greatkidspediatrics

Welcome Dr. Robert Saldaña!

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:44:06 GMT

6/29/2026 – We are proud to announce Dr. Robert Saldaña has joined our GKP family!

Dr. Saldaña completed his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University. He then went on to medical School at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, and completed his Pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicin, Houston.

Dr. Saldaña is looking forward to meeting all of our wonderful GKP families.

Sun Protection for infants and children

Tue, 19 May 2026 15:14:25 GMT

Sunscreen and sun protection for your children

· BABIES UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE SHOULD BE KEPT OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT

· INFANTS AND CHILDREN SHOULD BE DRESSED IN LIGHTWEIGHT CLOTHING THAT COVERS THE ARMS AND LEGS AND USE BRIMMED HATS THAT SHADE THE NECK TO PREVENT SUNBURN

· FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE LEVEL OF UV PROTECTION FROM CLOTHING INCLUDE FABRIC COLOR, FABRIC TYPE AND TIGHTNESS OF THE WEAVE. THE ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION FACTOR (UPF) IS A MEASURE OF HOW EFFECTIVE A FABRIC IS AT BLODKING UV RADIATION; A RATING OF 15-24 INDICATES GOOD PROTECTION, 25-39 VERY GOOD PROTECTIONA ND 40-50 EXCELLENT PROTECTION. WASHING CLOTHES WITH RIT SUN GUARD CAN CONFER A UPF OF 30.

· FOR BABIES UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE: WHEN ADEQUATE CLOTHING AND SHADE ARE NOT AVAILABLE, PARENTS CAN APPLY A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF SUSCREEN WITH AN SPF OF 15-30 TO SMALL AREAS SUCH AS THE FACE AND BACK OF THE HANDS. APPLY SUNSCREEN 15-30 MINUTES BEFORE GOING OUTDOORS, AS IT NEEDS TIME TO ABSORB INTO THE SKIN.

FOR CHILDREN OVER 6 MONTHS OF AGE

· Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet, hands, and even backs of the knees. Rub it in well.

· Use sunscreen any time you or your child spend time outdoors. Remember that you can get sunburn even on cloudy days because up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can get through the clouds. Also, UV rays can bounce back from water, sand, snow, and concrete, so make sure you're protected.

· Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming , sweating, or drying off with a towel. Because most people use too little sunscreen, make sure to apply a generous amount.

Read more from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen - HealthyChildren.org

This year we celebrate 48 years!

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 20:41:42 GMT

This year we celebrate Dr. Paredes' 48th year of Pediatric service! Over the past years, the practice has become known as Great Kids Pediatrics, now including Ann Schroeder-Lee, Dr. Karen Zorrilla, and Dr. Hannah Kline.

This year we celebrate Dr. Paredes’ 48th year of Pediatric service!

Over the past years, the practice has become known as Great Kids Pediatrics, now including Ann Schroeder-Lee, Dr. Karen Zorrilla, and Dr. Hannah Kline. With these wonderful providers, our office has expanded to better serve the community in the Greater Houston area.

Please explore our web site to learn more about the doctors, the office, the staff, our policies, and more about our practice.

Thank you for your support over the years!

Great Kids Pediatrics

Cell Phone Use in Teens: What Parents Should Know

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:11:50 GMT

Cell phones are a big part of teen life today. They help kids stay connected with friends, access information, and even support learning. However, too much screen time or unsupervised use can create challenges for health, safety, and emotional well-being.

Benefits of Cell Phones

Connection : Helps teens stay in touch with family and friends.
Safety : Provides a way to reach parents in emergencies.
Learning : Access to educational apps, homework help, and research tools.
Independence : Teaches responsibility when used with boundaries.

Risks to Be Aware Of

Sleep disruption : Late-night phone use can interfere with healthy rest.
Social pressure & mental health : Constant social media can increase stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Distraction : Phones can interfere with schoolwork, family time, and in dangerous cases, driving.
Online safety : Risks include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or unsafe online interactions.

Healthy Cell Phone Guidelines for Teens

Set limits : Agree on phone-free times (e.g., during meals, homework, bedtime).
Encourage balance : Promote physical activity, face-to-face friendships, and family time.
Monitor gently : Know your teen’s apps and online activity, but also respect growing independence.
Model good habits : Show your child how you use your phone responsibly.
Prioritize sleep : Keep devices out of bedrooms at night.

Conversation Starters for Parents

“How do you feel after spending time on social media?”
“What would you do if someone you don’t know contacts you online?”
“How can we work together to balance screen time with other activities?”

AAP Current Recommendations on Car Seats for Children

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:29:36 GMT

Please follow this link to see the most recent recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/AAP-Updates-Recommendations-on-Car-Seats-for-Children.aspx

Head Injury/Concussions

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:40:09 GMT

Visit the CDC site for information on signs, symptoms, and return precautions for head injuries or concussions. https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/

Media and Children Communication

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 20:38:08 GMT

The AAP recommends that parents and caregivers develop a family media plan that takes into account the health, education and entertainment needs of each individual child as well as the whole family; and then follow the family media plan together, revising it when necessary.

Resources for Parents

Create your personalized family media use plan here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/default.aspx

Share our Family Media Use Plan tool by linking to it on your own website or on social media. Use the images below to create great looking links and posts. Simply embed the following URLs in the image of your choice:

Family Media Use Plan in English
Family Media Use Plan in English (poster)

Family Media Use Plan in Spanish
Family Media Use Plan in Spanish (poster)