tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56165963934081452232024-03-13T18:13:37.490-05:00Doc Clarke's BlogDr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-60813124434883812752016-04-27T09:14:00.001-05:002016-04-27T17:22:36.417-05:00How to maximize your infant's immunityThis article from TheScientificParent.org does a great job explaining how maternal vaccinations during pregnancy, infant vaccinations and breastfeeding all play important roles in optimizing a baby's immune system. <div><a href="http://thescientificparent.org/passive-immunity-101-will-breast-milk-protect-my-baby-from-getting-sick/">http://thescientificparent.org/passive-immunity-101-will-breast-milk-protect-my-baby-from-getting-sick/</a></div>Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-46417098789331165282015-02-23T18:51:00.001-06:002015-02-23T19:07:16.282-06:00Early introduction of peanut protein probably reduces peanut allergy
risk<div>Does eating peanut protein in infancy reduce peanut allergy risk later?</div><div>This New England Journal of Medicine article published online today seems to indicate yes. As the NYT article below explains, there has been mounting published data over the last decade to support this theory.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/23/feeding-infants-peanut-products-could-prevent-allergies-study-suggests/?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share</span></div>Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-64966649490937567032015-01-11T14:21:00.004-06:002015-01-11T16:14:12.216-06:00Why you should still get the flu vaccine if you haven't alreadyFlu activity is still high across most of the country with flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths elevated. Flu season will probably continue for at least several more weeks to months.
While the flu vaccine may not work as well as usual against some H3N2 viruses, vaccination can still protect some people and reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and will protect against other flu viruses. 6 months old is the minimum age for the first dose of the flu vaccine. Don't forget that, in order to be well-protected, children under 9 years old are supposed to get 2 doses of the flu vaccine at least 28 days apart.
Influenza antiviral drugs (Tamiflu) can treat flu illness. The CDC recommends these drugs be used to treat people who are very sick or who are at high risk of serious flu complications (for instance all children under 2 years old) who have flu symptoms, even with a negative flu test. Early antiviral treatment works best.
Take a look at this great blog post written by the mother of two of my former patients in Houston.
The embedded video is particularly moving.
www.texaschildrensblog.org/2015/01/its-that-time-of-year-why-getting-your-flu-shot-is-still-important/Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-49555737278753915972014-11-19T21:45:00.001-06:002014-11-19T21:45:50.079-06:00Consider adding Forest Lane Pediatrics to your Facebook News Feed<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Over the last several months </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have posted topics on the Forest Lane Pediatrics Facebook page that I would have posted on this blog in the past. "L</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">iking" the Forest Lane Pediatrics Facebook page at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/forestlanepedi" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">www.facebook.com/forestlanepedi</a> is an easy way to<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> get pediatric health suggestions and articles sent to you on your FaceBook News Feed that were selected by me and my colleagues. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thanks to all who have continued to follow my blog. My current plan is to continue to post in both places when I can. </span></div><div><br></div><div>-Dr. Clarke</div>Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-28318184821654430842014-10-07T19:41:00.001-05:002014-10-07T19:41:40.012-05:00Preparing for the 2014-15 Respiratory Virus SeasonHere is a good blog post from Texas Children's Hospital that summarizes how you can prepare your children for the next few months of respiratory viruses. <div>Take home message:</div><div>-Keep hands clean</div><div>-Get the flu vaccine</div><div>-Monitor for more serious symptoms</div><div>-Cold medicines are largely ineffective and potentially dangerous. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.texaschildrensblog.org/2014/10/get-ready-for-cold-and-flu-season/">http://www.texaschildrensblog.org/2014/10/get-ready-for-cold-and-flu-season/</a></div>Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-27449408539515016902013-11-23T00:42:00.001-06:002014-01-09T14:07:05.967-06:00Relocating to DallasWritten by: <a href="https://plus.google.com/https://plus.google.com/u/0/106765560683616641226" rel="author" target="_blank" title="Connect with Dr. Clarke on Google+">Dr. Adrian Clarke</a><br />
<br />
Dear Patient Families,<br />
<br />
As many of you already have already read or heard, I am relocating to Dallas and will no longer be practicing at Blue Fish Pediatrics, effective December 21, 2013. All of my patients should receive a letter of notification via US mail in the next few weeks.<br />
<br />
I have thoroughly enjoyed my three years at Blue Fish and, although it will be difficult to leave my practice, patients and colleagues, I am confident that your child will continue to receive the highest level of care at Blue Fish Pediatrics.<br />
<br />
As part of the effort to ensure a smooth transition for your family, Blue Fish is pleased to announce that Dr. Eric Lindsay will be joining the Memorial office in January 2014. For a complete bio please click on this link: http://bit.ly/1bZAS2N. I am thrilled that such an outstanding pediatrician has been lined up to accept any of my patients who wish to continue at Blue Fish. Dr. Lindsay will be available to accept my patients to the extent that his schedule allows.<br />
