This Month's Newsletter
Happy Holidays to all of our patients and their families! Reminder, we are here for well and sick visits and continue to hold office hours even throughout the holidays. Please call to schedule an appointment.
In this month's newsletter, we are proud to acknowledge our recognition in NJ Family for 2022. We discuss the prevalence of RSV, what to look for and how to treat it. We also offer tips for a healthy and safe holiday. 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
|
|
NJ's Favorite Kids' Docs 2022 |
|
We are thrilled to share The Pediatric Center was once again voted as "NJ's Favorite Kids' Docs" in the December Issue of New Jersey Family Magazine. We could not do it without our patients. Thank you for your continuous support and for your vote! Congrats to all of our practitioners!
|
|
This fall and winter, we are dealing with three compounded illnesses - the flu, RSV and Covid. After years of wearing masks and lack of exposure to germs, our immune systems are not as strong as they once were and now have to reacclimate to illnesses.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) has been prominent this year, and almost all children will experience it at least once before they are two years old. RSV is a common illness, however it can progress in some children and make them very sick. The illness inflicts the nose, throat and lungs and is more prevalent late fall through early spring.
RSV typically starts as a cold which is sometimes followed by bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Symptoms typically last 5-7 days.
In addition to cold symptoms (fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fussiness, lack of appetite), a child may experience fast breathing, flaring of the nostrils, rhythmic grunting during breathing, belly breathing and wheezing.
When to call your pediatrician
If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms below, it is recommended to call your pediatrician:
- symptoms of bronchiolitis as described above
- symptoms of dehydration
- pauses or difficulty breathing
- gray or blue color to the tongue, lips or skin
- significantly decreased activity and alertness
Some children with RSV may have an increased risk of developing bacterial infections, including ear infections. Call your pediatrician if symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 days, they have a fever and are younger than 3 months old, a fever higher than 104 repeatedly for a child of any age, poor sleep or fussiness, chest pain ear tugging or drainage.
RSV is contagious through direct person-to-person contact, unclean hands or unclean objects or surfaces. Symptoms can appear 2-8 days after contact with RSV.
How to Treat RSV
To help your child feel better, use nasal saline with gentle suctioning, a cool-mist humidifier, fluids and frequent feedings (staying hydrated is important), and acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if older than 6 months). Always avoid aspirin and cough and cold medication.
It's important to wash your hands and your child's hands frequently and limit your child to exposure in crowds.
If you have any concerns or questions, please call our office.
Source: AAP
|
|
Tips for a Healthy Holiday |
|
The CDC offers health tips for a safe and healthy holiday. We share a few of them here:
Eat Healthy and Be Active
We all know the holidays can be filled with decadence and an abundance of food and treats. Healthy eating is all about balance and moderation. You can be more tempted during the holiday celebrations. Allow yourself to indulge in your favorite foods while trying to keep the portions small and balancing them with healthier options. In addition, staying active can help you maintain a healthy weight during the holidays and keep your heart in good health.
Food Safety
Take simple steps to ensure your food is prepared well and is not contaminated. Wash your hands and work surfaces before and after preparing food. Keep raw meats, seafood and eggs separate during preparation. Cook food at the recommendation temperature and duration. Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours.
Handwashing
Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and keep kids and adults healthy, especially during the winter months. Handwashing can prevent 1 in 5 respiratory illnesses like the cold or flu.
Cold Weather
Wear the proper warm clothing and outer layers to protect from hypothermia or frostbite. That includes gloves/mittens, scarves and hats. It's a good practice to dress in layers. It's also important to keep a cell phone with you in case of emergency.
Controlling Stress
The holidays can be a stressful time. Feeling emotional and nervous, having trouble sleeping and eating can all be normal reactions to stress. Ensure you practice self care this holiday season and seek help if you need it.
Travel Safety
The holiday season also includes a significant increase in traveling. It's important to be especially cautious when on the road, avoid drinking and driving, refrain from using your phone when driving, keep aware of icy roads and in tune with the other drivers. If you are traveling in confined spaces, be sure to get up and move and keep the blood circulating.
Above all, enjoy every moment!
Source: CDC
|
|
|
|
Happiest of holidays from our family to yours. It is our pleasure caring for your family and we appreciate you trusting us with your health care.
We hope you enjoy the celebrations with your loved ones and we wish you a wonderful start to the New Year.
Sincerely,
The Pediatric Center Team
|
|
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.
|
|
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
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
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 Prenatal Class
Join our free, 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
