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We hope your new year is off to a great start!
This month's newsletter includes an article on Nursemaid Elbow and what you need to do if it happens to your child. We also discuss vegetarian diets and the best food options. In addition, with January as National Baby Safety Month, we include important safety tips for bath time with your child.
Our goal is to further develop our relationship with our patients and create an open forum. We welcome your comments and ideas. If you would like to see something included in this newsletter, please email us at
[email protected]
with ideas only, please no medical requests.
As always, we welcome you to share your experience with our practitioners with an online review.
Sincerely,
The Pediatric Center Staff
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Nursemaid Elbow - A Common Condition
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Nursemaid's elbow, a common elbow injury in t
oddlers and preschoolers ages 1-4,
happens  when a ligament slips out of place and gets caught between two bones of the elbow joint. A child with nursemaid's elbow has some arm pain when the injury happens, but it doesn't cause long-term damage.
This condition can get unstuck by itself, however in most cases, a health care professional gets the ligament back in place by doing a quick, gentle move of the arm.
Causes
Ligaments (the elastic-like bands that hold bones together) in young children are a bit loose. So it can be easy for a ligament in the elbow to slip into the joint and get stuck.
Nursemaid's elbow can happen with just a small amount of force in any of the following scenarios:
- Pulling a child up by the hands. Always avoid picking up a toddler or infant by the hands or wrists - rather lift from under the armpits.
- Swinging a toddler by their hands or wrists which can put stress on the elbow joint.
- Jerking an arm when pulling a toddler along or quickly grabbing his or her hand.
- Breaking a fall by reaching an arm out for protection.
- Rolling over in an awkward way in a crib, bed, or on the floor.
As kids get older, the ligaments tighten and most will not get nursemaid's elbow after they turn 5 years old, though it can happen up to age 6 or 7.
Signs and Symptoms
A child with nursemaid's elbow will not want to use the injured arm because moving it is painful. He or she will keep the arm in a straight position or with a slight bend in the elbow.
The injury won't be obvious because nursemaid's elbow doesn't cause deformity or swelling.
An arm or elbow injury that causes severe pain might be a sign of an elbow fracture (broken bone) or a bad bruise.
It can be hard for a parent to tell whether an injury is nursemaid's elbow or a fracture, so it's important to call your doctor if your child has injured an elbow.
Treatment
Your health care professional at your doctor's office or emergency room will examine the child's arm and ask questions about how the injury happened. Usually, no special tests are needed to diagnose nursemaid's elbow.
X-rays
are done only if a fracture is suspected.
If there's no swelling or signs of another injury, the doctor will do a gentle maneuver called a
reduction
. This procedure takes only a few seconds. The child will sit on a parent's lap while the doctor gently takes the arm from a straight position and bends it upwards or straightens the arm while turning the palm to the floor.
Kids might have a brief moment of pain during the reduction, but quickly feel much better. Most have full use of the arm within 5 to 10 minutes. Some cases may require more than one reduction to successfully fix the injury.
Occasionally, a child may not want to use the arm after a reduction, fearing it will be painful. If there is some discomfort, the doctor may put the arm in a sling and say it's OK to give
acetaminophen
or
ibuprofen
for pain relief. In some cases, the doctor may place a splint (a partial cast) to protect the arm until a specialist can check it after a few days of rest.
Prevention
It's important to know that kids who get nursemaid's elbow might get it again. So be mindful of the risks and avoid pulling, tugging, or swinging your child by the arms or hands, and be sure to tell all caregivers to do the same.
Still, some kids are just more prone to getting nursemaid's elbow than others and might get it again even when parents try hard to prevent it.
Source: Kidshealth.org
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| Are All Vegetarian Diets Healthy? |
By Dr. Emily Shih
Eating a vegetarian diet does not necessarily mean you are eating healthier.
A vegetarian diet can include empty carbohydrates and processed foods and miss essential vitamins and nutrients that comprise a healthy, vegetarian diet.
If you decide to live a vegetarian lifestyle, it important to ensure you incorporate adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals from other sources that you missing by avoiding meat.
Following are a list of essentials vitamins and minerals that can be found in vegetarian options:
Protein is a building block to maintain and repair cells. Sources of protein include beans, lentils, nuts, eggs, low fat dairy, cheese, quinoa, nut butters, soy, and seeds.
Iron is vital because it is necessary for red blood cells. Iron may be found in fortified cereals and breads. Quinoa, beans, and dark green vegetables are good sources of iron.
Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Vitamin C can be found in strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cabbage, and broccoli.
Zinc helps heal wounds. Fortified cereals, baked beans, and yogurt are good sources of zinc.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in seafood, flax seed, tofu, eggs, and yogurt.
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes fatigue, constipation, and weakness. Vitamin B12 can be found in fish and fortified cereals. It is recommended to take a vitamin B12 supplement because it is difficult to take adequate levels through diet alone.
It is best to absorb these necessary vitamins and minerals through food. However, if someone is unable to incorporate them through their diet, vitamin supplements can be an alternative.
Applying this information can help you eat a healthier and well-balanced vegetarian diet.
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January is National Bath Time Safety Month.
