Lee's Summit, MO May 2023

Celebrating Women

Julia Hampton CPA, PC

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Life 101

101. This year my Aunt Georgia, who is my almost birthday twin - hers is the day before mine, will turn 101. In May 2022 my husband and I traveled to Texas to celebrate her momentous 100th birthday, and it kind of boggles my mind to think another year has passed already. I bet she feels that way too.

Think about it. She was born in 1923. Before television. Before widespread indoor plumbing. Definitely before microwaves, computers, cell phones, the internet, Google and any of the multitudes of social media apps we all think we can’t live without. She’s outlived a husband, a son, all of her siblings and numerous of friends and loved ones.

When you contemplate the myriad ways our world is vastly different today than when she was even half her age - which, by the way, would have been 1972, when the first home VCR and cassettes were released - it wouldn’t be surprising if she harbored a penchant for ‘the way things were’. Nostalgia often paints a picture more rosy than real. That’s not who Aunt Georgia is, though.

Growing up, I loved that our birthdays were close because she was the ‘cool’ aunt who would ride bikes with me, encourage me to follow my dreams, dance, play a mean game of Boggle, and she traveled as frequently as possible to any number of places. She modeled for me a love of lifelong learning, adventure-seeking and continuous personal and professional growth.

This month’s issue shares the stories of women who are doing great things and making a difference in our community. I see a little bit of my Aunt Georgia in each of them, and I hope you find their stories as encouraging as I do.

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Laura Maxwell | laura.maxwell@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Beaudoin, Laura Maxwell, Lisa Moyer, Olivia Poettgen

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

LAURA MAXWELL, EDITOR @LEESSUMMITCITYLIFESTYLE

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

Better than NEW! Less than 3 Years old, you can enjoy all the updates of a 5,302 Gross Sq ft 1.5 Story New Construction Home with all of those “extras” taken care of: Plantation Shutters, Other Window Treatments, Landscaping, Sprinkler System, Adds added after build such as addl Bathroom Cabinetry, & all those “tweaks” that a new build needs to become a HOME. This home located in the sought out after newly expanded Lake Winnebago subdivision has a Picturesque Lot nestled in the Trees enjoyed from the large Screened-in Patio and backing to a large private acreage with easy access to the Lake via a Golf Cart or very short walk. The Curb Appeal is Dynamite with all Stucco Construction, Stone Columns, Tile Roof, and you will walk into Soaring 20’ Ceilings, Huge Window Package, Alderwood Beams in Great Rm, Quartz Counters Everywhere, Wood and Tile Floors, Beautiful White Cabinetry, & all the New

Home Finishes you would expect. This floorplan offers the Master and 2nd Bedroom on the Main and 2 Huge Bedrooms Upstairs, complete with Window Seats, Recessed Ceilings, Fans, and Extra Large Closets. With 4 Bathrooms, Every Bedroom has its own Bathroom! The Huge Basement offers opportunity to finish to add even more Living Space to this home. Enjoy all that Winnebago has to offer with close proximity to the lake and Villa Boat Docks designated for this area upon availability. In this maintenance provided community, you will love the lawn maintenance, snow removal, and use of 2 FREE Pontoon Boats that are fueled and insured for your pleasure! Here is your chance to live at Lake Winnebago where you can Ski, Wakeboard, Sail, Boat, or just enjoy the Views and Lifestyle! (Note $195/mo maintenance fees)

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The Renee Amey Team is ready to find you your Dream Home, no matter what size! 4243 Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO Re/Max Elite

Christian Academy is an independent, nondenominational Christian school serving 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade. Our certified teachers strive to inspire students to discover and achieve their God-given potential. SCA offers college-preparatory academics and a full range of extracurricular activities. The school’s campus includes elementary and secondary facilities and outdoor athletic fields including soccer, football, baseball, and track and field. SCA has been ranked a Top 5 Private School in the Kansas City area by the Kansas City Business Journal for the past nine years.

girl power

Chamber leadership provides community support.

