February, 2019
News From Cornerstone Pediatrics
Reach Out and Read!

We rolled out Reach Out and Read last month. Above is a shot of our "stash" of books. We give out books at each check-up from 6 months to 5 years, helping your child build literacy skills, promote parent-child bonding, and build motor skills.
Has Your Teen Received HPV?

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine is indicated for all children and teens ages 11 and older. It is safe and effective, preventing cervical cancer in women and penile cancers in men. The peak age of exposure to HPV is in the teenage years and 20s, so protection is critical at these times. And the vaccine works!
Since the introduction of the HPV 4-valent and HPV 9-valent vaccines (4-types and 9-types of HPV respectively), there has been a significant decrease in the various covered strains infection rates. Also, prevalence of these same types of HPV have also decreased in women who were not vaccinated. More specifically, the HPV-4 vaccine showed a decrease of 80 percent in various strains for the vaccinated, and prevalence of these same types of HPV also decreased by 40 percent in women who were not vaccinated—implying a herd immunity.
In other words, as others are becoming vaccinated, the amount of circulating disease decreases, allowing non-vaccinated people to have a lower chance of being exposed to the disease.
Make sure your child is protected today!
New Service Offered!
Nexplanon is a contraceptive implant that provides safe, effective birth control for women for 3 years. And best of all, the woman doesn't need to remember to take a pill every day!
Dr. Stephens now offers Nexplanon insertion and removal/replacement for his patients. If you think your teen would benefit from Nexplanon, give the office a call.
The Patient Experience:
It's The Little Things

February kicks off our year of focusing on The Patient Experience at Cornerstone Pediatrics. Our goal: to make your interactions with us positive and meaningful. For February, we are focusing on "The Little Things". What are the "Little Things"? They are the details that we often overlook because we are so busy but that you notice. A quick story:
Ever take a test and the first instruction is "Read all the questions first"? If you don't, you may miss the last question, which says "Only answer the even numbered questions." So it is with the "Little Things." For instance, for us: Is the waiting room tidy? Is the temperature comfortable? Are we welcoming? There are SOOO many "Little Things." We are going to be holding a staff retreat this month to identify the "Little Things" at Cornerstone Pediatrics and how we can make them better.

What is RSV?

This is "RSV Season" and a lot of parents are anxious about it. What do you need to know?
Almost all children get RSV at least once before they are 2 years old. For most healthy children, RSV is like a cold. But, some children get very sick with RSV. 
Typically, RSV causes a  cold , which may be followed by  bronchiolitis  or pneumonia. Symptoms generally last an average of 7-10 days. 
​ Cold Symptoms:
​Symptoms may include:
  • Fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher)
  • Cough (dry or wet sounding)
  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Fussiness
  • Poor feeding

Bronchiolitis
Symptoms may include cold symptoms, plus:
  • Fast breathing
  • Flaring of the nostrils
  • Head bobbing with breathing
  • Rhythmic grunting during breathing
  • Belly breathing, tugging between their ribs, and/or tugging at the lower neck
  • Wheezing

If you feel your baby is having any of these bronchiolitis symptoms, get in touch with us.
The good news is that almost all babies do just fine and get better with no problems, but we can help get you through it.
Cornerstone Pediatrics, P.A.
830-379-6300
info@cstonepeds.com
www.cstonepeds.com
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