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The transition to fall has been pretty perfect. Crisp days with ample amounts of sun, seasonal temperatures and falling leaves helps us appreciate our surroundings. This October will most definitely be a little different for your children with limitations on trick or treating and Halloween activities. We encourage you to try to find ways to still make it fun - maybe even new family traditions.
In this month's newsletter, we announce our in-house rapid Covid-19 testing - available to all patients and their families. We also alert you of updates to our remaining 2 flu clinics. In addition, in recogntiion of National Diabetes Month, we discuss the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Further, we highlight a trend in sports injury and preventative measures. We remind you of the importance of keeping in touch with your child's mental health and provide information on our Covid-19 office procedures and 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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| In-House Covid-19 Testing |
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The Pediatric Center offers rapid Covid-10 testing for all patients and their families.
Simply call our office: 908-508-0400.
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| How to Identify the Difference |
Diabetes is often a difficult disease to understand, especially when it comes to children.
There are multiple forms of diabetes, with the most common being type 1 and type 2. A child is most likely diagnosed with type 1 - which tends to be more hereditary and not environmental. Type 2 diabetes can be caused by eating and dietary habits.
Diabetes is a very serious metabolic disorder that prevents the normal breakdown and use of food, especially sugars (carbohydrates) by the body. It can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and neurological system and can cause a progressive loss of vision over many years.
Type 1 Type 1 diabetes is caused by inadequate production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas. When that happens, the body is unable to properly metabolize sugars, which build up in the bloodstream; these sugars (also called glucose) cannot be used by the body and are excreted in the urine. This leads to the major symptoms of diabetes including increased urination, thirst, appetite and weight loss.
If a child has Type 1 diabetes, it will usually peak at about ages five to six and then again at ages eleven to thirteen. The first sign is often an increase in the frequency and amount of urination. This is often most notable at night, including recurrence of bedwetting in children who are potty-trained. However, the other cardinal symptoms must be present as well for the diagnosis of diabetes: Your child will complain of being thirsty and tired, will begin to lose weight, and will have an increase in appetite. Although there is no cure for diabetes, children with this disease can lead a nearly normal childhood and adolescence if their disorder is kept under control with routine blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy (multiple injections per day or through an insulin pump), close regulation of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Type 2 Type 2 diabetes is related to insulin resistance. Although type 2 diabetes is typically seen in adults, there is a growing epidemic in children generally due to the CRAP (caffeine, refined sugars, additives and preservatives) American diet and lack of movement. Now, about one-third of American youth are overweight, a problem closely related to the increase in kids with type 2 diabetes, some as young as 10 years old.
How is weight a factor? People who are overweight - especially if they have excess belly fat - are more likely to have insulin resistance, kids included. Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance usually doesn't have any symptoms, though some kids develop patches of thickened, dark, velvety skin called acanthosis nigricans, usually in body creases and folds such as the back of the neck or armpits. They may also have other conditions related to insulin resistance, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and polycystic ovary syndrome.
For type 2 diabetes, you can reverse the diagnosis with healthy eating and ample exercise, which helps the body use insulin. DiagnosisIn both cases of diabetes, early identification is critical in stabilizing the condition.
Maintaining blood sugars within a normal range can reduce the likelihood of symptoms of high or low blood sugars and decrease the risk of long-term health problems related to poor diabetes control.
If you suspect your child may be displaying symptoms of diabetes, please contact our office asap to make an appointment with one of our practitioners. Source: healthychildren.org; cdc.gov
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| Heightened Risk of Injury |
There has been an upsurge in sports related injuries in adolescents and teens. There seems to be a direct correlation between Covid-19 and higher risk of injury.
Why? During the time spring sports would have been in full swing, kids were much more sedentary. We were told not to leave our homes, or go outside, or gather with others for activities.
That let to an atrophy in muscle strength, endurance and cardiovascular capacity. Fast forward to the fall, when the governor lifted limitations on sports, kids went back in - full force - trying to prove themselves and keep up with the level they were pre-Covid. In addition, kids who were going through puberty over the same months of inactivity, and growing at a rapid rate, were not given the opportunity to adjust to their new size and build muscle around their joints. Injury prevention in teens is an important consideration. So what can you do now? It's important to ensure there is a proper warm-up and cool down before each sports session. That means designating ample time to get the body in-motion and warming up muscles in dynamic movements - in the same method and form of the exercise to come. The cool down should include a hold of at least 10 seconds per stretch to elongate and stretch the muscles. When exercising, you should never stop a workout abruptly. Give your body time to adjust to a normal breathing rhythm and stretch your muscles to decrease tightening and lactic acid build up. In colder weather, ensure to wear designated layers of athletic clothing to keep your muscles warm - especially during warm up and again during cool-down. It is also beneficial to incorporate strength and conditioning training to build the surrounding muscles around joints. For example, for knees, it's the quads, hamstrings and calves. For ankles, the surrounding ankle ligaments, calves and shins. Strength training can include weights, resistance bands and body weight (push-ups, squats, wall-sits). Try to incorporate strength training in between sports sessions. In addition, ensure to eat a lot of healthy protein including eggs, hard cheeses, lean meats, low sugar yogurts, nuts and legumes to build muscle. Drink a lot of water (refrain from the sports drinks) to keep your joints and muscles moving and lucid and flush out toxins. Start slow and allow your body to adjust to the demands. Moving too quickly could risk an injury that could last a season.
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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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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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| 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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