ARTICLE BY LAURA MAXWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

There’s something to be said for the collective awesomeness of women, and that’s evidenced by the polished professionals at the Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce. Led by President Matt Baird, this team has more than 1,000 members relying on its expertise. Luckily, these women possess a veritable Swiss Army knife of skills. “Our Chamber office ladies are dedicated to ensuring we represent our members and the business community with excellence. Their individual abilities and talents complement one another; together they create a strong team that exceeds expectations,” says Baird.

Cathy Young

Staff veteran Cathy Young is the longest-tenured Chamber employee, having served the organization for 24 years in almost every capacity and working for five Chamber presidents. “When I started, everything was faxed; very few members had email. We also had a typewriter that was actually used!”

Young currently serves as Director of Financial Services, handling all items related to bookkeeping. She enjoys the variety of ways the Chamber gets counted on, including the day “I had a lady call about a beauty salon but had no idea the business name. After gathering a few details and doing a Google search, I was able to figure it out. Not my job description, but people count on us. We want to be there for them.”

“There are so many options downtown, but Smoke Brewing Company offers amazing options for mac and cheese and delicious drinks!” -Cathy Young

Linda Driskill

Member Services Coordinator Linda Driskill, a former award-winning school teacher, says her favorite part of the Chamber is being involved in the community and the relationships built along the way. “I believe Chamber membership is essential. It’s the link connecting your business to networking opportunities, timely professional development, widening your prospective network and allowing you to develop priceless business relationships and friendships.”

Driskill’s role encompasses membership engagement, retention, recruitment and the execution of events. She believes women in business have much to gain through Chamber membership. “The Chamber supercharges your business, expanding your business knowledge, providing a unique opportunity to market and brand, and connecting you to community leaders,” says Driskill.

“Downtown LS is my ‘happy place’ to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a beverage, shop the boutiques or get outside for a stroll.” -Linda Driskill

Megan Gray

Director of Special Events Megan Gray channels the drive and determination she honed as a two-sport collegiate athlete into creating meaningful fundraising and networking events that engage members. Coordinating monthly networking and programming events like Business Before Hours and Chamber luncheons, along with fundraisers such as Oktoberfest and the annual Gala, fall under her umbrella. “Our Oktoberfest is a sight to behold; more than 200 volunteers from businesses, church groups and individual families come together to make it successful. It truly is a team effort,” she says.

Gray also enjoys the ways she’s been able to leverage support for businesses, non-profits and the community. “Our 2022 Women in Business Conference featured a ‘Pretty Purses’ drive where we gathered donations and filled purses full of pampering items. They were donated to the women of Hope House for the holiday season.”

“I love the All A’Bloom ladies. They’re an amazing group that really knows what working hard is.” -Megan Gray

Denise Elam

Although she’s new to the Chamber, Director of Marketing and Communications Denise Elam brings four years of experience with chambers of commerce around the country and is passionate about using media to amplify member voices. “I believe everyone has a story worth sharing; I hope to inspire and empower members by making sure Chamber announcements, events, legislative opportunities and individual stories are marketed on numerous platforms.”

Elam may be capturing events to share stories, but she herself is often impacted by the experiences. “One of my first events was a Recess for Success on hiring and retention. Inspired by the amount of dialogue and discussion, I could tell the session left members chewing on ways they could retain and empower their own employees. I felt proud to work for an organization helping facilitate such meaningful resources.”

“I love KD Books. They have a great selection of books and educational toys for kids.” -Denise Elam

Lisa Frogge

A self-described brand ambassador, Director of Membership and Ad Sales Lisa Frogge is found with a smile and a yellow ribbon at virtually every new member ribbon cutting. That’s no small feat, considering the Chamber adds an average of 175 members annually. A  member years before joining the staff, Frogge believes deeply in her work’s mission. “I truly enjoy visiting with members, learning what motivates them and who they hope to serve. When I see them succeed, I know I’ve done my job,” she says.

