Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Know the Difference

Extreme heat can become dangerous fast, especially for children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, athletes, and anyone without reliable air conditioning. Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can help you act quickly and possibly save a life.

Heat Exhaustion Warning Signs

• Heavy sweating
• Cool, pale, or clammy skin
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Thirst
• Rapid, weak pulse

What to do: Move to a cooler place, sip water or a sports drink, cool down with wet cloths or a cool shower, and rest. If symptoms get worse, call 911.

Heat Stroke Warning Signs

• Hot, red, or dry skin
• Confusion or disorientation
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Very high body temperature
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler place and begin cooling them down with cold cloths, ice packs, or cool water. Do not give fluids if the person is confused, unconscious, or unable to drink safely.

6 Tips to Stay Cool

1. Hydrate early and often. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.
2. Stay in a cool place. Use air conditioning when possible or visit a cooling center, library, mall, or public building.
3. Dress light. Wear loose, breathable clothing and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
4. Limit time outside. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
5. Protect your skin. Use sunscreen, seek shade, and wear sunglasses.
6. Check on others. Older adults, children, people with chronic conditions, pets, and anyone without air conditioning may need extra help.

Extreme heat is serious, but many heat-related illnesses are preventable. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on your neighbors.

Wildfire Smoke and How to Protect Your Child’s Lungs During Fire Season

Wildfire season can bring smoky skies, poor air quality, and respiratory concerns for families across Western Colorado, including New Castle, Carbondale, Garfield County, and surrounding communities. Even when a fire is not close to your home, smoke can travel long distances and affect children’s breathing, especially on hot, dry, or windy days.

At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we want local families to know how wildfire smoke can affect children, when to limit outdoor activity, and where to find reliable emergency and health information.

Why Wildfire Smoke Can Be Harder on Children

Children are not just smaller adults. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more air for their body size than adults. That means smoke, ash, and fine particles in the air can irritate their lungs more quickly.

Wildfire smoke may cause symptoms such as:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Burning or watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Headaches
• Chest tightness
• Worsening asthma or allergy symptoms

Children with asthma, allergies, chronic lung conditions, heart conditions, or recent respiratory illness may be more sensitive to smoky air.

When Should Kids Stay Indoors?

Smoke conditions can change quickly in Western Colorado. If you can smell smoke, see haze, or notice your child coughing more than usual, it is a good idea to limit outdoor activity.

Families should consider keeping children indoors when:

• The air smells smoky
• Visibility is reduced by haze
• Air quality alerts are issued for your area
• Your child has asthma or breathing problems
• Your child starts coughing, wheezing, or complaining of chest discomfort outside

On smoky days, avoid long periods of outdoor play, sports practices, bike rides, hikes, or strenuous activity. Children breathe faster during exercise, which can pull more smoke particles into their lungs.

How to Keep Indoor Air Cleaner

During smoky conditions, the goal is to reduce your child’s exposure as much as possible.

• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Use air conditioning on recirculate if available.
• Use a portable HEPA air purifier in the room where your child spends the most time.
• Avoid burning candles, incense, or wood fireplaces indoors.
• Avoid vacuuming unless your vacuum has a HEPA filter.
• Do not smoke or vape indoors.
• Change HVAC filters regularly if your home has central air.

If your home becomes too smoky or hot, consider spending time in a cleaner indoor space, such as a library, community building, or another location with filtered air.

Extra Precautions for Children With Asthma

Wildfire smoke can trigger asthma flare-ups. If your child has asthma, make sure you are following their asthma action plan and that rescue medications are available and not expired.

Parents should watch for:

• More frequent coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Needing a rescue inhaler more often than usual
• Symptoms that wake your child at night
• Difficulty keeping up with normal activity

If your child’s asthma symptoms are getting worse or their medication does not seem to be helping, contact your healthcare provider. You can also visit our pediatric services page to learn more about care available through Castle Valley Children’s Clinic.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child has persistent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or worsening asthma symptoms.

