Flu Season is Here – Time for Flu Shots
Pediatric Care Centers offer flu immunizations at two locations: Jacksonville Beach (904) 249-3373 and Jacksonville (904) 519-6555. It’s that time of year – flu season! The suppliers of the vaccines are shipping it to us in small quantities as it’s available so we’re asking that you call the office to schedule an appointment. We’ll resume walk-in flu shots when our supply becomes more abundant. “Our top priority at Pediatric Care Centers is the health of your children, and that’s why we strongly recommend they receive the vaccine at the beginning of each flu season,” said Dr. Norberto Benitez. “Each year an estimated 20,000 children in the U.S. under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of flu complications. Getting the flu vaccine helps avoid that.” There’s a lot to know about flu and your children. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions by phone or in person. In the meantime, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions. Are flu shots really necessary each year? Yes. Flu can have serious complications – like pneumonia, dehydration and worse – particularly in kids ages 6 months to 5 years. Flu is especially dangerous for children with asthma and other chronic diseases. Even in well children, flu can be more severe than the common cold, causing days of misery. When should my child come in for flu prevention? Because flu season runs from October to May, the earlier in the flu season the better. Who should receive the flu shots? Kids under 6 months cannot be vaccinated for influenza. All family members over the age of six months should receive the vaccine each year to protect themselves and other family members. Healthy caregivers promote healthy children. What types of flu vaccines are available? Flu vaccine is available in both injection (shots) and in nasal spray form, depending on supply. The nasal spray is not recommended for patients with certain medical conditions. The staff at Pediatric Care Centers can advise you if that’s the case for your child. Is there a chance my children could get the flu even if they’ve received the vaccine? Yes, as with any vaccine, there is a small chance that it won’t provide complete protection. Flu strains are chosen months in advance each year according to the predictions of which ones will be prevalent. These predictions are intended to provide the most protection to the largest number of people possible. Most flu vaccines protect against four flu strains. Is the vaccine safe for my children? Yes, in most cases. Some children may show minor side effects like runny nose, sore throat or sleepiness for a day or two. Serious side effects are rare. As to the myth that the flu vaccine or any other vaccine may cause autism, this has been disproven in study after study over more than a decade. Will my child need one or two doses of vaccine? Children aged 6 months through 8 years should receive two doses (about 30 days apart) if they have never received a flu vaccine before. Immunity begins about 2 weeks after the second dose. Ask your pediatrician at Pediatric Care Centers how many flu shot/spray doses your children require.
Save The Date For Santa!
Employee of the Quarter ~ Jalexza Figueroa
Jalexza came to work with us in March 2014. She is a Medical Assistant at the Pointe Meadows office. She grew up in Norwalk, CT and attended Butler Business School for her M.A. certification. When she is not working her three young children keep her busy! Congratulations Jalexza we so appreciate your smile, infectious laugh and dedication to your team and patients.
Sports Injury Prevention Tips
More American children are competing in sports than ever before. Sports help children and adolescents keep their bodies fit and feel good about themselves. However, there are some important injury prevention tips that can help parents promote a safe, optimal sports experience for their child. Please feel free to use them in any print or broadcast story, with appropriate attribution of source. Click here for the Spanish Version. Injury Risks All sports have a risk of injury. In general, the more contact in a sport, the greater the risk of a traumatic injury. However, most injuries in young athletes are due to overuse. Most injuries occur to ligaments (connect bones together), tendons (connect muscles to bones) and muscles. Stress fractures can also occur from overuse. However, the areas where bones grow in children are at more risk of injury during the rapid phases of growth. In a growing child, point tenderness over a bone should be evaluated further by a medical provider even if there is minimal swelling or limitation in motion. Most frequent sports injuries are sprains (injuries to ligaments) strains (injuries to muscles), and stress fractures (injury to bone) caused when an abnormal stress is placed on tendons, joints, bones and muscle. Contact your pediatrician if you have additional questions or concerns. To reduce the risk of injury: Time off. Plan to have at least 1 day off per week from a particular sport to allow the body to recover. Wear the right gear. Players should wear appropriate and properly fit protective equipment such as pads (neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthpieces, face guards, protective cups, and/or eyewear. Young athletes should not assume that protective gear will protect them from performing more dangerous or risky activities. Strengthen muscles. Conditioning exercises during practice strengthens muscles used in play. Increase flexibility. Stretching exercises before and after games or practice can increase flexibility. Stretching should also be incorporated into a daily fitness plan. Use the proper technique. This should be reinforced during the playing season. Take breaks. Rest periods during practice and games can reduce injuries and prevent heat illness. Play safe. Strict rules against headfirst sliding (baseball and softball), spearing (football), and body checking (ice hockey) should be enforced. Stop the activity if there is pain. Avoid heat injury by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise or play; decrease or stop practices or competitions during high heat/humidity periods; wear light clothing. Sports-Related Emotional Stress The pressure to win can cause significant emotional stress for a child. Sadly, many coaches and parents consider winning the most important aspect of sports. Young athletes should be judged on effort, sportsmanship and hard work. They should be rewarded for trying hard and for improving their skills rather than punished or criticized for losing a game or competition. The main goal should be to have fun and learn lifelong physical activity skills. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics – See more at: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Sports-Injury-Prevention-Tip-Sheet.aspx#sthash.ZhqXakkz.dpuf
Employee of the Month ~ Shauna Kirn, R.N.