She shares: “A member recently told me when he first joined the Chamber, he was nervous about attending events because of the large audience, but he said I spotted him and started introducing him to others. He felt ‘seen’ and accepted. He’s now one of our strongest supporters and has made valuable business and personal connections.”

“How do I narrow it down? If I must, Whistlestop is my go-to for coffee and Konrad’s for lunch.” -Lisa Frogge

Janet Shelman

The newest addition to the Lee’s Summit Chamber ladies is Janet Shelman. Joining the team this spring, Shelman is still learning the ropes as the Administrative and Events Coordinator. “Being part of the Chamber and working with this dynamic team has already been great. I’ve met so many who have shared their stories of Chamber involvement helping them grow, and I’m excited to be part of that,” she says.

The administrative support she’ll provide on the back side of events will be invaluable, as the coordination and execution of multiple monthly events require a customer service-oriented personality. “I’ve done work in the theatre world and am comfortable being in front of groups. You never know what ‘character’ I may be working on at an event!”

“I’m still learning the options that abound for coffee, snacks, lunch or meeting friends downtown. I’ll have to get back to you on a favorite!”

-Janet Shelman

BY JANIE JONES

ARTICLE BY JOHN BEAUDOIN | PHOTOGRAPHY

GALA BRINGS HOPE FOR THOSE WITH ALZHEIMER’S

Anne Fraser has lost far too many family members to dementia and Alzheimer’s - including her own parents. So when she was diagnosed herself with pre-Alzheimer’s she decided to take matters, and her health, into her own hands.

“After taking care of my parents for three years, I now had to take care of my own health,” said Fraser, a real estate professional with The Fraser Team at EXP Realty.

Anne saw an integrative medical doctor who took a deep dive into her background and family medical history.

“She said to me, ‘You know, they are actually reversing this now,’” Anne recalled. “I knew I was starting to have cognitive issues, but I was scared to speak about it - if you speak it, then it’s real.”

Dementia, she notes, is a lifestyle, inflammatory disease. So her battle was to tackle just that - her own health.

“Every month, I would take on one thing at a time,” she said. “I was working to get my hormones up and within six weeks, my cognition was getting better. I had to make a full lifestyle change.”

Anne took her improving health and coupled it with her joy of dancing to create the Night of Hope Gala and Night of Hope 501c3 nonprofit organization - a cause “rooted in the belief that we all have an inherent responsibility to make a meaningful difference in our community. With a variety of active projects and a large volunteer staff, we harness our skills and resources to successfully achieve our goal of Alzheimer’s awareness.”

“We started with a conversation about having a backyard party, but within five minutes I decided we were going to have a gala.”

It was June of 2021 when Fraser and her team hosted the first Night of Hope Gala, raising more than $20,000.

“After that, people came out of the woodwork and offered to help with the next gala,” she said.

Some of those dedicated volunteers came from Path’s Law Firm in Lee’s Summit, several of whom sit on Fraser’s Board and volunteer for the gala committee.

“They were invited to the gala last year and became corporate sponsors,” she said. “When I met with Rusty and Hilary we just hit it off and they said, ‘We want to back you and be involved,’ They work with a lot of families dealing with dementia. It’s a rough road for families, and I have lived that.”

With increased attention and support 2022 was a blowout, raising more than $130,000 during the 300-person event held at Fiorella’s Event Space.

The Night of Hope Gala is the headline event for the nonprofit, and Fraser also has a podcast called ‘Bringing Hope to Alzheimer’s with Anne Fraser’ that began in March.

With the nonprofit focus and the 2023 Gala in the works, Fraser has a message for those who have family histories of dementia and Alzheimer’s: “Pre-Alzheimer’s can potentially be reversed,” she said. “We want to bring to light that there are things you can do to make your brain better. The earlier you start taking care of your brain, the better your brain will be as you grow older. It takes 15-25 years on average for someone to have full-blown Alzheimer’s. It’s a slow-progressing disease.”

