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July 2021
This Month's Newsletter

This month has certainly brought hazy, hot days and lots of storms. As we move from July to August, we wish you many great summer memories, time with loved ones and relaxing moments. We recognize many things have returned to normal and continue to remind you to use caution when possible, especially considering the spreading variants of Covid-19. We can all still have a great time while taking necessary precautions.

In this month's newsletter, we present an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics offering guidance for toxic stress prevention in children. We also provide information on sunscreen and some recent product recalls due to carcinogenic ingredients. In addition, we talk about the connection between food and your mood. We continue to include information on our office 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
Preventing Toxic Stress in Children
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Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships can act as a powerful, protective buffer against the biological harms of toxic stress on children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These relationships are also key to building resilience--being able to bounce back from adverse childhood experiences. When children feel connected and supported in the early years, says a newly updated AAP report, they are more likely to become healthy, competent and educated citizens later in life.
 
The policy statement, "Preventing Childhood Toxic Stress: Partnering With Families and Communities to Promote Relational Health," is published in the August 2021 Pediatrics. The statement focuses on just how important relationships and positive childhood experiences are in preventing and healing toxic stress and how a positive, strengths-based approach fosters solutions at the family, community and societal levels.
 
A slow-moving public health crisis
The AAP calls for pediatricians, parents and policymakers to recognize toxic stress as a slow-moving public health threat that can be tempered by a preventive approach aimed at developing and strengthening healthy relationships.
 
"The concept of drawing on positive relationships as a shield against the toxic stress caused by adverse experiences has never been more relevant," said Andrew Garner, MD, PhD, FAAP, an author of the statement.
 
Forming close, healthy and nurturing bonds
"Over the past few years, we've experienced a socially-isolating pandemic and reckoned with centuries of structural racism. We must take steps to help kids form close, healthy and nurturing bonds, whether it is within the family, schools or community."
 
The AAP recommends patients utilize their pediatricians as a resource, building on the trust, safety and strong relationship developed in the patient-doctor setting.
 
New research also reveals that changes in the brains of parents who experienced trauma in their own childhoods may make it difficult for them to bond and nurture their children. These families can benefit from help from the community and others, especially after the pandemic.
 
"Families can help children adapt to harmful experiences and adversity by modeling their own skills at resilience," said Michael Yogman, MD, FAAP, an author of the report. “Caregivers do not need to be perfect to help children feel safe, connected and supported."
 
The AAP recommends pediatricians watch for, screen and address potential barriers to safe, stable, and nurturing relationships. It also recommends policy makers and community leaders learn how relational health is influenced at all levels and support programs and funding that strengthen families.
 
The AAP also recommends families, caregivers, teachers, coaches and others learn about positive parenting techniques and developmentally appropriate forms of play, such as:

  • Shared reading, as these foster the warm relationships that enhance literacy, executive function and other core 21st century life skills.
  • Learning how to handle their own strong emotions, so they can model this skill and be emotionally available when their children are distressed ("put your own oxygen mask on before helping others").
  • Considering therapy to address unresolved trauma in the caregivers' own history. Children are watching as caregivers strive to become slightly better versions of themselves each day, and the development of a "growth mind-set" is a powerful predictor of future success.
  • Helping children understand that there is nothing wrong with having strong emotions: the challenge is helping them to channel that energy into a constructive outlet like a passion, hobby, or activity that brings them joy while at the same time building generalizable skills.
 
"Our nation's children are suffering both a mental health crisis and an educational challenge amid the pandemic," Dr. Yogman said. "We must seize this opportunity and make sure that all children have someone they can turn to, that they can trust within a consistent, positive and nurturing relationship. This benefits our children, our society and our future."

If you have any concerns about the level of stress for your child, please make an appointment with one of our practitioners. We know your children well and can offer valuable information and resources.

Source: HealthyChildren.org
Not All Sunscreens Are Safe
Last month we discussed the importance of protecting your skin from the sun, and tactics you can use to keep safe. One of the best defenses against the sun is sunscreen, however not all sunscreens are safe. Like any lotion, sunscreens can penetrate the skin and get into the blood stream. So if a sunscreen contains dangerous ingredients, you should try to avoid using it.

We highlighted the importance of using sunscreens with the mineral ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and to avoid any skin or lip product whose label includes retinyl palmitate, retinol or vitamin A or the ingredient oxybenzone, the most dangerous sunscreen ingredient that penetrates the skin readily and can disrupt the hormone system.

