Mom To Mom

How Parents Can Prepare For Springtime Illness In Kids

Published

2 months ago

April 24, 2025

As spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer days, it also ushers in a spike of seasonal illnesses that commonly affect children. While the fresh air and outdoor play are welcome changes after winter, parents should remain alert to a range of health issues that tend to rise this time of year. Pediatricians across the country see predictable patterns in childhood illnesses during spring, from allergies to stomach bugs.

Here are the five most common springtime illnesses in children and how families can manage them effectively.

1. Seasonal Allergies

Pollen counts surge in the spring, making seasonal allergies the number one complaint among children during this time. Known medically as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, symptoms often mimic those of a cold: sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion.

“Allergies can really make kids miserable,” says Dr. Jennifer Holman, a pediatrician based in Tulsa. “We usually see the first wave of cases as early as March and they tend to peak in April and May.”

What parents can do:

Keep windows closed on high pollen days.
Encourage hand and face washing after outdoor play.
Use over-the-counter antihistamines as directed by a pediatrician.
Consult an allergist if symptoms are severe or persistent.

2. Common Cold

Although often associated with winter, colds are still prevalent in the spring, particularly when temperature swings are common. Cold viruses thrive in transitional weather, and the increased outdoor activity can lead to more contact with germs.

Unlike allergies, colds are caused by viral infections and can be spread through coughs, sneezes, or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms include:

Sore throat
Sneezing
Cough
Mild fever
Runny or stuffy nose

How to treat it:
There is no cure for the common cold, but rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for symptoms can help. Encourage kids to cover their mouths when coughing and to wash hands regularly.

3. Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis)

Spring also brings an increase in cases of gastroenteritis, often referred to as the stomach flu. This viral illness can spread quickly in school and daycare environments, especially when children are sharing toys and snacks.

Symptoms include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever in some cases

“Gastroenteritis is highly contagious and can spread fast,” says Holman. “Dehydration is our biggest concern, especially in younger children.”

What to do:

Keep your child hydrated with water, electrolyte solutions, or diluted juice.
Avoid sugary or dairy-based drinks.
Follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) once vomiting stops.
Keep children home for at least 24 hours after symptoms resolve.

4. Strep Throat

Strep throat remains a common bacterial infection among children in spring, often confused with viral sore throats. It typically affects school-age children and spreads through direct contact with respiratory droplets.

Signs of strep throat:

Sudden sore throat
Painful swallowing
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
White patches on the tonsils

Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat requires antibiotics to treat. If left untreated, it can lead to complications like scarlet fever or rheumatic fever.

When to see a doctor:
If your child complains of a sore throat accompanied by a fever and swollen glands, it’s best to visit your pediatrician for a rapid strep test.

5. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens, making it a frequent visitor during spring months. It’s highly contagious and spreads quickly in classroom settings.

Symptoms of pink eye include:

Red or pink discoloration in one or both eyes
Itchy or gritty feeling
Discharge, especially upon waking
Excessive tearing

Treatment options:

Viral pink eye usually resolves on its own.
Bacterial pink eye may require antibiotic eye drops.
Allergy-related pink eye can be managed with antihistamines and eye drops.

To prevent spread, teach kids not to touch their eyes and to wash their hands frequently.

Staying Ahead of Springtime Illnesses

While spring brings welcome relief from winter blues, it’s also a time when pediatric clinics see a spike in visits. The good news is that many of these illnesses are preventable or manageable with early action and healthy habits.

Here are a few general tips to keep your family healthier this season:

Encourage frequent handwashing, especially before meals and after playing outside.
Keep kids home when they’re sick to avoid spreading germs.
Stay up to date on vaccinations and routine wellness checks.
Teach children not to share personal items like water bottles, hats, or eye drops.

Springtime fun doesn’t have to be sidelined by sickness. With a bit of awareness and preparation, parents can help their children enjoy the season in good health.

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Mom To Mom

OHP: Don’t Fall For Texts Demanding Toll Payments

Published

1 week ago

June 6, 2025

Lauren Merrill

A screenshot of a scam text being sent to residents across the state of Oklahoma (PHOTO: Oklahoma Highway Patrol)

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is warning residents about a fraudulent text message that has been circulating statewide, falsely claiming to be a final notice from the Oklahoma Department of Motor Vehicles.

According to OHP, their communication centers have received numerous calls from concerned citizens who received the alarming message. The text claims recipients have an overdue traffic fine and outlines a list of escalating penalties, including suspension of driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and even legal action. It includes a suspicious link and urges immediate payment to avoid further consequences.

Officials stress that this message is a scam. The Oklahoma Department of Motor Vehicles does not operate under that name—Oklahoma uses the Oklahoma Tax Commission and Department of Public Safety for vehicle and driver services.