“People will chalk it up to just getting older or stress, but what you put in your body and getting 8 to 9 hours of good, quality sleep every night are just a few things that help brain health.”

The 2023 Night of Hope Gala is scheduled for Saturday, June 10 at Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park, KS. Tickets and information can be found at thenightofhope.com .

ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

WHOLE LOTA CHARM

The luring power of the sparkling waters at Lake Lotawana drew in these Denver transplants almost immediately. When Chris Gunderson transferred to Kansas City in Jan. 2010 to become general manager for Brown Strauss Steel, he and his wife Lisa, and two daughters took on the city as tourists—exploring the geography, history and culture.

“We absolutely love KC,” Lisa says, “We were lucky to have friends at Lake Lotawana who had been inviting us out since 2010, so we’d been considering a lake house for years.”

Before retiring, the Gundersons, who live in Overland Park full time, contemplated purchasing a vacation home in a warm climate but decided a local lake house would be more practical for them and their now adult daughters who still live in the area.

“When we saw this house, we knew we’d make an offer even before we toured it,” Lisa says. “We contracted in pre-covid Feb 2020 and closed in apocalyptic March 2020. We didn’t even know if we could close the deal since the entire world had shut down due to the impending pandemic. We were so lucky. We spent that first year here a ton—it was like going on vacation mostly outside every weekend. It was such a gift to distract us from all the restrictions surrounding us and the rest of the world.”

1940’s

Cottage at Lake Lotawana Becomes

Charming Vacation Home for Local Family

Built in 1940, the 1,700-square-foot getaway has two bedrooms, two baths and two living areas, with original plaster-coved and beadboard ceilings. “We purposely chose to leave the house small and charming. We renovated it during the pandemic, finding great contractors and learning the art of shopping online.”

Every update fueled their desire for the next. They turned the dank, dark screened porch into an inviting sunny wall-to-wall windowed lanai. Wood floors were restored, and cold tile floors were replaced with a warm white oak. They brightened the kitchen with white waterfall quartzite and new appliances; renovated the cramped, awkward utility area; remodeled one bathroom and refreshed the other; and repainted throughout.

After blending in new furniture, including a U-shaped sofa/ottoman to convert the upstairs living room into a king sleeping area, they added whimsical art inside and outdoor pavers to extend the exterior living space. While the house is most often used during the summer and fall, they also enjoy the lake’s winter stillness warmed by their converted gas fireplaces.

“Our yard has a gentle slope down to the water, with a 1940’s limestone path to our sea wall and docks,” Lisa says. “Our next project is to replace the old, heavy wood deck railing with a lighted steel railing to increase the lake views.”

With views from nearly every room, it’s hard to choose a favorite spot, but Lisa says nothing compares to “waking to the sparkling golden sun rising over the lake and going to sleep under the twinkling light of the moon on the water.”

See it in person! This cottage will be on the Oct. 7, 2023, Lake Lotawana Home Tour. For more info, contact Janie at jjclemow@gmail.com

“We are very social and love to entertain, and our daughters love spending free time at the lake house. Lake Lotawana is a warm, welcoming, caring community filled with great neighbors and lots of social opportunities. Every day here is fun, with so many intriguing events planned by the people. We love the location with its closeness to the delightful downtown of Lee’s Summit.” – Lisa

Gunderson

In a Pickle

Pickleball may have a funny name, but its fans don’t take their game lightly; locally and nationwide it seems the sport is taking the world by storm. Although the origins of pickleball can be traced to the mid 1960’s, it has exploded in popularity in

SUCCESS IN THE KITCHEN TAKES ON A WHOLE NEW MEANING.

recent years, and the good news is that whether you’re a fitness freak or a workout wannabe, options abound for finding your fit. In Lee’s Summit and around the metro there are many choices for individual play, organized leagues, and competitive tournaments.

