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Back to school is upon us! We know this year is different and a little more challenging. We encourage you to take each day one at a time and allow yourself the ability to adjust to the environment as it evolves. We wish you an enjoyable transition to fall and new sense of rejuvenation as we enter a new season.
In this month's newsletter, we provide an update on our practice as we continue to evolve in our new environment. We share some thoughts on the return to school and the adjustment. In addition, we discuss the importance of eye exams and what your child is screened for by your pediatrician. Further, we bring attention to mental health, especially during this volatile time. We offer some insight into the health benefits of the delectable peach, including a recipe. We also introduce our new 2020 flu clinic protocol. Finally, we remind you of our free 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 [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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The Pediatric Center is continually adapting to the quickly changing environment - creating new programs and offerings to ensure optimal availability for our patients.
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
- Suspension of walk-in visits - all appointments must be scheduled
- Patient clearance prior to entering the office
- Car visits, when needed
- Virtual telemedicine, if requested
Please continue to limit your visit to one adult per family, wear a face covering/mask while in the office and maintain social distancing (at least 6 ft apart). Please do not make an appointment or come to the office if you have, or show any symptoms of COVID-19.
We look forward to seeing you!
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This year has definitely presented us with new and different challenges, especially when it comes to the school year.
You may be adjusting to all virtual learning, all in-person learning or a hybrid of both. You may find yourself struggling to find a new normal. This year, there is no rule book. Keep in mind, it is new and strange for your children too as they have had their daily routine turned upside down, are expected to wear a mask for hours in school, adjust to virtual vs. hands-on learning and try to still find a social connection to their friends. They may even be experiencing fear - of getting sick, not following the rules or not keeping up with school work.
Your children are under a lot of pressure. It's ok to lower expectations and take off some of that weight.
There are many positives to focus on during this time:
- You are able to see your children more during the day and be more connected
- Your children may be more productive now having a schedule
- Online learning teaches them technology and instructional skills they will use in their future
- Virtual learning allows them to get a little more much needed sleep in the morning
- Adjusting to a new environment teaches them skills like resilience and adaptation to change
If we look a little deeper, we can often find a silver lining in a not so obvious place. The more you communicate the upside to your children, the more they will mimic your message. Give them a little more praise for their efforts, recognize their hard work, ask them if they need any help, and maybe spend a little more time together at breakfast and lunch. The best thing you can offer them is love, support, compassion and understanding.
The skills your children are learning are life skills. It will apply to everything they do in the future.
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Have you ever wondered exactly what your pediatrician is looking for when conduction eye tests during an appointment? The American Academy of Pediatrics shares what pediatricians should be screening for in all stages of development.
"Early detection and prompt treatment of ocular disorders in children is important to avoid lifelong visual impairment.
Examination of the eyes should be performed during the newborn period and at all well-child visits. Newborns should be examined for ocular structural abnormalities, such as cataract, corneal opacity, and ptosis, which are known to result in visual problems. Vision assessment beginning at birth has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "
The first eye exam after birth should be at six months. As children age, they should be continued to be screened for excellent visual acuity at all distances, accurate and comfortable eye teaming skills, accurate eye movement skills and accurate and comfortable focusing skills.
If your child is exhibiting delayed motor development, frequent eye rubbing, excessive blinking, failure to maintain eye contact or poor eye tracking skills, please make an appointment with your pediatrician for an examination. It's important not to wait too long to have your child checked.
Children who are found to have an ocular abnormality or who fail a vision assessment should be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist or an eye care specialist.
Source: AAP; All About Vision
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The volatility of this year, the added pressure, the social media fear of missing out (FOMO) can be adding a lot of additional stresses for your child. It's a time where nothing seems stable or predictable and they are being taught to live in fear.
We have seen a great deal of suffering this year, including the passing of very young students. It has brought even more awareness to the importance of mental health. It's important to check in with your children on a regular basis - have discussions with them and offer them an open-door policy to talk to you.
If you suspect your child is struggling with mental health issues - please make an appointment with us as soon as possible. We are trained professionals that can help you navigate this unfamiliar territory with the right guidance and resources. Please do not wait. Every day your child is struggling, is a day too many. The sooner they get help, the faster they can heal.
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 As the summer months wind down, the fresh summer crops and fruits will start to change as we segue into fall. Peach season ends this month, so it is the optimal time to enjoy their abundance. Peaches are nutritionally dense and have many health benefits. One average peach is only 58 calories and high in vitamin C, with 2 grams of fiber. They are also a great source of vitamin A, niacin, potassium, vitamin E, vitamin K, copper and manganese. Peaches are also high in antioxidants, especially fresh peaches, and can aid in digestion. They may even go beyond the nutritional benefits and help skin texture, protect from cancer, reduce allergy symptoms, boost immunity and lower blood sugar levels. Peaches are most beneficial when they are eaten or cooked fresh, vs canned. Frozen peaches are usually as beneficial as fresh as they are frozen at peak ripeness. You will know a peach is ripe when you press on the skin and there is a slight give. If they are too hard, let them sit out on a counter top for a couple of days. Below is a simple recipe for peach crisp to enjoy the natural sweetness peaches have to offer:
Filling:
Crumble
Full instructions and recipe here. Source: Healthline.org
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The Pediatric Center continues to adjust quickly to our new environment, including a new flu clinic protocol this year. To ensure the utmost safety and efficiency, we are introducing a new flu clinic, entirely facilitated by an App called Solv Care. You will seamlessly be able to schedule your flu shot, check in, get reminders and be instructed when to enter, all from your mobile device. No need to check in with our reception. It's easy and intuitive. Appointments are required - there are no walk-ins allowed.
We understand many parents are anxious to get their flu shots early this year. October is the optimal time to get your shot to ensure efficacy of the vaccine throughout the winter. Please see details below. Note, if you have a well visit scheduled within the next couple of months, we are happy to administer your flu shot during your appointment.
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| Virtual New Mom Support Group |
The Pediatric Center offers a weekly Virtual New Mom Support Group every Friday at 10 am. The classes are facilitated by our own Dr. Mckegney via Zoom. Simply register here. The support group is open and free to the public.
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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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| 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 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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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 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! Click here.
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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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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
www.PedCenter.com
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