Seek emergency care right away if your child:

• Is struggling to breathe
• Has blue lips or face
• Cannot speak in full sentences
• Has ribs pulling in while breathing
• Seems confused, extremely sleepy, or unusually weak
• Has symptoms that are not improving with prescribed rescue medication

For appointments or questions, visit our contact page. Castle Valley Children’s Clinic serves families from our New Castle and Carbondale locations.

Trusted Local Fire and Safety Resources

During wildfire season, it is important to use reliable sources for evacuation notices, emergency alerts, fire maps, and health information. Social media rumors can spread quickly, so always confirm important safety information with official resources.

Garfield County Emergency Alerts

Garfield County emergency notifications can help families stay informed about fires, evacuations, road closures, severe weather, and other urgent public safety updates.

Visit GarCo911 for local emergency alert information.

Watch Duty Wildfire Updates

Watch Duty is a useful tool for tracking nearby wildfires, fire perimeters, evacuation areas, and incident updates. It can help families understand what is happening around them as conditions change.

View current wildfire information on Watch Duty.

Children’s Hospital Colorado Mobile App

The Children’s Hospital Colorado mobile app gives families access to pediatric urgent care and emergency care information. This can be helpful when you are deciding where to go or what level of care your child may need.

Learn more about the Children’s Hospital Colorado mobile app.

PurpleAir Air Quality Map

The PurpleAir air quality map gives families access to real-time air quality readings in their area. This can be helpful when deciding whether it is safe for children to play outside, attend outdoor activities, or if it is better to stay indoors during smoky conditions.

Check real-time air quality with PurpleAir.

Simple Steps Can Help Protect Little Lungs

Wildfire smoke can be stressful for families, especially when children already have asthma, allergies, or breathing concerns. The good news is that small steps can make a big difference. Check local fire and air quality updates, keep indoor air as clean as possible, limit outdoor activity when smoke is present, and watch your child closely for symptoms.

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic is here to support families in New Castle, Carbondale, and the surrounding Western Colorado communities. If your child is having respiratory symptoms or you are concerned about smoke exposure, please contact our clinic or review our patient resources before your visit.

New Hours Starting Monday, June 29th!

Our summer hours will be in effect at both locations in New Castle and Carbondale.

Monday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm

**Please note that these hours are in effect from June 29th – August 14th.**

Congrats To Esme On Passing Her Social Work License Exam

Castle Valley Children's Clinic staff member Esme has recently passed her social work license exam. We want to congratulate and thank her for all the hard work she has put in over the years!

If you would like to learn more about what Esme does at Castle Valley, you can read about our behavioral health services here.

Congrats To Courtny On Graduation Her Bachelor Of Nursing Program

Castle Valley Children's Clinic staff member Courtny has recently graduated from CMC with her Bachelor of Nursing degree. We want to congratulate and thank her for all the hard work she has put in over the years!

New Castle Bike Rodeo

Join us for the Annual New Castle Bike Rodeo on May 3oth.

Where: Elk Creek Elementary 804 West Main St.

Free Event Activities: 

• Bike Obstacle Course
• Free bike helmets
• Free BBQ lunch
• Bike Raffle
• Goodie bag giveaway
• Dunk tank
• Bike tune-up
• Foam Machine

Kids must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Scheduling an Appointment

New Castle Location: 820 Castle Valley Blvd Ste 204, New Castle, Co 81647 (View On Google Maps)

Carbondale Location: 2615 Dolores Way Unit 103, Carbondale, CO 81623 (View On Google Maps)

We’re proud to extend our care to the adults in your family, helping you stay healthy and well for the ones who depend on you most.

Castle Valley Children's Clinic: Your trusted partner in children's health in western Colorado.

Measles Vaccine for Children: What Parents Need to Know

Measles is one of the most contagious childhood illnesses, but it is also highly preventable with vaccination. At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we help families stay on schedule with safe, effective vaccines that protect children and the community.

