializing, and coping at school and at home more difficult. If your child is diagnosed with autism, board-certified pediatrician Rainilda...

As a parent, you watch your child develop new skills on an almost daily basis. In the early years of life, your child starts to talk, walk, and learn, while growing at an impressive pace. As your child grows, it’s important to notice whether they’re meeting these exciting milestones at...

It isn’t easy to watch your child struggle with the symptoms of allergies. Allergy symptoms can make your child’s life unpleasant for months out of the year, and in some cases, can cause severe or life-threatening reactions if they don’t avoid the allergen. To help minimize your child’s struggle with...

When you imagine visiting the pediatrician with your child, you might think of your child having symptoms of an illness. Board-certified pediatrician Rainilda Valencia, MD, and our team are here for your child when they get sick, but it’s just as important to take your healthy child to well-child exams...

Learning your child has autism can be a shocking experience for any parent, but getting a diagnosis is the start to helping your child access the support they need. Autism is a developmental disorder that means your child has various complex needs that need to be addressed to help them...

It can be overwhelming when your child has a medical or developmental diagnosis that makes attending school more difficult. Making sure your child with special needs is succeeding in school involves advanced planning, regular communication, and staff awareness. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the task of supporting your...

If your child is having problems academically or socially at school, it might be that a condition is impeding their ability to progress. Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is a common diagnosis in children that can make school and home environments more challenging. Getting an early diagnosis helps children with...

For most children, occasional health issues are a part of growing up. Children are still developing their immune systems, so even with the best health practices and lifestyle choices, you can expect your child to develop minor illnesses and health conditions at points during childhood. The best thing you can...

When you’re expecting a new baby, choosing the right pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you can make to ensure they start their life healthy and strong. You might also need to make this important choice for your toddler or older child after you relocate, your child’s current...

Children change quickly as they grow up, and watching your child develop is one of the most exciting parts of being a parent. As your child gets older, it’s important to make sure they’re continuing to thrive. The easiest way to ensure your child is healthy and on track with...

If your child has asthma, unmanaged symptoms like wheezing and gasping for air not only sound scary, they can also lead to missed days of school, athletic practices, and even hospitalization. While untreated asthma can be dangerous, your child can flourish with proper management of their asthma symptoms. Allergies and...

When you see other children your toddler’s age starting to walk, it’s understandable if you feel worried that your child hasn’t joined in yet. The good news is, young children can hit developmental milestones like walking later than their peers without necessarily having a developmental delay. By getting regular pediatric...

Autumn is here, and it brings joys like colorful leaves, pumpkins, and cozy evenings by the fire. This time of year also is the start of flu season, when the influenza virus begins to circulate more actively through the air. This increases your child’s chances of catching the flu. The...

Parenting a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is different from parenting other children. Your ADHD child’s brain works differently from children who don’t have ADHD, which can make school and home life more difficult without support measures in place. Our team at Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California, appreciates...

When allergies kick in, it can be a frustrating and even miserable experience for you and your child. Allergies can cause your child to experience all kinds of uncomfortable symptoms and, without proper management, can even be life-threatening. Rainilda Valencia, MD, a board-certified pediatrician practicing at Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville,...

Every child’s development is a little bit different, and some variation is normal. That said, if your child is hitting certain milestones significantly later than other children, it’s possible your child has a developmental delay. The most common developmental delays are speech and language delays, which impact as many as...

The spread of the COVID-19 virus has made this time an anxious one for families. Along with monitoring your child’s typical health and development, you’re coping with school and daycare closures and keeping children entertained at home, all while doing everything possible to keep your family safe and healthy. We...

With their increasing curiosity and loquaciousness, toddlers are usually a joy to raise. But when they start feeling miserable with symptoms like a runny nose, a cough, and a sore throat, it can be stressful for parents and hard to diagnose what’s wrong. With many symptoms in common, it can...

If your child’s development is not progressing as expected, he or she might have a developmental delay. April is Autism Awareness Month, and with 1 in 59 children being identified as having autism spectrum disorder, autism is a commonly diagnosed developmental disorder. Autism expert and board-certified pediatrician Rainilda Valencia, MD,...

Spring is an exciting time of year. With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time for your child or teenager to get involved in spring sports. Playing a sport is an excellent way to help your child stay active and start lifelong healthy habits. Many sporting teams and programs...

When you have a new baby or move to a new area with your child, choosing the right doctor is an important decision. Along with choosing an experienced and caring professional, you’ll need to find a doctor well versed in children’s medical needs. Rainilda Valencia, MD, and her compassionate, skilled...

It is often difficult to diagnose attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in your own child. Dr. Rainilda Valencia and her knowledgeable, compassionate associates, Micaela Marin-Tucker, PA-C and Megan Reynolds, C-PNP, can help you assess your youngster at Valencia Pediatrics in Victorville, California. What do ADD...

Your baby’s first step, chuckle, and word are events you’ll always cherish. The amazing transformations that accompany each phase of your child’s growth are thrilling to experience for both you and your child.    Consider the fact that an infant enters the world typically weighing less than 10 pounds and completely...

Autism is a confusing diagnosis, and you may be overwhelmed and not sure what you should do. There are resources that can help you understand what’s going on with your child, and how to best manage any problem behaviors your child is displaying. Autism is more common that many people...

Contrary to what you may read on the internet, childhood vaccines don’t cause autism. An infant’s immune system can handle all the recommended vaccines, and vaccine-acquired immunity is safer for your child than building immunity naturally. Vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration carry no toxic doses of any...

The start of every school year holds promise for new things and new beginnings. From new school supplies to clothes, there are many ways you can set your child up for success. The back to school physical is another way you can prepare your kids for a better year. Dr....

You’ve heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that saying is especially true for children. When your child is a baby, you take them to a doctor to get vaccinations to prevent diseases such as hepatitis B, measles, and polio. You also take them...

As summer flies by, it’s time to start thinking about school sports and fall recreational leagues — are you excited for Pee Wee Football? Before you fill out the paperwork and get your little ones out on the field or court, make sure they’re in good health.  Most sports organizations...

Your child’s growth, challenges, and needs change quickly in the early years of childhood. Keeping up as a parent can be overwhelming — it’s tough to understand baby babble sometimes. Scheduling regular developmental screenings to assess your child’s progress is essential to staying on track and detecting any developmental issues,...

Vacations may be fun for everyone, but for kids, there’s a special thrill in leaving behind the routines of daily living (and the memories of school) and heading out for new adventures. Unfortunately, for kids with asthma, all it takes is one flare-up or asthma “attack” to throw a wrench...

Symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be as individual as each child. The many subtypes can cause issues ranging from poor motor skills, repetitive movements, and speech delays to difficult social interactions, sensitivities to sights and sounds, and more. Severity also varies from mild to severe. Early intervention is...

As a parent, you hate to see your child suffer, and it seems like every spring their allergies kick in a little earlier and are more severe than the previous year. Fortunately, you can take steps to manage your child’s seasonal allergies and protect them from the worst of their...

It’s estimated that nearly 10% of all children in the United States — or approximately 6 million preschoolers, grade schoolers, and teenagers — have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurobehavioral condition that limits the brain’s ability to regulate important executive functioning skills. While all young children and many adolescents are...