Welcome, Dr. Mendoza!
We are happy to announce that Dr. Julio Mendoza has joined our Pediatric Care Centers family of health care providers. Dr. Mendoza’s experience is extensive and varied, including providing medical care at the world’s hot spots since completing his medical studies in Cuba. In 2005, he traveled to Pakistan for six months to help in that country’s recovery from a devastating earthquake. After returning to Cuba, he then traveled to Venezuela where he worked as a general physician for almost two years. He arrived in the United States in 2008, where he spent time at Miami Children’s Hospital – an experience that changed his life. “The children were so good to work with, so friendly and sincere,” he said. “It made me decide to specialize in pediatrics, and I’m glad I decided to take that path.” After passing the U.S. medical board exams in 2012 and spending three years in pediatric residency at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, New York City, Dr. Mendoza fulfilled another life wish – to make a home in Florida. He and his wife Anny, who is a dentist, moved to Jacksonville for his new position with Pediatric Care Centers. They welcomed the arrival of their son David eight months ago.
Preventing Obesity – Healthy Habits
Our pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and staff at Pediatric Care Center are excited to be promoting Healthy Habits, our activity-based program for the whole family. The goal of the program is the prevention of obesity. We focus on teaching our young families to become more active and helping kids learn to make healthy choices. We know you’re often busy and pressed for time. That’s why we suggest small changes that can make a big difference. Tips for Healthier Eating Choices 1. Teach your children that, like a car, our bodies need the right kind of fuel. If they are hungry they should choose healthy foods for fuel, not unhealthy ones like cookies and chips. 2. Use good portion control habits: Your kids should listen to their bodies’ cues on feeling full rather than cleaning their plate. Start with a small serving; offer seconds if asked. Use small plates and glasses. This really works! Encourage eating slowly so that the body has time to register fullness. Put portions on a separate plate; avoid eating out of a bag or box. Share dishes while eating out. This saves money and calories! Eat half; take half home in a go-box when eating out. 3. Pack a family snack bag: Make a family snack bag part of your daily routine. Use a fun portable container and pack it with healthy snacks like low-fat cheese sticks, grapes and air-popped popcorn. When the kids are hungry, they should know their snacks will come from the family snack bag. Make sure to fill each family member’s refillable water bottle when on the go. Fun Ways to Be Active Children love to play! Here are some tips to take advantage of the kids’ gift for play to encourage more exercise. Join in and bring out your “inner child!” Plan on weekly family bike rides to a favored neighborhood destination – the Red Box movie machine, breakfast spot or local park. Dance! Play the music on your phone or radio and let loose with the kids while cooking a meal. Or instead of watching TV, use your hairbrush as a “microphone”; dance and sing along with their favorites. Walk the dog together with the kids. Every member of the family, both human and canine, will enjoy it. Count steps. Have the kids use their pedometer from the Health Habits program. Reward those with the most steps with small, non-food prizes. Medical Experts Agree: Small Changes Can Make a Difference The president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sandra G. Hassink, M.D., suggests making one or two of these changes part of your regular routine to start, and then adding more over time. Kids are more likely to stick to these new habits if the whole family is involved, so make it a team effort. “This is not just about your one child,” Dr. Hassink said. “This is about the whole family moving toward a healthier lifestyle.”
