The incidence of melanoma is increasing more rapidly than any other cancer in the United States, and of particular concern is the 2.7% annual increase of new melanoma diagnosis in females 15-39 years.  Among other alarming trends is the increased incidence of thicker cutaneous melanomas and regional and distant tumors.  The predominant environmental risk factor for melanoma is UV radiation exposure.  The light emitted by tanning beds is mostly UVA with a minor UVB component.  It is impossible to tan the skin without the DNA damage.  The risk of melanoma therefore increases with the number of years and hours of tanning sessions.  There is a stronger association between UV exposure and non-melanoma skin cancer, which can be successfully treated at an early stage but can be lethal if progression to metastasis occurs.

Along with the WHO, the AMA and the American Academy of Dermatology, the AAP is supportive of legislation prohibiting access to tanning salons or use of artificial tanning devices by children under the age of 18.  There is increasing support for legislative efforts focusing on regulating tanning salons by imposing age limitations and parental consent.  However, the outlook to protect youth from the high-risk habit is somewhat stagnant.  In Missouri, the bill was proposed in August, 2010 but has not been passed.  In Illinois, the current law requires written permission for those under the age of 18 and prohibits use to children under the age of 14.

It is not too early to schedule an appointment for your child’s sport physical.

All students trying out or participating in school sports will need a current physical.

Please know that students cannot try out until a sport physical is turned into the school.

All students entering Kindergarten, 6^th grade and 9^th grade are required to have a current physical.

All physicals are good for 12 months.

Please call today to beat the rush.  The earlier you schedule your child’s appointment the more choices on days and times will be available for your convenience.

Foreign body aspiration is the 4th leading cause of death in children ages 1-4.

Foreign body aspiration causes death in hundreds of children in the US each year.

How to Prevent Foreign Body Aspiration & Choking

Keep the following foods & objects away from children under 5 years of age.

   DANGEROUS  FOODS :                                                       

Hot Dogs   (need to section into quarters)                                                

Grapes  (need to section into halves or quarters)

Nuts or Seeds

Popcorn

Raw Vegetables, such as carrots & celery

Chunks of fruits, such as apple chunks

Large chunks of meat or cheese

Hard candy/ Gum

Marshmallows

Peanut Butter

Raisins

OTHER DANGERS:

Small Toys, Latex Balloons, Marbles, and Coins

PREVENTION:

Eat sitting down at a table

Supervise Children when they eat and play

1. Fast breathing/difficult breathing
2. Dehydration
3. Severe or persistent vomiting/inability to keep fluids down
4. Lethargy
5. Irritability
6. Pain in chest or abdomen
7. Flu-like symptoms that had improved but have returned and/or worsened

If you have answered yes to any of the above, please contact our office.  One of our experienced staff will be happy to assist you.  We offer same day sick appointments.

How can I protect my child against the flu?

Flu Vaccines:  The most important thing is for your child to get a flu vaccine every year.  Children younger than 6 months are at high risk, but are too young to be vaccinated.  People who care for them should be vaccinated instead. 

Distance:  Your child should avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Hand Washing:  Wash hands often with soap and running water.  If soap and water is not available use an alcohol-based hand rub.

What can I do if my child gets sick?

Doctor:  Call our office if your child develops flu-like symptoms, (please refer to the list above). 

Home Care:  Keep your child at home, except for doctor visits, until at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever.

Covering Coughs:  Ensure that your child covers coughs and sneezes.

Rest and Fluids:  Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks clear fluids (water, broth, sports drinks).  For infants, Pedialyte to keep them from becoming dehydrated.

Medicine:  Ask your doctor about fever-reducing medicines based on your child’s age.  Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers who have the flu, this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

Sick Room:  Keep your child in a separate room in the house.  Limit, as much as possible contact with other memebers of the house.

Flu vaccines  is approved for use in children with chronic health problems.  Because children with chronic health conditions are at a higher risk of getting flu related complications.

Hemoglobin Screening

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that all children be screened for iron-deficiency anemia at  age 12 months.  Iron deficiency can lead to lasting learning problems.  Please contact our office for further information on screening.

Hep B  #1  (usually done at the hospital)

First Week:

Office Visit Only

2 Weeks:

Weight  Check

1 mo:

Hep B  #2 (make at least 30 days since first dose)

2 mo:

Pentacel (Dtap, Hib, IPV), Prevnar, Rotateq

4 mo:

Pentacel (Dtap, Hib, IPV), Prevnar, Rotateq

6 mo:

Pentacel (Dtap, Hib, IPV), Prevnar, Rotateq

9 mo:

Hep B  #3

12 Mo:

MMR  #1  (Given after baby’s 1st  B-day or will not count for school)
Varivax  #1
Prevnar  # 4
Hep A #1

15 Mo:

Pentacel  #4

18 Mo:

Pentacel #4  (if not given at 15 mo)
Hep A  #2  (must be at least 6 mo since # 1)

2-4 yr:

Annual Office Visit and Hep A #2  (if has not previously  given)

Kindergarten (Age 4-6 years)

Dtap #5
Varivax #2
MMR #2
IPV
Hep A (if not already given)