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Happy official summer - and a very happy belated Father's Day! The season seems to be in full swing as we start to venture out and enjoy warm weather activities.
In this month's newsletter, we provide an update on our practice and announce our full-day scheduling. We discuss herd immunity and what it actually means - and how it connects to COVID-19.
In addition, we share a recent article from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on things to consider as you start to venture out with the looser restrictions.
We also highlight in-season fruits and veggies in June/July and the natural, nutritional benefits. Finally, we share information on our new virtual prenatal class and new mom support group.
The Pediatric Center is here for all of your urgent medical needs, even when the office is closed. There is always someone on call from our practice. All you have to do is call: 908-508-0400.
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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Y
ou have probably heard the term "Herd Immunity" come up recently, especially in the midst of COVID-19.
When most of a population is immune to an infectious disease, this provides indirect protection-or herd immunity (also called herd protection) to those who are not immune to the disease.
Therefore, the spread of infectious diseases is kept under control. Getting vaccinated can not only help you and your children, but can also protect others.
Typically, 70% to 90% of a population needs immunity to achieve herd immunity.
Getting childhood vaccines means your child can develop immunity (protection) against serious diseases before they come into contact with them.
How does herd immunity work?
Germs (bacteria and viruses) can travel quickly through a community and make a lot of people sick. If enough people get sick, it can lead to an outbreak. When enough people are vaccinated against a certain disease, the germs can't travel as easily from person to person - and the entire community is less likely to get the disease.
That means even people who are unable to get vaccinated will have some protection from getting sick. Further, if a person does get sick, there's less chance of an outbreak because it's harder for the disease to spread. Eventually, the disease becomes rare - and sometimes, it's wiped out altogether.
"Herd immunity" protects everyone. But it's especially important since some people can't get vaccinated for certain diseases - including those with serious allergies and those with weakened or failing immune systems (like people who have cancer, HIV/AIDS, type 1 diabetes, or other health conditions.) Herd immunity also protects infants who have immature immune systems and are too young to be vaccinated. Community immunity is also important for the very small group of people who don't have a strong immune response from vaccines.
Typically, vaccinations are administered early because young children, especially
infants, are at increased risk for infectious diseases since their immune systems have not yet built up the necessary defenses to fight serious infections and diseases. As a result, diseases like whooping cough or pneumococcal disease can be very serious - and even deadly - for infants and young children.
In the case of COVID-19, one of two things need to happen to slow the spread of the virus:
A large proportion of the population either gets infected or gets a protective vaccine. As per John Hopkins, "Based on early estimates of this virus's infectiousness, we will likely need at least 70% of the population to be immune to have herd protection."
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Now that several restrictions have been lifted for COVID-19, many people have been venturing out of their homes and back into social situations, including restaurants, stores and gatherings.
It can be very confusing about what you should and should not be doing and what is considered OK and not OK. Ultimately, different factors and situations vary from person to person - and much of it is a personal choice - within the restrictions laid out by the Governor of NJ.
The Center for Disease Control recently released an article highlighting things to consider when deciding to go out.
In general,
the more closely you interact with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread:
- How many people will you interact with?
- Interacting with more people raises your risk.
- Being in a group with people who aren't social distancing or wearing cloth face coverings increases your risk.
- Engaging with new people (e.g., those who don't live with you) also raises your risk.
- Some people have the virus and don't have any symptoms, and it is not yet known how often people without symptoms can transmit the virus to others.
- Can you keep 6 feet of space between you and others? Will you be outdoors or indoors?
- The closer you are to other people who may be infected, the greater your risk of getting sick.
- Keeping distance from other people is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.
- Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces where it might be harder to keep people apart and there's less ventilation.
- What's the length of time that you will be interacting with people?
- Spending more time with people who may be infected increases your risk of becoming infected.
- Spending more time with people increases their risk of becoming infected if there is any chance that you may already be infected.
For other factors to consider, and frequently asked questions, visit the CDC website.
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| Fruits and Veggies Get Noticed! |
It's National Fruit and Veggie Month! What a great way to celebrate it by taking advantage of the latest crops of the summer!
The summer is such a fantastic time to eat healthy. Nature provides us with a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables to provide optimal nutrition, including key vitamins and minerals.
During the cooler months, it's harder to get high doses of vitamins and minerals naturally. Sometimes it requires supplements to help avoid nutrient deficiencies. When the warmer months bring loads of varieties, we can literally eat our way to good health.
Following is a list of 10 crops in season in both June and July - and some of the health benefits associated with each variety:
June & July crops to devour:
- Asparagus - great source of vitamin A & C and high in folate
- Avocados - all around amazing food! They can lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. They also contain more potassium then a banana and are loaded with fiber.
- Blueberries - great source of dietary fiber and a high source of vitamin C
- Broccoli - High in vitamin C and folate and a great source of dietary fiber and potassium
- Cherries - high in vitamin C, good source of potassium, copper and manganese
- Lettuce - lettuce varieties offer slightly different nutritional value, however most are a good source of vitamin A and folate - especially the green leafy lettuces
- Peas - peas tend to get sweeter in the summer. They are an excellent source of Vitamin C and protein (9 grams per cup!) and a good source of vitamin A, iron, thiamin and dietary fiber.
- Raspberries - high in dietary fiber and vitamin C and a great sweet treat!
- Spinach - spinach is considered a "super-food" as an incredible source of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, folate and magnesium
- Strawberries - strawberries are a popular summer treat - also high in vitamin C and folate
Source: Fruitsandveggies.org; foodhero.org
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| NEW Virtual Mom Support Group |
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If you have recently had a new baby, we realize your experience is not typical of most new moms. In our new environment, it is a challenge to meet and talk with other new moms or have an outlet for questions and concerns.
The Pediatric Center is now offering a weekly
Virtual New Mom Support Group every
Friday at 10 am. The classes will be facilitated by our own
Dr. Mckegney via Zoom.
Simply register here. Please encourage other new moms to join you. The support group is open and free to the public.
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| NEW Virtual Prenatal Class |
| On-Site Lactation Support Center |
T
he Pediatric Center's Lactation Support Center and lactation suite are available to you to support breastfeeding your child.
We offer complimentary lactation consultations and are now offering virtual visits.
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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| Find More Topics On Our Blog |
The Pediatric Center's blog is an invaluable resource for pediatric and parenting topics. The blog is right on
our website
. It includes topics such as "12 Super Foods for Lactation Aid", "Best Winter Skincare Tips" and so much more.
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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? |
The Pediatric Center works with a wi
de network of doctors we can refer to a pediatric specialist if you need one.
As part of our practice, 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 |
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,
Office: 908-508-0400
Billing Department: 786-249-1234
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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 offer all students going to college the Meningococcal B vaccine. This vaccine is covered by insurance. It is recommended it be administered to all students starting college as part of their pre-college physical. Please also discuss the new Gardasil vaccine with your practitioner.
View all the details
here
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Your feedback is very important to us! We would love to hear about your positive experience with our doctors and nurse practitioners. You can write and post a review right on our website or on our Facebook page. Thank you for your kind words!
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Free Virtual Prenatal Class
Join our free, virtual prenatal class on the 3rd Thursday of every month with our own
Dr. McKegney!
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For Parents
Resources for breastfeeding, immunization schedules, what to do if your child is sick, online references & much more!
Click here.
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New Mom Support Group
Are you a new mom and want to connect with other moms while learning about your newborn? Join our weekly support group.
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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 button 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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