This Month's Newsletter
We hope everyone has had a smooth transition to school and we look forward to seeing you at your well visits and during our flu clinics.
In this month's newsletter, we provide the dates and times of our flu clinics and include a new photo of our full team of practitioners, welcoming two new additions. We also share important safety information on Mother's Touch baby formula. Further, we offer tips for a healthy and safe school year. Finally, we present 10 healthy habits you can include in your daily routine for optimal health! 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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2022 Flu Clinics Now Available |
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning families not to use Mother’s Touch infant formula, which is not in compliance with its regulations. |
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We are happy to present our full team of practitioners, welcoming Dr. Formanes and Ms. Napolitano. Dr. Formanes is a Doctor of Nursing Practice with The Pediatric Center. She is a familiar face at the practice, with over 20 years of experience working as our Nurse Manager before attaining her DNP licensure. Nicole Napolitano, MS, RN, CPNP-PC, is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and joins our practice as a former acute care RN, with years of studying the importance of the human connection in care, placing the patient and family at the center. She is currently completing her DNP. In order left, to right:
Nicole Napolitano, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC
Kathleen Chin, MD FAAP
Romelia Hasegawa, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC
Steven Moskowitz, MD FAAP
Denise Visci, MD FAAP
Clare Cardo McKegney, DNP, APN, CPNP
Lorraine Formanes, DNP, APN, CPNP
You are in great hands!
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Mother's Touch Formula is Not Safe |
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning families not to use Mother’s Touch infant formula, which is not in compliance with its regulations.
The formula’s nutrient levels have not been tested, but the label shows levels of protein, linoleic acid, calcium, sodium, potassium and chloride that are below FDA minimums and an iron level that is too high, according to the FDA. In addition, the formula has not been fully tested for bacteria.
The formula is sold on the company’s website and in Kinzers, Loganton and Gap, Pa.
Families who have this formula should throw it away and file a MedWatch form to report an adverse event.
The FDA warning comes as the country is recovering from an infant formula shortage that left many families desperate to find formula for their babies. The shortage was caused by supply chain issues and the shutdown of an Abbott Nutrition plant following complaints of bacterial infections among several infants.
Source: FDA
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The American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips for a healthy school year in the following article:
One of the most critical lessons of the pandemic was this: Children are more likely to learn, thrive and develop appropriately when attending school in-person alongside their peers. As classrooms reopen this fall, families can take steps to help keep students healthy.
The basics: sleep, exercise & nutrition
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers recommendations that begin with the basics–ensuring that students get nutritious meals, sufficient sleep, and physical activity, all of which are key to academic and social success.
Families are encouraged to schedule visits with the pediatrician for routine check-ups, pre-participation (sports) exams and vaccines, especially with viruses including COVID-19 and the flu in circulation.
Families who receive health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program should ensure their contact information is up to date with their state Medicaid agency to receive timely updates about their health coverage and avoid gaps in coverage.
Catching up on immunizations is key
"The single most effective way to protect our children before they return to school is to make sure they are up to date on all of their immunizations," said Sonja O'Leary, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Council on School Health.
"We've seen a decline in vaccination rates nationally and are concerned about potential outbreaks of life-threatening diseases. A recent case of polio reported in New York reminds us that we cannot let down our guard," Dr. O'Leary said.
"We also know that people vaccinated against viruses such as COVID and influenza are much less likely to endure severe illness or be hospitalized if they do get sick, compared with those who are unvaccinated," she said.
Keeping COVID under control
The AAP recommends COVID vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Children should get fully immunized as soon as they are eligible. Keep children and teens home from school if they are sick or show new symptoms, and continue to emphasize handwashing.
Stay tuned in to your child's mental health
Many children and teens have experienced mental health struggles over the past few years. Be on the lookout for any concerning changes in behavior or signs of anxiety or distress. Ask your pediatrician if you are unsure if your child needs help. Schools may also offer sources of mental health support.
"Many children and adolescents have struggled emotionally during the pandemic, and it's important to let them know it's ok to talk about that," Dr. O'Leary said.
Talk about racism & bullying
Talk with your child about racism and hate. Encourage children to seek help from a trusted adult if they are discriminated against or witness an act of bullying or discrimination against others.
Plan for mindful media use
The change in routine is a good time to create or update your family media plan so they can balance screen time with sleep, exercise and other healthy activities. Help your children choose high-quality programs or games and help them discern the difference from online sites that promote false information.
Remember
Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about your child's health as the school year starts.
"We know that children are resilient and can overcome many challenges with the help of trusted adults around them," Dr. O'Leary said. "Your pediatrician is a good place to start."
Source: Healthychildren.org
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As we segue into fall, there are a couple of healthy habits you can incorporate into your home to help you and your family feel better and take care of your health.
Here are 10 of them:
- Drink 8-12 ounces of water first thing in the morning (adding lemon is a bonus!). It helps empty your bowels, flush out toxins and hydrate you for the first part of the day.
- Straighten your posture and lower your shoulders. This will help release tension and stress, resets your spine ,and strengthen your core.
- Take a probiotic to balance the bacteria in your stomach. A good-sourced probiotic can help add good bacteria to your gut to help heal the body and build a strong immune system. Everything stems from the gut.
- Replace your sugar snack with a protein snack – cheese stick, nuts, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, egg…This will help build muscle throughout the day and keep your sugar levels balanced.
- Sprinkle your food with organic 100% whole ground flaxseed. Flaxseed is an excellent source of high fiber, protein, lignans (antioxidants) & omega-3’s (healthy, beneficial fats).
- Eat slowly – pause 2 seconds between bites. Eating slowing helps you eat less, realize you are fuller, quicker and helps you digest your food more efficiently.
- Have oatmeal for a healthy breakfast or snack. Oatmeal is the perfect balance of complex carbs, protein and fat and will keep you full and satiated for hours.
- Ask for your salad dressing on the side – salad dressing can sabotage a healthy lunch with high fat, empty calories and chemicals – dip your fork in first, then take a bite of salad.
- Take a slow, deep breath and exhale. Repeat. – it will reset your mind and stress level.
- Wake up 10 minutes earlier so you don’t have to rush. Try to lay out your clothes for the next day the night before. Imagine how much calm you will add to your morning.
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Our Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9am to 6pm
Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am-11am
By appointment only. No walk-ins please.
908-508-0400
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Covid-19 Office Procedures |
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Our strict CDC guidelines continue. Our office is 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. |
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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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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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Lactation Support
The Pediatric Center's Lactation Support Center and lactation suite are available to you for breastfeeding guidance.
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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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