Loving the physical, social and mental benefits it brings, local businesswoman and pickleball enthusiast Felicia Douglas has taken such a shine to the sport that she plays with friends, other couples, and in tournaments. “I play almost every day. There are three dedicated groups of ladies I play with for two hours a day, three days a week.  The other days I play evenings at open play or Saturday morning open play,” she says.

A lifelong athlete, Douglas participated in sports in high school and college, so staying in shape as an adult has always been a priority. “I’ve played pickleball almost four years. Basketball was my main sport growing up, and pickleball has been the first sport that gives me the same desire to compete and play hard. I find that many good players come from so many different sports; tennis is the main one but many skilled players I visit with about their background come from racquetball, ping pong, volleyball and softball and others.”

What started as a hobby has clearly turned into a passion for Douglas, as she has added playing in competitive tournaments to her pickleball resume. Having participated in a number of tournaments for fun, this summer she will compete in her first USA Pickleball sanctioned tournament, playing with a high school friend. “One of my best high school friends is joining me for this tournament.  She currently lives in Edmond, OK and is a very solid player. I am excited to see how we fare in our age group.“

Whether you aspire to compete or simply want to check it out, those in and around Lee’s Summit who are interested in trying out this fun new activity have a variety of choices when it comes to learning about the sport, according to Douglas.  “I would advise anyone interested in trying the sport to borrow a paddle

from a friend, or the Parks and Rec facilities have loaner paddles.  Once you get hooked, you can then invest in a good paddle.  Scheel’s has a great selection and their staff is helpful.  I believe beginner lessons and leagues are the best way to truly learn the game. I started as a beginner with a gal that does a terrific job with beginners. I highly recommend checking out Susie B’s Pickleball Craze page on Facebook for those looking to learn about the game.”

She encourages everyone to give pickleball a shot, as it provides a number of benefits. “Not only is pickleball a fun and social activity but it is a HUGE calorie burn and fantastic exercise,” says Douglas, “but the number of new friends I have made in this sport is the very best part.  We do so much socially through pickleball. I am so thankful my husband loves to play too; almost every Friday night we play pickleball and go out to eat afterwards with our friends,” says Douglas.

Young or young at heart, pickleball appeals to the masses and is a game that can be enjoyed for decades. “The number of amazing players in their 70’s and 80’s is astounding.  As a 61-year-old, I am hopeful I can continue this sport for many years to come,”

For more information on pickleball locations in Lee’s Summit, visit Cityofls.net

ARTICLE BY LAURA MAXWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

“Not only is pickleball a fun and social activity but it is a HUGE calorie burn and fantastic exercise, but the number of new friends I have made in this sport is the very best part.”

-Felicia Douglas

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SPRING

floral bowl

Spring, come quickly! And if not, bring spring indoors anyway. Flowers brighten any room, any day of the year. No need to wait for a special occasion or holiday – give yourself permission to brighten everyday life with a bowl full of flowers. Place florals in an entryway, kitchen, living room space or even bathroom. Florals make any room come alive with pops of color and the smells of spring that’s just about ready to burst outside.

Consider this your personal invitation to play with flowers by creating your very own Floral Bowl Arrangement. Use any cereal bowl in the kitchen and a bundle of store bought flowers. For extra texture and depth, look for small spring branches and ornamental grasses found in your yard to pop into the arrangement, like I did here. Then, place your floral bowl in a place where you need that burst of joy most. Enjoy!

SUPPLIES

• 1 bundle of flowers (about 24 stems) + floral food packet

• spring branches & ornamental grasses found in your yard (optional)

• 6” bowl (cereal bowl size)

• floral shears (or garden clippers, kitchen shears, even craft scissors in a pinch)

• 12” square cut chicken wire

• wire cutters

• garden gloves to protect your hands when forming chicken wire

• clear floral tape (scotch tape will also do)

• lazy susan to easily move your arrangement and work from all sides (optional)

PREPARATION & ASSEMBLE

• First prepare the mechanics. The mechanics are the non-floral elements used to assemble a floral arrangement. These materials will act as a grid in which the flowers are built into to hold each stem in its place.

