This Month's Newsletter
It's one of the most anticipated months for children - fall activities including pumpkin and apple picking, hay rides, and Halloween are in full swing. The fall weather has been a welcome change and we hope you are enjoying all of the festivities.
In this month's newsletter, we inform you of the last remaining flu clinic. Please call our office to make an appointment. We also provide safety tips for Halloween for all ages. In addition, we discuss Emotional Wellness Month and provide things you can do to ensure optimal health. Finally, we offer a healthy Halloween treat you and your kids can do together. 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 Remaining Flu Clinic |
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Easy, convenient flu shots.
The Pediatric Center makes it very easy to get your annual flu shot with our professional practitioners that know your family!
Simply book your appointment and show up during your time slot. Details below.
Call us today to schedule appointments for your family: 908-508-0400.
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It's that time of year again - Halloween and trick or treating in only a couple of weeks away. The Academy of Pediatrics, in partnership with HealthyChildren.org just released the following Halloween heath and safety tips:
Costumes and other safety considerations
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Plan costumes that are bright and reflective.
- Make sure that shoes fit well, and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
- Look for "flame resistant" on the costume labels, including wigs and accessories.
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Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks.
- Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes and blocking vision.
- Avoid any sharp or long swords, canes, or sticks as a costume accessory.
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Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional – they can cause pain, inflammation and serious eye disorders
- Never allow small children to carve pumpkins.
- Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin.
- Do not place candlelit pumpkins on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by.
At Home
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Remove tripping hazards to keep your home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters.
- Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
- Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps to prevent anyone from slipping on them.
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Restrain pets so they do not jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
Kids & animal bites
Although most animals are friendly, some can be dangerous. More than any other age group, children between the ages of 5 and 9 are the victims of animal bites―about 5% of all children this age are bitten by an animal every year. Children ages 9 to 14 are next in line as the most frequent victims of animal bites. As a parent, you have ultimate responsibility for your child's safety around any animal―including your own pets, neighborhood pets, and wild animals.
While trick-or-treating
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Always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and, ideally, a well-lit pathway.
- Never enter a home or car for a treat.
- Review with children how to call 9-1-1
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Reduce your child's risk of a pedestrian injury―the most common injury to children on Halloween:
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
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Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
Teen drivers
Before you let your child drive on Halloween, take precautions and set specific rules. They should be well aware of the risks and practice safety measures.
Healthy Halloween
- Give your child a good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating to discourage excess treats.
- Consider offering non-edible goodies to trick-or-treaters visiting your home, especially in consideration of food allergies.
- Keep an eye on what your child has in their mouth at all times while on the trick-or-treat trail. Wait until children are home to sort and check treats.
- Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween. If you keep candy guidelines realistic, consistent, and positive, your Halloween will be agreeable and enjoyable for all. It’s a great time to teach your child about moderation.
Source: HealthyChildren.org
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Emotional Wellness Month is observed in October. It is a reminder to disconnect and take time out for mental health. Maintaining a healthy emotional balance helps us make healthy choices, have good relationships, and achieve our goals.
It's just as important for both adults and children to focus on emotional wellness. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends 6 strategies for improving your emotional health. They are summarized below:
Build Resilience
People who are emotionally well, experts say, have fewer negative emotions and are able to bounce back from difficulties faster. This quality is called resilience. Learning healthy ways to cope and how to draw from resources in your community can help you build resilience.
Reduce Stress
Stress can give you a rush of energy when it’s needed most. But if stress lasts a long time—a condition known as chronic stress—those “high-alert” changes become harmful rather than helpful. Learning healthy ways to cope with stress can also boost your resilience.
Get Quality Sleep
To fit in everything we want to do in our day, we often sacrifice sleep. But sleep affects both mental and physical health. It’s vital to your well-being. When you’re tired, you can’t function at your best. Sleep helps you think more clearly, have quicker reflexes, and focus better. Take steps to make sure you regularly get a good night’s sleep.
Strengthen Social Connections
Social connections might help protect health and lengthen life. Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health—both emotionally and physically. Whether with romantic partners, family, friends, neighbors, or others, social connections can influence our biology and well-being.
Cope with Loss
When someone you love dies, your world changes. There is no right or wrong way to mourn. Although the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, most people can make it through the grieving process with the support of family and friends. Learn healthy ways to help you through difficult times.
Be Mindful
The concept of mindfulness is simple. This ancient practice is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present—of all that’s going on inside and all that’s happening around you. It means not living your life on “autopilot.” Becoming a more mindful person requires commitment and practice.
Source: NIH
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This simple Halloween treat is a fun activity for the kids and entertaining to look at!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 green apples, each quartered
- sunflower butter, peanut butter or almond butter
- 32 sunflower seeds
- 2–3 strawberries, sliced
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1–2 homemade googly eyes per apple bite (mini marshmellow with mini choc chip)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut the middles out of each quarter of the apple to create a mouth. Don’t worry about perfection, you are filling this gap with butter anyway so if you cut too deep, you can always just cover it up and no one will know.
- Coat the inside of the cut gap with a filling of sunflower butter.
- Place 4 sunflower seeds on the top of the “mouth” for the teeth.
- Place 1 sliced strawberry inside the mouth for the tongue.
- “Glue” each eye above the mouth with a dab of sunbutter to stick.
- Serve with a smile.
Source: ForkandBeans.com
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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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