Our employee of the month for June is Shauna Kirn, R.N., an overnight nurse who celebrated her one year anniversary with us in May. Read on to learn more about Shauna! Where are you originally from? I’m originally from Clearwater, Florida but moved to Anna Maria Island when I was very young. It’s a small town with beautiful beaches and where everyone knows your name. I loved growing up there. Own any pets? We have three fur babies, Molly ( Boston/Frenchie), Zoe (Chocolate Lab) & Duke (Jack Russell) Are you currently working toward or recently completed a degree? I just completed my BSN (Bachelors in Science and Nursing) last month at Chamberlain College of Nursing. What are your hobbies? We love to travel and have been all over the world. Last summer we went to Hawaii to celebrate our five-year wedding anniversary but we also love doing mission work abroad. What do you like to do in your time off? In my time off I love to volunteer at my church and with local outreach programs. My perfect day off would be taking my dogs to the beach, yoga and a quiet night at home. What is the favorite part of your job? My favorite part of the job is getting to meet the patients at night. Usually when kids come in “after hours” it’s because there is a genuine need that needs to be filled. There is nothing more rewarding than to help facilitate that need for the patient and to also alleviate the worry and stress that the parents may be having. Even the sickest of patients smile on the way out the door and that’s what makes it so worthwhile to me. Any exciting things going on in your life you’d like to share? My husband and I are in the process of adopting two little girls (under the age of six) from Nicaragua. We haven’t been officially matched with our children but we are hoping we will be within the next year. We couldn’t be more excited. Any funny stories from working the overnight shift? The funniest thing that’s happened while working at PCC would probably involve a tired parent – which is completely understandable. One mother was telling me how she hasn’t been able to sleep the past few days because of her child’s asthma exacerbation. After the patient assessment, she crawled up on the examine table with the child and fell asleep. I let her sleep all night (until the end of my shift) and was able to monitor the patient throughout the night so the mother could sleep. It was a win/win because the patient received the necessary care and mom was refreshed when she left in the morning!
Our Children’s Doctors in Jacksonville Provide Summer Tips
Meet the Team: Maggie Sikes
Maggie Sikes pops in to wish you a wonderful start to your holiday season. Learn a little more about Maggie in this month’s team member spotlight. Q: Where are you from? A: Lakeland, FL Q: What’s your favorite activity after work? A: Relaxing at home Q: How many children do you have or would you like to have? A: I don’t have any yet, but at least one someday. Q: Do you have pets? What kind? A: Yes, a beautiful black cat named Lulu Q: How would you describe your job at Pediatric Care Center? A: Busy, but fun! Q: Are you what you wanted to be when you grew up? A: Not quite, I still have a little more school left Q: What’s the #1 question you get asked in the office? A: Do I need to be seen for that? Q: Have you seen any local trends (in illness) in the area that parents have questions about? A: Yes, RSV seems very active this year and it’s so contagious Q: Do you have any tips about what parents can do to make the most of their visit with the doctors? A: Make a list of questions you have in the days leading up to your appt. That way you’re less likely to forget anything. Q: Tell us one funny story from the office. A: After handing a parent something at the front desk I went to sit down, missed my chair and fell right to the floor. I tried to play it off but it wasn’t successful. It was humiliating! (And the staff adds – hilarious!)
