Shoreline Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized care for infants, children & teens in Muskegon MI.

Wishing all of our families a fun, safe, and relaxing holiday weekend.

Whether you are spending time at the beach, by the pool, grilling with family, or watching fireworks, a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe.

Remember to stay hydrated, reapply sunscreen throughout the day, supervise children closely around water, and keep kids a safe distance from grills and fireworks. Sparklers and fireworks can cause serious burns, so adult supervision is important at all times.

We will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of the holiday.

If your child becomes ill or injured during the holiday weekend and you are unsure what level of care is needed, reach out to our office. We have a 24-7 nurses line ready to take your call.

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Fireworks can be an exciting part of holiday celebrations, but safety is important for children and adults alike. Young children should always be closely supervised around fireworks, and families should maintain a safe distance from active fireworks and launch areas.

Sparklers may seem harmless, but they can reach temperatures hot enough to cause serious burns and injuries. Consider safer alternatives like glow sticks for younger children. Hearing protection can also be helpful for infants and young children during loud fireworks displays.

Keep water nearby, avoid relighting fireworks that do not go off properly, and never allow children to handle fireworks without direct adult supervision.

If your child experiences a burn or firework-related injury, seek medical care right away. For questions about burn care or safety concerns, contact Shoreline Pediatrics.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

There are many different birth control options available, and each works differently depending on a person’s health needs, lifestyle, and goals. Common methods include condoms, birth control pills, patches, injections, implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and more.

Some methods are more effective than others at preventing pregnancy, and only condoms help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using condoms along with another form of birth control can help provide additional protection.

Choosing a birth control method is a personal healthcare decision, and it is important to have accurate information without judgment or pressure. In many situations, teens can receive confidential sexual health services and schedule appointments for these concerns without parent consent, depending on state laws and the type of care needed.

If your teen or young adult has questions about birth control, periods, sexual health, or STI prevention, contact us to schedule a confidential discussion with a trusted healthcare provider.

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Summer schedules can easily shift with later nights and more flexible routines, but keeping sleep on track can help children feel their best. A consistent wake time each day is one of the most important ways to support a healthy sleep schedule, even during breaks.

Creating a screen-free wind-down routine before bed can help signal to the body that it is time to sleep.

Exposure to natural light in the morning and limiting bright light at night can also help regulate sleep patterns.

As the school year approaches, making gradual adjustments to bedtime and wake time over a few weeks can make the transition smoother.

If your child is struggling with sleep or routines feel off track, contact Shoreline Pediatrics to discuss strategies that work for your family.

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shorelinepeds.com

Living with a roommate is often one of the biggest adjustments during college. Differences in schedules, cleanliness, guests, noise levels, and communication styles can create stress if expectations are not discussed early.

Having calm, direct conversations about boundaries and routines can help prevent many conflicts before they grow. Address concerns early rather than letting frustration build over time. For ongoing or serious issues, keeping documentation of important incidents may also be helpful.

If conflicts are affecting safety, academics, sleep, or mental health, it may be time to involve housing staff, a resident advisor, or campus support services.

Taking care of your own mental health matters too. Prioritizing sleep, maintaining supportive friendships, and knowing when to ask for help are important parts of adjusting to college life.

What advice would you give someone living with a roommate for the first time?

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Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandfathers, stepdads, father figures, and caregivers who show up every day for their families.

Whether it’s helping with homework, coaching from the sidelines, fixing things around the house, or simply being present, the steady support you provide makes a lasting impact.

From all of us at Shoreline Pediatrics, we wish a happy Father’s Day to the caregivers who make a difference every day.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, but safe driving habits are important from the very beginning.

A few simple reminders can help teens stay safer on the road.

1) Put phones away while driving. Even a quick glance at a text can be dangerous.

2) Wear a seatbelt every single trip, no matter how short the drive is.

3) Limit distractions in the car, including loud music, eating, or too many passengers.

4) Follow speed limits and adjust driving for weather, traffic, and road conditions.

5) If you ever feel unsafe, tired, distracted, or uncomfortable driving, call a parent or trusted adult for help.

Safe driving skills take practice, patience, and good decision-making over time.

What driving advice would you give a new teen driver? Share below.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

Folliculitis is inflammation or infection around the hair follicles. It often appears as small red bumps, pimples, or pus-filled spots and may feel itchy, tender, or irritated.

Common triggers include sweating, shaving, friction from tight clothing, and exposure to poorly maintained hot tubs or pools. It is more common during warmer months when heat and moisture can irritate the skin.

Mild cases may improve with gentle cleansing, loose clothing, and avoiding further irritation to the area. Treatment sometimes includes medicated washes, topical antibiotics, or other medications depending on the cause and severity. Picking or squeezing the bumps can sometimes worsen inflammation or lead to infection.

If the rash is spreading, painful, draining, associated with fever, or not improving, contact Shoreline Pediatrics to schedule an appointment.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

Ticks are common during warmer months, especially after playing in wooded areas, tall grass, or around bushes. If you find a tick attached to your child, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward steadily without twisting. After removal, clean the area with soap and water.

In some areas, your pediatrician may recommend saving the tick in a sealed bag or container in case it needs to be identified or assessed for Lyme disease risk. If you’re unsure what to do, call the office before throwing it away.

Over the next several weeks, watch for symptoms such as fever, rash, fatigue, headache, or body aches. A spreading rash or illness after a tick bite should be evaluated.

Prevention is also important during outdoor play. Wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent as directed, and checking children for ticks after outdoor activities can help reduce exposure.

If you have concerns after a tick bite or are unsure whether the tick was fully removed, call Shoreline Pediatrics to schedule an appointment or discuss next steps.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com