Castle Valley Children’s Clinic Joins the Out of the Darkness Walk

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic is proud to participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, September 19.

The Out of the Darkness Walk brings communities together to raise awareness about suicide prevention, support those affected by suicide and mental health challenges, and help create a culture where people feel comfortable reaching out for help.

As providers of both medical and behavioral healthcare for children and families throughout our community, this is a cause that is especially meaningful to the Castle Valley Children’s Clinic team.

We’re honored to walk alongside our friends, families and neighbors in support of hope, healing and suicide prevention.

Saturday, September 19, 2026
AFSP Western Slope Out of the Darkness Walk

Together, we can help bring mental health out of the darkness.

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic Proudly Sponsors the 2026 Burning Mountain Festival

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic is proud to sponsor the 2026 Burning Mountain Festival, taking place September 11 & 12 in New Castle, Colorado.

As a longtime part of the New Castle community, we believe healthy communities are built by bringing people together. The Burning Mountain Festival is one of those special local traditions that gives families, friends and neighbors an opportunity to get outside, have some fun and celebrate the community we all call home.

Two Days of Fun in New Castle

This year’s Burning Mountain Festival will take place at Burning Mountain Park on Main Street, with activities planned throughout Friday evening and Saturday.

Friday kicks off with food and craft vendors followed by the Citizen Awards, beer garden and an evening of live music.

Saturday starts bright and early with the Fire-in-the-Hole 5K, followed by the annual Burning Mountain Festival Parade down Main Street. Throughout the day, families can enjoy food and craft vendors, a Strider Race, pie-eating contest, log-splitting contest, community drummers and plenty of live music.

There’s something happening throughout the weekend, making it a great opportunity to spend a day together as a family and connect with the New Castle community.

Supporting the Community Our Families Call Home

At Castle Valley Children’s Clinic, caring for children goes beyond what happens inside our clinic.

Our team provides family-centered medical and behavioral healthcare for children and young adults throughout New Castle, Carbondale and the surrounding communities. We also believe in supporting the events, organizations and traditions that help make Western Colorado a great place for kids to grow up.

That’s why we’re excited to support this year’s Burning Mountain Festival.

We hope to see many of our patients, families, friends and neighbors enjoying the festivities on September 11 & 12.

2026 Burning Mountain Festival

When: Friday, September 11 & Saturday, September 12, 2026
Where: Burning Mountain Park & Main Street, New Castle, Colorado

Come out, enjoy the music, cheer on the parade, grab something good to eat and celebrate another year of the Burning Mountain Festival with the New Castle community.

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic is proud to be part of it!

Lead King Loop Run & Hike

Join Castle Valley Children's Clinic for the 2026 Lead King Run & Hike.

25K - 8 Mile - Kids Race

Experience the unforgettable adventure through stunning fall colors surrounded by wilderness in Marble, Colorado. Complete with delicious BBQ, cold beer, and happy tired legs.

Register at LeadKingLoop.com

Celebrating 11 Years of Building Young Readers

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic is proud to celebrate 11 years of partnership with Reach Out and Read Colorado. Through this program, our healthcare providers help families make reading a regular part of childhood by sharing trusted literacy guidance, modeling reading during well-child visits and giving children high-quality books to take home.

Reading together supports much more than school readiness. It helps strengthen language development, encourages meaningful interaction between children and caregivers and creates routines that can support healthy growth and development.

Thousands of Books Shared With Local Families

Over the past 11 years, Castle Valley Children’s Clinic has prescribed 8,050 high-quality books to children and their families. During the most recent year, 744 books were shared through the clinic, helping families continue building their own home libraries.

At our Carbondale location, providers have prescribed 4,229 high-quality books over the past 11 years. An additional 775 books were shared with Carbondale families during the most recent year.

Combined, these efforts have placed thousands of books directly into the hands of children throughout our community.

Why Books Belong in Well-Child Visits

Books are a valuable tool during pediatric visits. A healthcare provider can use a book to connect with a child, observe how the child communicates and interacts and offer practical guidance to parents about reading together at home.

