PEDIATRIC HEALTH ASSOCIATES

There has been an on going discussion about the legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational use. Pediatric Health Associates and the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] strongly discourages the use of marijuana in our patient population. We discourage the use of marijuana in teens due to the well documented adverse affects and the serious health concerns. These effects include impaired short term memory, decreased concentration, decreased attention span, lower IQ and decreased problem solving. These factors would clearly interfere with a teens ability to learn and thrive in a school setting. Further, we know that a significant percentage of teen users suffer depression and increased anxiety after using marijuana. Research tells us that early marijuana use decreases a teens odds of graduating from high school or obtaining a college degree. We also know that early marijuana use in the teen years can be a gateway to other il...

You can join many Naperville faith-based groups to help pack nearly a million daily nutrition bags for the world's starving..  It’s a  great way to help your kids, from Kindergarten up, to understand that giving to those in need is so important for others & ourselves.  See their website: http://feedtheneednaperville.org/ February 15 and 16--just two hours of your family's time is needed.   Feed the Need!   MobilePack 2015 On February 15-16,   4,000 volunteers   are needed to pack   800,000 meals   for starving children around the world! About 270,000 of those meals will be delivered to the Ebola-stricken countries in Africa! Please join this community service event and help feed starving children across the world by packing nutritious meals in 2-hour shifts. All churches, businesses, civic organizations, and individuals are welcome to participate. For more information contact Les May by phone at 630.235.5925 or   via email . Our...

Shelly Flais, MD Over the last 3 decades, the rate of twins and triplets born in the US has risen dramatically. The Naperville area has seen a similar increase in multiple births, to the point that some in the national media have referred to Naperville as the "Twins Capital of America." For families double- or triple-blessed, the news can come with a mix of emotions. If you, friends, or family are raising multiples, check out this informative article from Parents magazine, which includes advice from Pediatric Health Associates' Dr. Shelly Flais:                                          http://www.parents.com/baby/twins/caring/two_car_seats_please/

Many parents are wondering whether they should get their child vaccinated against the flu this year because a different strain than expected is causing a flu epidemic in 43 states as of yesterday.   Here are some things to consider: This year’s vaccine is about 61% effective. Flu strains can morph into another strain. Some schools have closed briefly to clean the classrooms because so many children are out with the flu. Some children are sent to school ill because of parents being unable to take time off work. Closed quarters make it more likely that illness will be shared. 21 children have died thus far this year from the flu. Children are at higher risk of the flu because their immune systems are still developing. Children with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes are at high risk for complications such as pneumonia. Kids have a tendency not to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Symptoms that warrant a trip to the doctor during flu...

  Wishing your family a healthy and safe new year!