Vaccine Statement

As you may have read in the newspaper or seen on television, the CDC reported that the country’s vaccine supply is not being protected as it should be.  The inspectors found that many doctors’ offices had refrigerators/freezers that were either keeping the vaccines too cold or too hot, conditions that may make the vaccines less effective though still safe. At all Pedimedica offices, the vaccines are stored in a dedicated refrigerator/freezer.  We follow all the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control for proper storage and handling of the vaccines.  This ensures that the vaccines will provide our children with maximum protection against preventable diseases.

 

Vaccine Statement

As you may have read in the newspaper or seen on television, the CDC reported that the country’s vaccine supply is not being protected as it should be.  The inspectors found that many doctors’ office had refrigerators that were either keeping the vaccines too cold or too hot, conditions that may make the vaccines less effective though still safe.

At all Pedimedica offices, the vaccines are stored in a dedicated refrigerator/freezer.

Vaccine Statement

As you may have read in the newspaper or seen on television, the CDC reported that the country’s vaccine supply is not being protected as it should be.  The inspectors found that many doctors’ office had refrigerators that were either keeping the vaccines too cold or too hot, conditions that may make the vaccines less effective though still safe.

At all Pedimedica offices, the vaccines are stored in a dedicated refrigerator/freezer.

new acetaminophin(tylenol) product

There is an industry-wide transition of infant acetaminophin DROPS to children’s suspension.  This transition is already taking place and will continue through 2012.  There will be a time period when both the old and new concentrations of infants’ acetaminophen liquid products may be available on store shelves. Dosing for infants will now change.  If calling the office for a dosage please verify the product  concentration you are using.

Are You Having a Baby?

Pedimedica is offering a FREE pre-natal class at our Oakland, N.J. office on the following dates:

Wednesday, July 28th                                        7-9pm

Wednesday,August 25th                                   7-9pm

Wednesday, September 15th                          7-9pm

Join us for helpful information on what to expect with your newborn and have all your questions answered by Dr. UMA TANEJA.

If interested please call 201-405-0800 to register.

Swimming lessons for toddlers

The American Academy of Pediatrics has relaxed its stance against swimming lessons for toddlers.  The journel Pediatrics, reports that the AAP now says it is okay to enroll children as young as 1 year of age in swim lessons.  They say studies show that children 1-4 years of age are less likely to drown if they have formal swimming lessons. At this time, the AAP is not recommending mandatory lessons.  In all instances, children must be closely supervised when near water and parents and adults taking care of children must know how to perform  CPR.  If you have a backyard pool a 4-sided fence around the pool is essential.

tylenol/motrin/zyrtec/benadryl recall

McNeil Consumer Healthcare along with the FDA has issued a voluntary recall of its liquid products. According to McNeil,” some of the products may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified,may contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles.” The company advises consumers to discontinue the use of these products.
There are generic products available for the recalled medications. Cetirizine is generic for zyrtec, acetaminophen generic for tylenol, ibuprofen generic for motrin, and diphenhydramine is generic for benadryl.
Consumers with questions can contact the company at 1-888-222-6036 and/or http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com.

flavored tobacco pellets

On Monday, April 19th, 2010, The New York Times reported on a study published by the journal Pediatrics concerning a new TOBACCO product that resembles tic tacs. Camel Orbs are pellets made from finely ground tobacco with either mint or cinnamon flavoring and they dissolve in the mouth. The concern is that the candy-like appearance with flavoring and easily concealable size may be appealing to children and adolescents.  The lead researcher on this study, Dr, Gregory Connolly, states “nicotine is a highly addictive drug, and to make it look like a piece of candy is recklessly playing with the health of the children.”

Nurse Ginny’s Monthly Rx – March

FIBER

Why do we need fiber?

Fiber helps children and adults have normal bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. It keeps the bowel and digestive tract healthy and gives us a feeling of fullness after eating.

How much fiber do children need?

For infants and children less than 2 years of age there is no known optimum intake of fiber, but studies suggest that 5 grams per day is beneficial. For children older than 2 years, the fiber intake should equal the age of the child plus 5-10 grams per day with a maximum of 30 grams per day.  Adolescent girls and young adults should have an intake of 30 grams/day and adolescent boys and young adults 40grams/day.

How to help your child eat more fiber?

