Happy New Years! Holiday Hours

We hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Years Eve and New Years Day ! We will be open on Thursday 12/31/2015 for SICK patients only in the morning. We will be closing early that day to celebrate New Years Eve. We will re open Friday morning 1/1/2016 at 9:00 am to see sick patients only. Please call after 9:00 am to schedule an appointment.  We will also have our normal weekend hours. We hope you all have a safe and fun New Years celebration! We are excited for the new year 2016! Happy New Year

Merry Christmas!

We wanted to wish all our patients a very Merry Christmas! We are open today ,Christmas Eve for the morning hours to see sick patients only. We will be closed on Christmas Day. We will reopen Saturday am to see sick and urgent patients for the morning hours. We hope you all have a very safe and healthy Holiday Season! 

PS Thank you for all the wonderful Christmas Cards! They are a highlight of our office!

Holiday Safety and Mental Health Tips

Holiday Safety & Mental Health Tips

                            

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The holidays are an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday season, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Trees

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant."
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and needles do not break when bent between your fingers. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
• Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly. 

Lights

• Check all tree lights (even if you've just purchased them) before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Some light stands may contain lead in the bulb sockets and wire coating, sometimes in high amounts. Make sure your lights are out of reach of young children who might try to mouth them, and wash your hands after handling them.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Decorations

• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked over.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to prevent them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.
• Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair." Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.
• Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame. 
• Keep potentially poisonous holiday plant decorations, including mistletoe berries, Jerusalem cherry, and holly berry, away from children.

Toy Safety

• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.
• Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.
• To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age 10) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
• Young children can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.
• Children can have serious stomach and intestinal problems – including death -- after swallowing button batteries or magnets. In addition to toys, button batteries are often found in musical greeting cards, remote controls, hearing aids and other small electronics. Small, powerful magnets are present in many homes as part of building toy sets. Keep button batteries and magnets away from young children and call your health care provider immediately if your child swallows one.
• Children can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons; do not allow children under age 8 to play with them.
• Remove tags, strings, and ribbons from toys before giving them to young children.
• Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.
• Parents should store toys in a designated location, such as on a shelf or in a toy chest, and keep older kids’ toys away from young children.

Food Safety

• Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.
• Be sure to keep hot liquids and food away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child’s exploring hands. Be sure that young children cannot access microwave ovens.
• Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same.
• Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.
• Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separately, and use separate utensils when preparing them.
• Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.
• Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.                          

Happy Visiting

• Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.
• Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots like unlocked cabinets, unattended purses, accessible cleaning or laundry products, stairways, or hot radiators.
• Keep a list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222. Laminating the list will prevent it from being torn or damaged by accidental spills.
• Always make sure your child rides in an appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt. In cold weather, children in car seats should wear thin layers with a blanket over the top of the harness straps if needed, not a thick coat or snowsuit. Adults should buckle up too, and drivers should never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child's stress levels. Trying to stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.

Fireplaces

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
• Do not burn gift wrap paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
• If a glass-fronted gas fireplace is used, keep children and others well away from it with a screen or gate. The glass doors can get hot enough to cause serious burns and stay hot long after the fire is out.

Holiday Mental Health Tips

• Take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Children and adolescents are affected by the emotional well-being of their parent or caregivers. Coping with stress successfully can help children learn how to handle stress better, too.
• Make a plan to focus on one thing at a time. Try a few ideas from "mindfulness" as a strategy to balance the hustle and bustle of things like shopping, cooking, and family get-togethers during the holidays: Stop and pay attention to what is happening at the moment, focus your attention on one thing about it ,and notice how you are feeling at the time. Withhold immediate judgment, and instead be curious about the experience.
• Give to others by making it an annual holiday tradition to share your time and talents with people who have less than you do. For example, if your child is old enough, encourage him or her to join you in volunteering to serve a holiday meal at your local food bank or shelter or sing at a local nursing home. Help your child write a letter to members of the armed forces stationed abroad who can't be home with their own family during the holidays.
• Remember that many children and adults experience a sense of loss, sadness or isolation during the holidays. It is important to be sensitive to these feelings and ask for help for you, your children, family members or friends if needed.
• Try to keep household routines the same. Stick to your child's usual sleep and mealtime schedules when you can, which may reduce stress and help your family enjoy the holidays.
• Kids still need to brush their teeth twice a day!
• Don't feel pressured to "over-spend on gifts." Consider making one or two gifts. Help your child make a gift for his or her other parent, grandparents, or other important adults and friends. Chances are, those gifts will be the most treasured ones and will teach your child many important lessons.
• Most important of all, enjoy the holidays for what they are -- time to enjoy with your family. So, be a family, do things together like sledding or playing board games, and spend time visiting with relatives, neighbors, and friends.

Schedule your flu shot or flu mist

It is still not too late to get your child vaccinated again Influenza! Please contact our office today to book an appointment with a nurse. Some of you may think that you don't need a flu shot. Here are some Myth's about the flu shot. All of our doctors recommend a flu shot for everyone age 6 months and above!