<br />
I will honor all of my visits scheduled through December 20, 2013. All visits currently scheduled after December 20, 2013 will be receiving a phone call to either reschedule or to keep your appointment and be seen by Dr. Lindsay.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions please contact Denny Yu, Practice Manager, by phone at 713-467-1741 or by email at bluefish@bluefishmd.com.<br />
<br />
If you would like access to your medical records, please contact Blue Fish Pediatrics for forms and instructions.<br />
<br />
I would like to thank you for your continued support and confidence. This is a bittersweet transition for me since I have been in practice in the Houston area for over 11 years. Serving as your family's pediatrician has been a privilege, an honor and a distinct pleasure.<br />
<br />
In January 2014, I will be joining Forest Lane Pediatrics at their Medical City location in Dallas. You may contact at:<br />
<br />
Forest Lane Pediatrics<br />
7777 Forest Lane,<br />
Building B, Suite 445<br />
Dallas TX, 75230<br />
Phone: 972-284-7770<br />
Fax: 972-284-7780<br />
www.forestlanepediatrics.com<br />
<br />
Very truly yours,<br />
R. Adrian Clarke, MDDr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-39421859864942611962013-08-28T07:54:00.001-05:002014-01-09T14:08:06.007-06:00Avoid codeine after tonsillectomy surgeryWritten by: <a href="https://plus.google.com/https://plus.google.com/u/0/106765560683616641226" rel="author" target="_blank" title="Connect with Dr. Clarke on Google+">Dr. Adrian Clarke</a><br />
<br />
Earlier this year the FDA issued a warning and changed the label on pain medications that contain codeine because of unpredictable serious adverse effects including death in children.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
Codeine is metabolized into morphine and some children are genetically predisposed to be "ultra-rapid metabolizers". Some of these children have had fatal or life-threatening morphine overdoses after taking typically safe codeine doses for post-op pain management after tonsillectomy. </div>
<div>
The most common codeine-containing medication is acetaminophen with codeine (aka Tylenol #3). </div>
<div>
The FDA now "strongly recommends" against codeine use in post-op tonsillectomy pain management. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm315497.htm</span></div>
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Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-11925733959077632222013-08-15T07:50:00.001-05:002013-08-15T07:50:59.938-05:00Flu vaccine common misconceptionsThis March 2013 New York Times health blog entry does a good job summarizing and answering common myths about the flu vaccine. <div><br></div><div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); "><a href="http://nyti.ms/VZer7M" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://nyti.ms/VZer7M</a></font></div><div><br></div>Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-15739056002348067402013-07-21T09:49:00.001-05:002013-07-21T10:08:37.219-05:00How to be prepared before, during, and after the shotsPediatricians are often asked how to treat vaccine injection anxiety, how to recognize abnormal post-vaccine reactions, and how to treat a reaction if it occurs.<br>
<br><b>
Here are 2 links to parent-oriented handouts on this topic</b>:<br>
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/tools/tips-factsheet.pdf<br>
www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4015.pdf<br>
<br><b>
In summary</b>:<br>
1. Don't pre-medicate with a pain/fever reducer unless there has been a history of prior adverse reaction. At least one recent study suggests that pre-medicating may alter the immune response of the vaccine. It is not clear if this is clinically significant. <br>
2. Stay calm and help your child deal with the immediate discomfort of the injection with techniques such as swaddling and nursing for infants and distraction techniques for older children.<br>
3. If a reaction such as painful redness and swelling does occur, use pain/fever reducers and cool compresses.<br>
4. For specific information about any particular vaccine and its typical post-vaccine reaction symptoms, review that vaccine's Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) handout. At our office, we give you a VIS packet with all of the VIS's at your first vaccine visit (usually 2 months old). Individual VIS's are available at our office and at www.goo.gl/6kiGV. <br>
<br>Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-82311129736113538062013-06-16T00:47:00.001-05:002013-06-16T21:07:06.551-05:00Answers to Expecting Parents' Frequently Asked Questions<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><u>What’s the big deal about pertussis</u></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><u>?</u></span> </span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(www.cdc.gov/pertussis)</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Pertussis (aka whooping cough) is a highly
contagious bacterial respiratory illness that causes severe cough and/or
trouble breathing in young children and infants. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Pertussis
vaccines are effective, but not perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- Protective </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">immunity
from the current (post-1990s) childhood vaccine wanes after 5 to 10 years and
rarely lasts more than 12 years. This is
why booster vaccination has been recommended for adolescents and adults since
2005. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- <b>Before pertussis vaccines became widely available in the US in the
1940s, about 200,000 children were infected each year and about 9,000 died as a
result of the infection. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2012 had the most reported cases
since 1955 with over 41,000 cases and 18 deaths (15 deaths under 1 year old)</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">.
