February 24 Community Courier

Farwell Diane

After 17 years at Pediatric Associates Diane is retiring.  During her time here, she has worked in numerous rolls including Patient Service Representative, Schedule Manager and Office Manager.  As Office Manager, she has led our front desk staff for over 10 years.  We are sorry to see her go but wish her well in retirement.  She will have more time to spend with her family, bicycling and traveling.  Best wishes Diane, you will be missed!

New Parenting Resources

We have exciting news!  We have partnered with our friends at Beech Acres and ParentConnext to share some insightful new parenting resources with you.  Check out the first installment of their series, "Emotional Regulation"  

New PANK Myth Busters Video: Constipation

Dr. Jess Gardner answers questions and busts myths on Constipation.

Spring Allergies
Do your children suffer from spring allergies?  If so, now is the time to think about starting those daily allergy medications.  We see pollen counts in our area start to rise in March, and many of the allergy prevention medications may take at least 2 weeks to become effective.  While medication can help relieve symptoms, they don’t stop the body’s immune response to allergens.  Here are some other tips to minimize allergy symptoms:

1.     Keep windows closed when counts are higher.

2.     Rinse off or shower head-to-toe to remove pollen after spending time outdoors.

3.     Use HEPA filters in air conditioners and furnaces.

4.     Use dehumidifiers if the humidity in your home is over 50%.  You can buy inexpensive humidity monitors to keep an eye on this number.

If you’d like to track pollen or mold counts in the area or be notified when there is a change in levels or types of allergens, you can go to https://pollen.aaaai.org and register to see the dashboard or receive an email notification when levels change.  Monitor pollen and mold counts and stay indoors when counts are high.

Penicillin Allergy & Why Many Kids Can Take Amox Again

Is your child allergic to amoxicillin? Many children who are labeled with a medication allergy are not truly allergic. Some children develop rashes while on antibiotics due to other causes or as a less severe side effect from the medication. Determining if children have a true allergy is helpful. Amoxicillin is often the first line treatment for common infections such as ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. Amoxicillin may be more effective, less expensive, and may have fewer side effects than alternative antibiotics. Overusing alternative antibiotics may also lead to resistance. If you would like to discuss a medication allergy and possible testing with your provider, you may complete this questionnaire  and bring the result with you to your next appointment.

Flu Vaccines for the Whole Household!
We are excited to be able to keep families well this winter by vaccinating our patients and the adults who live with them. 

COVID Vaccines for 2024
The monovalent (one strain) COVID vaccine is available in our office. This vaccine replaces the previous bivalent vaccine. We have the Moderna brand which is approved for ages 6 months and older. We expect that this will be an annual vaccine just like the influenza vaccine. We have vaccines available for all ages. Please call the office to schedule an appointment. 

RSV Prevention With Beyfortus/Nirsevimab
We know have additional supply of this RSV antibody product for newborns and infants less than 8 months old. This is available at checkups and nurse visits at all locations, please call to schedule. An alternative for pregnant women is to get an RSV vaccine between 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Pediatric Associates
2865 Chancellor Dr.
STE 225
Crestview Hills, Ky. 41017
859-341-5400