June 2022

This Month's Newsletter Happy June, end of school and beginning of summer! And a belated Happy Father's Day to all of our wonderful dads and congratulations to all of our students graduating! In this month's newsletter, we share how to create an essential summer first aid kit. We also help you determine when to bring your child in for a sick appointment based on signs and symptoms. In addition, we share the fresh produce that is in abundance these summer months, and EWG's pick of the 2022 Dirty Dozen. 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

Essential Summer First Aid

Every year the summer arrives with full force with anything from cuts, ticks, poison ivy, infected bug bites, sunburns, eye injuries, broken bones, and all other kinds of summer struggles. Luckily, if you are prepared, you can easily treat or prevent some of these inevitable summer issues with a readily available first aid kit. Shopping List for Your Summer First Aid Kit Following is a shopping list for a summer first aid kit. If you build it now, you will be well prepared: Pre-made first aid kit: It's cheapest and easiest to start by buying a pre-made kit, because otherwise it is difficult to find small packages of all the different kinds of gauze, tape, and antibiotic ointment you will need. Find a large kit with a sturdy container with extra space to hold all the things you will add to it. Or, get a small duffle bag or backpack to hold your first-aid kit, and start by putting the pre-made kit in the bag. Be sure the pre-made kit includes Band-Aids, gauze, tape, antibiotic ointment, and anti-itch or steroid ointment. Water bottle for cleaning out wounds: The first thing you'll need to do with a crying kid is clean out their wound. And the nearest water source is probably too far to walk. You can use your water bottle to treat dehydration, too. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): Benadryl is probably the most important over-the-counter medication to have in your first aid kit—it's a first-line treatment for insect bites, hives, and other allergic reactions that can be deadly. Some premade kits will include Benadryl tablets, but if you have young children be sure to include a bottle of liquid, Children's Benadryl or the generic equivalent. Benadryl is also a great treatment for an attack of seasonal allergies.  EpiPen: If you have a family member with a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), ask your physician for a prescription. I keep mine in the outside pocket of my first aid kit for quick, easy access. Numbing spray: Wound numbing spray can be purchased over-the-counter at any pharmacy and can really save the day when a child is burned, sunburned, or has a painful cut or scrape. Prescription medication: Ask your physician for an extra prescription for any medication you use frequently, especially asthma and allergy medications. Keep the extra supply in your car first-aid kit. You'll be grateful when you can stay at your child's sporting event rather than head home for an inhaler or other medication. Ibuprofen and Tylenol: Most pre-made kits include these standard pain medications, but you will have to add the liquid kind for children. Dramamine, nausea medication: There's an easy fix for vomiting, car sick kids—nausea medication. Don't leave home without it.  Sunblock: The worst sunburns occur when you least expect it—at sports events, or while doing yard work. Have some 30+ sunblock ready to cover those little spots on your ears and neck that your hat doesn't cover. Include some SPF lip balm or ChapStick, too. Bug spray: The best protection comes from a repellant that contains 30% DEET. Insect bites are annoying at best, but at worst they get scratched and infected.  Afrin nasal spray for nosebleeds: it is a quick fix for a nosebleed. This medication causes the capillaries in the nose to constrict, thereby limiting the blood flow to the nasal mucosa and stopping the bleeding. You can also use saline spray which can help wash it out. Hydrocortisone ointment: This inexpensive over-the-counter medication will treat almost anything that itches—insect bites, poison ivy, etc. If you stop the itch, the kids won't scratch, and you reduce the risk of secondary infection. Flashlight/headlamp: If you don't have a reliable light on your cell phone, include an LED flashlight or headlamp. A flashlight is not just for nighttime injuries—you'll need a bright light to get a good look at splinters, or look in kids' mouths, ears, etc. Baby wipes: Even if your kids are out of diapers, a pack of baby wipes is infinitely useful in the car, especially for keeping hands clean and wiping noses. ChapStick: ChapStick or lip balm can sooth cold sores, lip injuries, and sunburned lips in addition to regular chapped lips.  Clean towel: A nice clean towel is perfect for setting up your first-aid station while you dress a wound or remove a splinter. It's also useful for containing bleeding on bigger injuries. Consider a highly absorbent microfiber towel that can be stuffed into a small space. Feminine hygiene supplies: Besides their obvious uses, tampons and maxi pads are very helpful for wound management and are an essential part of any first aid kit. Did you know that the modern tampon was invented in the 1800's for management of bullet wounds? An OB-style tampon can very effectively treat a persistent nosebleed. The smallest OB tampons fit nicely in the nose. Bleeding wounds can be easily controlled with a maxi-pad held in place with an ace wrap. Premade finger splint: Not sure if that finger is broken or not? Just put it in a pre-made finger splint until you get your child to the doctor. You can buy premade finger splints at any pharmacy. Alcohol wipes: for sterilizing first aid kit instruments, such as tweezers and scissors. They are also useful for cleaning skin before trying to remove splinters. ACE bandage: Although a first-line treatment for sprains and strains, ACE bandages are also useful for holding bandages in place on bigger wounds, and holding splints on fractures. Small scissors: For cutting dressings to the right size, cutting medical tape, opening packages, trimming fingernails and hangnails, etc. Ziploc bags: Ziplocs are essential for keeping track of teeth that fall out or are knocked out. Did you pull a tick off your child? Stick it in the Ziploc bag for later identification. Certain kinds of ticks are more likely to carry pathogens that cause Lyme disease and other illnesses. Tweezers & small magnifying glass: for removing splinters, bugs from ears, fishing hooks from fingers, etc. Of note, tweezers are NOT the best way to remove a tick—tweezers often cause you to remove the tick body and leave the head in the skin. The best way to remove a small deer tick is to scrape it off with a credit card. You can clean the credit card first with your alcohol wipes.  Keep Your First Aid Kit in Your Car You'll never have to remember to pack it. If you need something while you are at home, just go out and get it. If you have more than one family car, consider making a first aid kit for each car. Source: Healthychildren.org