Debunking 5 Myths about the Flu

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1. ​The flu shot doesn’t cause the flu. The shot is an entirely dead virus— it’s impossible for it to replicate in your body and cause infection. The nasal spray is a very weakened strain (imagine a sprinter without legs or a bumblebee without wings) that is unable to replicate in the lungs to cause disease.The most common side effects after the shot or nasal spray are fatigue, low-grade fever, and runny nose (from the nasal spray).
2. You may feel like you “don’t get the flu.” Well, chances are that you do or you might. Research shows that anywhere from 5% to 20% of all adults get influenza every year. Anywhere from 10% to 40% of all children get it annually as well. Sometimes it’s just a mild infection; sometimes it’s far worse. You may not know you’ve had it unless a clinician tests you.
3. The flu shot doesn’t work. It does work, but like every shot, it’s imperfect. It is possible for someone to still get the flu after a flu shot, but the infection is far less severe when he or she has had the shot. Each year the flu shot can change in effectiveness due to differing strains that are included in the shot and that may circulate in your community. You need a flu shot every year because the influenza virus mutates while moving around the globe.
4. I’m healthy, so I don’t need a flu shot. We’re lucky that we’re healthy, but don’t let that fool you. Healthy children and adults die from the flu every year. Often about half of the children who die from influenza (usually a couple hundred each season) are healthy infants and children. About 30,000 people die every year from flu in the United States. The flu shot you get now can help protect you.
5. If you don’t “do” flu shots but you now have a child, you must change. Your children, particularly those younger than 4 years, and those infants too young to get a shot (younger than 6 months) are utterly dependent on you getting a flu shot so you don’t bring influenza home to them. 

Info from HEALTHYCHILDREN.ORG

 

Recall Auvi-Q

Sanofi US is voluntarily recalling all Auvi‑Q® (epinephrine injection, USP). The recall involves all Auvi‑Q currently on the market and includes both the 0.15 mg and 0.3 mg strengths for hospitals, retailers and consumers. This includes lot numbers 2081278 through 3037230, which expire October 2015 through December 2016. The products have been found to potentially have inaccurate dosage delivery, which may include failure to deliver drug.

 

If a patient experiencing a serious allergic reaction (i.e., anaphylaxis) did not receive the intended dose, there could be significant health consequences, including death because anaphylaxis is a potentially life‑threatening condition. As of October 26, 2015, Sanofi has received 26 reports of suspected device malfunctions in the US and Canada. None of these device malfunction reports have been confirmed. In these reports, patients have described symptoms of the underlying hypersensitivity reaction. No fatal outcomes have been reported among these cases.

 

Please return ALL Auvi‑Q devices. Sanofi US will reimburse patients for the out‑of‑pocket costs (the price you pay at the pharmacy) incurred to replace their unexpired Auvi‑Q devices with a replacement epinephrine auto‑injector. In addition, if you purchased Auvi‑Q devices at a cost that exceeds the cost of your replacement devices, Sanofi will compensate you for the difference, with proof of original and replacement product purchases.

 

Below are the steps you should follow.

1. Contact Your Healthcare Provider to Get a Prescription for a Replacement Device

 You should immediately contact your healthcare provider for a prescription for an alternate epinephrine auto‑injector. Keep the pharmacy receipt that details your out‑of‑pocket expense (the price you paid the pharmacy) for your new device.

 

2. Call to Arrange for Auvi‑Q Return

 Call 877‑319‑8963 or 866‑726‑6340 to arrange for a return packet to be shipped to you. In approximately five days you will receive a prepaid mailing envelope, which will include a return form and a prepaid mailing label.

 

3. Return All of Your Auvi‑Q Devices

 Please return ALL Auvi‑Q devices. Sanofi US will reimburse patients for the out‑of‑pocket costs (the price you pay at the pharmacy) incurred to replace their unexpired Auvi‑Q devices with a replacement epinephrine auto‑injector. In addition, if you purchased Auvi‑Q devices at a cost that exceeds the cost of your replacement devices, Sanofi will compensate you for the difference, with proof of original and replacement product purchases.

 

 Attach the prepaid return mailing label to the outside of the return envelope and put the package in the mail with your Auvi‑Q devices and proofs of purchase. The prepaid shipping label is pre‑addressed to Sanofi's recall processor.

 

Once your devices have been placed in the mail, please allow 30 days for processing and to receive your check.

Happy Halloween!!

We hope you all have a wonderful and safe Halloween! Remember to check out of blog for Halloween safety tips! We will be open on Halloween, Saturday, October 31st--Our phones turn on at 800 and we will be there to see urgent and sick patients for a few hours. Please have a safe and FUN Halloween!

Here are some highlights from our staff today--All Dressed up!

Comcast Internet Essentials Low-Cost Internet

Comcast Internet Essentials offers internet access for $10 per month to families who have children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Eligible households will also be able to purchase a desktop at a lower price. The Internet Essential program is available wherever Comcast offers internet service. Eligibility requirements to participate in the program are:

• Have at least one child who qualifies for the NSLP
• Do no have outstanding debt to Comcast that is less than a year old. Families with outstanding debt more than one year old my still be eligible .
• Live in area where Comcast Internet Service is available but have not subscribed to it within the last 90 days.

Internet Essentials also includes online tutorials to learn how to make the most of your home internet connection. Users will be required to re-enroll each year to ensure continued eligibility.

For more information or to apply for Comcast Internet Essentials, you can call 1-855-846-8376
or visit internetessentials.com

CPR class reminder

CPR Training

 

CPR/First Aid training for our patients (12 years and older) and Parents

 

Saturday, September 26th

2:00 pm- 3:30 pm

Cost $10

 

To register for the class

Call 801-942-1800

Sign up at the front desk or email

noemig@wasatchpeds.net

 

**This is a basic CPR/First Aid course, not a CPR Certification

Parenting Class from Utah Parent Center

You are invited to a 2 day conference featuring national renowned speaker, Jo Mascorro, M.Ed on October 9th and 10th at the Karen Gail Miller Conference Center in Sandy Utah.

Who is this conference for?

Parents of children and youth with special needs who have challenging behavior including: Autism, Developmental Delays, ADHD, Dual Diagnosis and other Behavior Challenges.

