Shopping for Sunscreen
With so many options available, it can be difficult to find the right sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with high SPF (50+) and reapply every few hours. Mineral sunscreens (with an active ingredient of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are preferred, as they are less likely to irritate the skin and begin working right away. Any mineral sunscreen with high SPF is okay to use. You don’t need to buy a sunscreen labeled for kids!
Safety Tips
Ticks
Protect your child from ticks when playing outside in wooded or bushy areas with tall grass. Use an insect repellent with 10-30% DEET on exposed skin (after sunscreen!) and over clothing, avoiding the face and head. For additional guidance on tick bites or general tick safety, send us a MyChart message or call our office to speak with a nurse.
Summer Structure
The Benefits of Routine During Summer Break
By Rachel Budhi, LICSW
Summer vacation is in full swing! Enjoying summer and taking a much-needed break is important, especially for older kids in high school and college. While a break from a busy school-year schedule is essential, maintaining a smaller routine can be beneficial for mental health and stress levels. Without structure, boredom can quickly set in. In this state, older kids and teens are more likely to spend excessive time on their phones and experience feelings of stress and social isolation.
Making the most of your summer days begins with your mornings. Summer is a great time to catch up on sleep, but try not to sleep in too late! Setting a goal to have a good breakfast each day can help motivate you to avoid ‘bed rotting’ and prolonged screen time. A simple morning routine like this sets the tone for a great day.
Your options for daily activities are endless, so make an effort to do something fulfilling each day. Spend time with friends and family, engage in fun, easy movement like walking, swimming, or playing sports, and take part in hobbies like reading, writing, or music.Consider creating a bucket list of activities you want to do but often don’t have time for!
Adding some structure to your summer days will help you feel recharged and prevent burnout when it's time to return to school in the fall. For more ideas on ways to spend your free time, check out the Community Events section of this newsletter to find free events and activities happening in the Greater Boston area through the end of August.
Enjoy the rest of your summer break! We hope you have a memorable one!
Let's Talk Travel!
Summer is peak season for travel!
If you are traveling internationally soon:
- Contact our office as soon as you have finalized your travel itinerary, ideally 6-8 weeks prior to departure.
- Book a travel consultation, which includes an assessment of vaccines and medication(s) you may need.
- Provide us information about your travel plans, including: the names of the cities/towns/provinces you
will be visiting (including layovers), accommodations (homes/hotels/camping), and planned activities. - For more information about travel consultations and additional resources, visit our website!
Contact us via MyChart message or by phone at 617-277-7320.
Safe Travels!
Longwood Pediatrics YouTube Webinar Series
We launched a new YouTube channel last month to share informative content about our practice! Our first upload, “All About Behavioral Health,” featured Rachel Budhi and Dr. Elizabeth Binney in conversation about the Behavioral Health Department at Longwood Pediatrics and how we connect patients and their families to meet with our Behavioral Health Clinicians.
Click here to watch the video on YouTube, and be sure to subscribe to our channel. Stay tuned for more webinars in future!
We Are Open 354 Days a Year for Sick Visits
If your child needs to see a doctor over the weekend, please call our office first thing in the morning.
Our website is getting a MAKEOVER!
VAX Clinic
Save the Date!
Did you know that children with summer birthdays are less likely to receive their flu shot? The Longwood Pediatrics annual flu vaccine clinic will reopen this fall, and you can prebook for a visit on Saturday, October 26.
Call our office now to RSVP! 617-277-7320
Community Events
The Greater Boston area is bustling with exciting events and activities this summer, offering fun for everyone from little kids to teens and the entire family! We curated this list to help you make the most of the sunny season. All listings are free unless otherwise specified. Tickets may be required.
Click on any event below to learn more and sign up!
For Families
Drop-in Coloring Club
Mondays, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Boston Public Library, Roxbury
Drop-in Gaming Time
Fridays, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Boston Public Library, Chinatown
Musical Bingo
Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Boston Public Market, Government Center
The LOT Movie Nights
Biweekly Thursdays, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
July 18-Sept 12
The LOT on the Dot, South Boston
For Little Kids
Legacy Littles Mindful Storytime & Kids Yoga
Wednesday, July 24
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Green at Legacy Place, Dedham
Seaport Smalls
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Paseo, Seaport District
Drop-in Playground
Fridays & Saturdays
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Fenway Community Center, Kenmore
Jeff Jam Sing-A-Long
Sundays
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Boston Public Market, Government Center
For Kids
Soccer and Cheer Camp
King's Hill Church
July 15-19
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Lego Club
Fridays
3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Boston Children's Museum
$1 Sunday Afternoon Admission
Sundays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Boston Children's Museum, Seaport District
The LOT Kidsfest
Saturday, July 27
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The LOT on the Dot, South Boston
For Teens
Teen Game Hour
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Boston Public Library, Jamaica Plains
ICA Boston Summer Teen Night
Wednesday, August 7
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Institute of Contemporary Art, Seaport District
Summer Concert Series
Berklee College of Music
Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Club Passim, Cambridge
Boston After Dark
The City of Boston
Fridays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Boston Centers for Youth and Families, Multiple Locations
Follow Us on Social Media!
Longwood Pediatrics
Preferred Location. Preferred Care.