This Month's Newsletter
It's officially the holiday season! We wish everyone a very happy and grateful Thanksgiving with friends and family. Reminder, we are here for well and sick visits. Please call to schedule an appointment.
In this month's newsletter, we acknowledge the challenge of scheduling appointments with our practitioners and remind you of our commitment. We recognize National Diabetes Month with information on the types, diagnoses, and treatments. We also share recent study results on tobacco use in teens and the associated dangers. Finally, with the holidays upon us, we share an article on healthy oils for cooking and eating. 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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Diabetes in Children & Young Adults |
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This month is recognized as National Diabetes Awareness Month. We share an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics on what to look for, how to diagnose, and ways to combat diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that causes problems with the body's ability to change food--especially sugars (carbohydrates)--into fuel for the body. High blood glucose from not properly treating diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and nervous system over many years.
Forms of diabetes
The two most common forms of diabetes are called type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both forms can occur at any age, but children are more likely to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough of a hormone called insulin. This stops the body from being able to use sugar, which then builds up in the bloodstream. These sugars (also called glucose) that cannot be used by the body pass out of the body in the urine and take water with it.
While type 1 diabetes can begin at any age, there are peak periods at about ages 5 to 6 and then again at ages 11 to 13. Often the first sign is an increase in how often a child urinates, especially at night, and may cause a child who is potty trained to start bedwetting again. There are other key symptoms as well, for example, being very thirsty and tired, losing weight, and having an increased appetite.
Identifying symptoms of type 1 diabetes early is important. High blood sugar levels and dehydration caused by uncontrolled diabetes is dangerous and can cause children to need intravenous insulin and fluids in a pediatric emergency room or critical care unit.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes was once called “adult-onset" diabetes because children hardly ever got it. With rising rates of childhood obesity, however, a growing number of children are being diagnosed with this form of the disease—some as young as 10 years old. In addition to weight problems, other risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children include having a family member with the disease, and being born to a mother with diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes), or other medical problems that affect the way the body handles insulin.
Symptoms are similar to type 1 diabetes and may show up gradually. Darkened areas of skin, especially around the neck or in the armpits, are also common.
Controlling and managing diabetes
Although there is no cure for diabetes, children with this disease can lead normal lives if it's kept under control. Managing the disease focuses on blood sugar monitoring, treatment such as insulin therapy, given as multiple injections per day or through an insulin pump, and maintaining a healthy diet. Keeping blood sugars within a normal range reduces is important and lowers the risk of long-term health problems related to poor diabetes control. In addition to a healthy diet, at least thirty minutes of exercise a day can help children manage their disease as well.
What parents of children with diabetes can do
As your child becomes more independent, you can help them learn to take more responsibility for caring for their diabetes. Children above the age of 7 typically have the fine motor skills to be able to start giving themselves insulin injections with adult supervision. They can also check the sugar in their blood several times per day, using simple, chemically treated test strips and a blood sugar meter.
If your child takes too much insulin: their blood sugar can become too low (hypoglycemia). This can lead to trembling, a rapid heartbeat, nausea, fatigue, weakness, and even loss of consciousness. If your child takes too little insulin: the major symptoms of diabetes (weight loss, increased urination, thirst, and appetite), can return.
Developing good diabetes management habits when a child is young can have a dramatic impact on their management habits as they get older. Many communities also have active parent groups that share and discuss common concerns. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Remember
Regular check-ups are especially important to identify and treat diabetes in children as early as possible. Talk with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's health.
Source: HealthyChildren.org; CDC
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Results from the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) show an estimated 3 million U.S. middle and high school students (about 11%) currently use a tobacco product.
The survey data were analyzed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and revealed an estimated 2.5 million high school students (16.5%) and 530,000 middle school students (4.5%) reported using tobacco in the past 30 days.
The NYTS was conducted from January through May 2022, and the findings were published November 10th in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Comparisons with previous years’ findings were limited due to changes in survey methodology.
For the ninth consecutive year, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were the most commonly used tobacco product among high school and middle school students (14.1% and 3.3%, respectively). In 2022, 24.8% of middle and high school students reported ever having used any tobacco product, and about 3.7% of all students reported currently smoking any combustible tobacco product.
Other tobacco products reported to be used by U.S. youths in the past 30 days included cigars (about 500,000 students), cigarettes (440,000), smokeless tobacco (330,000), hookah (290,000), nicotine pouches (280,000), heated tobacco products (260,000) and pipe tobacco (150,000). The term “tobacco product” refers to commercial tobacco products and not sacred and traditional use of tobacco by some American Indian communities.
Commercial tobacco product use remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States. Nearly all tobacco product use begins during youth and young adulthood. Tobacco product use among youths is particularly concerning, the authors said, because it is associated with nicotine dependence, which increases the likelihood of continued tobacco use in adulthood.
If you suspect your child is using tobacco products and need help getting them to quit, please make an appointment with one of our practitioners.
Source: AAP
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Oil is good for you right? Omega 3’s, heart health, brain smarts, etc. Then why is fried food the enemy? Just like anything in life, there’s some good and some bad. Picking the right oil can make all the difference. So here’s your handy little guide.
Best Oils For Cooking
When you’re cooking at a high heat, you want to use oils that are stable and don’t oxidize or easily turn rancid. When oils undergo oxidation, they form free radicals and harmful compounds that are unhealthy to consume. Saturated fats and monounsaturated fats are more resistant to heating, but oils that are high in polyunsaturated fats should be avoided.
Coconut Oil: One of the best choices for cooking – made up of over 90% saturated fatty acids, it is very resistant to heat. It can also improve cholesterol, help kill bacteria and other pathogens, boost metabolism and increase feelings of fullness. Look for raw or virgin coconut oil.
Clarified Butter (Ghee): Grass-fed ghee is rich in the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2 and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) — the essential fatty acid found almost exclusively in grass-fed animals, which is now believed to protect against cancer, heart disease, and type II diabetes. The milk solids have been removed from ghee, therefore is it considered dairy-free.
Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat, it contains beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Choose high quality extra virgin olive oil – it has many more nutrients and antioxidants than the refined oil olives and a much richer taste.
Avocodo Oil: Very similar to olive oil, it is primarily monounsaturated.
The Not So Good
Industrial Seed and Vegetable Oils: These are highly processed, refined products that are too rich in Omega-6 fatty acids. The world health organization’s (WHO) recommended ratio for omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is about 4:1. However, the average ratio American’s ingest ranges from 10:1 to 25:1
Try to avoid the following oils altogether – as an ingredient, for cooking or ingesting: Soybean, Corn, Rapeseed, Sunflower, Grapeseed, Safflower, Canola. To create these oils, many are refined, bleached and deodorized. About 87% of canola oil is genetically modified.
It is recommended to avoid nut oils when cooking due to their high level of polyunsaturated fats, except for macadamia nut oil which is mostly monounsaturated (like olive oil) and has great properties and is safe for cooking
Side Note: Fish oil and flaxseed oils are great as they are high in omega-3s, but should not be heated because they are sensitive to oxidation.
There have been many reports about unsavory olive oil dealers who have been combining olive oils with cheap vegetable oils. As a result, you might be unknowingly ingesting unhealthy oils. Artisan or locally produced olive oils tend to be your safest bet. Olea olive oils are 100% pure olive oil.
Source: HeelstoLaces.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 Prenatal Class
Join our free, 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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