In more typical years there are ~10,000-25,000 cases reported and ~10-20
deaths.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Infants are at greatest risk for
getting pertussis and then having severe complications from it, including death</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> (even when appropriately treated).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- About 50% of infants < 1 year old who get pertussis are hospitalized<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- 1-2% of hospitalized infants die.
<b>Most deaths < 6 months old</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When the source
can be identified, ~<b>80% of infants with
pertussis catch it from someone at home</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">55% parents (mom 30-40%; dad 15%)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">15-20%
siblings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">10-25%
friends, cousins, others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">10%
aunts or uncles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">e.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">5%
grandparents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">f.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2%
other caretakers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">What’s the big deal about the flu?</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></b></u><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(www.cdc.gov/flu)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Influenza (aka the flu) is a highly
contagious viral respiratory illness with annual Fall/Winter seasonal peaks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The annual flu vaccine varies in its effectiveness;
</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">therefore flu
infection will occur among some individuals who received the flu vaccine that
season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">6 months old is the minimum age to get
the flu vaccine.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">15-40% of preschool and school-aged children
catch the flu each year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Infants younger than 6 months are at
the highest risk for flu-related hospitalization and death.</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In the 2012-2013 flu season, there were over 100 pediatric deaths:</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- 90% had not received the flu vaccine for
the current season. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- 60% </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">had identifiable
risk factors for flu-related complications.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 1.25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><u>I knew the baby needed shots, but we probably
need them too?</u> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(www.vaccine.chop.edu)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Confirm that all future household contacts (such as older siblings) and all
potential caregivers (grandparents, close friends, nannies, etc.) are
up-to-date on all of the recommended adult vaccines </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(</span><a href="http://www.goo.gl/W6GJM"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.goo.gl/W6GJM</span></a><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">).</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Pertussis booster</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria;">: </span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">One
booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine if you have
not previously had this vaccine.
Starting in 2013, </span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">pregnant women should get a Tdap during
each pregnancy. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Tdap may be given regardless of when the
last tetanus and diphtheria (Td) dose was given. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;">It takes about 2 weeks for the
pertussis vaccine to produce immunity. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;">(www.goo.gl/JF8Pg)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Influenza</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; text-indent: 0.5in;">: once per flu season (each school year, i.e. Fall/Winter). </span><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The flu
vaccine is especially recommended for household contacts of infants under 6
months old.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"><b>International Travelers</b>: specific travel vaccines and/or malaria prevention medications may
be required. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Do your own research: </span><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/travel"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">www.cdc.gov/travel</span></a><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Get vaccinated and/or get prophylactic meds for malaria via an
international travel medicine clinic or your doctor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><b><u>What info should I make sure to bring/know about my baby's birth when we go to the first pediatrician appointment?</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">In a perfect world, all of your baby's essential medical records would seamlessly and legibly arrive at your pediatrician's office well before your first appointment. This does not always happen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;"> Do your best to gather the following minimum information for that first appointment:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- Birth weight</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- Gestational age</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- If the baby was born by C-section, why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- Was the baby in the breech position at birth? In the third trimester?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- Were there any problems with jaundice?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">- Was the
