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As we enter into a new decade at the end of this week, we are reminded of how grateful we are to care for your children and watch them grow into adults. We thank you for making us your pediatrician of choice and look forward to continuing to serve you. We wish you and your families a very happy, healthy and exciting new year.
In this month's newsletter, we provide our holiday office hours for Christmas and New Years. We are thrilled to announce The Pediatric Center doctors are once again recognized as "NJ's Favorite Kids' Docs" by NJ Family patients. Thank you for voting for us! We also share information on the proper age for your child to sit in the front passenger seat and a guide for all ages. In addition, we recognize Safe Toys and Gifts Month by providing information on how to screen toys. Finally, we remind you 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, without having to use a separate facility or doctor that doesn't know you. All you have to do is call.
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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| Our Docs Are NJ Favorites |
Every year, NJ Family asks parents which doctors go above and beyond for their kids.
New Jersey's Favorite Kids' Docs was started 11 years ago with the hope that parents would serve as braintrust with suggestions for where to go for the best medical care. The parent testimonials show just how deeply the doctors chosen have impacted the families they've cared for.
The only way to make the list is by nomination. That's what makes this list so unique.
The result is a list of 954 extraordinary pediatric healthcare professionals in New Jersey-picked by patients.
We are thrilled to once again, recognize The Pediatric Center practitioners as "NJ's Favorite Kids' Docs."
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| When Can A Child Sit Up Front? |
According to an article in Medical News Today states, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that all
children under the age of 13 sit in the rear seats of vehicles.
Prior to the age of 13, children should sit in a car seat based on their age, weight and height.
The protective airbags and seat belts cars are equip with were designed to protect adults in the event of a crash. They may not have the same protective capacity with children if they sit in the front seat.
Why should children under the age of 13 avoid sitting in the front passenger seat?
- Airbag deployment - an airbag can cause serious injury, especially with the speed of deployment. Even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest adults sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel.
- Height - children tend to be shorter than adults and can experience severe head injuries in the front seat, especially when an airbag deploys.
- Some car manufacturers now use occupant-sensing devices that suppress airbags for infants and children.
Children over the age of 13 who no longer fit in a booster seat can sit in the front passenger seat of a car. It's important to minimize the risk of injury by moving the passenger seat as far back as possible.
There are age-specific safety rules that all parents should know when driving their children in cars.
Read those rules.
Source: MedicalNewsToday.com
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| Safe Toys and Gifts Month |
December is recognized as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month by P
revent Blindness America. It important when buying and giving gifts to consider the age, ability and level of the child you are buying the gift for, especially for children under 3 years of age.
The American Public Health Association offers a few reminders when buying and giving gifts for children of all ages:
- Inspect all toys before purchasing. Avoid those that shoot or include parts that fly off. The toy should have no sharp edges or points and should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed, or being pulled apart easily.
- For special needs children, try to choose toys that may appeal to different senses such as sound, movement, and texture; consider interactive toys to allow the child to play with others.
- Be diligent about inspecting toys your child has received. Check them for age, skill level, and developmental appropriateness.
- Look for labels that assure you the toys have passed a safety inspection - "ATSM" means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
- Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (give a helmet with the skateboard).
- Keep kids safe from lead in toys. Toys are more likely to contain lead in the paint. Have your child wash their hands frequently and call your doctor if you suspect your child has been exposed to lead.
- Do NOT give toys with small parts to young children as they tend to put things in their mouth - especially those that include magnets and "button" batteries that can cause serious injury or death if ingested). If the piece can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not appropriate for kids under age three.
- Do NOT give toys with ropes and cords or heating elements.
- Do NOT give crayons and markers unless they are labeled "nontoxic".
If you have any questions, please reach out to our office to speak with one of our providers.
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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? |
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, 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. 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 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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