On July 14th, Johnson and Johnson recalled 5 spray sunscreens after the carcinogen benzene, a chemical that can cause cancer and damage the immune system and prevent cells from functioning properly with repeated exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The recall included all can sizes and all levels of sun protection factor or SPF.

The affected products, packaged in aerosol cans, are:
  • Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen
  • Four Neutrogena sunscreen versions: Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, CoolDry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Invisible Daily Defense aerosol sunscreen and UltraSheer aerosol sunscreen.

J&J said it voluntarily recalled the products and it’s working to get all lots of the five products removed from store shelves. It urged consumers to stop using the sunscreens immediately and said customers can get a refund by calling J&J’s Consumer Care Center at 1-800-458-1673.

Since the J&J report, other brands and companies, including CVS, have recalled their sunscreens.

Source: Today.com
Improving Your Mood with Food!
Most of us are aware, at least on some level, that what we eat can affect our mood. However, we generally don’t understand why or how. There are many different avenues in which our food consumption can affect our mental health, but the primary physiological explanation is neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are the chemicals in our brain that regulate mood and behavior, and they are affected by our food intake. Some of the most important neurotransmitters are serotonin, dopamine and endorphins.

  • When the brain makes serotonin, we tend to feel happier and more relaxed and are less likely to suffer from mood swings and depression. Serotonin is also linked to feelings of satiety and satisfaction – which is very important when trying to avoid overeating or emotional eating.
  • High levels of dopamine are related to feelings of pleasure. And, dopamine also helps with appetite control, focus and muscle coordination.
  • Endorphins, possibly the most well known neurotransmitter, are associated with euphoria and can act as natural painkillers.

Below are some of the foods that aid in the production of these and other neurotransmitters and have been shown to boost mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. 

Dark Chocolate: There are scientific reasons why you feel happy after eating chocolate and one is called anandamide. This is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression. It is also believed that other chemicals in chocolate slow down the breakdown of this chemical, so it stays in your system longer allowing the ‘happy’ feelings to last.
Additionally, serotonin and endorphins are released when chocolate is eaten. And, if all of this is not enough, chocolate also contains magnesium, which helps the body manufacture serotonin, that all-important calming brain chemical. Note: it's important to eat high quality chocolate with a cocoa content (70%+) and no additives (avoid soy lecithin, gums, artificial sweeteners).

Bananas: Bananas are rich in tyrosine, which is needed by your body to make dopamine, a natural chemical that boosts your mood. They are also rich is B vitamins, especially B6, which helps sooth your nervous system. And they are a good source of magnesium, another nutrient associated with positive moods.

Complex carbohydrates: Foods such as whole-wheat bread, pasta, oatmeal and brown rice are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to serotonin in the brain. Other nutrient-rich carbohydrate choices include starchy root vegetables (such as sweet potatoes) and legumes. Try to source organic when possible.

Foods Rich in Omega-3: Coldwater fish, (such as wild salmon and mackerel) walnuts and sunflower seeds, support healthy function of the brain and nervous system and have been shown to elevate mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Some studies have shown that omega-3 fats can be as effective as anti-depressant medication in treating depression.

Dark Green Vegetables: Vegetables like spinach, asparagus and broccoli are all high in folate, a B vitamin, that is needed in the brain for the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine. One Harvard Medical study found that raising the level of folates in the diets of depressed patients helped improve their mood. 

Avocados: Healthy fat like that those found in avocados helps raise dopamine levels and increase endorphins.

Purple Berries: Anthocyanins are the pigments that give berries like blueberries and blackberries their deep color. These antioxidants aid your brain in the production of dopamine.

Probiotics: These have been shown to improve mood. Our bodies have serotonin receptors in our gut, and an imbalance in good and bad bacteria can disrupt the production/reception of serotonin. Probiotics keep levels of bad bacteria down. You can find probiotics in yogurt, cottage cheese and some cereals.

Source: HeelstoLaces.com
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 24 hour PCR test, 7 days a week.

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.
Covid-19 Office Procedures
Our strict CDC guidelines continue, Our office is completely 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.

No admittance to the office if you have traveled outside of the state of New Jersey until 10 days past the date of return, 7 days of a negative PCR test upon return, or if you have proof of vaccination.

We look forward to seeing you!
Virtual New Mom Support Group
The Pediatric Center offers a weekly Virtual New Mom Support Group every Friday at 10 am. The classes are facilitated by our own Dr. Mckegney via Zoom. Simply register here. The support group is open and free to the public.
Virtual Prenatal Class
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.
The Pediatric Center 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!
New Mom Support Group
Are you a new mom and want to connect with other moms while learning about your newborn? Join our weekly support group.
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