Horizon West’s Newest Pediatrician Talks School, Sports, and Summertime!

Yearly school and sports physicals are synonymous with summertime. Prepare your kids for back-to-school season with Dr. Cesar Mejia- Orlando Health’s Horizon West-based pediatrician. His passion for teaching kids to lead a healthy lifestyle coupled with a wide range of experience with kids of all ages make him an excellent choice to make sure your kids have everything they need to enjoy a successful school year! Dr. Mejia is Board-Certified, bilingual, and provides services from newborn to young adult.

Here’s what Dr. Mejia had to say about summertime safety and how to make the most of your pediatrician appointments!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what sets you apart from other pediatricians.

My career in medicine combines my love of science and my desire to help others, especially children. I love taking care of them and making sure they stay healthy. It is important for me to be able to address parent’s questions and have conversations that let them know that we are here for the well-being of their children. Sometimes it happens that children prefer English, but their parents prefer to speak in Spanish. So, I speak “Spanglish” to them so that everyone understands what I am saying. I like working with Orlando Health because they have the most advanced health techniques, and they also have a great reputation in the community.

What motivated you to become a pediatrician?

My role as a pediatrician is to focus on preventive care. I want our children to be healthy so that when they grow up they will be healthy adults. It is an honor to be bilingual and Hispanic and to be a leader in this beautiful career that is medicine. Sometimes I have to navigate both languages to make sure that parents and children understand what I am saying during the medical consultation. So parents can make an informed decision about the care of their children. At Orlando Health, we pediatricians and health professionals consider how we can better serve the community, because we are part of the community.

What should parents focus on during in summertime with their kids?

Encourage safe physical activity outdoors. With all the free time kids gain, it can be easy to let screen time go unchecked. Set limits that you feel are fair and in consideration of the recommended guidelines by age. Be sure to discuss your limits as a family so there are no surprises!

Summer is a great time to brush up on skills learned during the school year to keep them fresh in their minds. There are tons of board games, flash cards and activities to make it fun!

Plan to get your children vaccinated and book your annual exams. This visit is also a great time to have any medical forms needed for school filled out and medications updated if applicable.

How can kids stay healthy and safe all summer long?

Water Safety – Never leave children unattended in or near water. Whenever a child is in or around water, an adult- ideally CPR and swim trained- should be within arm’s length. If you have a home pool, a fence that is at least 4 feet high along all four sides should be installed along the pool.

Sun Safety – Babies < 6 months of age should always be kept out of direct sunlight. In older children, always use “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with at least SPF 15 that protects against UV-A and UV-B rays.

Remember that the ideal time to put on sunscreen is at least 15-30 minutes prior to being in the sun.

Hydrate – Always have fresh drinking water on hand to prevent dehydration. While time outdoors is very important for your overall health, the heat can be sneaky. You may feel fine, but if you are not drinking enough water, you run the risk of dangerous conditions like heat stroke. Your children should always have access to water when playing outdoors.

When is the best time to book your annual exams?

Annual exams are available year-round! Ideally for most busy families, summer is a great time to get them done before the start of the new school year. Keep in mind that timing matters; make sure to check with your insurance plan as most only cover the physical at least one year from the previous one.

How should parents prepare for this exam?

I always encourage parents to have questions ready for their pediatrician. Depending on the age of your child it is the perfect opportunity to discuss a variety of topics.

• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Growth and Development
• Mental Health
• Education
• School Safety Tips

Is there anything special parents of athletes need to consider?

I always ask parents about their child’s injury and concussion history. Make a note of any serious injuries (fractures, dislocations, operations, head injuries) that your child has sustained at any point of their life. Make a note of any significant family history of serious cardiovascular disease.

To ensure the visit is productive for your athlete, be sure to pre-fill out the screening questions found on the first page of the sports physical entry form. Your child should be dressed in a loose-fitting shirt and shorts as it makes it easier for us to examine their extremities and joints during the visit.

Remember, that Orange County now requires screening EKGs on all high school students; prepare your child ahead of time by informing them that this is not a painful procedure.

How can a parent partner with their pediatrician in the best way?

Communication is key. Be open and honest during your visits with the pediatrician. Set mutual goals for your child. Remember, that the best interest of your child is always our top priority. Our goal is to keep your child happy and healthy!

Summertime is the perfect time to set your children up for success. Dr. Mejia is an outstanding addition to the Orlando Health Physician Associates team, and you can trust your children are in good hands with him. Appointments are available now so be sure to book and beat the back-to-school rush!