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August 2022
This Month's Newsletter

The last few weeks of summer are here and school is just around the corner. We wish all of our families an enjoyable end to summer and an easy transition to fall.

In this month's newsletter, we discuss monkeypox and important questions and answers from the American Academy of Pediatrics. We also include information on what to expect during every well visit including screenings, tests, and recommended vaccines. In addition, we look into milk allergies and sensitivities and what to look for in milk alternatives. As you may have already heard, Dr. Shih has decided to leave The Pediatric Center for another opportunity. If you have an upcoming appointment, our offices will be calling you to reschedule. We wish Dr. Shih all the best and thank her for her many years of service. 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
Monkeypox Questions and Answers
A panel of experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics came together to address frequently asked questions about monkeypox. Some of those questions and answers are listed below:
 
Is monkeypox a risk for children?
The risk of children getting infected with monkeypox virus is low. As of August 3rd, two pediatric cases have been confirmed in the United States (<0.1% of all cases). Children and adolescents are more likely to be exposed to monkeypox if they live in or have recently traveled to a community with higher rates of infection.
 
Are some children at increased risk for monkeypox?
Infants, young children (under 8 years of age), children with eczema and other skin conditions and children with immunocompromising conditions may be at increased risk of severe disease when they contract monkeypox.
 
What are the symptoms of monkeypox in children? 
Rash is the most common monkeypox symptom, and it can look similar to rashes seen more commonly in children, including rashes caused by chickenpox, herpes, allergic skin rashes and hand, foot, and mouth disease.

How is monkeypox spread?
Monkeypox can spread to others through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including:

  • Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs or body fluids from a person with monkeypox, including sexual contact.
  • Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding or towels) and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
  • Contact with respiratory secretions.

Unlike some other rashes, monkeypox remains contagious until the scabs fall off and new skin has formed.
 
When should a child be tested for monkeypox? 
If a child has a suspicious rash, pediatricians and other pediatric clinicians should test their patients if there is a history of close, personal contact with someone who has a confirmed or probable case or travel that puts them at risk.

Testing is available through state public health authorities and at some commercial labs.
 
If it is suspected a child might have monkeypox, what precautions should they take?
Monkeypox remains contagious until the rash is fully resolved (scabs fall off and new skin has formed), which can take up to 2-4 weeks. While contagious, the following precautions should be taken:

  • Children with monkeypox should cover their skin lesions.
  • Parents/caregivers should encourage children not to scratch skin lesions or touch their eyes.
  • Children with monkeypox should avoid contact with other people and pets.
  • Children who are at least 2 years of age who have monkeypox should wear a well-fitting mask when interacting with a caregiver, and the caregiver should wear a respirator or well-fitting mask and gloves when skin contact with the child may occur, and when handling bandages or clothing.
  • Children should not return to school or childcare while contagious.
 
Is there any treatment for monkeypox for children?
Yes. Treatment is available, particularly for those who have severe disease, are at risk for severe monkeypox disease, (ie, those who are less than 8 years of age, those with immunocompromising conditions, those who have a history of certain skin conditions), those who have accidental implantation or lesions in certain anatomical areas (ie. eyes, mouth, genitalia, anus), and children and adolescents with complications from monkeypox.
 
Is there a monkeypox vaccine indicated for use in children? 
There is currently no monkeypox vaccine available for administration to all children. However, there is a vaccine available to children < 18 years who have been exposed to monkeypox.


Source: AAP.org
What To Expect At Every Age
​Our practice follows the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended schedule for well-child care. During a child’s first four years, our primary focus during well-visits is to monitor your child’s growth and development, identify and treat developmental or medical problems, give routine childhood immunizations and provide education and guidance to parents.

Birth to 4 Years Old
Areas of health that we monitor include: nutrition, sleep questions, speech development, toilet training, school readiness, sibling and family issues, as well as the normal developmental expectations for each stage of early childhood.

After age 4, an annual well visit is recommended, and if needed may include lab tests, adolescent vaccines, urinalysis, vision and hearing screening, and concussion screening. We monitor areas of health including: nutrition, sleep, speech development, school readiness, sibling and family issues, behavioral health concerns, asthma and allergy management, adolescent vaccines, referrals to pediatric specialists.

5 to 18 Years Old
Areas of health that we monitor include: nutrition, sleep questions, speech development, school readiness, sibling and family issues, ADHD/ADD concerns, concussion baseline and management, asthma and allergy management, referrals to pediatric specialists.

For age-specific charts, year-by-year on what to expect in each visit, the screenings, the tests and the recommended vaccines, visit our website.
Are Milk Alternatives Healthy?
There is no doubt there is a lot of research on dairy and its inflammatory properties. Classic symptoms of dairy sensitivity include respiratory & digestive problems, mucus build-up, gas, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, joint pains, and skin issues. There are two components in dairy that can lead to these issues: casein (protein) and lactose (sugar).

Many avoid dairy because they experience symptoms after ingesting milk or cheese. Many people have a lactose intolerance – they don’t produce the lactase enzyme required to break down lactose. People who do produce the lactase enzyme but still react poorly to milk are responding to the two proteins found in milk, casein (with a molecular structure similar to gluten) and whey. Many may think they have a lactose intolerance, yet it might be a difficulty digesting the protein casein.

Most people with lactose intolerance can eat foods that contain casein & whey (the proteins, not sugars). A lactose free product does not necessarily mean it is dairy free. A dairy allergy is often related to the casein.

Most of the milk we ingest is from cows that naturally mutate to produce a mix of A1 and A2 casein proteins. Published research suggests these A1 caseins can be the culprit for a large percentage of the population with digestive issues.

Not all dairy is created equal. Butter and many cheeses contain zero grams of carbohydrate, which means they contain zero grams of sugar. And zero sugar means zero lactose, or at least close to it. In addition, the higher the fat content, and the more aged the cheese, the less the lactose.

There are so many milk alternatives out there ...but are they healthy? It's important to read the labels. So many of these kinds of milk are overly processed and include dangerous oils and additives like gums and artificial ingredients which can ultimately also wreak havoc on the gut and be detrimental to your health. Look for milks that are preferably organic, and are limited to 2-3 ingredients.

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