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September 2019
This Month's Newsletter
School is in session! As Fall has officially arrived, we wish everyone an easy and enjoyable transition to the new season. 

In this month's newsletter, we are happy to announce an important event sponsored by The Pediatric Center, in partnership with A Path To Hope. Please join us and register today. In recognition of Baby Safety Month, we share recommendation on best sleeping practices. We also include the latest flu vaccine recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, with our flu vaccine schedule for this year. Finally, we offer healthy snack options, just in time for back to school.  

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
Please Join Us For This Important Event

Founder of A Path To Hope, in collaboration with The Pediatric Center and Oratory Prep, shares her personal family story of her son's silent mental health struggle ...and, along with a panel of experts, teaches you necessary skills to prepare  for the unexpected. Attendance is FREE. Subject matter expert Dr. Joel, psychologist and renowned impact performance coach for students, parents, business leaders and corporations will be on the panel. Parents and their teens are welcome. Please join us. Register here. 
Safe Sleeping For Your Baby
In recognition of Baby Safety Month, we remind parents of safe sleeping habits to reduce the risk of SIDs and Suffocation. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds us of the dangers of unsafe sleep environments. In fact, about 3,500 babies die each year in the United States by  entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation. 

How do you create a safe sleep environment for babies up to 1 year old?  

Please your baby on their back to sleep
This applies to any time your baby goes to sleep - during the day for naps, or at night. If they do roll over or go on their side when sleeping, it's fine not to disturb them if they are already able to roll back and forth. 

If your child falls asleep in a car seat, stroller or carrier, move them to a firm sleep surface as soon as possible.

Swaddling is a great form of comfort for your newborn, however once your baby starts trying to roll, you should stop swaddling. 

Put your baby to sleep on a firm surface
All cribs, bassinets and pack 'n plays should meet current safety standards - ensure there have been no recalls or broken parts. 

Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet without blankets or pillows between the mattress and sheet.

Do not put your baby on chair, sofa, water bed or cushion to fall asleep. 

Keep soft or small objects and loose bedding out of the crib to avoid suffocation their first year. Babies cannot turn or maneuver objects out of their way. 

Place your baby to sleep in your room, not in your bed
Bassinets and cribs should be within an arms reach of your bed to have them nearby. 
Babies who sleep in the same beds as their parents are at risk for SIDs, suffocation, strangulation, a parent rolling over on them in the night or getting tangled in adult bedding. 

If possible, try to breastfeed for as long as can. Breastfeeding can help prevent SIDS. The recommendation is as a sole source of nutrition up to 6 months, then combining with solids up to 12 months. 

Stay up to date with well visits - immunizations can have a positive effect against SIDS. 

Avoid smokers and places people smoke.  If you are a smoker, it's advised to quit as soon as possible. Minimally, create a smoke-free home and car, and avoid smoking anywhere near your baby.

Keep your baby from getting too hot. 
Maintain the room at comfortable temperatures and dress your baby in no more than one extra layer than you would wear.  If you are concerned your baby is too cold, use a wearable blanket fitted to your baby. 

Offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime. 
If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended to wait 3-4 weeks to ensure the baby latches well. If not, a pacifier can begin at any time.  Be cautious of using pacifiers that attach to clothing or objects that would cause a suffocation or choking risk. 
Pacifiers are not a requirement - some babies do not like them. 

Home  cardio-respiratory monitors are not necessary to help reduce the risk of SIDS.
Use caution when using products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS.  Products such as wedges, positioners, special mattresses, and specialized sleep surfaces have not been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Remember Tummy Time
Give your baby plenty of "tummy time" when she is awake. This will help strengthen neck muscles and help prevent flat spots on the head. Always stay with your baby during tummy time, and make sure she is awake. 

This information should also be shared with anyone who cares for babies, including grandparents, family, friends, babysitters, and child care center staff.  

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP Releases Flu Recommendations for 2019-2020
Direct from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Nation's pediatricians say the best way to protect children against flu is the vaccine. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children ages 6 months and older are vaccinated for influenza for the 2019-2020 season, preferably by the end of October, with either the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine.

The AAP expresses no preference for the shot or the nasal spray vaccine this season, in accordance with guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as described in the policy statement, " Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2019-2020." The statement will be published in the October 2019 Pediatrics.

The annual flu vaccine significantly reduces a child's risk of severe influenza and death, especially in children younger than 5 years old and those with  underlying medical conditions

Source: AAP 

The Pediatric Center Flu Vaccine Schedule for 2019/2020
Snack Attack
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The school year is upon us, which means back to packing lunches and healthy snacks and options when your kids when they get home ravenous from school.

Below are some healthy snack suggestions. Packed with protein and healthy carbs and fats, it will keep them full for a couple of hours. 

Healthy Snack Options
Low Sugar Yogurt - a cup of Greek or low sugar yogurt (Sigi's is a great choice!) is full of protein and healthy fats. Try to avoid yogurts with additives and toppings, which add a lot of sugar. Add in some berries, chia seeds or organic oats.

Oatmeal - it isn't just for breakfast. A cup of oatmeal is packed with vitamins and minerals, healthy protein, fats and carbs. 

Veggies & Hummus or Guacamole - cut up some carrots, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, broccoli and have a dipping party! You'll be surprised - often when the veggies are put in front of kids, they are more apt to eat them.

Eggs - eggs are an excellent source of high quality protein and vitamins and minerals, including  vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium. Make them hard boiled for an easy grab and go out of the refrigerator. 

Turkey & Avocado Roll-ups - Roll a piece of turkey around a slice of an avocado and you have an instant snack of protein, heart-healthy fats, fiber, folate, potassium and antioxidants. 

Sliced Banana & Nut Butter - slice a few slices of banana and top it with a nut butter of your choice - it's a fun, easy and salty/sweet option. 

Smoothie - smoothies are easy to prepare and feel like a treat. Blend frozen organic fruits, some milk (regular, almond or oat), plain yogurt, raw honey, some chia seeds and throw in some spinach (they'll never know). 

Cheese - cheese is an excellent source of protein. Buy cheese sticks or single serve cheese packs for a quick grab go-to snack. Add some apple slices for a little sweetness.

Always true to choose natural, wholesome foods rather than processed alternatives. 
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. 

We also offer a free prenatal class every month, open to the public. 

To schedule your lactation consultation, attend our free prenatal class or make an appointment please call us at 908-508-0400.

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. 
Patient Portal
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.

Sign up is quick from our website. Click here.
Do You Need A Pediatric Specialist?
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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.
The Pediatric Center Online Bill Pay
Online Bill Payment
The Pediatric Center offers the ease and convenience of online bill baby_laptopbuying.jpg payment.   

Simply visit our " Bill Payment & Insurance" page on our website. 

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
Vaccine Education Center
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.
We Love Your Feedback!

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!

Free Prenatal Class
We offer a free prenatal class on the 3rd Thursday of every month with our own
Dr. McKegney!
Click here to learn more.
It's A Partnership
Resources for breastfeeding, immunization schedules, what to do if your child is sick, online references & much more! Click here.
Read Our Blog!
Check out our blog to read about news and current events. Topics are relevant to our practice and patients. Click here.
Follow Us On Facebook!

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".

The Pediatric Center

556 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974

908-508-0400

www.PedCenter.com

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