Cost to attend is only $10. Lunch will be on your own. Please plan on attending both days because the concepts build over the 2 days.

SPACE is Limited! Call the Utah Parent Center for question or to register
801-272-1051 or 1-800-468-1160

Parents as partners in the IEP process

The Utah Parent Center invites you to attend a FREE workshop!

Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

Location: Canyons Technical Education Center

825 E 9085 S (East Building) Sandy, Utah

Have you ever asked yourself:

• How can I give suggestions to the school about my child's program?
• What can I do if I don't agree with the school?
• Where can I go for help with my child's IEP?

This workshop is open to all parents who would like to attend.

PRE-Registration for this event is requested.

If you have questions or would like to register for this event, please call the Utah Parent Center at 801-708-1841 or 801-272-1051 or , register online at : http://conta.cc/1T4v0Yd

Social Skills class

You ask for resources so here is one we like. WWW.OTJustForKids.com is having classes right now for kids entering Kindergarten and kids that need a little extra attention and practice.  Also the same place will be doing social skills class in the evening for kids entering the 1st and 2nd grades. Check out there website for more details
www.OTJustforKids.com

CPR Training Class

You have been asking for another class and we are excited to announce the next date!

CPR Training

CPR/First Aid training for our patients (12 years and older) and Parents

 

Saturday, September 26th

2:00 pm- 3:30 pm

Cost $10

 

To register for the class

Call 801-942-1800

Sign up at the front desk or email

noemig@wasatchpeds.net

 

**This is a basic CPR/First Aid course, not a CPR Certification

Epilepsy Foundation Art Therapy Summer Camp

The Epilepsy foundation is offering a Free summer camp for children approximately 6-12 year old with Epilepsy. Please contact Noemi at our office for more information. Below are the details:

Children's Art Therapy Summer Camp

Dates: August 3rd-6th

Time: 9:30 am-12:30

Place: Art Access at 230 South 500 West # 110

The camp is staffed with nurses and Parents do not have to stay.

Happy 24th of July!

Happy 24th of July! We hope you have a very safe and fun holiday. We will be seeing urgent sick patients only on Friday July 24th. Our phones will turn on at 9:30 tomorrow morning and we will book in consecutive order for a few hours that morning to see Urgent sick patients. We will also have our regular Saturday and Sunday clinics to accommodate sick patients over the weekend. Phones turn on at 8:00 Saturday and 8:30 on Sunday Check out our past post about Fireworks and Sun Safety! Have a wonderful and Safe July 24th weekend!

AAP Art Contest

"It's fun to be fit" is the focus of the 11th annual AAP art Contest. The contest offers prizes and recognition to budding artist in 3 grade categories plus on international category. The first-place U.S. winners will receive a trip to Washington, D.C to receive a $500 cash prize and up to $1,000 in travel related expenses to attend a presentation at the AAP nation conference on Oct 25.

A top winner is selected from each of the following categories: third through fifth graders, sixth through eighth-graders and ninth through 12th graders. A 2nd place winner from each grade will receive $250 cash prize. The six winners' school will receive a matching cash amounts.

Questions? Email artcontest@aap.org and Entry details visit http://bit.ly/1JgCE1i

Entries must be post marked by August 31st

Good Luck and if you enter, take a picture and let us see your art!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! We hope you have a very safe and fun holiday. We will be seeing urgent sick patients only on Friday July 3th. Our phones will turn on at 8:00 tomorrow morning and we will book in consecutive order for a few hours that morning to see Urgent sick patients. We will also have our regular Saturday and Sunday clinics to accommodate sick patients over the weekend. Phones turn on at 8:00 Saturday and 9:30 on Sunday Check out our past post about Fireworks and Sun Safety! Have a wonderful and Safe July 4th weekend!

Insect Repellents

 

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Mosquitoes, biting flies, and tick bites can make children miserable. While most children have only mild reactions to insect bites, some children can become very sick.

One way to protect your child from biting insects is to use insect repellents. However, it’s important that insect repellents are used safely and correctly.
Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about types of repellents, DEET, using repellents safely, and other ways to protect your child from insect bites.

Types of Repellents

Insect repellents come in many forms, including aerosols, sprays, liquids, creams, and sticks. Some are made from chemicals and some have natural ingredients.
Insect repellents prevent bites from biting insects but not stinging insects. Biting insects include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, and biting flies. Stinging insects include bees, hornets, and wasps.

Available Repellents

What's Available	How Well It Works	How Long it Protects	Special Precautions
Chemical repellents with DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide)	Considered the best defense against biting insects.	About 2 to 5 hours depending on the concentration of DEET in the product.	Caution should be used when applying DEET to children.
Picaridin	In April 2005 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended other repellents that may work as well as DEET: repellents with picaridin and repellents with oil of lemon eucalyptus or 2% soybean oil. Currently these products have a duration of action that is comparable to that of about 10% DEET.	About 3 to 8 hours depending on the concentration.	Although these products are con-sidered safe when used as rec-ommended, long-term follow-up studies are not available. Also, more studies need to be done to see how well they repel ticks. Allergic reactions are rare, but can occur when using repellents made from essential oils.
Repellents made from essential oils found in plants such as citronella, cedar, eucalyptus, and soybean		Usually less than 2 hours.
Chemical repellents with permethrin	These repellents kill ticks on contact.	When applied to clothing, it lasts even after several washings.	Should only be applied to clothing, not directly to skin. May be applied to outdoor equipment such as sleeping bags or tents.

NOTE: The following types of products are not effective repellents:

• Wristbands soaked in chemical repellents
• Garlic or vitamin B1 taken by mouth
• Ultrasonic devices that give off sound waves designed to keep insects away
• Bird or bat houses
• Backyard bug zappers (Insects may actually be attracted to your yard.)