Supporting Developmental Surveillance

Watching a child interact with a book can help providers observe gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, language, communication and relational development. Turning pages, pointing to pictures, naming familiar objects and responding to a caregiver’s voice can all provide useful insight during a well-child visit.

Modeling and Guidance for Parents

Reading does not have to mean finishing every word on every page. Meaningful reading can include pointing to pictures, talking about the story, naming colors and objects, asking questions or letting a child turn the pages.

Reading together may look different at every age. Babies may enjoy hearing a caregiver’s voice and looking at colorful pictures. Toddlers may point, repeat words or ask to hear the same story again. Older children may answer questions, predict what happens next or help tell the story.

Building Connection Through Reading

When families use books during everyday routines, they create opportunities for conversation, connection and learning. Even a few minutes of reading together can help children build vocabulary, strengthen listening skills and develop a positive relationship with books.

By incorporating books into well-child care, Castle Valley Children’s Clinic and Reach Out and Read Colorado help families create meaningful moments that support healthy growth and development.

Simple Ways to Read Together at Home

• Let your child choose the book whenever possible.
• Point to pictures and name what you see.
• Ask simple questions about the characters or story.
• Allow young children to turn the pages.
• Use different voices and expressions to make the story engaging.
• Read favorite books repeatedly.
• Keep books where children can easily reach them.
• Make reading part of bedtime or another daily routine.

Thank You to Reach Out and Read Colorado

We are grateful to Reach Out and Read Colorado for its continued partnership and commitment to early childhood literacy. We also appreciate the families, healthcare providers, donors and community partners who help make this program possible.

Castle Valley Children’s Clinic remains committed to helping children grow into healthy, confident and enthusiastic readers—one visit and one book at a time.

Program impact figures were provided by Reach Out and Read Colorado for Castle Valley Children’s Clinic and Castle Valley Children’s Clinic: Carbondale.

Drowning Prevention: Simple Steps That Can Save a Child’s Life

Swimming, boating and spending time around the water can create some of the best summer memories for families. Unfortunately, drowning can happen quickly—sometimes in less than a minute—and it is frequently silent.

Unlike the dramatic scenes often shown in movies, a child who is drowning may not be able to yell, wave or splash for help. Close supervision and a few important safety precautions can help prevent a tragedy.

Always Stay Within Arm’s Reach

Young children should always have close, undistracted adult supervision when they are in or around water. For infants, toddlers and inexperienced swimmers, the supervising adult should remain within arm’s reach.

It is especially important to avoid the false sense of security that can happen when several adults are present. Each adult may assume someone else is watching the children. Instead, designate one responsible adult as the active “water watcher.”

The water watcher should avoid distractions such as:

• Cellphones
• Reading
• Long conversations
• Preparing food
• Alcohol
• Leaving the pool area, even briefly

Learn CPR Before an Emergency Happens

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly called CPR, can help keep oxygen moving through the body until emergency medical professionals arrive.

Parents, grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers should consider completing an infant and child CPR course. Knowing what to do during the first few minutes of an emergency could save a child’s life.

Keep emergency numbers readily available and always call 911 immediately when a drowning or near-drowning incident occurs.

Empty Small Water Containers After Use

Swimming pools are not the only places where children can drown. Even a small amount of water can be dangerous to an infant or toddler.

Empty and properly store water containers immediately after use, including:

• Buckets
• Kiddie pools
• Bathtubs
• Coolers
• Large pet water containers
• Decorative fountains
• Other containers that can collect standing water

Toilets can also present a risk to very young children. Keep bathroom doors closed and consider using toilet lid locks when appropriate.

Remove Toys From the Pool

Pool toys can attract children back toward the water after swimming time is over. Remove balls, floats, goggles and other toys from the pool and surrounding area when they are not being used.

Children should never be allowed to retrieve a toy from the water without an adult present.

Use Four-Sided Pool Fencing

Home swimming pools should be surrounded by a four-sided fence that completely separates the pool from the house and yard.

The fence should include a self-closing and self-latching gate. The latch should be positioned high enough that a young child cannot easily reach or open it.

Pool alarms, gate alarms and secure pool covers can provide additional protection, but they should never replace proper fencing and adult supervision.

