Sometimes parents are surprised when I tell them of services our office offers so I thought I would summarize them here.
1. We are open on Saturday mornings. We do some well checks. (schedule 1-2 months ahead of time because these are popular appointments) We leave most of our appointments open for sick patients so call after 8am and we will get your child in.
2. We offer same day appointments every day. I have discovered that some parents think we only do well child checks and urgent care follow ups. We want to see your child when they are sick. We do a better job than urgent care and if you see us for the illness then there is no need to follow up afterwards (thus saving you an extra visit!)
3. If you do your child's well check once a year then we can complete any paperwork needed for the year. This includes sports physicals, camp forms, school forms. (Thus saving you time and money so you don't have to do their sports physical at school or an urgent care)
4. If you do your child's well check once a year then we can do any needed referrals for the year without needing to see them back. This is for known, ongoing problems. If your child has a new or different problem then we would want to see them first.
5. Dr. Novy pierces ears. She will do any child age 3 or over. She is quite popular because she numbs the ear lobes first! Talk to the front desk for details.
6. You can see a summary of your child's visits and immunizations online through our patient portal. Go to our website and click on medical records. http://www.childrensoasispediatrics.com
7. There are three ways that you can get a copy of your child's shot record from our office. Our preferred is for you to bring in their blue shot card and we will update it for you. Don't have one? We will make you one for free. (If you keep losing them we will charge you though). The next way is through the online portal as noted in #6. Lastly you can get a traditional print out from the office. (cost is $5)
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Friday, March 4, 2016
Observation
My father remarked to me recently that it worries him that children are not spending time observing the world. He is a scientist and observation is an important skill used in science. I have noticed the same phenomenon where children are busy looking at phones and iPads when out in public instead of at the world around them. (adults too!)
Let's start off by talking about why observation is important. We learn about our world by watching it. This includes knowledge such as cause and effect, social skills, and picking up on other's emotions. It can also contribute to safety as well as an appreciation for nature and the world around us.
How can you improve your child's observation skills?
1. Don't let your child use electronics when outside the house on a regular basis. Certainly it is ok for a long trip!
2. Play games such as I-Spy or the license plate alphabet game. Encourage your child to point out things that look different or "funny" to them such as a guy standing on the corner dressed up as a taco.
3. Encourage your child to use their different senses. Can you smell the flowers? Do you hear the birds singing? Does the food taste sweet or sour? Is the rock rough or smooth to your touch?
4. Help them recognize patterns. Do you see the 5 white cars all parked next to each other?
5. Encourage them to take pictures of interesting or different things.
I have found it is fun to hear about what my kids have observed because they have a different perspective and notice things that I may not.
Let's start off by talking about why observation is important. We learn about our world by watching it. This includes knowledge such as cause and effect, social skills, and picking up on other's emotions. It can also contribute to safety as well as an appreciation for nature and the world around us.
How can you improve your child's observation skills?
1. Don't let your child use electronics when outside the house on a regular basis. Certainly it is ok for a long trip!
2. Play games such as I-Spy or the license plate alphabet game. Encourage your child to point out things that look different or "funny" to them such as a guy standing on the corner dressed up as a taco.
3. Encourage your child to use their different senses. Can you smell the flowers? Do you hear the birds singing? Does the food taste sweet or sour? Is the rock rough or smooth to your touch?
4. Help them recognize patterns. Do you see the 5 white cars all parked next to each other?
5. Encourage them to take pictures of interesting or different things.
I have found it is fun to hear about what my kids have observed because they have a different perspective and notice things that I may not.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Tattoos in Teenagers are Often Regretted
I recently read a study about people's opinions about their tattoos and I thought I would share it. The study was done in New Orleans in the French Quarter. The researchers surveyed adults (501) who had at least one tattoo. (I had to giggle because they did the study between 11am and 3pm when people were less likely to be "tipsy"!)
The researchers found that the younger someone was when they got a tattoo the more likely they were to regret getting it. 35% of those under age 18 when they got their tattoo regretted it. This percentage decreased to 13.6% when people got it between ages 18-20 and 11.4% for those who were at least age 21.
Of interest the study also found that 21.2% received a tattoo while intoxicated and 17.6% of the surveyed group got a tattoo somewhere other than a tattoo parlor.
I liked this study because it remind us that getting a tattoo requires some good decision making skills that teens (and drunks!) are often lacking. Also I was surprised at the number of people not using tattoo parlors (since they are on every corner). When one gets a tattoo elsewhere it puts them at risk of getting HIV or hepatitis C from unclean needles.
I think the takeaway point from this study is that we need to talk to our teens about tattoos. We should encourage them to wait until they are at least 18 to get one and the improved safety of getting them at a tattoo parlor. Teens like to express themselves so I would encourage instead of a tattoo that they change their hair color/style, make up or clothes style. (Things that are reversible!) Also I have pointed out to my teen that what is in style today for clothes or hair will not be in style in 10-20 years. So a tattoo that looks good now may be out of style in 10-20 years!
