We are thrilled to announce the opening of our new Hendersonville location at 110 Chadwick Square Ct. Suite C.  We are also continuing to practice at Blue Ridge Health - 2579 Chimney Rock Road. Please note that we are no longer practicing at the Free Clinic on Case St.  Both Brevard and Hendersonville physicians continue to see patients in Brevard - 157 Medical Park Drive.

Our phone lines are open and our staff is available to assist you with appointments, medication refills or questions. When you call, we will discuss options for which location best serves you. We are also open Saturdays and Sundays for sick-child visits. We appreciate your patience and continue to be dedicated to the safety and well-being of our patients. 

For after-hours medical concerns we off a triage team ready to assess your health concerns and if needed, will contact your provider to ensure you receive the appropriate care.

Please call (828) 693-3296 or (828) 884-3440 for an appointment. 

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Water Safety: Keeping Your Child Protected

When it comes to water safety, ensuring that your child is protected and well-informed is crucial. As a parent, it's natural to have concerns about your child's safety, especially when it comes to activities like swimming. In this blog post, we will explore important tips and guidelines for keeping your child safe in and around the water. From understanding the importance of water safety to choosing the right swimming lessons, we've got you covered.

Understanding the Importance of Water Safety

Grasping the significance of water safety is vital for the well-being of your child. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental deaths among children, with residential swimming pools posing a significant risk. Empowering your child with water safety knowledge not only prevents accidents but also instills a sense of responsibility and awareness when around water. It is critical to communicate the dangers of swimming alone and the necessity of utilizing floatation devices. Equipping your child to recognize and respond to signs of distress in others or themselves in aquatic settings can be lifesaving. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and education around water safety, you are laying a foundation that prioritizes their security and nurtures their ability to navigate water-based activities safely. This understanding is the first step in a comprehensive approach to water safety, emphasizing the proactive measures needed to safeguard your child in aquatic environments.

Essential Water Safety Skills Every Child Should Learn

Mastering certain fundamental water safety skills is critical for every child's well-being around aquatic environments. It's crucial for children to learn how to execute basic swimming strokes efficiently, as this provides them with the capability to move through the water safely. Treading water is another vital skill, as it enables them to maintain their position in the water without sinking, providing a rest point to gather strength or call for assistance. Additionally, the ability to float on their back can be a life-saving technique, offering a way to breathe easily and signal for help if necessary. An essential component of water safety is also learning the safest methods for exiting a pool or any body of water, ensuring they can always find their way to safety. Understanding the correct procedure for entering the water is equally important, as it can prevent unexpected incidents. Children should also be taught how to remain calm in emergencies and the proper way to signal for help, reinforcing their ability to cope in potentially dangerous situations. Educating your child on these essential skills fosters a sense of confidence and self-reliance in the water, forming a critical layer of protection in aquatic settings.

Choosing the Right Swimming Lessons for Your Child

Selecting the appropriate swimming lessons involves more than just finding a pool nearby. It's about identifying an instructor or swim program that prioritizes safety, skill acquisition, and a positive learning environment tailored to your child's age and abilities. Look for programs with a proven track record of teaching children how to swim safely and effectively. Small class sizes are often beneficial, allowing for more personalized attention and feedback. Additionally, seek out instructors who are certified and experienced in teaching children, with a curriculum that progresses from basic water comfort to advanced swimming techniques, all while emphasizing safety protocols. It's equally important to consider your child's disposition towards water; some children might benefit from a more playful, game-based approach, while others may thrive in a structured, skill-focused setting. Finding a swim program that aligns with your child's learning style can significantly enhance their progress and enjoyment of swimming. Remember, the right lessons can make a profound difference in your child's water safety skills and confidence levels, setting the foundation for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable swimming experiences.

Supervision and Setting Boundaries in Water Environments

Ensuring your child's safety in aquatic environments hinges on vigilant supervision and the establishment of clear, consistent boundaries. Regardless of a child's swimming capabilities, an adult's watchful eye is indispensable to prevent accidents and respond swiftly to emergencies. It is crucial to designate a responsible adult whose sole focus is to supervise children during water activities. This oversight is fundamental in identifying potential hazards and intervening before a situation escalates. Establishing and communicating firm rules regarding where your child is permitted to swim and play is equally important. These guidelines should be understood by both the child and all supervising adults, reinforcing the collective effort needed to maintain a safe water environment. Engaging your child in discussions about water safety and the reasons behind these boundaries can also enhance their awareness and compliance, making them active participants in their own safety. This dual approach of supervision and boundary-setting is a proactive strategy to ensure that aquatic activities remain enjoyable and, most importantly, safe for everyone involved.

Safety Gear and Equipment for Children Swimming

Ensuring your child is equipped with the correct safety gear and equipment is a crucial step in enhancing water safety. A properly fitted life jacket is indispensable for younger or inexperienced swimmers, providing buoyancy and confidence as they learn to navigate the water. For additional support, arm floaties can be a useful aid, though they should not be solely relied upon for safety. It's also wise to introduce goggles to protect their eyes from chlorine and improve underwater visibility, which can help in preventing collisions and increasing comfort in the water.

When selecting safety equipment, it's important to choose products that meet current safety standards and are appropriate for your child's age and weight. This ensures maximum effectiveness and reduces the risk of malfunction or discomfort. Regular inspection of all gear for signs of wear and tear is essential to maintain its integrity and functionality.

Bringing attention to the use of pool alarms and covers can offer an extra layer of protection, especially for home pools, by alerting adults to unsupervised water entry. While these tools provide additional security, they should complement, not replace, active supervision and established safety rules.

By thoughtfully equipping your child with the right safety gear and fostering a culture of cautiousness and respect for water, you're taking proactive steps to minimize risks and empower your child with the confidence to enjoy swimming safely.