• Wearing garden gloves, cut chicken wire roughly into a 12” square. Loosely form the chicken wire into a ball and place inside the bowl.

• Use clear floral tape to make an X shape over the top of the bowl to hold the chicken wire securely into place. This will also give extra support when adding the floral elements later.

• Fill the bowl with water and mix in a flower food packet, if your flowers came with one.

• Begin to arrange floral elements into the bowl. As a general rule, you will want to start with the strongest, thickest stems and end with the most delicate stems. Here, I began with branches, then the largest base flowers followed by taller focal flowers, and finally delicate stems, grasses and wispy greens.

Stuck with broken, leftover blooms from creating your floral bowl arrangements? Don’t discard those flowers just yet! Simply arrange leftover blooms and a few ornamental grasses onto a cake to elevate any tablescape. Even though the blooms are arranged out of water, they will look fresh for hours (especially when using roses and carnations). Enjoy!

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION

Looking for more instruction? Silvertooth Home offers seasonal workshops for guided styling experiences from cookie painting to floral arrangements and more. Receive personal instruction, create a take-home piece and all while enjoying a complimentary drink & treat while you work. Workshops are held at Silvertooth Stables (9200 Noland Rd KC, MO 64138). Tickets can be found at silvertoothome.com/workshops

Can’t attend a workshop? Simply download and print our Floral Bowl Arrangement guide at silvertoothhome.com/store. Enjoy!

Achieving Balanced And Healthy Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY OLIVIA POETTGEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

ORCHID AESTHETICS & WELLNESS HELPS CLIENTS LOOK AND FEEL THEIR BEST

At Orchid Aesthetics & Wellness glowing skin is always in, and they are ready to get you looking and feeling your best for summer. Orchid aims to provide exemplary medical aesthetics and wellness services to clients in a professional medical environment. Their friendly staff, thorough consultations, and personalized treatment plans help clients achieve their internal and external wellness goals. As a physician-owned and operated med spa, Orchid has proudly offered services in Lee’s Summit for four years.

Dr. Mehrer, owner and medical director of the practice, states that their services focus on both external cosmetic beauty and internal health, allowing patients to live healthy, energetic lives. He says, “Our services bring confidence to our clients and help them feel their absolute best inside and out.”

Although Orchid is not the only med spa in Lee’s Summit, they take pride in their reputation for giving clients the best treatment to achieve their goals. Testimonies from past clients highlight the highly-trained staff’s knowledge, friendliness, and authenticity. The Orchid staff says their patients aren’t just a list of clients; they are family. The staff treats each patient with genuine care and desires to see them become the healthiest version of themselves.

Clients can expect to be seen, heard, and cared for at their free consultation as they share their health concerns. The staff discusses the patient’s goals and develops a personalized treatment plan to achieve those goals. For an aesthetics consultation, the Orchid staff will conduct a skin analysis of texture, damage, fine lines, pigmentation, and inflammation. They use the results of the analysis to recommend the best treatment for the patient. Their most popular aesthetic services are hydra facials, botox, and laser treatments.

Orchid’s hormone replacement therapy and weight loss plans focus on the whole person, inside and out, to create a treatment plan that helps patients look and feel their best. Dr. Mehrer and the Orchid team work with patients to recommend the best supplements and treatments to help them feel more energized, less stressed, and achieve their desired results.

When clients come in for an appointment, they can expect the staff to institute the treatment plan laid out in the consultation follow-up. As treatment progresses, the Orchid team will use client feedback to address their concerns and improvements and identify areas needing tweaking. There are various appointment times, ranging from a quick botox injection to a lengthy laser procedure. Orchid’s medical staff focuses on providing its clients with a personalized treatment plan for the entire body.