Good Sleep Habits for Toddlers
Tips to Help Your Toddler Establish Good Sleep Habits Adopt a nightly routine so your child has quiet time before bedtime and understands that it will soon be time to go to sleep. The routine should be the same each night, as toddlers are comforted by routine. Give her a bath, read her a story, or listen to soft music. Avoid active play, which will only excite her and make sleep more difficult. Be consistent. Bedtime should be at the same time every night. By doing so, your child will know what to expect, and it will help her establish good sleep habits. Let your toddler take a favorite object to bed at night—perhaps a teddy bear, special blanket, or favorite toy. It can help her fall asleep—and fall back asleep if she awakens during the night. Make sure the object has no buttons or ribbons that could put your child at risk for choking. Make certain your toddler is comfortable. If she wants a drink of water or a night-light turned on, do so and then tell her it’s time for sleep. Do not let your child sleep in your bed. Doing so makes it more difficult for her to fall asleep when she’s alone. Wait several seconds before you go into your toddler’s room whenever she complains or calls out. Then each time she calls for you, wait a little bit longer before you respond. Reassure your child that you are there, even when you’re out of sight. Each time you respond, remind her that it’s time for her to go to sleep. Don’t do anything to reward your child for calling out for you. Give it time. It’s normal to become upset if your child keeps you awake at night. But try to be understanding, or you’re likely to make the problem with sleep even worse. You may need to ask for help from your partner and other adults again when your toddler has sleep disruptions. How To Promote Sound Sleep in Your Toddler The first step is to create a sleep schedule for your child. When you see that she’s tired, make that her bedtime. Then build a sleep routine around this time. You can have her take a bath, read a story, or sing a song, followed by some quiet time before you leave the room so she can sleep. But even once routines are in place, you can’t always rely on your toddler to sleep through a nap period or the nighttime. In addition to being unpredictable in childhood, sleep can also be disrupted by events like changing rooms or beds, losing a favorite blanket or cuddly toy, or going on a family vacation. Keeping to a regular bedtime routine makes it easier to cope with occasional exceptions to the schedule. When bedtime is delayed, settle your child with a shorter version of the usual going-to-bed routine. Last Updated 5/6/2015 Source Sleep: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics) The information contained in this article should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Back-To-School Time Means Physicals And Immunizations
Back-to-school time often means a rush for new clothes and school supplies during Tax-Free Holiday (August 7 through August 16). In addition to all the shopping fun, you have to make sure your children have all the required medical paperwork and exams before their first big day. We’re here to help make sure your family’s back-to-school experience is as smooth as possible by providing everything you need to make the first day of school a huge success. “We want parents to know that we’re committed to help your child have a healthy, successful year,” Dr. Norberto Benitez, MD, said. “If you have any concerns about your children and their health, please feel free to call anytime or make an appointment to visit either of our offices. We want to help all of our patients and their families at this exciting time of growth and new experiences.” What Physicals and Immunizations are required? Has your child had a routine physical exam in the last year? Are all immunizations current? If you answer “no” to these questions, be sure to call and make an appointment with us. Both of our offices are fully prepared with all the services and proper school health forms you’ll need on Day 1 of your child’s school year. When in doubt, ask the Doctor Is your child anxious to participate in sports or other physical activities? When you visit or call our offices, please don’t hesitate to ask any question you may have, including: What sports are right for my child at this age? Options may include soccer, baseball, or swimming, among many others. What about protective equipment? Any special advice? What minor injuries like twists, sprains, and bruises should trigger a call to the office? Physical activity is important for your growing child’s health. We’re available to advise you on your child’s sports and activities choices as well as help with any health forms the school or team requires. Remember, clean hands equal clean health! A healthy school year – that’s our major goal for your child. The simple act of hand washing is one of the best ways to destroy the germs that cause common ailments like colds, sore throats and stomach upsets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has studied this subject and their conclusion is clear: The best way to get rid of common germs is frequent hand washing with regular soap and water. Teach your children the steps for thorough hand washing. Remind them to wash before eating, after using the bathroom, after playing outdoors, after sneezing or coughing, or after playing with pets. If your child tends to “forget” to wash thoroughly, consider including small bottles of hand cleansers among school supplies. Have a Great School Year All of us here at Pediatric Care Centers wish you a great start to the school season. We have everything you need to make the first day of school one you’ll remember, get in touch to schedule your appointment.
Check Out Photos From Our 10 Year Anniversary Celebration!
On Saturday July 18th we held our 10-Year Anniversary Celebration at our Beaches office. Over 200 patients and parents attended and everyone had a blast with our dunk booth, petting zoo, games and more. Check out the photo gallery below to see all the fun!
Employee of the Quarter ~ Chasity Moore
Chasity Moore is our Employee of the Quarter! She works front desk at the Beach Office and is the go to person to help and guide our new front desk staff. Everyone loves working with her and we all see her hard work play out every day! Thank you Chasity we are all very grateful to have you on our team. 1.) How long have you worked for us? A year this month! 2.) Do you have any pets? Does my nephew Colton count? 3.) Tell me the name of the degree have. A Bachelors of Science in Health; Minor: Health Education (graduated 2013) 4.)Do you have any hobbies? How do you spend your off time? Working out, spending time with family 5.) Where did you go to high school? Bartram Trail High School 6.) What is your favorite part of you job? Everything! Seeing kids and working with my wonderful co-workers. 7.) Tell us a funny moment in the office you would like to share? My nickname at the office is “poopy pants” because somehow I always end up with melted chocolate on my pants. It has happen to me 4-5 times!!!!