A balanced diet from all the food groups should supply the daily fiber requirements.  The most common sources of fiber are whole grain breads and cereals, beans, nuts, fruits and vegetables.  Offer high fiber foods throughout the day rather than giving only one or two high fiber foods.  Be creative. Mix high fiber cereal with a cereal your child likes.  Add bran to muffins or pancakes or waffles.  Offer snacks like Fig Newtons , granola bars or popcorn(after 3 years of age.) Add nuts or seeds to breads and salad or use them for a snack.
Fresh fruits with the skin on are excellent fiber sources.  Prunes and pears are natural laxatives.  Raw vegetables and salad with dark green lettuce can be served with a meal or as a snack.
Use whole wheat bread or white bread with added fiber, brown rice, whole wheat crackers, and oatmeal cereal.  Limit refined white flour breads and cereals.
Offer 4-6 ounces of prune, or pear juice each day, but fresh fruit has more fiber than juice.
If you are increasing the fiber in your child’s diet, increase slowly.  Too much fiber, too quickly, will cause bloating and gas.
Preventing constipation

Encourage your children to eat a balanced diet with appropriate snacks.  Maintain the suggested daily fiber intake and encourage adequate fluids, preferably water and low-fat milk(after 2 years of age.)
If your child shows signs of constipation add an over the counter fiber supplement such as Benefiber. If this is not effective, call our office for advice.

Some frequently asked questions about fever

According to Nurse Ginny, one of the most frequent calls to the nurse triage line is about fever and the possible consequences for their child. It is very common for parents to worry when their child gets a fever but it’s important to keep in mind that fever is not a disease, it’s a symptom that accompanies various illnesses.

Here are some frequently asked questions about fever and Nurse Ginny’s Rx…

In general, when should I contact my pediatrician about my child’s fever?
When a newborn under 2 months of age has a rectal temp greater than 100.4 degrees the doctor should be called whether its day or night. With babies older than 2 months with a 100.4 degree or higher rectal temperature, and older children with a rectal or oral temperature above 101.0, parents should notify the office if the fever persists beyond 24-48 hours.

Temperatures often vary during the day with the low point in the morning and higher temps in the afternoon. Below normal temps are of no concern as long as child is acting well and has no other symptoms. The exception to that is a preemie, newborn or immunocompromised child.

 When do I need to go to the hospital because of the fever?
It’s not the number on the thermometer but the way the baby/child/adolescent is acting. You need to assess for illness and call the office if you are unsure whether to go to the Emergency Room.

 What is the best way to determine if my child has a fever and what thermometer is the best to use?
Feeling the child’s forehead for fever is unreliable. Digital thermometers give a reading in a minute or less and are very reliable. Use the digital rectal on young infants. Oral digital thermometers are best for older children. Ear thermometers give variable readings but for the older children they’re very easy to use.

How should I treat my child’s fever and when do I use acetaminophen versus ibuprofen?
Fever is treated with either Tylenol or Motrin/Advil. Use Tylenol only in babies less than 6 months of age. Tylenol is given every 4 hours but not more than 5 doses per day.
Ibuprofen is given every 6hrs but not more than 4 doses per day. Tylenol and ibuprofen are equally effective for fever control but ibuprofen seems to give more relief if there is accompanying body aches.

*Ibuprofen is the generic name for Motrin or Advil.

When do you alternate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen?
It’s not suggested to alternate between Tylenol and Ibuprofen. It gets confusing and runs the risk of overdosing. It can also cause toxic effects on the liver and kidney.

Do I always treat fever?
If the temperature is low-grade you do not have to medicate. The medication does not shorten the course of illness or cure it–it makes the child more comfortable.

 How often should I take my child’s temperature?
You do not need to take the temperature every hour as it doesn’t help the child and is intrusive. You also don’t need to wake a child to give fever-reducing medications.

What else should I do to treat my child’s fever in addition to fever reducer?
In addition to a fever reducer, encourage plenty of clear fluids in liquid or ice-pop form. There are no food restrictions, so feed your child when he/she is hungry.

Dress the child comfortably. If you’re cold the baby is probably cold too.  

What should I avoid doing with my child when he or she has a fever?
Do not give a tub bath or sponge bathe your child with cold water. It is extremely uncomfortable and because of the shivering the temperature could actually rise. Never bathe or sponge with alcohol as it can cause alcohol poisoning