Orchid offers three membership packages for monthly patients, which allow clients to stay consistent with their treatment plans and receive routine follow-ups and consultations. Their affordable prices make it easy to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. To view their full list of membership packages and monthly specials, visit their website.

Orchid Aesthetics & Wellness has a team of friendly, highly-trained professionals ready to meet your skincare and overall wellness needs. Their genuine passion for helping clients look and feel their best will make you feel at home when you enter the door. If you are ready to heal your body from the inside out, Orchid is ready to work with you! Schedule your free consultation today to learn how a personalized treatment plan can benefit you.

“Our services bring confidence to our clients and help them feel their absolute best inside and out.”

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Lee’s Summit.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from March 2023. Source: IRES MLS system.

How Can You Tell If Your Child Has Allergies or a Cold?

No parent wants to see her child suffer through sniffles, coughs, sneezes, aches, and pains. Your first thought might be to call the pediatrician and get your little one in to be seen. And that’s not the worst idea; in fact, it’s often the best idea! But what do you say is the issue? Allergies usually need medication to make them dissipate. And while you can certainly treat some symptoms of a cold, it’s more of a waiting game until the body heals itself. How do you share with the doctor whether your child has allergies or a cold?

ALLERGIES

Seasonal allergies are typically the culprit when we discuss “allergies,” especially as the snow melts, temperatures increase, and flowers start to bloom. The reason your child’s nose runs and he starts sneezing is because his immune system is kicking in to fight off these common allergens. What’s really happening is that the body is creating histamines, chemicals that are released in response to something that’s irritating the body. That could be pollen, pet dander, or dust, among other things. You cannot “catch” allergies.

Seasonal allergies typically last a few weeks and taper off as plants stop blooming and pollen stops blowing. Allergies can be treated by over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, nasal decongestants, nasal rinses, and decongestants. In severe cases, your pediatrician may need to prescribe a steroid nasal spray or injections.

COLDS

A cold is caused by a virus and not by pollen or any of the other things that bloom during the spring. Colds are passed between people through secretion of bodily fluids. With little kids, this usually occurs after they wipe their nose and touch a surface or toy that another child picks up. Kids can also catch a cold by being in close proximity to others who sneeze or cough on them.

Being that it is a virus, a cold cannot be treated the same

way as a bacterial infection. With a cold, you’re treating the symptoms—instead of the cause—through rest, increased liquids, analgesics (painkillers), and decongestants, depending on how the cold presents itself. Of course, a child with a cold is at risk of spreading it to friends and family, which is why most sick kids are urged to stay home during the first few days of symptoms.

TREATING ALLERGIES OR A COLD

Naturally, if your child isn’t feeling well, you may want to make a visit to the pediatrician. After all, it’s better to be safe and ensure your little one’s (even if he’s a teenager!) wellbeing. Before administering treatment, the pediatrician needs to first determine if it is allergies or a cold. Be sure to share all the symptoms you’re seeing. A temperature is a great indicator: allergies are rarely accompanied by a fever, whereas a cold may be. If your child does have a fever, be sure to touch base with your pediatrician to see if you should schedule an office visit.

Once a diagnosis is made, the doctor can work with you to determine next steps. That might be as simple as suggesting an OTC medicine or something more long-term, such as regular allergy shots. But until you know if it’s allergies or a cold, you’ll be stumped.

PUT COMMUNITY CHOICE PEDIATRICS ON YOUR TEAM

No matter whether it’s allergies or a cold, having a trusted pediatrician to call and ask questions is key. At Community Choice Pediatrics, we love seeing your children, and we are just as eager as you are to get them feeling better as soon as possible. If you’re looking for a new pediatrician, schedule an appointment online. We’ll be happy to visit with you, even if it’s just to provide some peace of mind.