WPC flower logoWilliamsville Pediatrics Newsletter

In This Issue
Welcome
Find us on Facebook
National Immunization Awareness Month
Lemonade Stand for Charity
Smartphone Tool for Parents
Advanced Asthma Care
Sun Safety
The Importance of Hearing
Is Your Child Sick?
If You Choose Not to Vaccinate
Vaccines
Featured Article
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National Immunization Awareness Month
Quick Links
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August, 2012


Dear WPC Families,

Summer is half over and school is just around the corner!   Once again, don't forget to call and schedule your child's school physical as summer appt's fill up fast.

 

Facebook

 

Find us on Facebook 

Our Facebook page is actively updated with new and useful information for parents.   Check it out for the latest news in children's health, parenting advice and Williamsville Pediatrics updates.   Follow the link above to "Like" us!

National Vaccine Awareness Month
NIAM Logo  
In light of the recent national pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak, there has been a lot of attention paid to vaccines.   August is National Vaccine Awareness Month.   As a parent, you should make sure you are getting reliable information about what vaccines are all about.   Here at Williamsville Pediatrics, we feel that making sure your child receives all of the recommended vaccines is the best way to protect them from illness.   Check out this video on our Facebook page answering some of the more common questions about shots.
 

 

Summer Fun Idea - Lemonade Stand for Charity
Lemonade Stand
At this time of year, the school age kids start getting a little antsy and may be looking for something fun to do.   Rather than just playing in the backyard, why not help them to do an activity that is fun and can raise their awareness of those less fortunate?
A lemonade stand is an easy way for kids to raise money for the charity of their choice.   Let them choose where the money goes so they can feel involved.   There are lots of good local options including Roswell Park, Buffalo City Mission/Cornerstone Manor, or Let Them LOL.    For one example, check out this link.
 
Tool for Parents

Is your child sick? Whether you're on the go or at home, this app will help you know

App Store Logo
KidsDoc App

what to do next.

What should you do if your child develops a fever, cough, vomiting, rash, sore throat or head injury? When can your child return to school or child care after an illness? These are medical advice questions that all parents have. Health problems can arise anytime - evenings, weekends, when you're at work or traveling or your doctor's office is closed.

KidsDoc is designed especially for these times. The care guides help you make smart decisions on what level of care (if any) is needed and how to provide speedy symptom relief for minor illnesses or injuries you can manage on your own.

KidsDoc is derived from the clinical protocols used by pediatricians and nurses in 10,000 practices and 400 nurse advice call centers in the US and Canada. They have been tested for 15 years on more than 150 million symptom calls.

 

Advanced Asthma Care
Asthma
Advanced Asthma Care at WPC 
Williamsville Pediatrics has long been on the forefront of advanced pediatric asthma care in the area.   We have recently updated our spirometry (lung function testing) so that we can accurately measure your child's pulmonary health.
 
If your child has asthma, make sure that he or she benefits from our yearly Asthma Review at your well visit.
 
Sun Safety

 

I know its August, and we have run this information before.   It has been such a hot and sunny summer, however, I thought we could all use a refresh!
 
Just a few serious sunburns can increase your child's risk of skin cancer later in life.Sun Safety Kids don't have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun. Their skin needs protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they're outdoors.
 
  1. Seek shade. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it's best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent. Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek relief after it's happened.Cover up. Clothing that covers your child's skin helps protect against UV rays. Although a long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best, they aren't always practical. A T-shirt, long shorts, or a beach cover-up are good choices, too-but it's wise to double up on protection by applying sunscreen or keeping your child in the shade when possible.
  2. Get a hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. Baseball caps are popular among kids, but they don't protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.
  3. Wear sunglasses. They protect your child's eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
  4. Apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don't forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.
Click here to find out more about changes to sunscreen labels.

The Importance of Hearing in Children

The importance of hearing for children

Even before babies are born, they can hear their mother's voice and sounds from the outside world. Newborns are especially sensitive to the sound of the human voice. As babies watch their parents' faces and hear them speak and sing, they are learning to communicate. Their hearing systems develop every day from the sounds that they hear. A baby also learns to interact with people during the first few months of life. By about three months most babies will smile when spoken to. By six months they will begin to babble and imitate simple sounds. By one year most children will say their first word. Children who cannot hear well often have trouble doing these things and may have difficulty learning how to speak.

 

What if my child does not seem to hear normally?

Hearing loss can happen at any time.  Most children are screened at birth for hearing loss but are not tested again until they are in school.  If you are worried about your child's hearing you should speak with your doctor about having their hearing tested.  Your doctor will check to see if your child has an ear infection, which can cause a temporary hearing loss.  If hearing loss is suspected, your doctor will send you to a hearing specialist (audiologist) who has the proper equipment and training to test your child's hearing. 

 

If you have concerns regarding your child's hearing or would like more information please contact:  Anne Orsene, Audiologist, 633-3344, Hearing Evaluation Services, located next door to Williamsville Pediatrics.


Is Your Child Sick?

Late night medical questions that you don't want to call for, or wondering if you child needs to see the doctor?   

A new feature on our web site might help.   It is called "Is you child sick?" and is found on the home page of our web site.   Here, you will find advice on over 
Pediatric Web
100 medical conditions, medication dosages, behavior problems and more.   All of the information is from the most trusted source in pediatrics - Barton Schmitt, MD.   Check it out!

 

If you choose not to vaccinate...

 

Williamsville Pediatrics recommends that you follow the full recommended vaccination schedule as outlined by the CDC.   (You can read it here)

If you choose to delay some vaccines or reject some vaccines entirely, there can

be risks.    Please follow the steps outlined in this document from the CDC to protect your child, your family, and others. 
  
Vaccines

Looking for a reliable source of information on vaccines?   The AAP has a great site for parents to research and become informed.  

 

Vaccine FAQ

 

 

    WPC flower logo At Williamsville Pediatrics, we are proud to be designated as a "Patient Centered Medical Home" and are NCQA certified.  

     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