Enroll Children in Swim Lessons

Age-appropriate swim lessons can help children become more comfortable and capable in the water. Lessons may teach floating, basic swimming skills and how to reach the side of a pool.

However, swim lessons do not make a child “drown-proof.” Children who know how to swim still require close adult supervision whenever they are near water.

You can view local Garfield County swimming holes that offer swim lessons below.

• Rifle Metro Pool: View Website
• Glenwood Rec & Community Center: View Website
• Carbondale Rec Center: View Website

Use Proper Life Jackets

Children should wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating or spending time around lakes, rivers, ponds and other open water.

Inflatable pool toys, water wings and swimming rings are not substitutes for approved life jackets. These products may deflate, slip off or give adults and children a false sense of security.

A properly fitted life jacket should be appropriate for the child’s weight and should not ride up over the child’s face when lifted at the shoulders.

If a Child Is Missing, Check the Water First

If a child cannot be found, immediately check all nearby sources of water before searching elsewhere. Every second matters during a drowning emergency.

Check:

• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs
• Ponds
• Creeks
• Bathtubs
• Kiddie pools
• Buckets and other water containers

Call 911 immediately if a child is found unresponsive or struggling in the water.

Remember That Hot Tubs Pose a Risk

Hot tubs can be dangerous to young children because of their depth, heat and powerful suction systems.

Keep hot tubs covered with a securely latched safety cover whenever they are not being used. Children should never be allowed to enter or play near a hot tub without close adult supervision.

Drowning Is Frequently Silent

A drowning child may not be able to shout for help. Their head may be low in the water, their mouth may be near the surface, or they may appear to be climbing an invisible ladder.

Other warning signs may include:

• Gasping or struggling to breathe
• Hair covering the eyes or face
• Eyes that appear glassy, closed or unfocused
• Trying to roll onto the back
• Making little or no forward progress while swimming
• Being unusually quiet or motionless in the water

Never assume that a quiet child in the water is safe. Check immediately whenever something does not look right.

Create Layers of Protection

No single water safety measure is enough on its own. The safest approach uses several layers of protection, including:

• Close and undistracted adult supervision
• Four-sided pool fencing
• Self-closing and self-latching gates
• Age-appropriate swim lessons
• Properly fitted life jackets
• Secure hot tub and pool covers
• CPR training for parents and caregivers
• Removing toys and emptying water containers after use

Enjoy the Water Safely

Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, but many drowning incidents are preventable. Staying alert, preparing for emergencies and creating multiple layers of protection can help keep children safe around pools, ponds, lakes, bathtubs and other sources of water.

If you have questions about your child’s health, development or safety, contact the team at Castle Valley Children’s Clinic. We are here to help families build healthy and safe lives from the start.

Top 10 Questions Parents Ask About Heat Illness

Hot weather can become dangerous quickly for children, especially infants, young children, athletes and kids spending long periods outside. Children may not recognize the early signs of overheating or remember to stop, drink water and cool down.

Here are answers to ten common questions parents ask about heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hydration and keeping children safe during hot weather.

1. What Is the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?

Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses too much water and salt, often after heavy sweating. A child may feel weak, dizzy, nauseated, thirsty or unusually tired.

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. It can affect the brain and other vital organs and may cause permanent injury or death without immediate treatment.

Heat Exhaustion	Possible Heat Stroke
Heavy sweating	Confusion or altered behavior
Cool, pale or clammy skin	Fainting or loss of consciousness
Headache or dizziness	Seizure
Weakness or fatigue	Very high body temperature
Nausea or vomiting	Hot skin that may be dry or sweaty
Muscle cramps	Loss of coordination or slurred speech

2. What Are the Early Warning Signs of Heat Illness?

Children do not always say that they feel overheated. Parents, coaches and caregivers should watch for changes in behavior and physical ability.

• Unusual tiredness or sleepiness
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Intense thirst
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heavy sweating
• Pale, cool or clammy skin
• Irritability
• Loss of coordination
• Urinating less often than normal

Stop the activity and begin cooling the child as soon as these symptoms appear.