Authorities are urging the public not to respond to the message or click any links. Instead, individuals who receive the text should delete it and report it as spam.

“Please disregard the message entirely,” the Oklahoma Highway Patrol stated. “Do not reply, and do not click any links.”

For questions about legitimate fines or driver services, citizens are encouraged to contact the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety directly or visit the official state website at oklahoma.gov.

Residents are reminded to stay vigilant and verify any messages involving personal or financial information, especially those threatening immediate penalties.

Mom To Mom

Tulsa Public Schools Kick Off Summer Cafe Program

Published

2 weeks ago

June 3, 2025

Lauren Merrill

TULSA — Tulsa Public Schools has launched its 2025 Summer Café program, offering free breakfast and lunch to all children 18 years old and younger. The program began May 28 and will continue through August 8 at more than 40 locations across the city, including schools, churches, and community centers.

Meals must be eaten on site, and times and service days vary by location. Breakfast generally begins between 7:30 and 9 a.m., while lunch is served between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. All sites will be closed on June 19 and July 4.

The Summer Café aims to keep children nourished during the school break and is a key part of the district’s effort to fight food insecurity in the Tulsa area.

Here are the current participating sites and their scheduled dates:

Anderson Elementary – June 2–26, Mon–Thurs
1921 E. 29th St.
Breakfast: 8–9am | Lunch: 11:30am–12:30pm

Antioch Baptist Church – June 9–July 25, Mon–Fri (Closed June 19, June 30, July 1–4)
110 W. 56 St. N.
Breakfast: 8–9am | Lunch: 11am–12:30pm

Booker T. Washington High School – June 2–27, Mon–Fri
1514 E. Zion St.
Breakfast: 8:30–9am | Lunch: 12–1pm

Carver Middle School – June 2–27, Mon–Fri
624 E. Oklahoma Pl.
Breakfast: 8–8:30am | Lunch: 12:30–1pm

Central High School – June 3–27, Mon–Thurs
3101 W. Edison St.
Breakfast: 8–8:30am | Lunch: 12:30–1pm

Council Oak Elementary – June 2–August 8, Mon–Fri
1920 S. Cincinnati Ave.
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30am | Lunch: 11:30am–1:30pm

East Central High School – June 2–27, Mon–Fri
12150 E. 11th St.
Breakfast: 8:45–9:15am | Lunch: 12:30–1pm

Edison Preparatory – June 2–27 (HS), July 7–31 (MS), Mon–Fri
2906 E. 41st St.
Breakfast: 8:15–9:15am | Lunch: 12–1pm

Emerson Elementary – June 2–18, Mon–Thurs
910 MLK Jr. Blvd.
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30am | Lunch: 12:30–1:30pm

Enrollment Center – June 9–13, Mon–Fri
2819 S. New Haven Ave.
Breakfast: 8:30–9:30am | Lunch: 12–1:30pm

Felicitas Mendez International School – June 9–13, Mon–Fri
2703 N. Yorktown Pl.
Breakfast: 8–9am | Lunch: 11am–12pm

Hale High School – June 2–27, Mon–Fri
6960 E. 21st
Breakfast: 9–9:45am | Lunch: 12–12:30pm

Hale Middle School – June 9–20, July 7–31, Mon–Fri
2177 S. 67th E. Ave.
Breakfast: 8:15–9:15am | Lunch: 12–1pm

Hoover Elementary – July 7–31, Mon–Fri
2327 S. Darlington Ave.
Breakfast: 8:15–9:15am | Lunch: 11am–1pm

John Hope Franklin Elementary – June 2–July 25, Mon–Thurs
5402 N. MLK Blvd.
Breakfast: 8–9am | Lunch: 11:30am–12:30pm

Kendall-Whittier Elementary – June 9–30, Mon–Fri
2601 E. 5th Pl.
Breakfast: 8–9am | Lunch: 11am–1pm

Key Elementary – June 3–27, Mon–Fri
5702 S. Irvington Ave.
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30am | Lunch: 12–1pm

Lanier Elementary – June 2–August 8, Mon–Fri
1727 S. Harvard Ave.
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30am | Lunch: 11:30am–1:30pm

Lewis and Clark Elementary – June 2–13, Mon–Fri
737 S. Garnett Rd.
Lunch only: 11am–1pm

McClure Elementary – June 2–18, Mon–Fri
1770 E. 61st St.
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30am | Lunch: 11:30am–12:30pm

McKinley Elementary – July 7–31, Mon–Fri
6703 E. King St.
Breakfast: 8:15–9:15am | Lunch: 11am–1pm

McLain High School – June 2–30, Mon–Fri
4929 N. Peoria Ave.
Breakfast: 8:30–9am | Lunch: 12:20–1:30pm