What is Measles?

Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads across the body.

Measles can lead to complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain swelling, hospitalization, and, in rare cases, death.

How is Measles Prevented?

Measles is prevented with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Some children may receive the MMRV vaccine, which also includes protection against varicella, also known as chickenpox.

MMR Vaccine Schedule for Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine for children:

• First dose: 12 through 15 months
• Second dose: 4 through 6 years

Children can sometimes receive the second MMR dose earlier, as long as enough time has passed since the first dose. Your pediatrician can help determine the right timing for your child.

Why the Measles Vaccine Matters

Measles spreads very easily. If one person has measles, up to 9 out of 10 unprotected people nearby may also become infected. Vaccination protects your child and helps protect babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems who may not be able to receive the vaccine.

Measles Vaccine for Travel

Families planning international travel should talk with their pediatrician before leaving. Infants 6 through 11 months old may need an early MMR dose before travel. This early dose does not replace the regular two-dose series given after the first birthday.

Is the MMR Vaccine Safe?

Yes. The MMR vaccine has been carefully studied and is routinely recommended for children. Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Common Side Effects

• Soreness or redness where the shot was given
• Mild fever
• Mild rash
• Temporary swelling of glands in the cheeks or neck

Serious reactions are rare. Your child’s provider will review health history, allergies, and vaccine timing before giving the vaccine.

Who Should NOT Receive the MMR Vaccine?

Some children may need to delay or avoid the MMR vaccine. This may include children who:

• Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous MMR dose or vaccine ingredient
• Have a severely weakened immune system
• Are currently moderately or severely ill
• Have certain medical conditions that require special vaccine timing

If you are unsure, your pediatrician can review your child’s medical history and make the safest recommendation.

What If My Child Missed a Dose?

If your child missed an MMR vaccine, they can usually get caught up. Older children and teens who are not fully vaccinated may still need one or two doses, depending on their vaccine history.

You can schedule an appointment with Castle Valley Children’s Clinic to review your child’s immunization record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is measles still a concern?

Yes. Measles still occurs, especially when vaccination rates drop or when unvaccinated travelers bring measles into a community.

Can vaccinated children still get measles?

It is possible, but uncommon. Children who receive two doses of MMR have strong protection against measles.

Can my child get MMR with other vaccines?

In many cases, yes. MMR can often be given during the same visit as other routine childhood vaccines.

Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?

No. Large, well-designed studies have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Is MMR required for school?

Most schools require proof of measles vaccination or valid exemption documentation before children attend school.

Partner With Your Pediatrician

At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we help parents make confident, informed decisions about childhood vaccines and wellness care. Learn more on our Vaccination Series page.

Schedule an Appointment

Protect your child from measles and other preventable diseases. Book your appointment today at our New Castle or Carbondale locations.

Measles Vaccine for Children: What Parents Need to Know

Measles is one of the most contagious childhood illnesses, but it is also highly preventable with vaccination. At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we help families stay on schedule with safe, effective vaccines that protect children and the community.

What is Measles?

Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads across the body.

Measles can lead to complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain swelling, hospitalization, and, in rare cases, death.

How is Measles Prevented?

Measles is prevented with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Some children may receive the MMRV vaccine, which also includes protection against varicella, also known as chickenpox.

MMR Vaccine Schedule for Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine for children:

• First dose: 12 through 15 months
• Second dose: 4 through 6 years

Children can sometimes receive the second MMR dose earlier, as long as enough time has passed since the first dose. Your pediatrician can help determine the right timing for your child.

Why the Measles Vaccine Matters

Measles spreads very easily. If one person has measles, up to 9 out of 10 unprotected people nearby may also become infected. Vaccination protects your child and helps protect babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems who may not be able to receive the vaccine.

Measles Vaccine for Travel

Families planning international travel should talk with their pediatrician before leaving. Infants 6 through 11 months old may need an early MMR dose before travel. This early dose does not replace the regular two-dose series given after the first birthday.

