Newsletter

February 2024

We put our heart in everything we do.

Giggles the giraffe

The Power of Love in Pediatric Care​

Love, in its purest form, is an unconditional commitment to the well-being of another. For children with disabilities, this love becomes a beacon of hope and a source of strength. It’s not just about medical treatments and therapies; it’s about creating an environment where the child feels valued, understood, and supported.

Emotional Support

Children with disabilities often face unique emotional challenges. The presence of a loving caregiver or parent provides a safe haven where these children can express their feelings without fear of judgment. This emotional support fosters resilience, helping them to cope with their challenges more effectively.

Boosting Confidence

Love and encouragement play a crucial role in building self-esteem. When children feel loved, they develop a sense of worthiness. This confidence empowers them to try new things, engage in therapies, and participate in activities that might otherwise seem daunting.

The Healing Touch

Physical expressions of love, such as hugs, cuddles, and gentle touches, have tangible health benefits. Studies have shown that physical affection can reduce stress, alleviate pain, and improve immune system function. For children with disabilities, this can significantly enhance their overall well-being.

Creating a Supportive Environment

A loving home or care environment is pivotal. It’s about adapting the living space to meet the child’s needs, celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, and providing a routine that gives them a sense of security and normalcy.

Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Caring for a child with disabilities involves key practices that enhance both your child’s and your own well-being. Celebrate every milestone your child achieves, as this acknowledgment is a vital expression of love. Spend quality time with them in activities they enjoy, which strengthens your bond and supports their emotional health. Listening attentively to their needs and feelings shows deep understanding and love. Additionally, remember the importance of self-care; a well-rested and healthy caregiver can provide the best support and love to their child.

Valentine’s Day Reminder

In caring for children with disabilities, love is the invisible yet powerful force that nurtures, heals, and empowers. As we celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day, let us remember that our love, in its many forms, is a critical component of their healing and growth. Let’s continue to spread this love, not just in February but throughout the year, as we support these remarkable children in reaching their full potential.

News & Events

Hearts & Nature - Carrollton​

Free for all ages. Celebrate Valentine’s by crafting Nature Valentine Cards, capturing Sun Prints, and pressing flowers at Elm Fork Nature Center. Join in for creativity and connection! Saturday, February 10 at 2:00pm. Elm Fork Nature Center, 2335 Sandy Lake Rd., Carrollton, Texas 75006. For more information visit www.cityofcarrollton.com/ Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/46966/1273?sortn=EDate&n-page= 6&sortd=desc&toggle=allup-coming

Frost Fest – Irving​

Free for all ages. Come enjoy the “cool” side of winter. Activities include snow tubing, bounce house, snow maze, face painting, train rides, balloon artists, and more. Saturday, February 17 at 10:00am to 1:00pm. Levy Event Plaza, 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd. For more information visit www.cityofirving.org/2956/Frost-Fest

Black History Month Kid’s Day – Austin​

Free for all ages. Join us for a fun-filled day of celebration at the George Washington Carver Museum. We are hosting an exciting event dedicated to educating the little ones about the rich history of Black culture. Saturday, February 24th from 11:00am to 3:00pm. 1165 Angelina St. Austin, TX 78702. For more information visit www. eventbrite.com/e/black-history-monthkids-day-at-the-carver-tickets- 795708003057?aff=ebdssb destsearch

For current events visit us on Facebook

Illustration of case with red cross on it with Giggles and little toucan

Heart Healthy Habits with Giggles!​

February, a month symbolized by hearts and love, is the perfect time to focus on heart health for children. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, let’s explore some heart-healthy activities and tips that are both fun and beneficial.

Heartbeat Listening Session:

Teach children to listen to their heartbeat with a simple stetho-scope. They can learn how exercise speeds it up and how rest slows it down, understanding the heart’s response to different activities.

Learn and Play with Heart:

Educate children about the importance of a healthy heart through interactive games. Create a simple game where kids match heart-healthy foods to their benefits or have a quiz on fun heart facts. This educational activity can be both informative and enjoyable.

Craft a Healthy Heart Collage:

Encourage kids to make a collage using heart-shaped cutouts. On each heart, they can write heart-healthy foods or activities they love. It’s a creative way to reinforce healthy habits.

Balloon Volleyball:

Set up a simple indoor bal-loon volleyball game. It’s a gentle yet active way to get kids moving, improving their heart health while they play.

These activities are not only enjoyable but also instill the importance of a healthy lifestyle in children. Let’s make February a month of love, laughter, and heart health with Giggles! Happy Heart Month!

Resources

VIVA Pediatrics Resources​​​

In an effort to help our families, we constantly strive to provide them with relevant and helpful resources and information. Visit our resources page online at: www.vivapeds.com/resources

For current events visit us on Facebook.

www.facebook.com/VIVAPeds

The Parker Lee Project​​​

The Parker Lee Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families of children with medical needs obtain the necessary supplies & equipment, education, and support they need. While most supplies are covered by insurance, some are not, or not enough supplies are provided. If you have a need for medical supplies or have supplies to donate, please visit their website at www.theparkerleeproject.org

Texas Star Kids​​​

The Texas’ Star Kids mandate threatens the lives of our weakest and most vulnerable little citizens. Join us in standing up for those who have no voice. Click this link to sign up: www.facebook.com/ProtectTXFragileKids

For more info visit:

www.protecttxfragilekids.org

Thrive Magazine​​

Need Resources for your child with special needs? Thrive Magazine shares resources and stories of other families in the DFW area who are living and thriving with special needs. www.dfwchild.com/thrive/directory

Recognize a VIVA Star​​

Viva Pediatrics has an Employee Rewards and Recognition Program to thank and recognize employees that go “above and beyond”. Both employees and patient families are welcome to recognize a VIVA employee! Call one of our offices and let us know if a VIVA employee has gone above and beyond!

Food for Thought

Stack of red heart cookies with sprinkles

Simple Sugar Cookie Recipe ​

Ingredients​

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

⅓ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg yolk, egg white reserved for another use

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking soda

⅛ teaspoon fine salt

Instructions​

1. Preheat the oven to 350, and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Stir together the melted butter, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.

3. Sprinkle the flour, baking soda and salt evenly over the dough, and stir just to combine.

4. Press the dough flat and evenly in the bowl, and then divide it in half by eye. You should get 3 cookies from each half.

5. Roll each dough ball in your hands, roll lightly extra granulated sugar, and then space evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 10-11 minutes, until they spread, start to crackle and appear dry on top.

7. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

View Original Recipe

Just for Giggles!

Why did the skeleton go to the Valentine’s party alone?

Cartoon skeleton dancing

Because he had no body to go with!

Giggles the giraffe