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We hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful Spring weather!
In this month's newsletter, we highlight the recognition of The Pediatric Center as a "Top Doc" once again this year. We also present an article, authored by Dr. Visci, on newborn concerns. We discuss the importance of the Well Visit and all of the topics that are covered. In addition, we recognize National Humor Month, with an article on the amazing benefits of laughter! Finally, we wish all of the moms a heartfelt happy Mother's Day.
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
pedcenter.com@gmail.com
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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We are happy to report that The Pediatric Center has once again been recognized as a
"Top Doctor" from NJTopDocs.
Drs. Moskowitz, Shih, Chin and Visci have received this acknowledgement. As always, we are grateful to all of our patients for entrusting us with their healthcare.
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| Common Concerns About Newborns |
If you are new parents this can seem like an overwhelming time as there are so many new things to learn. Experienced parents will be more comfortable however every baby is unique and what works well for one child may not hold true for the next! This article will focus on the most common concerns about newborns.
First, let us start with the five senses:
Sight: A baby can see from birth but they are relatively nearsighted (best acuity is at about 12 inches) and that will gradually improve, by 3 months they can follow a moving object (hint, don't hang a mobile before then!) and by 6 months they can see 20/20.
Sound: Babies can hear from the time they are born but do show an early preference to the female voice.
Taste: Newborns are nourished through the placenta while in utero. Their first experience of taste happens with the initial breast or formula feed, when solids are introduced at age 4 to 6 months. It is very important to emphasize adding a large variety of vegetables early on. The sweet taste buds have been getting a workout but the salty, sour and yes, bitter ones need to be stimulated too!
Smell: The sense of smell is developed in utero at about 6 months gestation.
Touch:The sense of touch is well developed at birth, most newborns prefer to be tightly swaddled, if they are crying or distressed, studies have shown that gentle massage and stroking will lower their heart and respiratory rates.
Now lets talk about some specific common concerns about newborns:
Skin Care: A babies skin is delicate and in the beginning just needs gentle wiping with a soft, wet towel primarily in the diaper area, this can be switched to wipes after the first 2 weeks. A barrier cream like zinc oxide will protect the skin from the irritation of urine and stool and can be applied with each diaper change. Newborns can be bathed once the umbilical stump has fallen off and healed well but this is not necessary on a daily basis. Babies lose moisture from their skin 6 times faster than adults do. Daily application (several times a day) of moisturizer will keep their skin soft and supple. If your baby develops patches of flaky, red skin this could be infantile eczema, a condition that should be discussed with your practitioner.
Baby skin care during the colder months requires a little extra attention as well.
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| Importance of the Well Visit |
One of the key responsibilities of parents is to make sure their child remains healthy during  their formative years.
Besides providing routine health care, well child visits are important because they are effective in helping to prevent and detect illnesses and problems before symptoms occur.
Regular pediatric well child visits are intended specifically for children from birth through their teen years. This is a period of rapid growth and change and is the best time to address conditions that can affect their long term overall health and development.
Pediatrician and family interaction
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an ongoing relationship between a family and their pediatrician is a key requirement of quality health care for children.
This relationship helps to build a level of trust that is important to achieving effective communication during the well child visit. Additionally, the AAP believes that simply taking a child to the doctor when he or she is not feeling well is not sufficient in helping to ensure continued healthy development. Well child visits permit parents to prepare topics for discussion in concert with their child's examination.
An important time for you and your child
Well child visits focus on helping to maintain your child's health by monitoring a number of important areas to help assure their health and to identify conditions which may not openly manifest themselves. Important aspects of these visits include:
- An evaluation of your child's growth and development
- A discussion of safety, nutrition, fitness, behavior, school, peer interaction, day to day family life, etc.
- Addressing attention or learning challenges
- A complete physical examination
- Recording your child's height, weight, and other important information
- Assessing body mass index for identifying and preventing obesity
- Developmental screenings, if appropriate
- Diseases currently going around that may affect your child
- Age-appropriate screening tests (including hearing, vision, hemoglobin, etc.)
- Age appropriate immunizations
- An opportunity to ask questions
Well-visit examination schedule
The frequency of well child visits is generally determined by your health care provider and can vary for your family. For easy reference,
click here for The Pediatric Center's well-visit schedule.
Call us at (908) 508-0400 for an appointment or to ask any questions you may have!
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| Laugh! For the health of it. |
Laughing could change everything. Did you know the health benefits of laughter are endless? It can actually have the power to heal, both physically and mentally. It can truly be the best medicine.
In recognition of National Humor Month, we highlight several of the incredible effects laughter can have on both children and adults - and not just the obvious!
Better brain function - the intensity of using the respiratory system rapidly and strenuously for a short time increases blood flow and heart rate - which increases blood flow to the brain, allowing for better brain function. This can also lead to improved creativity and mental alertness!
Pain relief & happiness - the endorphins from laughing can ease pain while also causing a distraction to handle pain better. Those same endorphins make you feel happy, reducing the cortisol (the stress hormone) and therefore reducing negative feelings.
Ease depression
& stress - laughing involves our muscular, respiratory, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems. It can be a stress release by helping the body relax physically and mentally, and helping cope with depression. Try it before bed to release anxiety and stimulate deep sleep.
Gut & body function - the increased blood flow throughout the body from laughter helps to massage the stomach and surrounding organs - helping to improve their overall function.
Tones - Ever have an awesome laugh session and your abs were sore the next day? Laughter tones the stomach muscle by expanding and contracting. Oh, and it burns calories!
Natural immunity booster - white blood cells are increased when you laugh, which helps increase immunity and combat negative cells in your body.
Increases energy
- a good laugh can fill the body with oxygen and create a new found sense of energy.
Incorporating humor and laughter into your every day can benefit both children and adults immensely. It will also help create a lightness and energy when together.
Source: ParentingHealthyBabies.com
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On behalf of the doctors and staff at T
he Pediatric Center, we wish all of the mother's in our practice a very happy and joyful Mother's Day.
Motherhood is one of the most precious gifts. We hope you enjoy the day with loved ones and family and take in every moment.
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| On-Site Lactation Support Center |
T
he 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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| 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? |
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 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.
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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