hepatitis B vaccine given, and if so when?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><u>How and what should I feed her?</u></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">All pediatricians strongly encourage and support giving human breast milk as the exclusive source of nutrition for newborns. I have listed the numerous health benefits in a prior blog post.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #424648; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If it turns out that exclusive breast feeding is not possible and/or is not your choice, the
following link from the AAP gives useful guidance on choosing the right formula, bottles
and nipples for your infant: </span><span style="color: #424648; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">www.goo.gl/QDdTP</span><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><u>She’s been fed and changed, but she’s still
upset. Now what?</u></span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(www.goo.gl/rEW5n)</span><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Taking care of a newborn is challenging. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Newborns eat, sleep, pee, poop, hiccup, sneeze, burp, pass
gas, spit up, cry and fuss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Happiest Baby on The Block</span></u><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> (see the resource section at end of this post) is an excellent summary of well-established calming techniques to
help with excessive crying and fussing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"><b><u>What do I need in my medicine cabinet?</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Diaper
cream, fragrance-free moisturizing cream/ointment, thick diaper cream, vaseline, water soluble lubricant (KY jelly), small gauze pads, infant rectal thermometer,
alcohol wipes, infant acetaminophen (<i>newborn dosing is not always on the package</i>), 1% hydrocortisone
cream, 1% clotrimazole cream, NoseFrida (preferred over the regular bulb suction aspirator),
infant fingernail clippers, small tweezers, and a small emery board.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">How do I minimize the risk of SIDS?</span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></u></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(www.cdc.gov/sids)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS)</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> is defined as the "sudden death of an infant younger than
one year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation,
including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene,
and review of the clinical history."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">SIDS is the leading cause of death 1- 12 months of age and is
most common 1- 4 months old, with 90% of cases occurring before 6 months old. </span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">More than 95% of SIDS cases are
associated with one or more risk factor.</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Major Pre-natal SIDS Risk Factors</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Young maternal age (less
than 20 years old)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Maternal smoking during
pregnancy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Late or no prenatal care<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Preterm birth and/or low
birth weight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Major Post-natal SIDS Risk Factors:</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sleeping on stomach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sleeping on a soft
surface and/or with bedding accessories such as loose blankets and pillows </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">(www.</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">goo.gl/nbes3)</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Bed-sharing (aka
co-sleeping)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Overheating<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">SIDS Risk Reducers</span></b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The following factors are somewhat protective against SIDS, but
they are outweighed by the modifiable risk factors described above:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Breastfeeding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Room-sharing without
bed-sharing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Pacifier use that does
not interfere with breastfeeding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Fan use <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Do not use infant sleep
positioners in order to keep baby on his/her back.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Do not put your baby down in a crib with crib bumpers, no matter how nice they make the crib look.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><u><i>Resources:</i></u></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<u>Happiest Baby on The Block</u> by Harvey Karp (Book, DVD,
or iTunes/Amazon download)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Heading Home With Your Newborn</u> by Laura Jana and
Jennifer Shu.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">www.healthychildren.org</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://newborns.stanford.edu</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.vaccine.chop.edu/"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.vaccine.chop.edu</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.vaccine.texaschildrens.org/"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.vaccine.texaschildrens.org</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/sids_environment.asp">www.dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/sids_environment.asp</a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/UCM227719.pdf</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/sids">www.cdc.gov/sids</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.cdc.gov/pertussis</span></a><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.cdc.gov/flu</span></a><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/travel"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.cdc.gov/travel</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://www.fridababy.com/shop/nosefrida"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.fridababy.com/shop/nosefrida</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">www.mayoclinic.com/health/induced-lactation/AN01882<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/bottle-feeding-9/choosing-a-bottle"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/bottle-feeding-9/choosing-a-bottle</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCYWqni0TeM</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-17490734478181739342013-05-16T01:45:00.002-05:002014-02-03T00:39:31.189-06:00Don't minimize the importance of the Hepatitis B Vaccine<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As all of my patients know and any readers of this blog can tell, I strongly believe in the importance of sticking to the AAP-endorsed pediatric vaccine schedule.