We found some great tips and reminders from BabyCenter.com on bath safety for your baby:
- Supervision: It's important to never leave your baby or toddler unsupervised, even for a second. Children can drown in less than an inch of water. So, before you start, gather all the supplies you'll need: soap, towel, clean diaper, clean clothes, etc. Always keep at least one hand on your baby while they are in the water. If the doorbell or phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop up your baby in a towel and take him with you.
- Temperature: Make sure the bathroom is comfortably warm (around 75 degrees F or 25 degrees C) - little ones can get chilled quickly.
- Stop the water: Before you put your baby in the tub - stop the running water. The water temperature could change or the water could get too deep. Also, the sound of rushing water can be too intense for some babies.
- Slip proof: Bathtubs are incredibly slippery, so outfit yours with a rubber bath mat for more secure seating. A cushioned spout cover or strategically wrapped hand towel can protect against painful bumps. Also, be sure that any sliding glass shower doors are made from safety glass.
- Bathwater Temperature: The bathwater should be comfortably warm. Test it with your wrist or the inside of your elbow to make sure it's not too hot. Babies and toddlers generally prefer a much cooler tub than you probably do.
- Water: Fill the tub with only 2 to 4 inches of water for babies and no more than waist-high (when sitting) for toddlers and older children.
- No standing: Teach your child not to stand in the tub. It is way too risky for slipping.
- Soaps: Plain water is fine to wash your baby - as long as you clean the diaper zone and skin folds well. Soaps and shampoos can dry out baby-soft skin and may cause rashes. If you use soap, choose a mild one designed for babies or toddlers and use it sparingly. To avoid having your child sit too long in soapy water, play at the beginning of the bath and save the soap and shampoo for the end.
- Bubble baths: Try to avoid bubble baths, which can irritate the urethra and increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Water heater: Set your water heater to 120 degrees F (50 degrees C). It only takes two seconds for a child to receive third-degree burns from water that is 150 degrees (65 degrees C) and five seconds if it is 140 degrees (60 degrees C), the temperatures at which hot water heaters often leave the factory. Don't allow your child to touch the faucet handles. Even if your baby is too small to move them now, she'll be strong enough to do so eventually - and that could lead to serious injury. (You might try putting your baby in the tub with her back to the faucets.)
- Appliances: Keep electric appliances (like hair dryers and curling irons) away from the tub.
Practicing all of these safety tips will ensure bath time is a fun and enjoyable experience.
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Our new website includes the ability to schedule on-line appointments, access our patient portal, dosage information, lactation topics, vaccines required, patient forms, a blog with the latest topics, contact information, doctor bios and so much more.
We invite you to take a look and browse through the different topics. We always welcome patient feedback.
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| On-Site Lactation Support Center |
The Pediatric Center's on-site Lactation Support Center led by our own Director of Lactation Support, Clare Cardo McKegney, DNP, APN, CPNP, is here to support you in breastfeeding your child. Dr. McKegney is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner and certified breastfeeding counselor with over 18 years of advanced practice in pediatrics.
Our modern and private on-site lactation suite provides a warm and relaxed environment for the mother and infant to enjoy a positive breastfeeding experience.
To schedule your lactation consultation, attend our free prenatal class or make an appointment please call us at 908-508-0400.
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The Pediatric Center's patient portal provides personal access
to your family's
medical records.
You can access information such as immunization records, visit summaries, request appointments, view dates for upcoming appointments and pay your bill.
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| Do You Need A Pediatric Specialist? |
If you are in search of a pediatric specialist, please know we are here to guide you.
We have a wide network of doctors we can refer to ensure you are in good hands.
We specialize in developmental & behavioral health and focus on positive parenting practices. We can offer guidance on depression, eating disorders, developmental concerns and many other issues.
You are not alone.
Please call to make an appointment to meet with one of our physicians:
908-508-0400.
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| The Pediatric Center Online Bill Pay |
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Online Bill Payment
The Pediatric Center offers the ease and convenience of online bill
 payment.
Payments Over The Phone
If you prefer, you can still make a payment over the phone by calling The Pediatric Center's billing department, HealthCare Billing, Inc:
Toll Free: 877-852-9092 or
Local: 908-237-9092
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| Did you know our website includes a Vaccine Education Center where you can find the immunization schedule for your child? Reminder - we are offering the new meningitis vaccine Trumenba in our office. Insurance companies have started to cover this vaccine. It is recommended it be administered to all students starting college as part of their pre-college physical. View all the details here. |
Your feedback is very important to us! We would love to hear about your positive experience with our doctors and nurse practitioners.
Did you know you can write and post a review right on our website? Click here.
You can use this page to provide feedback, kudos, or just share thoughts.
Thank you for your kind words!
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Free Prenatal Class
We offer a free prenatal class on the 3rd Thursday of every month with our own
Dr. McKegney!
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It's A Partnership
Resources for breastfeeding, immunization schedules, what to do if your child is sick, online references & much more!
Click here.
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Read Our Blog!
Check out our blog to read about news and current events. Topics are relevant to our practice and patients.
Click here.
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Keep up to date with pertinent news information and important announcements  on Facebook including time sensitive topics and office closings, etc.
Simply like us by clicking on the icon to the right!
Announcements will also be posted on the home page of our website under "What's New".
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The Pediatric Center
556 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974
908-508-0400
www.PedCenter.com
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