Do You Need An Appointment?

​Does your child require a sick visit appointment? Having a sick child can be a stressful experience. Your child may be having a hard time sleeping, feeling uncomfortable, dealing with pain, and concerned about missing school or summer activities. You may be wondering if it is time to call the doctor. If you have a sick child at home, please call our office and talk to one of our nurses for advice and recommendations for making your child more comfortable. Sometimes, you may find it difficult to decide when to bring your child in for a sick visit or when to just treat your child’s symptoms at home. Typical symptoms that may require an in-office sick visit appointment: Fever in a child under three months old Severe headache or a stiff neck Changes in breathing patterns, especially any trouble breathing Changes in skin color, such as looking very pale, reddish, or bluish Child refuses to drink fluids or stops urinating Severe or persistent vomiting High fever or persistent fever that lasts more than three days in a row Child is unusually quiet and inactive Signs of extreme irritability or pain Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach Widespread rash Flu-like symptoms improve but then get worse You can find more information like this on our website.

Fresh and Readily Available

The summer months are full new crops of fruits and vegetables that are readily available. It makes it easier when you have such a large selection to incorporate it in to your daily diet. Often, when you have ready-to-eat vegetables prepared and easy to grab, children of all ages will eat more of it. Keep veggies cut and in the fridge and fruits in bowls on the counter or in containers in the refrigerator at eye level. Summer selections include: Apples, Apricots, Avocados, Bananas, Beets, Bell Peppers, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Celery, Cherries, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Green Beans, Herbs, Honeydew Melon, Lemons, Lettuce, Lima Beans, Limes, Mangos, Okra, Peaches, Plums, Raspberries, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Tomatillos, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Zucchini Try to buy organic when possible to reduce pesticides and herbicides. Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases the Dirty Dozen™ — a list of the 12 non-organic fruits and vegetables highest in pesticide residues. Pesticides are substances commonly used in agriculture to protect crops from damage caused by insects, weed pressure and diseases. The 2022 Dirty Dozen list includes: Strawberries, Spinach, Kale, collard & mustard greens, Nectarines, Apples, Grapes, Bell & hot peppers, Cherries, Peaches, Pears, Celery, Tomatoes For more information, visit the EWG 2022 Shopper's Guide. Source: Healthline.com; EWG.org

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. VOTE NOW

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! Learn more.

For Parents Resources for breastfeeding, immunization schedules, what to do if your child is sick, online references & much more! Click here.

Lactation Support The Pediatric Center's Lactation Support Center and lactation suite are available to you for breastfeeding guidance.   Learn More

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 www.PedCenter.com