About DEET

DEET is a chemical used in insect repellents. The amount of DEET in insect repellents varies from product to product, so it’s important to read the label of any product you use. The amount of DEET may range from less than 10% to more than 30%. DEET greater than 30% doesn’t offer any additional protection.
Studies show that products with higher amounts of DEET protect people longer. For example, products with amounts around 10% may repel pests for about 2 hours, while products with amounts of about 24% last an average of 5 hours. But studies also show that products with amounts of DEET greater than 30% don’t offer any extra protection.
The AAP recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than 2 months.

Tips for Using Repellents Safely

Dos:

• Read the label and follow all directions and precautions.
• Only apply insect repellents on the outside of your child’s clothing and on exposed skin. Note: Permethrin-containing products should not be applied to skin.
• Spray repellents in open areas to avoid breathing them in.
• Use just enough repellent to cover your child’s clothing and exposed skin. Using more doesn’t make the repellent more effective. Avoid reapplying unless needed.
• Help apply insect repellent on young children. Supervise older children when using these products.
• Wash your children’s skin with soap and water to remove any repellent when they return indoors, and wash their clothing before they wear it again.

Dont's:

• Never apply insect repellent to children younger than 2 months.
• Never spray insect repellent directly onto your child’s face. Instead, spray a little on your hands first and then rub it on your child’s face. Avoid the eyes and mouth.
• Do not spray insect repellent on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• Do not use products that combine DEET with sunscreen. The DEET may make the sun protection factor (SPF) less effective. These products can overexpose your child to DEET because the sunscreen needs to be reapplied often.

Reactions to Insect Repellents

If you suspect that your child is having a reaction, such as a rash, to an insect repellent, stop using the product and wash your child’s skin with soap and water. Then call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or your child’s doctor for help. If you go to your child’s doctor’s office, take the repellent container with you.

Other Ways to Protect Your Child from Insect Bites

While you can’t prevent all insect bites, you can reduce the number your child receives by following these guidelines:

• Tell your child to avoid areas that attract flying insects, such as garbage cans, stagnant pools of water, and flowerbeds or orchards.
• Dress your child in long pants, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, socks, and closed shoes when you know your child will be exposed to insects. A broad-brimmed hat can help to keep insects away from the face. Mosquito netting may be used over baby carriers or strollers in areas where your baby may be exposed to insects.
• Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints because they seem to attract insects.
• Don’t use scented soaps, perfumes, or hair sprays on your child because they may attract insects.
• Keep door and window screens in good repair.
• Check your child’s skin at the end of the day if you live in an area where ticks are present and your child has been playing outdoors.
• Remember that the most effective repellent for ticks is permethrin. It should not be applied to skin but on your child’s clothing.

Info from healthychildren.org and AAP

National Scoliosis Awareness Month

June is the National Scoliosis Awareness Month. The annual observance highlights the growing need for scoliosis education , early detection and awareness.

What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, and it affects about 7  million Americans. Curves range from mild to severe. Care option are customized for each child, using techniques like casting on infants, use of TLSO spinal brace, halo traction and even surgery.


Spotting Scoliosis:
Early diagnosis leads to a better long-term prognosis, so it is important to know what to look for It is as easy as S-C-R-E-E-N-I-N-G
S-Stand Several feet behind the child for the best view
C-Child should be positioned with feet together, knees straight and arms loose at sides.
R-Recognize difference in shoulder heights and shoulder blade protrusions
E-Examine the child bending forward with the back parallel to the floor.
E-Either side of the lumbar spine or rib cage should be even with the other
N-Note any asymmetries
I-Inspect the child from the side
N-Notice any excessive roundness (sway back)
G-Give appropriate referrals to the child's primary care provider

Our doctors here at Willow Creek do a pre screening for scoliosis here at every Well Child Check.
Make sure you have a Yearly Exam scheduled to Pre screen your child for scoliosis.

Reminder to schedule Annual Exam

Have we seen you lately??.....Did you know that the current recommendations for the American Academy of Pediatrics are for children to get a well child exam annually? This has changed within the past few years.

 

Well-child care also is a chance to raise questions and concerns about your child’s development, behavior, and general well-being — questions that are difficult to discuss during sick visits. For instance, pediatricians are used to discussing common concerns with parents such as eating, sleeping, toilet training, social behaviors, as well as attention and learning problems. Having regular well-child visits with your child’s doctor and raising the concerns that matter most to you are key ingredients in helping the doctor know you and your child, and in forming a reliable and trustworthy relationship.

 

 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Department of Research recently conducted 20 focus groups with parents and 31 focus groups with pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners to gather recommendations about how to make the most of the well-child office visit.

From these sessions, four themes emerged:

• Pediatricians and parents share the goal of healthy children.
• Pediatricians want the well-child visit to best serve the needs of children and their families.
• Pediatricians are experts in child health, but parents are experts on their child.
• A team approach can best develop optimum physical, emotional, and developmental health for the child.
• It may seem early in the year to even think about scheduling your child's check up, but this is when the busy season starts! All children who are entering kindergarten or middle school, who have not had a well child exam within the past year will need one before they register for school! So if you have not done so already, please call the office as soon as possible to schedule your child's well visit!

U.S. melanoma cases rise 250% among children, young adults‏

Melanoma Rates Way Up Among Young People in U.S.

