Vaccines
Vaccines work by fooling our immune system into thinking we have been infected by the real bacteria or virus. The vaccine looks like the disease but does not cause illness. When we are exposed to the real illness our immune system is ready to fight it off before it has a chance to make us sick.
Our modern day vaccines can prevent a variety of serious infections that include; whooping cough (pertussis), lockjaw (tetanus), diphtheria (a severe throat infection), meningitis (a brain infection), chicken pox, measles, mumps, rubella, the crippling disease polio, liver infections (hepatitis A and B), the stomach virus rotavirus and cervical cancer in women (HPV vaccine).
Vaccines have proved remarkably safe, as well as, successful at preventing disease. But like most preventative medicines it is hard for most people to appreciate the effectiveness when nothing happens. Most people have never seen these diseases that we try to prevent. The only way to keep the infections away from your child is to vaccinate.
Routine vaccines:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html
For travel:
www.cdc.gov/Features/TravelProtection/
Health & Wellness
Our main goal is to help keep your child healthy and safe. The information and links provided here are meant to give you the information needed to do just that.
www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/npao/index.htm
www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/HealthierKids/Healthier-Kids_UCM_304156_SubHomePage.jsp
Development & Behavior
Raising a child can be a fun experience. But at times it can also be a real challenge. The information provided here is meant to give you the tools you need to improve your child's development. As always, any concerns should be communicated to your childs primary care provider.
www.commonsensemedia.org/book-lists
www.parents.com/fun/book-gallery/
www.teachersfirst.com/100books.cfm
Stage of Development
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/
For children in MA with special needs
Mental Health
Child Safety
As a parent you know the importance of keeping your children safe. The links below offer information to help you stay ahead of problems. Safety issues are discussed in the office at all well visits.
General child safety
http://www.safekids.org/parents/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childsafety.html
Car Seat Safety
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/crime-prev-personal-sfty/traffic-safety/cps/
Medication Safety
http://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/index.html
http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-guide/medication-safety-guide/
http://otcsafety.org/en/audiences/parents/
Adolescents
The teen years are a time of great change. Your adolescent’s body is changing as are his or her thoughts.
Teens often seek more independence and the parent or guardian may not know how much independence is safe. The information below is intended for both you and your teen. The most important thing you can do is be sure to talk often about what is going on in your teen’s life.
www.aacap.org/galleries/PracticeParameters/Youth_Voice_Tip_Sheet_2012.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/npao/index.htm