This Month's Newsletter
The holiday season is upon us! We wish you and your families a wonderful celebration and appreciation for all of the wonderful things in your lives.
In this month's newsletter, we remind you that we continue to offer the Covid-19 vaccine for ages 5-11. In addition, we announce a great recognition for our doctors. We also share a release from the Surgeon General on the necessity to address the mental health crisis. Further, we address eating disorders and the importance of identifying them early. Our last article provides some natural cold remedies. Finally, we continue to include information on our office hours and procedures, services we offer and complimentary new mom and baby classes.
The Pediatric Center is here for all of your urgent medical needs, even when the office is closed. There is always someone available from our practice. 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 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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TPC Continues to Book Appointments |
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We continue to book 5-11 year old patients for the Covid vaccine. When you call to schedule a vaccine, we will put you on the list and call you back with your specific time and day.
Booster shots are coming soon. We will be announcing details in the near future. Stay tuned.
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We are thrilled to announce our doctors have once again received the recognition of "New Jersey's Favorite Kids' Docs" from NJ Family for 2021.
We only have you to thank. It is our patients that give us this incredible acknowledgement and we are so grateful for everyone casting their vote.
Thank you for continuing to entrust us with your health care. We are eternally grateful.
The issue is now on newsstands.
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Surgeon General Calls Action |
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The AAP published an article on December 7th stating that the Surgeon General is calling for action to protect children's mental health. Following is an excerpt from that annoucement:
The surgeon general is calling attention to widespread mental health challenges among youths and laid out expansive actions to protect them.
These issues have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and will take a whole-of-society effort to address, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., said in a new advisory that includes recommendations for health care providers.
“I believe that, coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have an unprecedented opportunity as a country to rebuild in a way that refocuses our identity and common values, puts people first, and strengthens our connections to each other,” Dr. Murthy said in the advisory. “If we seize this moment, step up for our children and their families in their moment of need, and lead with inclusion, kindness, and respect, we can lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient, and more fulfilled nation.”
Mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral disorders have been reported in about 20% of children ages 3-17 years, and many are not receiving adequate treatment, according to the surgeon general’s advisory.
Children’s mental health can be impacted by biological and environmental factors, including genetics, relationships with family and friends, community support and societal challenges. Adverse childhood experiences can cause toxic stress, which can lead to long-lasting physical and mental health issues.
In recent years, mental health challenges have been increasing. Roughly one-third of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, up 40% from a decade prior, according to the advisory. Likewise, the rate of those seriously considering a suicide attempt and those creating a suicide plan increased 36% and 44%, respectively.
The pandemic has exacerbated these challenges by increasing fear, grief, isolation and economic hardships. Some children spent months out of school, and their access to health care and social services has been even more limited.
Dr. Murphy laid out steps and action items to address youth mental health and proposed actions for young people, family members, educators, media companies, social media/gaming companies, community organizations, philanthropic organizations, employers and governments.
Source: Publications.aap.org
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Identifying and Treating Eating Disorders |
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Eating disorders can be complex and hard to identify and treat in children and teens, but the earlier an eating disorder is detected, the better chance at a healthy outcome for a young patient.
A clinical report from the The American Academy of Pediatrics describes common eating disorders, their physical manifestations, and the pediatrician's role in the assessment and management of them as noted below. Research indicates eating disorders may be underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Who is affected by eating disorders?
“For too long, eating disorders were considered a disease that afflicted mostly affluent white teenage girls," said Laurie L. Hornberger, MD, MPH, FAAP, lead author of the report, written by the AAP Committee on Adolescence. “We know today that girls and boys of all ages, income levels and racial and ethnic groups may be struggling with eating disorders. Our hope is to help counter the stigma they may experience and provide an environment for open nonjudgmental conversations."
The clinical report details the estimated prevalence of various eating disorders, which vary widely according to population and criteria used to define an eating disorder. Many fall under the categories of anorexia nervosa; avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID); binge eating disorder (BED): and bulimia nervosa.
Studies have shown a delay in identifying boys and young men with eating disorders because of misperceptions that these are female disorders. Boys and young men may be focused on leanness, weight control, and muscularity, and signs that indicate a possible eating disorder may include purging, use of muscle-building supplements, substance abuse, and depression.
The mean age of a child with an eating disorder is 12.5 years old, according to the report.
Eating disorders in disguise?
“Some adolescents may have dietary habits that disguise eating disorders, such as those who become increasingly restrictive about the quality—as opposed to the quantity—of their food consumption," said Elizabeth Alderman, MD, FSAHM, FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Adolescence. “Teens may spend excessive amounts of time in meal planning and experience extreme guilt or frustration when their food-related practices are interrupted."