TUESDAY, June 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Melanoma, the potentially deadly skin cancer, has increased by 250 percent among U.S. children and young adults since the 1970s, researchers report.
Young women appear to be especially vulnerable, accounting for two-thirds of cases diagnosed in 2011, scientists at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., reported.
"The reality is that melanoma is the third most common cancer in those 15 to 39 years old, and these numbers have been steadily increasing," said the study's senior author, Dr. Nikhil Khushalani, section chief for soft tissue and melanoma at the cancer institute.
The findings were scheduled for presentation this week at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, in Chicago. Research presented at meetings is usually considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
"This is a national problem that needs to be addressed, and it begins with awareness and effective prevention strategies," Khushalani said in a society news release.
The researchers uncovered some good news, however. Melanoma survival rates are also on the rise, increasing from 80 percent in the mid-to-late 1970s to 95 percent in 2011.
For the study, investigators analyzed more than 35,000 cases of melanoma among patients younger than age 40 and diagnosed between 1973 and 2011. Ninety-eight percent of the cases involved teens and young adults between 15 and 39.
While women accounted for 57 percent of melanomas reported between 1973 and 1980, they comprised about 65 percent of all diagnoses by 2011. The researchers said this is likely because of unsafe tanning practices. Sunbathing and indoor tanning are known risk factors for skin cancer.
While 4 percent of melanoma cases diagnosed before 1980 were classified as noninvasive and early stage, these cancers accounted for more than 20 percent of all cases by 2011, the study also found.
"Given the epidemic rise of melanoma cases diagnosed among children, adolescents and young adults, it is imperative that new research initiatives are implemented, genetic and environmental risk factors identified, and effective prevention and screening strategies employed," the study's lead author, oncology fellow Dr. Demytra Mitsis, said in the news release.

**Info from AAP News Brief

Early childhood vaccine reduces leukemia risk

Dr Jopling found this great article put out by the AAP-- SAN FRANCISCO, May 21 (UPI) -- The Haemophilus influenzae Type b, or Hib, vaccine helps prevent the most common type of childhood cancer, in addition to its primary mission of preventing ear infections and meningitis that are caused by the Hib bacterium, according to a new study. Researchers now believe the vaccine prevents acute lymphoblastic leukemia because Hib infections can increase immune system reactions that turn relatively common "pre-leukemia" blood cells into cancer cells. This is prevented because the infections don't happen once all four doses of the vaccine have been administered to children.

"These experiments help explain why the incidence of leukemia has been dramatically reduced since the advent of regular vaccinations during infancy," said Markus Müschen, MD, PhD, a professor of laboratory medicine at University of California-San Francisco, in a press release. "Hib and other childhood infections can cause recurrent and vehement immune responses, which we have found could lead to leukemia, but infants that have received vaccines are largely protected and acquire long-term immunity through very mild immune reactions." With this knowledge in hand, researchers now are looking at other other vaccines to see if the infections they prevent are connected to the way other cancers begin forming in the body. "The study provides mechanistic support for the hypothesis that infection or inflammation promotes the evolution of childhood leukemia and that the timing of common infections in early life is critical," said Mel F. Greaves, MD, PhD, professor of cell biology at the Institute of Cancer Research in London.

Memorial day weekend

The doctors and staff of Willow Creek Pediatrics would like to wish our patients and their families a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!

As with every holiday, there will be a doctor available on Memorial Day to see patients with urgent medical problems. We will book patients in consecutive order and stay until our latest scheduled patient is seen. If you need an appointment or need medical advice, please feel free to contact the office on Monday after 9:00 am. We also will have a doctor here Saturday and Sunday. Phones turn on at 8:00 am on Saturday and 8:30 am on Sunday.

New Parking Stalls!

 

YEAH!!! We have three new stalls for parents of small children or expectant mom's at our office. We know how hard parking can be and we hope these will help. . They are located right up front just west of the doors. There is also a 15 min drop off spot if you are coming in to pick up a prescription or other items. Thanks for being such great patients! We love having your children at our office! 

Asthma Triggers: That time of the year again!

 

Certain things cause asthma “attacks” or make asthma worse. These are called triggers. Some common asthma triggers are

• Things your child might be allergic to. These are called allergens. (Most children with asthma have allergies, and allergies are a major cause of asthma symptoms.)
• House dust mites
• Animal dander
• Cockroaches
• Mold
• Pollens
• Infections of the airways
• Viral infections of the nose and throat
• Other infections, such as pneumonia or sinus infections
• Irritants in the environment (outside or indoor air you breathe)
• Cigarette and other smoke
• Air pollution
• Cold air, dry air
• Odors, fragrances, volatile organic compounds in sprays, and cleaning products
• Exercise (About 80% of people with asthma develop wheezing, coughing, and a tight feeling in the chest when they exercise.)
• Stress

Be sure to check all of your child’s “environments,” such as school, child care, and relatives’ homes, for exposure to these same things.

Help Your Child Avoid Triggers

While it is impossible to make the place you live in completely allergenor irritant-free, there are things you can do to reduce your child’s exposure to triggers. The following tips may help.

• Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke in your home or car.
• Reduce exposure to dust mites. The most necessary and effective things to do are to cover your child’s mattress and pillows with special allergy-proof encasings, wash their bedding in hot water every 1 to 2 weeks, remove stuffed toys from the bedroom, and vacuum and dust regularly. Other avoidance measures, which are more difficult or expensive, include reducing the humidity in the house with a dehumidifier or removing carpeting in the bedroom. Bedrooms in basements should not be carpeted.
• If allergic to furry pets, the only truly effective means of reducing exposure to pet allergens is to remove them from the home. If this is not possible, keep them out of your child’s bedroom and consider putting a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in their bedroom, removing carpeting, covering mattress and pillows with mite-proof encasings, and washing the animals regularly.
• Reduce cockroach infestation by regularly exterminating, setting roach traps, repairing holes in walls or other entry points, and avoiding leaving exposed food or garbage.
• Mold in homes is often due to excessive moisture indoors, which can result from water damage due to flooding, leaky roofs, leaking pipes, or excessive humidity. Repair any sources of water leakage. Control indoor humidity by using exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen, and adding a dehumidifier in areas with naturally high humidity. Clean existing mold contamination with detergent and water. Sometimes porous materials such as wallboards with mold contamination have to be replaced.
• Pollen exposure can be reduced by using an air conditioner in your child’s bedroom, with the vent closed, and leaving doors and windows closed during high pollen times. (Times vary with allergens, ask your allergist.)
• Reduce indoor irritants by using unscented cleaning products and avoiding mothballs, room deodorizers, or scented candles.
• Check air quality reports in weather forecasts or on the Internet. When the air quality is poor, keep your child indoors and be sure he takes his asthma control medications.
• Decreasing your child’s exposure to triggers will help decrease symptoms as well as the need for asthma medications.

--Info from healthychildren.org and AAP

April is Organ donation month

April is Organ Donation month. Here are a few facts to keep you informed.

Article Body

**Did you know that every year more than 1700 children are saved by organ donation?

**Did you know that there are more than 2000 children waiting for an organ donation?

Organ and tissue donation saves lives—and gives sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, new faces or new hands to those who have had terrible accidents. It’s a donation that literally changes everything for the recipient; it’s a donation that gives life and hope in the truest way possible.

But there aren’t enough donors. While every day about 79 people of all ages receive an organ donation, every day 21 people die while they wait for one.

Organ donation isn’t always easy to talk and think about—because while some donations (such as bone marrow or kidney donations) come from people who are alive and well, most (such as heart or lung donations) come from someone who is dying. Nobody wants to think about that.

But we all do need to think about it—because there may come a time when the unthinkable happens and a doctor will come and ask us about organ donation. Time is of the essence when answering. That’s why it’s better to think about it and never have to answer the question than to not think about it and waste precious, life-saving time.

Did you know that 8 lives can be saved by one donor?

That’s a lot of lives to save. It doesn’t make the tragedy of losing someone we love any less—but saving lives is a beautiful way to honor our loved one, and let something good come of something unspeakably horrible.

 

To learn more about organ donation, and register to be an organ donor yourself, visit www.organdonor.gov.

Dog Safety Reminders for Children

With summer approaching quickly we thought we would remind you of some great safety tips with dogs. Have a wonderful and safe Spring!

• Always ask permission to pet a dog that is not your own
• If you have permission, walk slowly and let the dog sniff the back of your hand before you try to pet it.
• Do not stare into the eyes of a dog. They think you might hurt them when you do this
• Pet dogs under the chin or the side of the face until they are comfortable with the attention
• Never tease a dog when playing with them
• Never try to play with a dog if they are sleeping, eating, or caring for their young
• Never approach or tease a dog that is tied outside or in a fenced area
• Never approach a stray dog
• Tell and adult if you see a stray dog wandering around
• Do not pot and assistance dog (assistance dogs sometimes wear special vest) Assistance dogs work hard to keep their owner safe and should not be distracted

Welcome to our Medical Home Coordinators!

Introducing our Medical Home Coordinator team!

What is a Medical Home Coordinator? A medical home coordinator is someone who helps our office in finding resources for parents. It is a link for the families to the physicians. They do everything from help find resources for Mental health issues, special needs resources, social groups, of finding a specialist doctor for your child. They also help with referrals, prior authorizations and a various other reports and education for our patients. Both of our Medical Home Coordinators are also Lactation Consultants. We love having them at our office and want you to know a little more about each of them.

Noemi (Left in picture)

Noemi has worked at Willow Creek for 1 1/2 years. She loves helping parents find resources for their children. She also is a lactation educator and helps newborns with feeding issues. Noemi is a mom of four and can relate with the challenges of motherhood. She received her bachelors in nursing degree at the University of Utah. She worked at the Emergency Room for 2 years and then moved to the OBGYN department. She spent 10 years in postpartum and nursery and loved working with new mom's and babies.  In her free time she loves to read, hike, travel and participates in triathlons. She also has a ballet background and teaches dance in her spare time. She is from Hungary originally and she speaks Hungarian but unfortunately doesn't use it much at work but we love to hear her talk this beautiful language. Noemi did such a wonderful job in our office that we added Mary to our team. We love Noemi and her love of life and enthusiasm she gives to our office. Welcome Noemi!

Mary (right in the picture)

Mary has worked at Willow Creek for the past 6 months. Mary has lived in the West most of her live and loves living in Utah! She has lived in Southern California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. She entered nursing school after graduating college in Ohio. She has always known she wanted to be a RN and care for babies and children. She has worked in Special Care Nurseries, Labor and Delivery, NICU, PICU, Clinical Coordinator at PCMC for Division of Pediatrics  and also a Lactation Educator.  Her favorite free time activities include hiking with her family, mountain biking, yoga, pilates and swimming. She enjoys ethnic cooking, entertaining and traveling with her family. We love having Mary as part of the team.

Noemi and Mary can be reached at our office 801-942-1800

Spring Break Safety Tips

 

Article Body

Spring break is a great time for the family to get away from the cold, dark days of winter and have some fun in the sun. Keep your family safe while on your trip by following these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). These are great tips to use year round for travel also!

Sun Safety for Babies

• Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy. Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use brimmed hats.
• It is okay to apply a small amount of sunscreen on infants under 6 months if there is no way to avoid the sun. Remember it takes 30 minutes to be effective.