Meet the Team: Morgan Ingwersen
This month, we would like to introduce you to Morgan Ingwersen, one of our medical assistants at the Beaches Office. Please take a minute to learn a bit more about Morgan. Q: Where are you from? A: Jacksonville, Fl. Q: What’s your favorite activity after work? A: I love spending time with my husband and family. I also enjoy doing things outdoors. Q: How many children do you have or would you like to have? A: I don’t have kids yet, but I would love to have at least 2. Q: Do you have pets? What kind? A: We have one dog her name I Krona. She’s a Mutt but we love her. Q: How would you describe your job at Jacksonville Beach Pediatric Care Center? A: I love my job! It’s so rewarding helping all the kids and the people I work with are amazing. Q: Are you what you wanted to be when you grew up? A: Not yet. I’m still trying to decide what I want to be but I love working in the medical field. Q: What’s the number 1 question you get asked in the office? A: Do you speak Spanish? Q: Have you seen in local trends (in illness) in the area that parents have questions about? A: We’ve seen a lot of kids with stomach bugs lately. Q: Do you have any tips about what parents can do to make the most of their visit with doctor? A: When you start to notice your kids getting sick, write everything down. Every symptom is important. Q: Tell us one funny story from the office. A: I always get a good laugh when babies poop on me while I’m trying to take their temperature. It happens a lot, it’s like their little way of getting back at me!
Meet the Team: Lilian Pena
This month we are learning a bit more about Lillian Pena, whose smiling face can be seen at the reception desk greeting patients and their families. Q: Where are you from? A: Albuquerque, New Mexico Q: What’s your favorite activity after work? A: I enjoy helping my son with his homework, playing video games with my husband and son and going to the gym. Anything that involves spending time with my family. Q: How many children do you have or would you like to have? A: I have one child but I would like to have 2 or 3. Q: Do you have pets? What kind? A: I have a Boston terrier puppy, two corn snakes and a tarantula. Q: How would you describe your job at Jax Beach Pediatrics? A: At times, a bit hectic but it’s very gratifying. Especially when a family leaves our office with smiles on their faces because their visit was a pleasant experience. Knowing they are thankful because you helped them is the best feeling in the world. Q: Are you what you wanted to when you grew up? A: I actually wanted to be a singer, archaeologist or a paleontologist. Q: What’ the number #1 question you get asked in the office? A: Can I make an appointment? Q: Have you seen any local trends in the area that parents have questions about? A: Lately we have seen a lot of children come in with cold viruses and stomach viruses. Q: Do you have any tips about what parents can do to make the most of their visit with the doctor? A: I would advise parents to let us know as soon as possible regarding any concerns that they may have so we can be of help to them. Q: Tell us one funny story from the office. A: Everyone is really attached to their pens. One day I took one of my co-workers pens and attached it to her cup. She was going crazy trying to find her pen. She was searching everyone’s pockets and bags. She finally went to drink from her cup and realized it was attached. The look on her face was priceless.
Meet the Team: Tricia Swanstrom
This month we are getting to know Tricia Swanstrom, a registered nurse in our Beach office. Q: Where are you from? A: Jacksonville Q: What’s your favorite activity after work? A: Since I work the nights, I love to go home and sleep! Then I love spending time with my husband and kiddos. Q: How many children do you have or would you like to have? A: I have three kids. A 5 year old daughter, and 2 sons ages 4 and 18 months. Q: Do you have pets? What kind? A: We have a miniature dachshund named stogie Q: How would you describe your job at Jax Beach Pediatrics? A: Very rewarding. I love the one on one patient care we get to do at night. Q: Are you what you wanted to be when you grew up? A: Absolutely. I have the best of both worlds – being a mommy and a nurse. Q: What’s the number #1 question you get asked in the office? A: My child has a fever – what do I need to do? Q: Have you seen in local trends (in illness) in the area that parents have questions about? A: RSV and Stomach viruses. Q: Do you have any tips about what parents can do to make the most of their visit with the doctor? A: Make a list of any questions you may have. It’s easy to forget when things get busy. Q: Tell us one funny story from the office. A: All I can say is things can get very interesting when you are up in the middle of the night. ☺