</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Occasionally, I have parents who wish to delay the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine. The typical rationale is that they know that mom doesn't have Hep B disease (therefore there is/was no risk of vertical transmission during the birthing process) <b><u>and</u></b> they are not concerned about their infant and/or young child exhibiting the types of high-risk behaviors that can expose humans to blood and bodily fluids.</span><div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Unfortunately, this strategy is not supported by the evidence</b>. Take a look at the following link on the HBV vaccine from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center <a class="short-url" href="http://bit.ly/ynJrve">(bit.ly/ynJrve).</a> </span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">B<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">efore the HBV vaccine was available<b>, 50% of the 18,000 annual pediatric cases of HBV under 10 yrs old
did <u>not</u> come from mother-to-newborn vertical transmission during birth. </b></span></span></span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent">The most
likely causes of non-vertical transmission are incidental exposures to microscopic amounts of infected blood from asymptomatic (but still infected and contagious) close contacts. This could happen innocently via toothbrushes,
razors and washcloths or towels. </span></span></span><br>
<br>
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The bottom line is that "being careful" is not enough to prevent these kinds of cases, the best protection is infant HBV vaccination starting at birth.</span></span></span></div>Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-45640933826516601592013-04-02T20:30:00.001-05:002013-06-16T21:08:36.816-05:00SIDS: How to minimize your infant's riskSudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is defined as the "sudden death of an infant younger than one year of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history."<br />
<br />
<b>SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants between 1 month and 12 months of age and is most common between 1 to 4 months old, with 90% of cases occurring before 6 months old. </b><br />
<br />
Fortunately, the SIDS rate in the United States has dropped significantly over the last 30 years. The greatest reduction occurred in the first 10 years after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) started the "Back to Sleep" campaign to reduce the risk of SIDS which recommends placing infants in a supine position (on the back) for sleep. Between 1992 and 2001, the SIDS rate in the United States fell from 0.12% to 0.06%, while the proportion of infants sleeping in the supine position increased from 13% to 72%. <br />
<br />
<i><b>More than 95% of SIDS cases are associated with one or more risk factors,</b></i> and in many cases, the risk factors are modifiable (usually sleeping position, sleep environment, or parental co-sleeping). <br />
<br />
<b>Major Pre-natal SIDS Risk Factors</b>:<br />
-Young maternal age (less than 20 years old)<br />
-Maternal smoking during pregnancy<br />
-Late or no prenatal care<br />
-Preterm birth and/or low birth weight<br />
<br />
<b>MajorPost-natal SIDS Risk Factors</b><br />
-Sleeping on stomach<br />
-Sleeping on a soft surface and/or with bedding accessories such as loose blankets and pillows<br />
-Bed-sharing (sleeping in parents’ bed)<br />
-Overheating<br />
<br />
<b>SIDS Risk Reducers</b><br />
The following factors are somewhat protective against SIDS. However, these effects are outweighed by the modifiable risk factors described above:<br />
-Breastfeeding (36% lower risk of SIDS, if BF lasts more than 1 mo)<br />
-Room-sharing without bed-sharing<br />
-Pacifier use that does not interfere with the establishment of breastfeeding. <br />
-Fan use <br />
<br />
<b><u>In summary, infants whose mothers received appropriate prenatal care and who sleep on their backs in an appropriate sleep environment (see first link below for picture), are breastfed beyond 1 month old, and have never been exposed prenatally or postnatally to tobacco smoke are at the lowest risk for SIDS.</u></b> <br />
<br />
Take a look at the following links for more information:<br />
<br />
http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/sids_environment.aspx<br />
<br />
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx<br />
<br />
http://www.cdc.gov/sids/<br />
<br />
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/sudden-infant-death-syndrome-sids-beyond-the-basics?source=search_result&search=Sids&selectedTitle=1%7E4&view=outline<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />
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5/7/13 Addendum<br />
<br />
Here is a link to the recent FDA warning to NOT use infant sleep positioners because of the risk of death by suffocation. <br />
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/UCM227719.pdfDr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-7742373550670570092013-03-31T00:49:00.001-05:002013-04-02T21:40:05.550-05:00Autism risk is not related to more vaccines under 2 years oldA new study published on 3/29/13 is the latest of more than 20 studies showing <b>no connection between autism and vaccines. </b><br />
<br />
<b>What is noteworthy about this study is that it is the first to prove that neither the total number of early vaccines nor the total number of vaccine antigens (the proteins in vaccines that trigger an immune response) lead to an increased risk of autism</b>.<br />
<br />
This is an important study because it should help address the fear that pediatricians frequently hear from parents (and grandparents) that the modern multiple vaccine schedule will "overwhelm" their (grand)child's immune system.<br />
