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April 2022
This Month's Newsletter

It's a month of new beginnings! It is so much fun to see the flowers and trees blooming, spring sports in full swing and the energy of outside activities. We hope everyone had a fantastic holiday weekend and fun-filled spring breaks.

In this month's newsletter, we share the press release of our practitioners once again being recognized as "Top Doc" for 2022. We include an article on the importance of vitamin K for newborns and how it can prevent a very avoidable disease. We recognize National Humor Month and the physical and mental benefits of laughter. NJ Family voting is still open for Favorite Kids' Docs! Finally, 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
2022 "Top Doctor"
We are pleased to share that we have received "NJ Top Doc" recognition once again for 2022!
Below is the press release announcing this acknowledgment.

Four Board-Certified Pediatrics At The Pediatric Center Named NJ Top Docs
Dr. Steven Moskowitz founded The Pediatric Center over 28 years ago. Ever since, he and his team have been serving Union, Morris, Warren, and surrounding counties with outstanding pediatric care.

The team of practitioners at The Pediatric Center in New Providence, NJ has been reviewed and approved as NJ Top Docs once again for 2022. These board-certified, NJ Top Docs include Dr. Steven Moskowitz, Dr. Emily Shih, Dr. Kathleen L. Chin, and Dr. Denise Visci. Each doctor has consistently demonstrated compassionate and elite care to their patients with the most advanced medical treatments.

Dr. Moskowitz, a renowned pediatrician with a wealth of experience in all aspects of pediatric care, has a reputation for building strong relationships with his patients from the time they enter his office into adulthood. Parents have sought his guidance and care for their children from near and far. Over the last few years, he has had to pivot quickly to address the concerns of Covid and offer a robust care system for testing, treatment, and vaccines. “We live in crazy times, and we must learn to adapt quickly. I am grateful for a strong team and the opportunity to bring the best healthcare options to our patients. Our patients are our family – we truly believe in building that relationship and treating them as if they are our own children, “ says Dr. Moskowitz.
Dr. Chin has a special interest in childhood development, children with special needs, and general pediatrics. Dr. Emily Shih is multi-lingual in English, Spanish, and Korean and offers breastfeeding education and child development guidance. In addition, Dr. Visci has a particular interest in nutrition and wellness.

The Pediatric Center is open 7 days a week, even on holidays. They offer on-site testing, on-demand appointments, 15 spacious exam rooms that are separated for sick and well patients, an on-site modern lactation suite and counseling, neurocognitive testing, behavioral treatment, and nutrition guidance.
Newborns Need Vitamin K
​The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reinforces the benefits of administering vitamin K to newborns shortly after birth to prevent a life-threatening disease that causes bleeding in otherwise healthy infants.

In an updated policy statement, "Vitamin K and the Newborn Infant," published in the March 2022 Pediatrics, the AAP notes a dangerous trend. In recent years, more parents have refused the vitamin K shots for their newborn infants. This has led to an increase in the number of babies with late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).

Administration of vitamin K to prevent bleeding has been a standard of care since the AAP first recommended it in 1961. Vitamin K shots proved to be a medical breakthrough against a dangerous disease reported as far back as the 1800s.

"This illness is relatively rare in the United States today because we have offered this dose of vitamin K to infants," said Ivan Hand, MD, FAAP, an author of the statement, written by the AAP Committee on Fetus and Newborn, Section on Breastfeeding, and Committee on Nutrition. "This bleeding disease can be devastating and is totally preventable, and so we urge parents to ask questions if they have concerns."

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is characterized by its time of presentation—early-onset, classic, or late-onset—each of which is associated with various forms of illness. Early-onset VKDB begins within a baby's first 24 hours of life, typically in those whose mothers are taking medications such as anticonvulsants, antibiotics, antituberculosis agents, and warfarin, which can affect vitamin K absorption. Infants may show signs of the disease through bruising or life-threatening intracranial hemorrhage.

Classic vitamin K deficiency bleeding typically occurs between 2 days and 1 week of life. Late-onset presentation of the disease is most often seen between 2 and 8 weeks but can also be diagnosed as late as six months. Late-onset VKDB is usually associated with exclusively breastfed infants who did not receive vitamin K prophylaxis at birth, and can result in liver dysfunction and intracranial bleeding, among other complications.

The AAP recommends:
  • Vitamin K should be administered to all newborn infants weighing >1500 g as a single, intramuscular dose of 1 mg within six hours of birth.
  • Preterm infants weighing ≤1500 g should receive a vitamin K dose of 0.3 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg as a single, intramuscular dose.
  • Pediatricians and other health care providers must be aware of the benefits of vitamin K administration as well as the risks of refusal and convey this information to the infant's caregivers.
  • Vitamin K deficiency bleeding should be considered when evaluating bleeding in the first six months of life, even in infants who received prophylaxis, and especially in exclusively breastfed infants.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics/HealthyChildren.org
Laugh It Out!
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April is National Humor month! It was founded in 1976 by comedian and best-selling author, Larry Wilde, Director of The Carmel Institute of Humor.

It was created as a means to increase public awareness around the therapeutic value of humor. Laughter and joy lead to improved well-being, boosted morale, increased communication skills and an enriched quality of life.

And yes, the month begins with April Fool's Day which is infamous for jokes, laughter and tricks.

There is scientific research that supports the idea that humor can lift spirits, alleviate stress, calm the body and strengthen the immune system. It's actually a remarkable medical discovery and plays an important role in our overall health emotionally and physically.

Laughter is regulated by the brain as an expression of happiness and inner joy. Socially, it's a sign of acceptance and positive interactions with others and can be contagious!

We encourage you to bring an abundance of laughter into your home. Keep it light and point out the humor in everyday things. The banter with your family is so unique and it will be remembered by your children for a lifetime.
We Need Your Vote
The voting continues. NJ Family has opened up nominations for Favorite Kids' Docs for 2022.

Every vote counts! Cast your today by clicking the button below. We are so grateful for the support of our patients.
Our Office Hours
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
Covid-19 Office Procedures
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
Lactation Support
The Pediatric Center's Lactation Support Center and lactation suite are available to you for breastfeeding guidance.  
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