3. What Should I Do If My Child Shows Signs of Heat Exhaustion?

1. Stop the activity immediately.
2. Move the child into air conditioning, shade or another cool place.
3. Remove unnecessary clothing and sports equipment.
4. Apply cool, wet cloths or use a cool shower or bath.
5. Offer frequent sips of cool water if the child is alert and able to drink safely.
6. Do not allow the child to return to activity that day unless a healthcare professional says it is safe.

Seek medical care if symptoms are severe, worsen or do not improve promptly after cooling and hydration.

4. Can a Child Still Have Heat Stroke If They Are Sweating?

Yes. Although hot, dry skin is often associated with heat stroke, a person experiencing heat stroke may still be sweating heavily.

Parents should not use sweating alone to decide whether a child is safe. Confusion, fainting, seizures, loss of coordination, altered behavior and a very high body temperature are more concerning signs.

5. How Much Water Should Children Drink in Hot Weather?

Children should drink water before, during and after outdoor activity. They should not wait until they feel thirsty because thirst may occur after dehydration has already started.

During vigorous sports or exercise, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following general guidance:

• Children ages 9 to 12: About 3 to 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes.
• Teenagers: About 34 to 50 ounces per hour during vigorous activity.

These are general estimates. A child's needs can vary based on age, size, activity level, temperature, humidity, clothing and medical conditions.

6. Are Sports Drinks Better Than Water?

For most routine outdoor play and activities lasting less than an hour, water is usually the best choice.

An electrolyte drink may be helpful during prolonged, vigorous exercise lasting longer than an hour or when a child has been sweating heavily. Sugary drinks and energy drinks should not replace water.

Children with vomiting, diarrhea, chronic medical conditions or signs of significant dehydration may need individual guidance from a healthcare professional.

7. When Is It Too Hot for Children to Play Outside?

There is no single temperature that is safe for every child. Parents should consider the heat index, humidity, direct sunlight, activity intensity, access to shade and water, clothing and the child's health.

A heat index of 90°F or higher can increase the risk of heat illness, particularly for babies, young children and active children. Risk becomes even greater during strenuous exercise and when the heat index approaches or exceeds 105°F.

On very hot days:

• Schedule outdoor activities during the morning or evening.
• Shorten practices and play sessions.
• Provide frequent water and shade breaks.
• Reduce the intensity of activity.
• Cancel or move activities indoors when conditions become dangerous.

8. Which Children Are at Greater Risk?

Any child can develop heat illness, but some children need additional precautions.

• Infants and very young children
• Children who are not accustomed to hot weather
• Children participating in intense sports or wearing heavy equipment
• Children who are overweight or have obesity
• Children with heart, lung, kidney or other chronic health conditions
• Children who have recently been sick with fever, vomiting or diarrhea
• Children taking medications that may affect hydration, sweating or temperature regulation
• Children without reliable access to air conditioning or cool spaces

Ask your child's healthcare provider whether a medical condition or medication requires special heat precautions.

9. Can a Parked Car Become Dangerous Even With the Windows Open?

Yes. A parked vehicle can become dangerously hot in a short period of time, even when the outside temperature does not feel extreme and even when the windows are cracked.

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle for any length of time.

Helpful habits include:

• Check the entire vehicle before locking it.
• Place a necessary item, such as your phone, purse or work bag, near the child's car seat.
• Ask your childcare provider to call if your child does not arrive as expected.
• Keep parked vehicles locked so children cannot climb inside.

10. When Should I Call My Child's Healthcare Provider?

Contact your child's healthcare provider if your child develops concerning symptoms after heat exposure, especially when symptoms do not improve promptly after moving to a cool place, resting and drinking fluids.

Call for medical guidance if your child:

• Continues vomiting
• Cannot keep fluids down
• Has persistent dizziness or headache
• Is unusually sleepy or difficult to engage
• Has not urinated for many hours
• Has symptoms that return after initial improvement
• Has an underlying medical condition that increases heat risk
• Is not acting like themselves

Sources and Additional Reading

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Heat-Related Illnesses
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Keeping Active Kids Safe in Hot Weather
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Extreme Heat Safety for Children
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Healthy Hydration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heat-Related Illnesses
• National Weather Service: Heat Safety for Kids and Teens

This information is intended for general education and should not replace medical advice from your child's healthcare provider. In an emergency, call 911.

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.