This study concludes that children who receive the full schedule of vaccinations in the first two years of life have no increased risk of autism. <b>"Splitting them up" is not going to lower the risk of autism <u>and</u> it delays protection against life-threatening infections in vulnerable infants and young children</b>. <br />
<br />
Also of note, in order to fully vaccinate a 2 year old the 2012 CDC vaccine schedule uses 315 total antigens, whereas in the late 1990s it took several thousand antigens to do the same job. This is because modern vaccines need fewer antigens to stimulate adequate immune responses. <br />
<b>To state it plainly, while we don't know why there had been an increase in autism prevalence over the last two decades, we do know that it is not due to a increased antigen load overwhelming the immune system. On the contrary, we have been able to add protection against more bacteria and viruses over the last 20 years while at the same time decreasing the antigen load</b>.<br />
<br />
Here is the NPR blog post about the Journal of Pediatrics paper:<br />
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/03/29/175626824/the-number-of-early-childhood-vaccines-not-linked-to-autism<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadDr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-44081338257936784402013-03-26T17:30:00.001-05:002013-04-13T16:00:26.334-05:00Vaccines during pregnancyAs all of my patient families know, <b>I strongly agree</b> with the AAP and CDC recommended vaccine schedule for children. <br />
In addition to these recommendations for the direct protection of our pediatric patients, pediatricians also support specific vaccinations for household and other close contacts of our pediatric patients. <br />
<br />
I really like this recent blog entry written by Rachel Cunningham, MPH, a vaccine expert at Texas Children's Hospital Immunization Project. In addition to her professional expertise, the article includes her parental perspective as a mother of two young children: http://www.texaschildrensblog.org/2013/03/what-vaccines-to-expect-when-youre-expecting/<br />
<br />
The CDC's webpage on this topic also has specific and useful information: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/pregnant.html. <br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadDr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-79816274672620776772013-03-21T12:54:00.000-05:002013-04-13T16:01:31.132-05:00AAP Drowning Prevention tips With the weather getting nicer and many of my patients having access to swimming pools, I thought I should post some info on pediatric drowning prevention and overall water safety.<br />
<br />
In May 2010, the American Acedemy of Pediatrics revised the minimum age that pediatricians recommend swim/water safety lessons down from 4yo to 1yo, in developmentally appropriate children.<br />
<br />
Take a look at following summary of the May 2010 updated recs: <b>http://tinyurl.com/ce3ojgf</b><br />
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<br />Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-6385108930069389132013-01-29T16:10:00.001-06:002013-01-29T16:10:49.345-06:00Busy 2012-2013 Flu SeasonAs I'm sure almost everyone is aware, this has turned into a heavy flu season. Here are a couple of web links to info on what to look out for if you suspect or know that your child has the flu. <br /><br />http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/fluguideforparents_brochure.pdf<br /><br />http://www.texaschildrensblog.org/2013/01/flu-symptoms-when-to-bring-your-child-into-the-emergency-center/<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-74279975794791253382012-09-11T23:04:00.001-05:002014-02-03T00:55:07.958-06:00Breastfeeding Infant Health StatisticsIn my experience, nearly all parents and/or expectant parents are aware of the fact that pediatricians heavily favor breast milk as the best nutrition source for infants.<br>
However, I'm not so sure we always do a great job explaining what evidence we have to support our strong preference or what factors lead to successful breastfeeding. <div>Here is a slightly updated version of my 2013 blog post on the same topic. <br>
<br>
<b>Current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation</b>: <br>
<i>Exclusive breastfeeding for "about 6 months", then continued breastfeeding while complementary solid foods are introduced, and then continued breastfeeding until at least 1 year old, or as long as it is mutually desired by mother or infant. </i><br>
<br>
<b>So what is the evidence behind the current AAP recommendation</b>?<br>
<br>
<b>ANY breastfeeding is associated with..</b>.<br>
64% lower risk of gastroenteritis (viral vomiting/diarrhea infection)<br>
40% lower risk of type 2 diabetes<br>
<b><i>40% lower risk of asthma, if any BF lasts > 3 mo AND there is a positive FH of asthma/eczema/allergies</i></b><br>
<b><i>36% lower risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), if any BF lasts > 1mo</i></b><br>
31% lower risk of IBD (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)<br>
<b><i>26% lower risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), if any BF lasts > 6mo</i></b><br>
<b><i>26% lower risk of asthma, if any BF lasts > 3 mo AND no FH of asthma/eczema/allergies</i></b><br>
24% lower risk of obesity (teen and adult)<br>
23% lower risk of otitis media (ear infection)<br>
15% lower risk of AML leukemia,<i> if BF lasts > 6mo</i><br>
<br>
<b>EXCLUSIVE breastfeeding is associated with...</b><br>
<b><i>63% lower risk of URI (common cold), if 100% BF lasts > 6mo</i></b><br>
<b><i>52% lower risk of celiac disease, if gluten-containing foods are introduced before infant formula or cow's milk are started.</i></b><br>
50% lower risk of otitis media, <i>if 100% BF lasts > 3 mo</i>.<br>
42% lower risk of eczema, <i>if 100% BF lasts > 3mo AND positive FH of eczema</i><br>
30% lower risk of type 1 diabetes, <i>if 100% BF lasts > 3 mo</i><br>
27% lower risk of eczema, <i>if 100% BF lasts > 3mo and no FH of eczema</i><br>
<br>
<b>So how are we doing in the US as far as breastfeeding rates</b>?<br>
75% initiate any BF.<br>
44% continue any BF at 6 mo.<br>
22% continue any BF at 12 mo.<br>
34% continue exclusive BF at 3 mo.<br>
14% continue exclusive BF at 6 mo.<br>
<br>
<b>What can we do to get mothers off to a better start with breastfeeding?</b><br>