Memorial High School – June 2–July 31, Mon–Fri
5840 S. Hudson Ave
Breakfast: 8–9am | Lunch: 11:30am–1:30pm

Memorial Middle School – July 7–31, Mon–Fri
7502 E. 57 St.
Breakfast: 8:15–9:15am | Lunch: 12–1pm

Metropolitan Baptist Church – July 1–31, Mon–Fri
1228 W. Apache St.
Breakfast: 8–8:30am | Lunch: 12–1pm

Monroe Demonstration Academy – June 3–26, July 7–31, Mon–Thurs
2010 E. 48th St. N.
Breakfast: 8:15–9:15am | Lunch: 11:30am–12:30pm

Oasis Fresh Market – June 2–August 8, Mon–Fri
1725 N. Peoria Ave.
Breakfast: 8:30–9:30am | Lunch: 11am–1pm

Phoenix Rising – June 2–18, June 23–26, Mon–Thurs
2441 E. Archer St.
Lunch only: 12:30–1:30pm

Rogers High School – May 28–July 31 (Closed June 19–20 and July 1–4), Mon–Fri
3909 E. 5th Pl.
Breakfast: 8:15–9:15am | Lunch: 12–1pm

Salk Elementary – July 7–31, Mon–Fri
7625 E. 58th St.
Breakfast: 8:15–9:15am | Lunch: 11am–1pm

Southern Hills UMC – Project Transformation – June 2–July 31 (Closed June 19, July 3–4), Mon–Fri
5603 S. New Haven Ave.
Breakfast: 8:45–9:45am | Lunch: 11:45am–12:45pm

Springdale Elementary – June 2–26, Mon–Thurs
2510 E. Pine St.
Breakfast: 8–9am | Lunch: 11:30am–12:30pm

The Common Good – June 2–August 1, Mon–Fri
19 S. 49 W. Ave
Breakfast: 8:30–9:30am | Lunch: 11:30am–1pm

Tulsa MET – June 16–27, Mon–Fri
6201 E. Virgin St.
Breakfast: 8:30–9am | Lunch: 12–12:30pm

Tulsa Virtual Academy – June 2–20 (Closed June 19–20), Mon–Fri
3213 E. 56th St.
Lunch only: 12:30–1pm

Unity Learning Academy –
June 2–26, Mon–Thurs | July 7–31, Mon–Fri
2137 N. Pittsburg Ave.
Breakfast: 8–9am (June) / 8:15–9:15am (July)
Lunch: 11:30am–12:30pm (June) / 11am–1pm (July)

USA BMX Bike Club – June 2–August 1, Mon–Fri
290 N. Lansing Ave.
Lunch only: 12–2pm

Wayman Tisdale Fine Arts Academy – July 7–31, Mon–Fri
4132 W. Cameron St.
Breakfast: 8:15–9:15am | Lunch: 11am–1pm

Webster High School – July 7–25, Mon–Fri
1919 W. 40th St.
Breakfast: 8–8:25am | Lunch: 11am–12pm

Whitman Elementary – June 2–13, Mon–Fri
3924 N. Lansing Ave.
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30am | Lunch: 12–1:30pm

Zarrow International School – June 2–August 8, Mon–Fri
3613 S. Hudson Ave.
Breakfast: 7:30–8:30am | Lunch: 11:30am–1:30pm

For the most up-to-date information or to find a Summer Café site near you, visit the Tulsa Public Schools website and use the interactive filtering tool by area or month.

Mom To Mom

Green Country To See Slight Risk For Severe Weather Tuesday

Published

2 weeks ago

June 2, 2025

Lauren Merrill

TULSA – The National Weather Service in Tulsa has placed the region under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms on Tuesday afternoon and evening, with hail and damaging winds being the primary concerns.

Forecasters warn that storms could produce hail up to half-dollar size and damaging wind gusts reaching 70 miles per hour, especially during peak heating hours late in the day. While the tornado threat remains limited, residents across eastern Oklahoma and far northwest Arkansas are urged to stay alert.

Communities in and around Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Muskogee, and Fort Smith are included in the risk area. The threat level is categorized as Level 2 out of 5 on the Storm Prediction Center’s scale, meaning scattered severe storms are possible.

The National Weather Service reminds residents:

Don’t be scared—be prepared.
Monitor forecasts closely throughout the day.
Have multiple ways to receive warnings, such as NOAA weather radios, phone alerts, and local news.
Review your severe weather safety plan and know where to seek shelter quickly if needed.

The risk for severe weather is expected to diminish overnight as storms move out of the area.

Stay tuned to local forecasts and updates from the NWS Tulsa office for the latest information as conditions develop. You can visit weather.gov/Tulsa or follow @NWSTulsa on social media for real-time alerts.