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June 2021
This Month's Newsletter

Happy official summer! 4th of July is right around the corner and there is lots of celebrating to do. It's wonderful to see everything return back to some sort of normalcy as restrictions are lifted and social interactions resume. We remind you to still exercise caution and follow the vaccination recommendations.

In this month's newsletter, we provide answers to frequently answered questions about Covid-19 testing and office protocols. We also discuss how to protect yourself against insects that might effect our health. We share important information about the strength of the sun in these summer months and how to protect you and your family. In addition, we recognize the efforts made for the LGBTQ+ community and addressing it with your children. We continue to include information on our office 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
Protection is Important

​Now that summer is here, we will be spending much more time outdoors. This also means we will be exposed to a multitude of insects, which can be detrimental to our health. Specifically tick bites have been trending up in the Northeast and it's important to ensure you and your family are protected.
Insect Using insect repellents can help protect you from Lyme Disease, West Nile Disease, Zika, and other diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. 

DEET-containing repellents are one of the most effective insect repellents, as long you follow directions on the label to use the product safely. The repellent repels biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks but doesn’t repel stinging insects including bee​s, hornets, and wasps.

It's important to check the product label to find the concentration of DEET in a product, which indicates how long the product will work. For example, 10% DEET provides protection for about 2 hours, and 30% DEET protects for about 5 hours. The AAP recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger th​an 2 months. Choose the lowest concentration that will be effective based on the amount of time kids will be outside. If you know you will be out for an hour, for example, choose a product with 10% DEET.

When you are applying insect repellents, you only need to apply it to exposed skin (not under clothing). You can spray clothing, which is also effective. Using more does not make it work more.
Help your child apply the repellent to ensure safety of application.

Some important reminders:

  • If you use a spray, do so in an open area to avoid breathing in the repellent. Avoid the eyes, nose and mouth and on scrapes, wounds or other broken skin.
  • Do not spray the repellent around food
  • If you are in the woods where there may be ticks, wear long sleeves and pants – a long-sleeved shirt with a snug collar and cuffs is best. Tuck the shirt in at the waist and tuck socks over your pants, hiking shoes or boots. 
  • Wash your skin with soap and water after being outside to remove the repellent and wash any clothes before wearing them again.
  • Do tick checks daily in hair and skin.
  • For younger infants, use mosquito netting over strollers and baby carriers when the family is outside. You can dress infants in cool, comfortable clothing – such as lightweight cotton – to protect their skin.
  • There are more “natural” insect repellants that might include citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, peppermint, peppermint oil and soybean oil. They are known to wear off quickly so if you choose to use them, be sure to re-apply often.

If you suspect an allergic reaction, such as a rash, to an insect repellent, stop using the product and wash your child’s skin with soap and water. You can call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or The Pediatric Center for help. If you go to the office, take the repellent container with you.

AAP does not recommend products that combine sunscreen with DEET. Sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours, but DEET is used once a day. You can use these products separately. Store DEET and other repellent products away from children’s reach.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
The Power of the Sun
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As the earth gets more and more exposure to the sun during the winter months, the strength of the sun also increases. This means we can sun-burned much faster and easier.

Many families rely on sunscreen as their go-to method to prevent excessive sun exposure and sunburn – but there are other important ways to keep you and your kids safe when in the sun.

Cltohes
Clothes and hats can protect the skin. Try to dress yourself and your children in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, such as lightweight cotton pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats.

Choose clothes made with a tight weave; since they protect better. If you're not sure how tight a fabric's weave is, hold it up to see how much light shines through. The less light, the better. Or you can look for protective clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).

Hats should have an all-around 3" brim to shield the face, ears and back of the neck.

Sunglasses should have at least 99% UV protection. Youth sunglasses can also be found with protection.

Exposure
Try to limit your sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when UV rays are strongest and look for shade for activities whenever it's possible.

Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy. If it’s not possible to find shade, sunscreen may be applied to babies younger than 6 months to small areas of skin that are not covered by clothing and hats – this is because we don’t want babies to sunburn. 

Sunscreen
Use sunscreen that says "broad-spectrum" on the label which screens out both UVB and UVA rays.

If possible, choose a sunscreen with the mineral ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Avoid any skin or lip product whose label includes retinyl palmitate, retinol or vitamin A or the ingredient oxybenzone, the most dangerous sunscreen ingredient that penetrates the skin readily and can disrupt the hormone system. Remember, using any sunscreen is better than using none. A sunburn raises the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (up to SPF 50). An SPF of 15 or 30 should be fine for most people. Research studies are underway to test if sunscreen with more than an SPF of 50 offers any extra protection.

Apply sunscreen to parts of your child’s skin that may be exposed to the sun, even on cloudy days because the sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds. Make sure to use an ample amount. Reapply every 2 hours when outside, and after swimming and sweating.

Make sure everyone in your family knows how to protect their skin and eyes. Remember to set a good example by practicing sun safety yourself.

Source: Healthychildren.org
Acknowledging The Community
There has been growing awareness, especially among the younger generation, about the LGTBQ+ community and the need for acceptance of all gender identifications. June is widely recognized as Gay and Lesbian pride month and the media is filled with tributes and acknowledgements.

In fact, Governor Phil Murphy signed a new law that started in the 2020-2021 school year, requiring educators to teach middle and high school students about notable LGBTQ people and their historic and social contributions, as well as those with disabilities. 

The law requires teaching about social, economic and political contributions of LGBTQ individuals. Local districts have the ability to determine their own lessons within a broad range of subjects. Bill A1335 promotes tolerance and acceptance, and aims to inspire inclusivity of prominent LGBTQ historical figures in classrooms, while offering support to the LGBTQ students in those classrooms.

LEGO is also joining the crusade by launching the "Everyone is Awesome! LEGO set to celebrate the creativity of the LGBTQIA+ community, the idea of LEGO's Vice President of Design, Matthew Ashton. The colorful new set is meant to celebrate the power of playing together by spreading positivity and kindness in our families, communities and world. Matthew believes, "children are our role models and they welcome everyone, no matter their background.”

It can be a very confusing time for youth - especially observing so much change in the public recognition of choosing your own identity. It's on television, in the news and on social media. If you see your child struggling or having questions you are unable to answer, please make an appointment with one of our practitioners. We are well versed in how to speak to children and guide them in the right direction.
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 24 hour PCR test, 7 days a week.

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.
Covid-19 Office Procedures
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
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!
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.
Virtual Prenatal Class
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.
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?
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.
The Pediatric Center Online Bill Pay

Online Bill Payment
The Pediatric Center offers the ease and convenience of online bill payment from 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,

Office: 908-508-0400 / Billing Department: 786-249-1234
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.
Vaccine Education Center

Our website offers a Vaccine Education Center with immunization schedules 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. We also offer the Gardasil vaccine.
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. 
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!
Free Virtual Prenatal Class
Join our free, virtual prenatal class on the 3rd Thursday of every month with our own
Dr. McKegney!
For Parents
Resources for breastfeeding, immunization schedules, what to do if your child is sick, online references & much more!
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.
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".
The Pediatric Center
556 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974
908-508-0400