Almost Summer 2010 !

• As we get closer to the end of the school year there seem to be many pressures on parents, children and doctors alike. This can lead to significant stress, and many may notice behavior issues surfacing. The 1-2 week break between school end and summer camps starting can be a great time to rest up and loosen the daily schedule.
• For those with teens, please monitor parties and get-together times. Alcohol use though illegal is common, and a little forethought and parental control can hopefully avoid tragedy.
• We offered a parenting work-shop last week in the office. Those who came found it helpful. If there is another format you would prefer- for instance- earlier in the evening with child minding please let us know.
• Updating the website- we are in the process of doing this. We aim to make news more easily accessible and up to date.
• Schedule your sports physicals and school physicals as soon as possible. While we aim to see all our patients when one is needed, rather than them need to go to a CVS or Walgreen's walk in clinic, we are more relaxed and less rushed in June and July than in the second half of August.
  
• While some colleges do not require a physical we really recommend it. We have a wealth of advice, both medical and psychological to give, as well as doing the physical itself. We enjoy seeing our young people all the way through college, as long as they feel comfortable too.
• New parents- an updated Tetanus vaccine- the Tdap is recommended, if you have not had one in a few years. While the hospital seems to take care of new Mothers often the Dads are overlooked. This vaccine prevents both Tetanus and Pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough. This disease has surfaced again over the last few years, and while to older children it is mild, though prolonged cough, to newborns it can be fatal. We do carry this vaccine, while your internist may not, and can administer to you. We will provide papers for you to submit to insurance.
• Please tell your friends, who might be pregnant, that we do offer free prenatal 'get to know you' visits with all the doctors. Just call the receptionist.
• Dr Nelson is out of the office until June 24th
• Dr Goodman will be away June 25th - July 7th