The researchers found that the younger someone was when they got a tattoo the more likely they were to regret getting it. 35% of those under age 18 when they got their tattoo regretted it. This percentage decreased to 13.6% when people got it between ages 18-20 and 11.4% for those who were at least age 21.
Of interest the study also found that 21.2% received a tattoo while intoxicated and 17.6% of the surveyed group got a tattoo somewhere other than a tattoo parlor.
I liked this study because it remind us that getting a tattoo requires some good decision making skills that teens (and drunks!) are often lacking. Also I was surprised at the number of people not using tattoo parlors (since they are on every corner). When one gets a tattoo elsewhere it puts them at risk of getting HIV or hepatitis C from unclean needles.
I think the takeaway point from this study is that we need to talk to our teens about tattoos. We should encourage them to wait until they are at least 18 to get one and the improved safety of getting them at a tattoo parlor. Teens like to express themselves so I would encourage instead of a tattoo that they change their hair color/style, make up or clothes style. (Things that are reversible!) Also I have pointed out to my teen that what is in style today for clothes or hair will not be in style in 10-20 years. So a tattoo that looks good now may be out of style in 10-20 years!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Driver's Permits
Car accidents are the leading cause of death and disability in teens so it is something I regularly talk about with my teen patients. I have discovered that many teens drive before they get their permit. I find this disturbing so I thought I would review the reasons not to let your teen drive before they get their permit.
1. There are significant consequences if you get caught. My patients have told me of large fines and the inability to get their license before age 18.
2. Your teen is not covered by your insurance until they get their permit. If something happens you are responsible for the bill. It is possible that the insurance might still cover it but then the insurance company will increase your rates (a lot! Teens are expensive!) As an aside insurance companies like to be notified when your teen is driving with a permit but your rates don't go up until they get their license.
3. It is against the law! In my mind this is the most important. If you as a parent let them break the law in this case what message are you sending them? Do you think they are going to follow all the traffic laws when they are licensed and driving without you? Teens are more likely to follow the example you set than what you tell them so remember that when you text while driving speed, or drive aggressively!
1. There are significant consequences if you get caught. My patients have told me of large fines and the inability to get their license before age 18.
2. Your teen is not covered by your insurance until they get their permit. If something happens you are responsible for the bill. It is possible that the insurance might still cover it but then the insurance company will increase your rates (a lot! Teens are expensive!) As an aside insurance companies like to be notified when your teen is driving with a permit but your rates don't go up until they get their license.
3. It is against the law! In my mind this is the most important. If you as a parent let them break the law in this case what message are you sending them? Do you think they are going to follow all the traffic laws when they are licensed and driving without you? Teens are more likely to follow the example you set than what you tell them so remember that when you text while driving speed, or drive aggressively!
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Flu Immunizations
It is that time of year again when I spend a lot of time trying to talk people into getting their child immunized against the flu. (A big thank you to those that readily get it every year!) I have been thinking lately about why many choose not to follow my recommendation and it makes me wonder what people think my motivations are.
Basically my motivation is simple. I care about you and your child. Nothing makes me sadder than to hear about serious illness or death in my patients or their families. It is even sadder if the problem could have been prevented.
My next motivation is experience. I have had patients and parents die from influenza. Every year I have some patients that get hospitalized from it. I also have had patients miss important things in their lives because of the flu such as prom, AP / AIMs tests, spring break trips, and sports competitions. Also parents often miss over a week of work when their child gets the flu. (and then another week when they catch it too!) Flu can have a significant impact on your life.
I am also motivated by supporting scientific literature and recommendations from such groups as the ACIP (Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). I have not been brainwashed by a government / big pharma conspiracy. I am an intelligent human being who spent years going to school. I also regularly read scientific journals and keep up to date with current medical information.
In case you were wondering there is no financial incentive for me to give your child a flu immunization. Quite frankly I make more money when I see your child because they are sick than giving the flu vaccine.
In conclusion, my motives are good so please just get your child immunized! (By the way I don't care where you get your child immunized -- we are happy to do it but it is fine to do it at a pharmacy or your work.)
Basically my motivation is simple. I care about you and your child. Nothing makes me sadder than to hear about serious illness or death in my patients or their families. It is even sadder if the problem could have been prevented.
My next motivation is experience. I have had patients and parents die from influenza. Every year I have some patients that get hospitalized from it. I also have had patients miss important things in their lives because of the flu such as prom, AP / AIMs tests, spring break trips, and sports competitions. Also parents often miss over a week of work when their child gets the flu. (and then another week when they catch it too!) Flu can have a significant impact on your life.
I am also motivated by supporting scientific literature and recommendations from such groups as the ACIP (Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). I have not been brainwashed by a government / big pharma conspiracy. I am an intelligent human being who spent years going to school. I also regularly read scientific journals and keep up to date with current medical information.
In case you were wondering there is no financial incentive for me to give your child a flu immunization. Quite frankly I make more money when I see your child because they are sick than giving the flu vaccine.
In conclusion, my motives are good so please just get your child immunized! (By the way I don't care where you get your child immunized -- we are happy to do it but it is fine to do it at a pharmacy or your work.)
