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FLU VACCINE AT WEST END PEDS
West End Pediatrics is gearing up for flu season.
We have already started giving the nasal flu vaccine and are going to start giving the injectable flu shot on October 3rd (Monday).
We can give the vaccine if you come in for physicals or with some other office visits.
We will also be scheduling visits for just the vaccine.
Please call THE WEEK OF your desired appointment if you just want the vaccine.
We will probably be scheduling these appointments just in the afternoon and not on Mondays since Mondays are often crazy busy.
Please read the short article below to see why we think it’s important to get immunized.
WHY SHOULD I GET A FLU VACCINE?
“What’s your favorite sports team?”
Think of your immune system as your favorite team with viruses, bacteria, bugs, and other nasties as the opposing team.
If your team wins, you stay healthy; if not, you get sick.
Think of a flu vaccine as game film.
If you could get hold of game film of the opposing team, your immune system could learn from it.
Game film is not the real game, so you can’t actually get sick from it, but watching it sure can help you “win the game” in the future.
So, when the real game starts (the flu virus tries to attack you), you are well prepared.
You’re ready for it and much more likely to stay healthy.
Dr. Dawson
(courtesy of Contemporary Pediatrics, July, 2011)
Does Birth-Spacing Increase Risk of Autism?
A recent study published in the forth-coming February 2011 Pediatrics looked at birth records from California and found that children concieved within 12 months of the birth of an older sibling had a 3 times higher likelihood of having autism. This is an article we will need to critically evaluate before we start calling for parents to schedule more time between births more to prevent autism (not that these things are always planned). As always we will try to keep you up to date on the latest information.
To read more details of what we know now go here
Some Housekeeping Issues About Check-Ups
Preventive care check-ups are so important for children. The doctors at West End Pediatrics really enjoy them too. Unfortunately, sometimes there are a few hoops you need to jump through with your insurance company. Some companies only allow one every "calendar year." Others will only allow one every 366 days. Others will only cover some of the shots based on how old your children are. The number of exceptions and rules can go on and on. Sometimes, when check-ups are needed for school or daycare, an insurance company will make a special exception; but it's better to check before hand.
So....in light of all this, please check your benefits so there aren't any surprises. We love to see you!
Swimming Lessons: Good Idea For All Kids
Between 2000 and 2005, 6900 children died of unintentional drowning; and the younger the child, the higher the risk. Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children over 5 have swimming lessons but doesn't address the issue for younger kids. Researchers at the NIH took a look at the records of those who had drowned unintentionally, compared that to a control population, and found a significant protective effect for swim lessons in those children between 1 and 4 years old. The protective effect applied to older children too, but it definitely showed protection for the young ones. (Brenner et al, Arch. Pediatr. Adolesc. Med. 163:203-10, March 2009)
I'm not sure when Michael Phelps started taking swim lessons, but look how it protected him from drowning! Joking aside, it's obviously a good idea to teach your toddler to swim. Swim lessons alone will not guarantee prevention of drowning and you still have to be very vigilant around the pool; but maybe you'll also be going to some foreign city in 2028 to watch your child swim in the Olympics all the while keeping them safe in the water.
Dr. Dawson
Sports Participation Is Good For The Teenage Soul
Depression and suicidal thoughts are often a concern among adolescents. A recent study showed that risk for both concerns was dramatically reduced if an adolescent participated regularly in sports; in fact, the risk of suffering from depression and resultant suicidal thoughts dropped by 25% if they played sports. The authors also determined that this was mediated through better social support and improved self-esteem. In other words, the more sports, the more their families were interested and the better they thought of themselves. (Babbis, et al, J. of Devel. Behav. Pediatr. 30: 376-84, Oct 2009)
Sports participation does mean significant participation...once or twice a week doesn't count. In past newsletters I've been harping about more exercise, better eating, and more sleep in regards to obesity concerns for our children. Here is another reason for getting your teenagers into sports. Two of the major concerns we all have about our adolescent kids are significantly decreased if they're breathing hard, raising their heart rate, and getting all sweaty. They feel better about themselves, and you get to sit on a bleacher or stand on the sidelines and cheer them on!
Dr. Dawson
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