Is the MMR Vaccine Safe?

Yes. The MMR vaccine has been carefully studied and is routinely recommended for children. Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Common Side Effects

• Soreness or redness where the shot was given
• Mild fever
• Mild rash
• Temporary swelling of glands in the cheeks or neck

Serious reactions are rare. Your child’s provider will review health history, allergies, and vaccine timing before giving the vaccine.

Who Should NOT Receive the MMR Vaccine?

Some children may need to delay or avoid the MMR vaccine. This may include children who:

• Have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous MMR dose or vaccine ingredient
• Have a severely weakened immune system
• Are currently moderately or severely ill
• Have certain medical conditions that require special vaccine timing

If you are unsure, your pediatrician can review your child’s medical history and make the safest recommendation.

What If My Child Missed a Dose?

If your child missed an MMR vaccine, they can usually get caught up. Older children and teens who are not fully vaccinated may still need one or two doses, depending on their vaccine history.

You can schedule an appointment with Castle Valley Children’s Clinic to review your child’s immunization record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is measles still a concern?

Yes. Measles still occurs, especially when vaccination rates drop or when unvaccinated travelers bring measles into a community.

Can vaccinated children still get measles?

It is possible, but uncommon. Children who receive two doses of MMR have strong protection against measles.

Can my child get MMR with other vaccines?

In many cases, yes. MMR can often be given during the same visit as other routine childhood vaccines.

Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?

No. Large, well-designed studies have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Is MMR required for school?

Most schools require proof of measles vaccination or valid exemption documentation before children attend school.

Partner With Your Pediatrician

At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we help parents make confident, informed decisions about childhood vaccines and wellness care. Learn more on our Vaccination Series page.

Schedule an Appointment

Protect your child from measles and other preventable diseases. Book your appointment today at our New Castle or Carbondale locations.

RSV Immunization for Children: What Parents Need to Know

RSV is one of the most common respiratory viruses in children, but for babies and young children, it can sometimes become serious. At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we help families understand RSV prevention, including current immunization options recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What is RSV?

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It usually causes cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, and decreased appetite. In many older children, RSV is mild. In infants, especially very young babies, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, trouble breathing, dehydration, and hospitalization.

Why RSV Protection Matters for Babies

Babies have smaller airways and developing immune systems, which makes respiratory infections harder on them. RSV can be especially concerning for:

• Infants younger than 6 months
• Babies born prematurely
• Children with chronic lung disease
• Children with certain heart conditions
• Children with weakened immune systems

Even healthy full-term babies can become very sick from RSV, which is why prevention is an important part of infant care.

Is There an RSV Vaccine for Children?

There is not a traditional RSV vaccine given directly to most infants and young children. Instead, babies may be protected through an RSV antibody immunization, such as nirsevimab, or through maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy.

These options are designed to help protect babies during their first RSV season, when the risk of severe illness is highest.

RSV Immunization Schedule for Infants

RSV immunization is generally recommended for infants younger than 8 months who are born during or entering their first RSV season, especially if the mother did not receive RSV vaccine during pregnancy.

For most of the United States, RSV season typically runs from fall through early spring. Timing may vary based on local RSV activity and your child’s individual health history.

• Infants younger than 8 months: May receive RSV antibody protection before or during RSV season.
• Some children 8 through 19 months: May need protection before their second RSV season if they are at increased risk for severe disease.
• Most children 20 months and older: Do not typically receive infant RSV antibody immunization.

For a full breakdown of vaccine timing, visit the Vaccination Series main page.

How RSV Immunization Works

RSV antibody immunization gives babies ready-made antibodies that help protect them from severe RSV illness. This is different from a traditional vaccine, which teaches the immune system to make its own antibodies over time.

Because babies receive direct antibody protection, RSV immunization can help protect them during the season when they are most vulnerable.