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Over the Counter Medication
I hate to shop. My goal at the store is to get what I need and get out as fast as possible. The other day though I couldn't find what I was looking for so took a tour of the pharmacy section of the store. I noticed a big display of Nasacort nose spray. I thought I would write about this because I suspect few people will use it correctly so I want to make sure everyone gets their money's worth (it's not cheap!)
Nasacort is a nasal steroid and it is in the same family of medications such as Flonase, fluticasone, and Nasonex. I usually prescribe the generic Flonase since it is usually the cheapest. The nasal steroids are used for allergies and work best at preventing allergy symptoms. They need to be used daily during allergy season for them to work. It takes 1-2 weeks before they start working.
I recommend that my patients blow their noses before using the nasal steroid and then squirt one spray in each nostril one time a day. Do not sniff in when it is used. I tell my patients to breathe normally when they use it. If you sniff hard when you use it the medication then gets sucked up to the back of the nose and throat and then it won't work and you likely will have a bad taste in your mouth. Do not blow your nose after you use it because then you blow the medicine out. If your child sneezes or forgets and blows their nose right away it is fine to give another dose right away. It doesn't matter what time of day the medication is used. Whenever you are going to remember is best!
The most common side effect I see is bloody noses. If this happens then I recommend stopping it for 1-2 days and then restarting it. You don't want to stop it for long or your allergy symptoms will come back.
I suspect that I will see two common mistakes. For one I will see people using it for illnesses and cold viruses. It won't work -- nasal steroids only work for allergies. Secondly, I suspect it will not get used daily. It won't work if you only use it a day or two here or there. (It doesn't work right away like a pain reliever helping a headache.)
In summary, nasal steroids are great medications for allergies and have few side effects so it is good news that Nasacort is now over the counter. (Just save yourself money and use it correctly!)
Nasacort is a nasal steroid and it is in the same family of medications such as Flonase, fluticasone, and Nasonex. I usually prescribe the generic Flonase since it is usually the cheapest. The nasal steroids are used for allergies and work best at preventing allergy symptoms. They need to be used daily during allergy season for them to work. It takes 1-2 weeks before they start working.
I recommend that my patients blow their noses before using the nasal steroid and then squirt one spray in each nostril one time a day. Do not sniff in when it is used. I tell my patients to breathe normally when they use it. If you sniff hard when you use it the medication then gets sucked up to the back of the nose and throat and then it won't work and you likely will have a bad taste in your mouth. Do not blow your nose after you use it because then you blow the medicine out. If your child sneezes or forgets and blows their nose right away it is fine to give another dose right away. It doesn't matter what time of day the medication is used. Whenever you are going to remember is best!
The most common side effect I see is bloody noses. If this happens then I recommend stopping it for 1-2 days and then restarting it. You don't want to stop it for long or your allergy symptoms will come back.
I suspect that I will see two common mistakes. For one I will see people using it for illnesses and cold viruses. It won't work -- nasal steroids only work for allergies. Secondly, I suspect it will not get used daily. It won't work if you only use it a day or two here or there. (It doesn't work right away like a pain reliever helping a headache.)
In summary, nasal steroids are great medications for allergies and have few side effects so it is good news that Nasacort is now over the counter. (Just save yourself money and use it correctly!)
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Summer Fun
It can be a challenge to find things to keep your kids busy over the summer when it is too hot outside to send them out to play so I thought I would give some suggestions.
1. Arts and crafts. Kids of all ages love to draw and paint and make things. There is also the old stand by of Play Doh. Out of ideas then check out Family Fun Magazine online for lots of great ideas. http://www.parents.com/familyfun-magazine/
2. Check out your local library. They have lots of fun programs for teens and younger kids as well as they have their summer reading program going. They will give your child prizes for reading a certain number of pages or books over the summer. http://summer.mcldaz.org
3. Water fun. Many local pools are inexpensive and even have fun events such as dive in movies. You can also have fun at home with a sprinkler, hose, squirt guns or water balloons. http://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/aquatics
4. Learn something new. Try a new activity with your child since there are fewer time commitments and pressures. Try cooking together and making some new recipes. Try building something together or learning to sew. Make some photo albums together or do some scrapbooking.
I hope everyone has a memorable and fun summer!
1. Arts and crafts. Kids of all ages love to draw and paint and make things. There is also the old stand by of Play Doh. Out of ideas then check out Family Fun Magazine online for lots of great ideas. http://www.parents.com/familyfun-magazine/
2. Check out your local library. They have lots of fun programs for teens and younger kids as well as they have their summer reading program going. They will give your child prizes for reading a certain number of pages or books over the summer. http://summer.mcldaz.org
3. Water fun. Many local pools are inexpensive and even have fun events such as dive in movies. You can also have fun at home with a sprinkler, hose, squirt guns or water balloons. http://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/aquatics
4. Learn something new. Try a new activity with your child since there are fewer time commitments and pressures. Try cooking together and making some new recipes. Try building something together or learning to sew. Make some photo albums together or do some scrapbooking.
I hope everyone has a memorable and fun summer!
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