After diagnosing an eating disorder, a pediatrician arranges appropriate care, whether it is an urgent referral to a hospital for a patient who is medically unstable or a referral for those with less severe symptoms to outpatient nutrition and mental health professionals. Because early response to treatment may be associated with better outcomes, the preference is to involve a specialized multidisciplinary team, when available. If resources do not exist locally, pediatricians may need to partner with health experts who are farther away for care.
Establishing healthy habits
The AAP says it is important to establish healthy habits with patients and families rather than focusing on weight and dieting. Recommendations include more frequent family meals, discouraging “weight talk" and “weight teasing" in the home, closely monitoring weight loss in patients advised to lose weight, and promoting a healthy body image.
Pediatricians know to use sensitive language and demonstrate supportive attitudes toward children of all shapes and sizes.
If you suspect your child is struggling with an eating disorder, do not wait to address it. Make an appointment with one of our practitioners as soon as possible - even if it is just for an evaluation.
Source: HealthyChildren.org
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We are in that time of year where sickness is abound. Last year, we saw a significant reduction in the flu and colds due to masks and sanitation measures. Now that things are a little more back to normal, getting sick in the winter can sometimes be inevitable.
If you feel a cold coming on, there are some great homeopathic preventative and healing options. Here are some of the more popular ones:
Elderberry – this is a well kept secret that is not so secret anymore. It is an immunity booster that works quickly. Aside from making your own (which you can do), Elderberry is readily available – you just need a great source. Try to pick one that is pure without additives. This is a great option.
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.
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. MegaFoods is made from whole foods. Sometimes too much is too much, so try to stick to under 1,000mg/day.
Oregano Oil –A great antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and an anti-allergenic substance. This is a great option.
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 potion in which illness has no chance.
Gargling – This is a mom favorite from the 80’s and beyond…and it works. Salt and hot water, gargled in your throat. The salt is said to clean and kill bacteria in your throat and loosen up mucus.
Pineapple Juice – Fresh squeezed, organic pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapples, that can help suppress coughs as well as loosen mucus. Side note: Bromelain may interact with antibiotics, so check with your doctor if you are taking any medications. And it has a lot of sugar - so drink it in moderation.
Pre and probiotics – both help build up good bacteria in your gut which helps keep your body heathy and functioning.
Finally, try to avoid too much sugar. Sugar sets your gut balance off and can cause bad bacteria to thrive - which is what causes us to get sick as our immunity is low. Sugar, if not utilized by the body, can also convert to fat. Keep everything in moderation.
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Please Note Our Updated Hours |
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Covid-19 Office Procedures |
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Our strict CDC guidelines continue, Our office is completely sanitized and treated before each appointment. We continue the following protocols:
- Phone screening prior to a visit
- No patients in the waiting rooms
- Scheduled appointments only
- Patient clearance prior to entering the office
- Car visits, when needed
- Virtual telemedicine, if requested
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Please continue to limit your visit to one parent only for all patients over 2 years of age, wear a face mask while in the office and maintain social distancing. Please do not make an appointment or come to the office if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.
No admittance to the office if you have traveled outside of the state of New Jersey until 10 days past the date of return, 7 days of a negative PCR test upon return, or if you have proof of vaccination.
We look forward to seeing you!
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In-House Covid-19 Testing & Guidelines
The Pediatric Center continues to offer Covid-19 testing for all patients and their families.
Do you need a test to travel, return to school or any other reason?
The Pediatric Center offers testing with an instant
20- minute Rapid test and PCR test results within 48 hours.
Please visit our Covid-19 Testing page to learn more about the types of tests, what to do if you are exposed to Covid-19 and isolation and quarantine guidelines.
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On-Site Lactation Support Center
The 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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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.
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Do You Need A Pediatric Specialist?
The Pediatric Center works with a wide 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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ImPACT Concussion Testing
The Pediatric Center offers on-site ImPact concussion testing.
ImPACT, an FDA cleared tool for baseline and post-injury testing, measures visual and verbal memory, reaction time, and processing speed to help determine if a patient (ages 12-59) can safely return to activity.
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Vaccine Education Center
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. We also offer the Gardasil vaccine.
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Find More Topics On Our Blog |
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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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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. 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 Virtual Prenatal Class
Join our free, virtual prenatal class on the 3rd Thursday of every month with our own
Dr. McKegney!
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For Parents
Resources for breastfeeding, immunization schedules, what to do if your child is sick, online references & much more!
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New Mom Support Group
Are you a new mom and want to connect with other moms while learning about your newborn? Join our weekly support group.
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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 button 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
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