<i>1. Encourage and promote breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact <b>within the first hour of life</b>.</i><br>
<i>2. <b>Avoid supplementing</b> with any formula, water, or any other fluid besides human breast milk in the hospital.</i><br>
<i>3. <b>Minimize separation</b> of mother and newborn in the hospital (aka "rooming-in").</i><br>
<i>4. Avoid all pacifiers except when necessary to soothe during painful procedures such as male circumcision.</i><br>
<i>5. Provide written resources for post-hospital discharge breastfeeding support such as lactation consultant list with contact info before hospital discharge.</i><br>
<br>
<b><u>Take home messages:</u></b><br>
<b>1. Even just a partial diet of breastmilk through 1 mo lowers the SIDS risk by 36% and reduces the risk of gastroenteritis, type 2 diabetes, asthma, leukemia and obesity to varying degrees.</b><br>
<b>2. An infant diet of 100% breast milk until 3 mo lowers the risk of ear infections, eczema, type 1 diabetes.</b><br>
<b>3. The closer an infant can get to 6 months old without any other nutrition besides breast milk, the better.</b><br>
<b>4. Infants who are introduced to gluten-containing foods <i>before</i> infant formula or cow's milk are introduced are substantially less likely to develop celiac disease.</b><br>
<br>
Breastfeeding also has multiple known maternal health benefits such as decreased postpartum depression, decreased risk of maternal type 2 diabetes, and maternal cardiovascular disease. <br>
<br>
Therefore, unless there is a medical contraindication to breastfeeding or the mother has a strong preference against breastfeeding,<b> it makes sense to try breastfeeding and see how long it continues to make sense for both baby and mother</b>.</div>Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-59575179947466431332012-09-05T23:16:00.001-05:002012-09-05T23:16:27.374-05:00Most US Measles Cases are Travel RelatedIn 2011 there were 222 cases of measles reported in the US which was the highest number since 1996. This included 72 imported cases, mainly from Western Europe. Most importantly, over 60% of the 2011 US cases occurred in patients who were eligible for the vaccine and therefore were likely preventable. <br /><br />So which patients should get the MMR vaccine?<br />Current recommendations include a first MMR at 12-15 mo and a second MMR at 4-6 yo. The majority of my patients follow this recommendation. However, fewer families follow the recommendation that infants 6-12 mo who are traveling internationally also get at least one dose of MMR in addition to the other two MMR doses already mentioned. I think this is because many parents are not aware of the international travel recommendation for measles protection, especially when planning to travel to Western Europe, Canada, or Mexico. <br /><br />The take home message is that parents should start the process for appropriate travel health planning as soon as possible after booking the travel. I suggest that parents first review the current US government recs for travel to the specific country or countries on their itinerary by looking it up on www.cdc.gov/travel and then contact our office or bring it up at the next well check (if time allows) so we can help make appropriate plans. These plans will include confirmation that maximum MMR protection is achieved. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-74033553679189448052012-05-20T15:21:00.001-05:002013-04-13T22:16:02.217-05:00Great website for breastfeeding and other newborn topicsStanford University School of Medicine has an excellent website with explanations, pictures and videos on the do's and don'ts of breastfeeding.<br />
I don't think it can replace a live lactation consultant, but it's very instructive and free. <br />
<br />
<b>http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/</b><br />
<br />
Other newborn issues (especially dermatology) are also reviewed with excellent images and explanations.<br />
<br />
<b>http://newborns.stanford.edu</b><br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadDr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-32787593507540263862012-05-13T15:08:00.001-05:002013-04-13T22:23:54.956-05:00An update on pediatric concussionsThink of a <b>concussion</b> as a blow or jolt to the brain that causes (temporary) brain dysfunction. In the acute setting, the symptoms usually include at least one of the following: <b>confusion, memory loss (amnesia), or loss of consciousness (LOC)</b>. LOC is NOT a requirement to diagnose a concussion. <br />
<br />
As an avid sports fan and a parent of two young children, I have been particularly disturbed by the recent data on head injuries in sports. As we learn more about both the short-term and long-term effects of concussions (aka minor traumatic brain injury or mTBI), parents, health care providers, coaches and especially young athletes themselves need to learn how to prevent concussions, how to recognize the concussions that do occur, and how to resist the temptation of t<b>oo rapid return to learn (RTL) and play (RTP)</b>. <b>Not knowing enough about these brain injuries can have catastrophic consequences</b>. For example, failure to follow the guidelines for appropriate return to play can result in death by a process known as "second impact syndrome".<br />
<br />
There are many resources on this topic, but one of the best places to look is <b>www.cdc.gov/concussion</b>. This is a rich resource (partially funded by the NFL) of written and multimedia information on concussion prevention, recognition, and appropriate management. <br />
For individual stories about concussions and concussion management, check out: <b>www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/stories.html</b><br />
Other sources of quality and continually updated information on this topic are: <b>www.healthychildren.org</b>; <b>www.uptodate.com/patients</b>; and <b>www.chop.edu/service/concussion-care-for-kids/home.html</b>.<br />
Fortunately, we have a growing number of resources for the management of concussions in Houston, West Houston, and Katy. Contact our office at 713-467-1741 for more info on local pediatric sports medicine, neuropsychology, and neurology resources that focus on the age-appropriate management of these potentially life-altering injuries.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />
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March 26, 2013<br />
Here is an interesting addendum to my original blog post above. The link is to a November 2012 blog entry on youth football safety by Dr. Jorge Gomez, a Sports Medicine Specialist at TCH West Campus and an assistant team physician for the University of Houston Cougars. <b>www.texaschildrensblog.org/2012/11/is-youth-football-safe/</b><br />
<br />Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-73198956785583392432012-02-29T00:55:00.001-06:002013-04-13T22:24:52.675-05:00Acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) and infant vaccines.I've had a lot of questions on this topic lately so I thought I should make a quick post. <br />
<br />
Basically, there was a European study published in 2009 that investigated the response to acetaminophen after vaccination in young infants. The investigators compared the fever rate and the antibody immune response of infants who did and did not receive acetaminophen after the shots. They found that the infants who got 3 doses of acetaminophen in the first 24 hours after receiving vaccines had lower rates of fever, BUT their antibody immune response was lower than the response of the infants in the study who did not get acetaminophen. <br />
<br />
<b>Take home message: giving acetaminophen will reduce fever risk, but it also lowers the immune response. It is not clear if this "blunted" immune response is clinically significant.</b> I have not advised that parents pre-medicate with acetaminophen (or ibuprofen for children 6 mo or older) even before this study. At least until more information is available, I would only give acetaminophen after the vaccines are given if the infant is more than mildly uncomfortable. <br />
<br />
Check out this link: <b>http://children.webmd.com/vaccines/news/20091015/tylenol-may-weaken-infant-vaccines</b><br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneDr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-91842857929239586262012-01-17T23:44:00.001-06:002013-04-13T22:25:16.462-05:00Useful nutrition/healthy foods websiteI just discovered the website <b>www.eatright.org/kids</b> while browsing on the AAP's parent website (www.healthychildren.org). <br />
<br />
In my brief survey so far I think it will be a useful resource for families. <br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />
<br />Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-3853369007040131312011-09-14T00:14:00.001-05:002011-09-14T00:18:18.922-05:002011-12 Flu InformationThis is a quick post to re-iterate that all families should strongly consider having their child(ren) get the influenza virus (flu) vaccine each flu season (aka academic school year). <br />
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Of course, there are many details that determine which vaccine to get and how many doses are necessary. Although young infants are particularly vulnerable to flu-related complications, infants under 6mo cannot get the vaccine. Therefore, we specifically recommend that all caregivers of infants less than 6mo get the flu vaccine themselves (we offer the vaccine for such caregivers).<br />
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Useful Internet links:<br />
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- The AAP's parent-oriented website has a great summary of the flu illness and the flu vaccine specific to the 2011-12 season: <a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/The-Flu-Seasonal-Influenza-2011-2012.aspx">http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/The-Flu-Seasonal-Influenza-2011-2012.aspx</a> .<br />
- The Blue Fish website has details on our upcoming Family Flu Vaccine Saturdays: <a href="http://www.bluefishmd.com/9-6-2011-flu-clinic-paperwork-now-available/">http://www.bluefishmd.com/9-6-2011-flu-clinic-paperwork-now-available/</a> .<br />
- The CDC has a comprehensive and frequently updated flu website with details on the virus, its usual symptoms, current national flu virus activity, and the vaccine itself: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu">www.cdc.gov/flu</a> .<br />
- The Texas Department of State Health Services has a website similar to the CDC's, although it does not appear to updated for the 2011-12 season yet: <a href="http://www.texasflu.org/">http://www.texasflu.org/</a> .<br />
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Please contact the office if you have questions.Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-11482829657156204752011-08-16T13:37:00.002-05:002013-04-13T22:25:44.111-05:00New infant crib standardsHere is a link to a good article summarizing the latest infant crib recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):<br />
www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/New-Crib-Standards-What-Parents-Need-to-Know.aspx<br />
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As of June 28, 2011, these newest recommendations prohibit the sale or manufacture of drop-side rail cribs along with other specific safety-related changes.Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5616596393408145223.post-86302266395236960712011-08-02T23:00:00.001-05:002011-08-02T23:00:32.595-05:00Chickenpox deaths nearly eliminated for vaccinated children in the USIf you are thinking about postponing or not having your child receive the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine, please consider the following. <br /><br />Chickenpox has been preventable by vaccination in the US since 1995. From 1990-1994, the total number of annual US deaths where chickenpox was determined to be the "underlying cause" was 105. (This is not a high number, but devastating event for those families). <br /><br />In the first 6 years after the vaccination program there was a 66% decline in chickenpox-attributed mortality. <br />The 12 year data was recently published and shows an 88% mortality reduction for all ages and a 97% mortality reduction in persons 19 and younger. <br /><br />Lastly, this data is based on the 1-dose vaccination program. With the current 2-dose program, there is potential for even greater mortality reduction. <br /><br />If you want more details on the varicella (or any other vaccine), check out the CDC's website: www.CDC.gov/vaccine. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Dr. Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557267742474154484noreply@blogger.com0