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Halloween is just a few days away! In the midst of all of the excitement, please be sure to practice safe trick-or-treating habits including screening candy bags, staying in groups and carrying lights in the dark.
In this month's newsletter, we offer last minute, creative ways to decorate those remaining pumpkins and remind everyone about the Teal Pumpkin Project. We also discuss the prevalence of children suffering with mental health and depression - it's a topic every parent should be informed about and prepared if a situation were to arise. We share information on a new study that states nearly 50% of children are not getting enough sleep. Dr. Moskowitz discusses the topic in a video. In addition, we bring attention to the rise in broken bones due to trampolines. Finally, we include The Pediatric Center's 2019-2020 flu vaccine schedule.
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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It's nearly Halloween, and you purchased your pumpkins, but still looking for ways to carve or decorate them?
Creative pumpkin decorating has gone to new heights with Good Housekeeping's 60 No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas for this season. And some of these ideas are incredibly creative including the Spa Pumpkin. Mini Spider Pumpkins and the Mummy Pumpkin. It's a great activity for the entire family and gets the creative juices flowing.
It's also a great reminder to consider the Teal Pumpkin Project. The Food Allergy Research & Education's (FARE)
Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement to create a safer, happier Halloween for all kids, especially those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Here's how it works:
Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep means you have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys.
- Provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters
- Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home to indicate to passersby that you have non-food treats available
- Add your home to the Teal Pumpkin Project map
- Spread the word! Share the Teal Pumpkin Project with your friends and family
Have a safe and healthy Happy Halloween!
Source: GoodHousekeeping.com; FoodAllergy.org
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One in every five children suffers from a mental disorder that could jeopardize their health long into adulthood, yet few receive the services they need because of a shortage of mental health experts, social stigma, costs or other barriers.
Adolescent depression is unfortunately on the rise and often parents do not see the warning signs and symptoms.
As your child's pediatrician, we have the u
nique opportunity to promote the healthy social-emotional development of children and to be a resource for them at any stage of adolescence and early adulthood.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the HealthyChildren.org, there are several things to look for in your teenager:
- A sad or irritable mood for most of the day.
- Not enjoying things that used to make your child happy.
- A marked change in weight or eating, either up or down.
- Sleeping too little at night or too much during the day.
- No longer wanting to be with family or friends.
- A lack of energy or feeling unable to do simple tasks.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Low self-esteem.
- Trouble focusing or making choices. School grades may drop.
- Not caring about what happens in the future.
- Aches and pains when nothing is really wrong.
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
When these symptoms are seen together, nearly every day, they are red flags for depression.
What should I do if I think my teen is depressed?
- Talk to your child about his/her feelings and the things happening at home and at school that may be bothering him/her.
- Tell your teen's doctor. Some medical problems can cause depression. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy or medicine for depression.
- Your child's doctor may automatically screen your teen for depression every year from ages 12 through 21, considering depression and suicide rates are so high.
- Treat any thoughts of suicide as an emergency.
How can I help promote good mental health?
Positive mental health starts with good nutrition, plenty of sleep, exercise and positive connections with others. It's important to limit screen time, as research suggests it is one of the main contributor for increasing rates of depression. Try to keep an open and honest relationship with your child, providing them a safe place to share. It's also important to keep stress levels in check and help your child find stress reducing techniques or activities.
Make a safety plan
If you start to see signs of your child struggling - have a plan in place. If they are receiving treatment, ensure they attend the meetings and are taking any prescriptions as directed. It's also critical to develop a list of resources for you to call if a situation arises, including your pediatrician after-hours, therapist, local mental health crisis center and hospitals that are equip to deal with mental health issues (not all of them do).
Remember, our doctors at The Pediatric Center are always here for you and your family. Simply call us.
Source: AAP; HealthyChildren.org
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A recent study published in Healthline.com discusses the fact that our children are sleep deprived. In fact, almost 50% of children in the US do not get the recommended hours of sleep.
Lack of sleep can have long-term health effects, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes and have an impact on school performance, in additional to several other ramifications. Read the full article.
Dr. Moskowitz addresses this common topic of sleep challenges, starting in newborns, infants and toddlers.
The approach to sleep differs with different age groups. It's an important thing for parents to understand and to help their children master behaviors for a good sleeping pattern. Sleep is instinctual but how you fall asleep is learned behavior.
Click on the video above to gain some great insight into sleep tactics and behaviors.
If you would like additional information on how to improve your child's sleeping habits, please make an appointment with one of our practitioners to discuss options.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics Conference met in New Orleans this past Saturday and presented a
 study showing trampoline-related fractures have doubled in the past decade.
An article in HealthDay News posted on Friday, October 25th states, "t
rampolines aren't just for backyards anymore, and the rise in commercial trampoline parks may be sparking a rise in kids' injuries, a new report finds. '
While trampolines are a great source of fun and exercise for children, the potential for injury, particularly in recreational areas with an underlying business incentive, needs to be recognized,' stressed study author Dr. Nancy Hadley Miller."
The study found trampoline-related fractures accounted for about 3.6% of all broken bones occurring among American kids in 2008, but that number rose to nearly 6.2% by 2017.
Read the full article.
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| 2019-2020 Flu Shot Schedule |
The Pediatric Center Flu Vaccine Schedule for 2019/2020
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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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