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Important Note
The Pediatric Center is OPEN and will remain open for the duration. It is our priority to offer outstanding health care and to continue to
take care of our patients.
Our first week of virtual appointments has been a tremendous success. It has been so wonderful to see our patients face-to-face. Please read on for details on our current procedures and protocols.
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We recognize this has become a very new world we all live in. We are dedicating this month's newsletter to provide you up-to-date information about our practice procedures, information on COVID-19 and some things you can do at home to keep moving and healthy. Our hearts are with you and your families during this trying time. We will continue to service the community, as we always have in the past.
In this month's newsletter, we discuss The Pediatric Center's role during COVID-19 and important, updated appointment procedures. We also include an article on how to talk to your kids about COVID-19. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, we bring you an article on immune boosting foods. Finally, we offer tips on home schooling.
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. There is no need to visit a separate urgent care facility or doctor that doesn't know your child's health history. 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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Dear Patients
The Pediatric Center has always been, and will continue to be,
your dedicated health care provider for all of your health concerns and needs-from well visits to acute issues.
We will continue to remain open, providing the same health care we have always provided, just in an adapted environment. That is the only thing that has changed.
We recognize how unpredictable and scary this time is for
everyone. We are taking extra precautions for the safety of you
and our staff. Please read the article below,
"How To Speak To Your Child About
COVID-19", including additional references on the topic.
We have been very proactive in this new world we live in and
taken an aggressive response to reorganize our practice. We are ahead of this pandemic. Your experience will now include:
- Thorough screenings- triaging and clearing everyone based on CDC criteria
- No patients in the waiting rooms
- Designated well visit hours & appointments
- Virtual appointments - REAL visits with one of our providers
- One adult per patient for ALL visits
You can schedule your routine well exam knowing there is minimal exposure and wait times. Our office has instituted social distancing. Your experience will be a more controlled environment as compared to an ER or Urgent Care facility.
As always, we are here to take care of our patients. To continue to be updated with the latest information, visit the COVID-19 news page
on our website frequently.
If you need us, simply call:
908-508-0400
Dr. Steven Moskowitz & The Pediatric Center Team
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| New Appointment Procedures |
| How To Talk To Your Kids About COVID-19 |
With extensive news coverage about the potentially deadly nature of the coronavirus, children/teens may develop fears and anxiety about the risk to their own health and safety.
Experts say it's important for parents to listen to their children's fears and not dismiss them. H
owever, before talking to your kids about what they may be seeing on the news or hearing from their peers, parents should make sure they have an understanding of the virus first.
Kids react in many different ways to scary situations. Some may outwardly seek your advice while o
thers may internalize and not express their concerns.
Parents should make themselves available to help them work through any fears. The first step is to educate yourself about the facts so you can better answer the questions. It is OK to not share all of the details with your children, like death rates and local cases. It may be too overwhelming, but it is important for them to understand the severity of the situation, depending on the age of the child.
Here is what we currently know about COVID-19 (Novel Coronovirus)...
First and foremost, it is best to get your information directly from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
and official and validated forms of communication, including the
New Jersey Department of Health
.
It's important to avoid getting information from rumors or other sites on social media.
Facts from the CDC that you can share with your child:
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
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Covid-19 has effected nearly all countries in the world.
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The virus does not target people from specific population,
ethnicity
or racial backgrounds.
- COVID-19 may not show symptoms for up to 14 days.
- It is advised for people to not travel, especially internationally, to avoid "hot spots" with the current spread of COVID-19.
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Symptoms of COVID-19 include m
ild to severe
respiratory illness with
fever, cough, shortness of breath.
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The majority of people who contract COVID-19 will not require hospitalization and may be mild enough that one can recover at home
.
What you can do to protect yourself and your families
There are simple everyday preventive actions to share with your family to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 including:
- Stay home as much as possible and avoid groups of people.
- Keep within 6 feet of others, without close personal contact.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should
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Self-quarantine by staying home for at least 14 days from onset of symptoms.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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Avoid other family members.
Most importantly, it is best to continue as normal a routine as possible, including at home schooling, regular exercise, healthy eating and family bonding activities.
Please continue to follow the expert's advice and do your part in support of our community. We will continually update our COVID-19 page
on our website with the latest information.
Source: NYTime.com; Dr. Kathleen Chin
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Recognizing March as National Nutrition Month is a great opportunity to discuss healthy things you can add to your diet to keep your mind and body healthly.
Our guts are comprised of trillions of bacteria. Within that massive mix are good bacteria and bad bacteria. The good bacteria keep the bad bacteria from taking over and help keep our bodies healthy and functioning. When the bad bacteria become larger in quantity, it makes us more susceptible to illness, disease and colds.
There are ways to build up a strong amount of the good bacteria through your diet, especially with a diet high in probiotics (good bacteria) and prebiotics (what feeds the probiotic). It may be more challenging lately to have access to perishable foods, however you can combat the lack of supply by buying frozen varieties that are often frozen fresh off the farm.
- Zinc is an essential mineral needed for good health. It metabolizes nutrients, maintains your immune system and grows and repairs body tissues. Foods that are high in zinc include red meat, shellfish, legumes (chickpeas, lentils, beans), seeds, nuts, dairy, eggs, whole grains, potatoes and dark chocolate.
- Vitamin C - High doses of vitamin C are said to help kill the bugs causing sickness. It is a water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant, and also helps the body form and maintain connective tissue, including bones, blood vessels, and skin. Foods with Vitamin C include broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.
- Green leafy veggies are good sources of many vitamins including A, C, and K and folate and minerals (such as iron and calcium). They're also great sources of fiber.
- Tumeric - Tumeric has been widely recognized as an anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Mixed with lemon, mint or green tea, honey and raw ginger - it's a strong immunity potion.
- Garlic - Garlic contains allicin - a powerful antibacterial only present shortly after garlic is crushed so you need to eat it raw, and quickly. It's more satisfying than you think - mix it with ghee butter and put it on a cracker or small piece of bread. Tastes just like garlic bread.
By incorporating some of these healthy foods into your diet, it also helps keep the Ph balance in your stomach in check, lowering the acidity. An acidic environment in your gut has a harder time fighting off invaders and infections. To help neutralize the Ph balance, add in lemons/lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and fermented foods (like yogurt, sauerkraut). You can also purchase alkaline water, which helps balance your Ph level.
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Home schooling has become the new norm. Your kids are used to having a schedule and it is important, even though this may seem like a vacation, to continue to keep them on a schedule.
Schedules will give a sense of control, help keep mental clarity, keep the mind sharp, increase productivity and efficiency, create a feeling of accomplishment and reduce anxiety.
Schedules should include an early wake-up, work time, snacks, fun activities and exercise. During meals, involve your children in the preparation, as part of their schedule. It will help teach them many skills, including the payoff of creating a meal they helped prepare.
Write out the schedule for all to see on a white board or poster and try to stick to it Monday-Friday. Use the weekends as an opportunity to sleep in, relax, exercise and enjoy outdoor activities (with social distancing, of course).
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| 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 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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