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| Summer 2011 | Patient Newsletter
Partnering with Families through Childhood Milestones |
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Greetings!
Last week Performance Pediatrics was a construction zone as the parking lot underwent some much-needed repairs. We are happy to report that the results were worth the hassle of having to close the office for a week.
As a number of families have learned, while the office was closed, Dr. McAllister made house calls. Over the years we have considered adding house calls to our regular service offering, but it's just not financially feasible. That said, for this past week, it was a necessity and an interesting glimpse to what primary-care must have been like 50 years ago!
There is some important information in this newsletter, especially the changes to infant and children's Tylenol dosing. Please read it carefully and contact us with questions or suggestions for future newsletters.
Our newsletter is an opportunity to put into our own words recent relevant national and sometimes international news and make it specific for our community. Please contact us with your thoughts and suggestions. One of the best parts of being a small practice is that we can customize our practice to fit the needs of our community, even as that community grows and changes.
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 | Tylenol |
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Important Change in Infant Tylenol
 In an effort to reduce indication dosing errors, the FDA in association with manufacturers of over-the-counter medications has changed the concentration of all over the counter formulations infant Tylenol (generic name: acetaminophen). Up until now there have been 2 concentrations of liquid Tylenol available over the counter: Infant Tylenol with a concentration of 80 mg per 0.8 mL and children's Tylenol with a concentration of 160 mg per 5 mLs. Because of these 2 different concentrations there has always been the risk of the child being given the incorrect amount of Tylenol. Starting in June of 2011 all manufacturers of Tylenol, both name brand and generics, will make only a single concentration of 160 mg per 5 mLs. The reason for the change is to reduce medical errors, unfortunately as manufacturers transition to this new concentration there will be increased confusion about the dosing of Tylenol. For some period of time both concentration of infant Tylenol will be available for sale, and it is very important for parents to always check the concentration of the medication they are giving to their child. To help reduce the risk of medication errors Infant Tylenol will always come with a marked dropper to provide the medication and children's Tylenol will come with a marked dosing cup.
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Weight
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Dose
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Old Infant Tylenol
(80mg/0.8ml)
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New Infant Tylenol
(160mg/5ml)
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Children's Tylenol
(160mg/5ml)
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Up to 8 pounds
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40mg
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0.4 ml
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1.25 ml
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8-12 pounds
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60mg
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0.6 ml
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2 ml
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12-16 pounds
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80mg
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0.8ml
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2.5 ml
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2.5 ml
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16-30 pounds
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120mg
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1.2ml
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3.75 ml
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3.75 ml
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30-40 pounds
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160mg
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1.6 ml
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5 ml
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5 ml
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40-70 pounds
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320mg
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3.2ml
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10 ml
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10 ml
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>70 pounds
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500mg
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15 ml
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15 ml
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Keep this chart where you store your medications for easy reference and remember to always keep all medications out of reach of children.
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| Summer |
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Plan for an Active Summer
 With the beautiful weather and lots of free time, this is a great opportunity to get your children and family more active. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends less than 2 hours of screen time (that includes computer, video games, and TV) each day. This is an important recommendation for keeping kids healthy, both physically and mentally; kids need to be active and moving as well as keeping their developing minds alert and learning.
Less than 2 hours of screen time a day can be a challenge in the summer months when school is out. Making an effort to plan events and activities at the beginning of the week may help family members be more organized and active. For example, at Sunday dinner, get the whole family around the table and have each member make suggestions of what they want to do for the week. Plan at least one outdoor and one indoor activity each day, and keep time and places flexible for what fits your family. Getting kids involved in planning their daily activities will help to keep them engaged. Plus, it will be a fun to hear what they're interested in as well.
There are many websites available that have fun suggestions for summer days including South Shore Kids, 365 Things to do on the South Shore, and the AAP's Healthy Children site.
Keep a list of activities handy for when the inevitable "Mom, I'm bored!" days come.
We hope that this can be a special summer for you and your family. As always, be safe and wear sunscreen!
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| "My Plate" |
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Guideline Updates
 The USDA recently updated their guidelines for a healthy diet and changed the tool they use to describe a healthy diet from the "Food Pyramid" to "My Plate".
Many nutritionists found the food pyramid to be confusing as "fats and oils" were on the top of the pyramid implying they were the most important part of the diet when in fact they should be the smallest part of a healthy diet. According to the USDA "The new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans focus on balancing calories with physical activity, and encourage Americans to consume more healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood, and to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and refined grains."
More information can be found at www.choosemyplate.gov which includes a tool you can use to get personalized recommendations. |
| Missing Any Items?
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Lost & Found
 On occasion, our patients and family members leave items at our office. We try to reunite the items if possible, but sometimes we just can't find the owner. If we know who the item belongs to, we will make a note to return it to you the next time you are here.
Here is a growing list of items that need to be reunited with their owners. If you see your item listed here, please give us a call. Any item not claimed will be donated to charity after 90 days.
- Percy train (green)
- Adidas jacket (blue)
- Playskool teething key ring
- Bambi book
- Old Navy vest (red)
- Hat (light blue) by Gap
- Travel mug (blue metallic)
- Wipe holder container, light blue with Winnie the Pool
- Wipe holder container from Huggies
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| Become a MENTOR Foster Parent
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Our friends at the Massachusetts MENTOR program have asked us to help spread the word that they are in need of individuals and families on Cape Cod, the Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts who are willing to open their hearts and their homes to one child or adolescent. Founded in 1980, Massachusetts MENTOR provides community-based services to children and families at-risk and people with developmental disabilities. The residential services are provided by a network of local caregivers called "Mentors" who share their homes with the individuals they serve. For more information please contact Jennifer at 508-995-3251 ext. 2231 or jennifer.dexter@thementornetwork.com.
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