Sun Safety for Kids

• Select clothes made of tightly woven fabrics. Cotton clothing is both cool and protective.
• Try to find a wide-brimmed hat that can shade the cheeks, chin, ears and back of the neck. Sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection are also a good idea for protecting your child’s eyes.
• Apply sunscreen to areas of your child’s skin that aren’t covered by clothing. Before applying, test the sunscreen on your child’s back for an allergic reaction. Apply carefully around the eyes, avoiding eyelids. If a rash develops, talk with your pediatrician.
• If your child gets sunburn that results in blistering, pain or fever, contact your pediatrician.

Sun Safety for the Family

• The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to keep out of the sun during those hours.
• The sun’s damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, snow or concrete; so be particularly careful of these areas.
• Wear commercially available sun-protective clothing, like swim shirts.
• Most of the sun’s rays can come through the clouds on an overcast day; so use sun protection even on cloudy days.
• When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words "broad-spectrum" on the label - it means that the sunscreen will protect against both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Choose a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or towel drying. You may want to select a sunscreen that does not contain the ingredient oxybenzone, a sunscreen chemical that may have hormonal properties. 
• Zinc oxide, a very effective sunscreen, can be used as extra protection on the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and on the shoulders.
• Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The additional benefits of using sunscreen with SPF 50+ are limited.
• Rub sunscreen in well, making sure to cover all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet and hands, and even the backs of the knees.
• Put on sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outdoors - it needs time to work on the skin.
• Sunscreens should be used for sun protection and not as a reason to stay in the sun longer.

 

Beach Tips*(these could be Lake tips also)

• Children and adults should never swim alone.
• Provide touch supervision. This means that an adult is within arm's reach anytime your young child is in or near water.
• Be aware that pools and beaches in other countries may not have lifeguards, and pools may have unsafe drains systems. Supervise children closely.
• At the beach, stay within the designated swimming area and ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard.
• Be aware of rip currents. If you should get caught in a current, don’t try to swim against it. Swim parallel to shore until clear of the current.
• Seek shelter in case of storm. Get out of the water. Get off the beach in case of lightning.
• Watch out for traffic – some beaches allow cars.

INFO from the AAP and **www.healthychildren.org

Parents see many sugary drinks as healthy

Healthy Tip for the month :        

      

Most parents know that soda isn’t good for their children, but many perceive other drinks with a lot of added sugar—fruit drinks (excluding 100% fruit juice), sports drinks, and flavored water, in particular—as healthy, a new study reports.

 

The study also found that ingredient claims on beverage packaging significantly affect buying decisions for many parents.

 

The online survey of 982 parents of children aged between 2 and 7 years—80% female, 72% some college education, 46% nonwhite or Hispanic—found that 96% of them had provided sugary drinks for their children in the previous month. They most often supplied fruit drinks (77%) and nondiet soda (62%), followed by sports drinks (51%), sweetened iced tea (42%), and flavored water (39%).

 

**By Karen Bardossi

Free Workshop For kids on Autism Spectrum

Practical Magic for Families:

Effective Behavior Management Strategies for Kids

on the Autism Spectrum

 

Join the Utah Parent Center for this FREE workshop on

Saturday March 14, 2015

9:00 am to 3:30 pm

at the

Clear Horizons Academy

1875 South Geneva Road in Orem, Utah

 

Class is offered FREE of Charge, but space is limited. Please Register Early

--Since we do not have day care capability, children will need to stay home

 

Register Online at http://conta.cc/1yNFN36 or by calling 801-272-1051

 

 

In this presentation, Melissa Genaux M.Ed. will provide strategies for preventing behavior escalation, for getting kids to follow directions, for improving behavior with siblings, for increasing other desired behavior (homework completion, social skills) and for decreasing severe misbehavior, such as meltdowns and aggression. In addition, she will cover easy methods for creating reinforcements systems and for correcting the common errors that sabotage their effectiveness. Many practical methods for behavior change will be discussed, that can be adapted to any age or cognitive level and that can be implemented immediately at home. For a  sample of Melisa's presentation, visit http://youtu.be/3bzBpyBIj60

 

 

Dog Safety Reminder for Children

Here are some GREAT tips on Dog safety. As the weather gets nicer and we are outside more, keep these tips in mind--

• Always ask permission to pet a dog that is not your own
• If you have permission, walk slowly and let the dog sniff the back of your hand before you try to pet it.
• Do not stare into the eyes of a dog. They think you might hurt them when you do this
• Pet Dogs under the chin or the side of the face until they are comfortable with the attention
• Never tease a dog when playing with them
• Never try to play with a dog if they are sleeping, eating or caring for their young
• Never approach or tease a dog that is tied outside or in a fenced area
• Never approach a stray dog
• Tell an adult if you see a stray dog wandering around
• Do not pet an assistance dog(assistance dogs sometimes wear special vest) Assistance dogs work hard to keep their owner safe and should not be distracted

Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet Part 3

We hope you have found the information on Keeping Kids Safer on the internet to be useful in your homes. Here are a few more tips as we come to the end of the series.

Begin a dialogue with your kids about Internet use
Because we use the Internet in different ways, kids and adults may learn from each other. By talking about Internet use with your kids, you are opening the door to discussing the important issues of personal safety and helping them engage in responsible behavior. Check out www.NetSmartz.org to find resources for both kids and adults.

Consider Rating, Blocking, Monitoring, and Filtering Applications for your Computer
Software and services are available to help parents and guardians set limits on kids internet use. Most computer-operation systems have optional filters allowing parents and guardians to block websites they consider inappropriate. Some services rate websites for content. Some programs prevent users from entering information such as names and addresses, and others keep kids away from chat rooms or restrict their ability to send or read email. Monitoring programs allow you to see where your kids go online. But remember these programs and services don't develop kids own sense of safety, and they are not substitute for parental/guardian communications, supervision and involvement.