Employee of the Quarter – Kristina Lopez
How long have you worked for us? Since April 2013, so a little over 20 months! Do you have any pets? Yes! I have 3 fur babies. 2 Yorkies, Moose and Lexi and a Chihuahua named Paco What is your educational background? I went to Bartram Trail High School (Go Bears!). And I graduated from UNF in April 2013 with a Bachelor in Science in Biology with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Psychology. I plan on taking my MCAT soon to pursue my dream of becoming a Plastic Surgeon! Where did you grow up? I grew up in a military household so we moved a few times growing up. How do you spend your time off? I absolutely love painting my nails and baking. I find them very relaxing. I also love spending time with my family, friends and fur babies. When I get a chance I also like to travel. I recently came back from a weekend in Key West. I love the water and I go kayaking in the Intracoastal or soak up some rays at the beach! Anything that you like to share about yourself? I love to hunt for super sales! Budgeting is fun and challenging but far more rewarding when you can find what you’re looking for at a cheaper price. What is your favorite part of your job? I love my coworkers. They put a constant smile on my face!
Employee of the Month ~ Katie Leinhauser
How long have you worked for us? 4 awesome months Do you have pets? I have two kittens? – Oliver and Maggie Tell me the exact name of the degree you are getting and how much more time you have. I have just this year left and I will be graduating UNF with my Bachelors in Clinical and applied movement. With a concentration in exercise science. Do you have any hobbies? How do you spend your off time? Athletics chair for my sorority – alpha chi Volunteer at Mayo Clinic and Nemours VP of exercise science Any spare time is spent with my best friends (aka my parents) Studying for GRE – Occupational Therapy Where did you go to high school? Bishop Kenny High School What is your favorite part of your job? The people – providers, managers, owners medical assistants – everyone is helpful and encouraging. It is the best group to work with.
Florida Newborn Screening
Most babies arrive into the world healthy, but some have a rare health problem that is not outwardly visible. Florida screens all babies for over 36 different conditions, unless a parent objects in writing. Before leaving the hospital, a few drops of blood are taken from the heel of the baby and the ears are also tested for hearing. The hospital sends the blood sample to the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories in Jacksonville which screens over 1,000 blood samples per day. All results are sent back to the hospital and then forwarded to the baby’s doctor. Doctors can also get results for their patients from the Florida Newborn Screening Results website. If the screening results are abnormal, the Newborn Screening Follow-up Program which is a part of Children’s Medical Services will contact the parent and\or doctor about additional testing and continue follow-up until the disorder is either ruled out or confirmed. The screening process helps find and treat conditions early which can prevent serious problems like intellectual disabilities or death. The Department of Health currently screens all babies born in Florida for the following disorders. Disorders PKU (Phenylketonuria) CAH (Congenital adrenal hyperplasia) Congenital hypothyroidism Galactosemia (G/G) Hb S/Beta-thalassemia HB S/C disease Sickle cell anemia Hearing loss 3MCC (3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency) 3-OH 3-CH3 glutaric aciduria Arginosuccinic acidemia Mitochondrial acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (beta-ketothiolase) deficiency Biotinidase deficiency Citrullinemia Glutaric acidemia type I Homocystinuria Isovaleric acidemia LCHAD (Long-chain L-3-OH acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency) Maple syrup urine disease MCAD (Medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency) Methylmalonic acidemia Propionic acidemia Tyrosinemia type I VLCAD (Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency) Carnitine/Acylcarnitine translocase deficiency Carnitine palmityl transferase deficiency type I Carnitine palmityl transferase deficiency type II Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency SCAD (Short chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency) Tyrosinemia type II Carnitine uptake defect Methylmalonic acidemia (mutase deficiency) Multiple carboxylase deficiency Trifunctional protein deficiency Cystic Fibrosis Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)