Maternal RSV Vaccine During Pregnancy

Another way to protect babies is through RSV vaccination during pregnancy. When given during the recommended window, the mother passes protective antibodies to the baby before birth. This can help protect the infant during the first months of life.

In most cases, babies do not need both maternal RSV vaccine protection and infant RSV antibody immunization. Your pediatric provider can help determine which option applies to your child.

Is RSV Immunization Safe?

Yes. RSV immunization has been studied and recommended to help reduce the risk of severe RSV disease in infants and certain high-risk young children. As with any immunization, your child’s provider will review age, health history, timing, and eligibility before giving it.

Common Side Effects

• Mild soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Temporary fussiness
• Mild rash

Serious reactions are rare. If your child has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or ingredient, your provider will discuss the safest next step.

Who Should Receive RSV Immunization?

RSV immunization may be recommended for infants younger than 8 months who are born during or entering RSV season. It may also be recommended for some children 8 through 19 months old who are at higher risk for severe RSV illness.

This is especially important for families receiving care at our New Castle pediatric clinic and Carbondale pediatric clinic, where preventative care is a key part of helping children stay healthy.

Who May Need Extra RSV Protection?

Some children are more likely to develop serious RSV illness and may need additional protection before their second RSV season. This may include children with:

• Chronic lung disease of prematurity
• Severe immune system problems
• Severe cystic fibrosis
• Certain high-risk medical conditions

Your pediatrician can help determine whether your child qualifies for RSV immunization based on current recommendations.

Who Should NOT Receive It?

Most eligible infants can safely receive RSV immunization. However, it may be delayed or avoided if:

• Your child has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous RSV antibody product
• Your child is currently moderately or severely ill
• Your child does not meet age or risk-based recommendations

Your provider will help guide the decision based on your child’s age, health, and timing within RSV season.

What If My Child Missed RSV Immunization?

If your child missed RSV immunization at the start of the season, talk with your pediatric provider. Depending on your child’s age, risk factors, and local RSV activity, they may still be eligible during the season.

You can schedule an appointment with our team to review your child’s options.

Other Ways to Help Prevent RSV

RSV spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, close contact, and contaminated surfaces. In addition to immunization when recommended, families can help reduce the spread of RSV by:

• Washing hands often
• Keeping babies away from people who are sick
• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces
• Avoiding smoke exposure
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Keeping children home when they are sick

When to Call the Pediatrician

Call your child’s pediatrician if your baby has RSV symptoms and is very young, feeding poorly, breathing fast, wheezing, or showing signs of dehydration.

Seek urgent medical care if your child has trouble breathing, blue or gray coloring around the lips, pauses in breathing, severe lethargy, or signs of dehydration such as very few wet diapers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RSV just a cold?

Sometimes RSV looks like a cold, especially in older children. In infants and young children, RSV can become more serious and may affect the lungs and breathing.

Does every baby need RSV immunization?

Many infants younger than 8 months may be eligible during RSV season, especially if they were not protected through maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy. Your pediatrician can confirm what is recommended for your baby.

Can RSV immunization be given with other vaccines?

In many cases, RSV immunization can be given during the same visit as routine childhood vaccines. Your provider will review your child’s schedule and make the safest recommendation.

Can my child still get RSV after immunization?

Yes, it is still possible to get RSV. The goal of immunization is to reduce the risk of severe illness, breathing complications, and hospitalization.

Is RSV immunization only for premature babies?

No. RSV can be serious for premature babies, but protection may also be recommended for many infants entering their first RSV season, depending on age, timing, and whether maternal RSV vaccine was received during pregnancy.

Partner With Your Pediatrician

At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, we are committed to helping parents make informed decisions about prevention, vaccines, and childhood wellness. Explore more topics in our Vaccination Series or contact our team with any questions.

Schedule an Appointment

Your child’s health starts with prevention. Book your appointment today at our New Castle or Carbondale locations.

Garfield County Kindergarten Roundups!