Make Internet Use a Family Activity While Encouraging Critical Thinking
By Setting aside time to go online with your kids you not only become more aware of what they do online, you reinforce positive Internet skills. Helping your kids with a research project is a great opportunity reliable information, are simply someone's opinion and are to be avoided entirely. And when looking at e-mails together ask, "Are these people who they seem to be?" These are prime opportunities to help kids develop their critical-thinking skills

Set Reasonable Rules
Work with your kids to develop reasonable rules. Consider setting rules about the time of day, length of time, people they may communicate with, and appropriate areas for them to visit while online. Also explain to your kids why these rules are important.

Encourage your Kids to Go to you when they Encounter Problems Online
It's important to reassure kids if they encounter problems online or view something disturbing, it's not their fault. Discussing these issues openly may reduce their fear of going to you. Be a resource. Let them know if they share the experience with you, you will help them, not punish them. At the same time help them understand what happened and avoid the situation in the future.

It's all about communication!

**Thank you to Nation Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Mayo clinic for all this information

Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet Part 2

Part 2 of our Internet safety-- We hope these tips will help make your kids safer and allow you to be aware of what problems may arise. Today we will focus on Social Networking and Texting.

Social Networking:
Websites allow kids to connect with their friends and other users with similar interest. Kids socialize and express themselves by exchanging instant message, emails, or comments and posting photographs, creative writing, artwork, videos, and music to their blogs and personal profiles.
Some 55% of online teens have profiles on a social-networking website such as Facebook or MySpace. A survey of 10-17 year olds revealed 34% had posted their real names, telephone numbers, home addresses, or the name of their schools online where anyone could see: 45% had posted their dates of birth or ages; and 18% had posted picture of themselves.

**Tips to Minimize Potential Risks
-Urge kids to use privacy setting to restrict access to profiles so only those on their contact list are able to view them.
-Remind kids to only add people they know in person to their contact lists.
-Encourage them to choose appropriate screen names or nicknames--Such as those that refer to sports and interests, but are not sexual, offensive or violent.
-Visit social network websites with your kids and exchange ideas about what you think is safe and unsafe
-Ask your kids about the people they are communicating with online.
-Insist you kids never give out personal information and never meet any one in person that they have met online without checking with you first.
-Encourage your kids to think before typing, "Is this a hurtful or rude?" also urge your kids not to respond to any rude or harassing message or ones that make them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.

Texting:
Many parents and guardians look at cellular telephones as a necessity for their kids. It is reassuring to know they may reach you or call for help. Texting can be used for sending messages, images or videos. Kids are increasingly using cellular telephones to take sexually explicit photographs of themselves and send them to their friends. In some instances children have been prosecuted for production or child pornography for taking these pictures. Kids also have been taking embarrassing or revealing photographs or others and post them to internet, leaving victims few options to defend or protect themselves from this form of Bullying.

**Tips to minimize Potential Risk
-Create Rules about the appropriate use of cellular telephones/wireless devices and set limits, including who your kids may communicate with and when they may use their cellular telephones.
-Review cellphone records for any unknown numbers and late night telephone calls
-Teach kids to never post their cellular telephone number anywhere online.
-Think about removing the internet features from your kid's cellular telephone/wireless device through your service provider and put controls or limits on texting
-Talk to your kids about the possible implications of sending sexually explicit or provocative images of themselves or others.

Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet Part 1

        Over the next few weeks will be giving you some great information about Internet Safety for your kids. Allowing kids to go online without supervision or ground rules is like allowing them to explore a major metropolitan area by themselves. The internet, like a city, offers an enormous array of entertainment and educational resources but also present some potential risk. Kids need help navigating this world. By exploring the Internet with your kids, you greatly expand its capacity as an educational tool. By providing guidance and discussions along the way you increase kids' online skills and confidence along with their ability to avoid potential risk.

Where do kids connect?
--Kids go online almost anywhere. They surf the Internet and send messages from a home computer or one of friend's home, library or school.
--Kids connect at coffee shops and other "hotspots" using laptops and wireless connections
--Internet-enabled, video-game systems allow them to compete against and chat with players around the world.
--Wireless devices enable kids to surf the web and exchange messages photographs, and short videos from just about anywhere

Browsing the Internet
--Browsing the Internet is like having the world's largest library and entertainment system at your fingertips. Kids are able to read stories, tour museums, visit other countries, play games, look at photographs, shop and do research to help with homework
--Potential RISK--
Kids may come across websites containing adult images or demeaning, racist, sexist, violent or false information.

Tips to Minimize Potential Risk
--Chose search engines carefully. Some are specifically designed for kids and others off kid-safe options.
--Tell kids when they come across any material making them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused to immediately tell you or another trusted adult.
--Help kids find information online. By searching the Internet together you can help them find good resources and show them how to do it the correct way.

Using Email
Kids and adults can communicate and a rapidly and cost effectively with people all over the world.
**Potential Risk
-- Kids are able to set up private accounts without asking parents permission
-- Anyone using email is vulnerable to receiving "spam" which can encourage the recipients to buys something, visit a website or spam may be sexually suggestive or offensive.
**Tips to Minimize Potential Risks
--Talk with your kids about their email accounts. Remind them to never share passwords with anyone but you. Not even their closest friends.
--Teach your children to not open up spam mail and if they do receive something have them to show it to you.


** info from May Clinic--And National Center for Missing and Exploited Children