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The school season is upon us! Here are some articles that you may find of interest. You can see the AAP information sheet for more details. |
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Dear WPC Families,
Welcome to our newsletter! September is here! Summer has ended and kids are back in school. Included in this newsletter, you will find pertinent information regarding the issues of concussions in young athletes, and obesity. Happy September! |
| Influenza | | FLU (INFLUENZA)
Influenza is a viral illness that affects people of all ages.
- The CDC recommend giving the flu vaccine as soon as it is available. Please check williamsvillepediatriccenter.com for flu vaccine availability at our office.
- Children younger than 6 months are too young to receive influenza vaccine.
- Children 9 years of age and older need only 1 dose.
- Children younger than 9 years need a minimum of 2 doses of 2009 pandemic H1N1 vaccine. If they did not receive the H1N1 vaccine during last year's flu season, they will need two doses of seasonal influenza vaccine this year.
- Children younger than 9 years who have never received the seasonal flu vaccine before will need 2 doses.
- Children younger than 9 years who received seasonal flu vaccine before the 2009-2010 flu season need only one dose this year if they received at least 1 dose of the H1N1 vaccine last year. They need 2 doses this year if they did not receive at least 1 dose of the H1N1 vaccine last year.
- Children younger than 9 years who received seasonal flu vaccine last year for the first time, but only received 1 dose, should receive 2 doses this year.
- Children younger than 9 years who received a flu vaccine last year, but for whom it is unclear whether it was a seasonal flu vaccine or the H1N1 flu vaccine, should receive 2 doses this year.
- All children who need 2 doses should receive the second dose at least 4 weeks after the first dose.
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| AAP Updates Concussion Recommendations |
Athletes often joke about "getting your bell rung" after taking a hit on the playing field, but adolescent concussions can cause serious long-term injury or death, and should always be taken seriously. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published a new clinical report, "Sport-Related Concussion in Children and Adolescents," in the September 2010 print issue of Pediatrics .
Young athletes are more susceptible to the effects of a concussion because their brains are still developing, and appropriate management is essential for reducing the risk of long-term complications.
Football has the highest incidence of concussion, but girls have higher concussion rates than boys in similar sports. Better understanding of the symptoms and risk of long-term complications have prompted the following recommendations from the AAP:
- Children or adolescents who sustain a concussion should always be evaluated by a physician and receive medical clearance before returning to play.
- After a concussion, all athletes should be restricted from physical activity until they are asymptomatic at rest and with exertion.
- Physical and cognitive exertion, such as homework, playing video games, using a computer or watching TV may worsen symptoms.
- Symptoms of a concussion usually resolve in 7 to 10 days, but some athletes may take weeks or months to fully recover.
- Neuropsychological testing can provide objective data to athletes and their families, but testing is just one step in the complete management of a sport-related concussion.
- There is no evidence proving the safety or efficacy of any medication in the treatment of a concussion.
- Retirement from contact sports should be considered for an athlete who has sustained multiple concussions, or who has suffered post-concussive symptoms for more than three months.
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| National Obesity Awareness Month | |
In the past four decades, obesity rates in the United States have soared among all age groups. This rise in obesity rates has affected our youth in alarming fashion. Childhood obesity has increased more than fourfold among those ages 6 to 11. Over 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2 to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. On March 26, 2010, a resolution was unanimously passed in the Senate to designate September 2010 as "National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month", bringing national attention to a growing epidemic among youth in the United States.
Please refer to our website for helpful information to prevent obesity in your child - "Healthy Living"
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| Policy Corner | Lab Orders
- Different insurance companies use different lab companies exclusively, and sometimes will not pay if you are sent to the wrong lab.
- Please note that you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with your insurance carrier requirements.
- Quest Diagnostics is the most commonly used lab in our area, and we will most likely be sending you there.
- Williamsville Pediatric Center is not responsible for charges incurred if your insurance company does not participate with that lab.
See our website for complete policy details. |
| Spotlight on Services | | Asthma
At Williamsville Peds, we employ the latest technology and guidelines
Child using a peak flow meter. |
for the care of children with asthma. When you come in for your well visit, we will review your asthma control, triggers, and medications. We will equip you with a plan for what to do during flare ups and how to prevent problems.
If it has been more than one year since your last physical and asthma review, please call now for an appointment. |
| Meet Our Staff | | Raphael Wang, MD
Dr. Wang was one of the founding doctors of Williamsville Pediatric Center in 1989. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Hong Kong, receiving MBBS in 1977. He received his DCH and MRCP from Royal Post-Graduate School of London in 1982 and completed his pediatric residency from Children's Hospital of Buffalo in 1989. Dr. Wang received the Outstanding Resident Teacher Award in 1989, the John S. Paroski Award in 1990, the Faculty Teaching Award in 1992 and the Ruth and Louis A. Siegel Award in 1998.
Dr. Wang is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics with special interests in pediatric and adolescent medicine, especially in the field of neuromuscular diseases. He currently holds the title of Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics from SUNY @ Buffalo School of Biomedical Science. |
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At Williamsville Pediatrics, we are proud to be designated as a "Patient Centered Medical Home".
Our team of highly regarded Board-Certified Pediatricians and Nurse Practitioners are committed to providing exceptional health care for your children. Pediatrics is our passion - come grow with us! Located in Williamsville, a suburb of Buffalo, New York, Williamsville Pediatrics serves the Western New York pediatric needs of the communities of Williamsville, Clarence, East Amherst, Amherst, Depew, Lackawanna and beyond. It has been our pleasure to deliver acute and preventive pediatric care at the highest level since 1989.
Sincerely,
Williamsville Pediatric Center |
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