PEDIATRIC HEALTH ASSOCIATES

Yesterday families all over the U.S. gave thanks for the blessings in their lives.  Most celebrated the day with a traditional turkey dinner with family and friends. Each year Drs. Shoshara and Shakir work on an annual turkey drive to provide turkeys to needy families in the Chicago area.  Dr. Shakir’s father runs a food pantry in Chicago and together with several volunteers and organizations they put together the 14 th Annual Chicago Muslim Turkey Drive.  How fitting it is that on the 14 th Drive they could distribute 1400 turkeys (almost double the amount of turkeys from just two years ago)!   We are grateful for the many donors who helped to put a delicious meal on the table for families in need. Three Chicago public schools Fiske and Till in the Jackson Park area and Fairfield in the Marquette Park community opened their doors for families to come to pick up their turkeys. The drive was able to provide for residents on the west and south sides of Chicago....

For the next few months you may see a new face here at PHA.   Pediatrician Raman Singh, D.O. will be assisting us while some of our docs are on leave.    Dr. Singh is currently doing a fellowship in sports medicine so he will be a great asset in helping with sports injuries.   We know you will enjoy meeting him with his welcoming presence!                  Remember flu season is upon us….schedule your flu shots today.       Hard to believe that the holidays are here already. Last year’s winter was too long and summer too short!   And here we are in the artic again! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm.  What to Wear Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities.  Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a ha...

a.)  We anticipate our flu vaccine supply to improve by mid-November.  Please call at that time to schedule your appointment. b.)  Our walk-in clinic is available Monday thru Friday at the Naperville office from 8 am to 9 am! c.)  If you are having trouble contacting the State of Illinois about the changes in your All-Kids insurance, please contact our office for help.  You must contact them by the end of November to continue being seen in our office.

For many years there has been controversy over marijuana use and whether it should be legalized.  We are now seeing several states opening up pot shops across the country.   While most states restrict the sale for medicinal reasons, as does Illinois, pot can be easily purchased in most schools and neighborhoods. Medicinal cannabis has been altered to have more or less of certain ingredients such as THC according to the condition being treated.  It has made a radical impact for those living with severe seizure disorders.   So how does THC impact the brain?  Initially euphoria occurs, stimulating dopamine production.  The user may feel more relaxed, have a higher sense of sensory perception or get the munchies.  As euphoria subsides, users may experience sleepiness, depression, anxiety, paranoia or other psychological conditions. THC effects on the brain can disrupt a person’s balance, coordination and reaction time.  The medical journal ...