> We are so grateful to celebrate another holiday season with our family and friends. These days our celebrations are virtual or socially distanced. The holiday season is our time for happiness and joy. It may be very difficult for families especially with the challenges this year has brought, with loss of life, loss of employment and loss of normalcy. COVID-19 has certainly put stress on the holiday season. We are encouraging families to follow a routine as much as possible. Exercise, eat healthy and get plenty of sleep. Focus on spending time with each over spending money on expensive gifts. Pay attention to your children's moods. If they are having more tantrums or mood swings, it may be a sign that they need your help. We have seen an increase in teen suicides this year compared to past years. Take a look at the following article by AAP/Healthy children.org
>Hope is around the corner! The COVID 19 vaccine produced by Pfizer is now being administered to healthcare professionals and frontline workers. Our very own Dr. Alvino was the first one in our practice to receive the vaccine. He is doing his part to crush COVID 19.
>COVID Testing: We only use Yale for COVID testing. They use the PCR method which is more reliable than the antigen testing done at Urgicenters. The turnaround for results vary. In order to make the process easier, you must set up your own YALE MY CHART account if not done so already. Then set up a proxy chart for your child. MY CHART PROXY ACCESS With this, you will have direct access to test results when they become available. If you need help setting up the proxy MY CHART, call 203 688 5101. If your child has symptoms (chills, fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, loss of smell or taste, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea), we will first need to do a Telemedicine video visit prior to ordering a COVID test. For asymptomatic patients, pre-procedure patients or patients exposed to COVID without symptoms, we will put the order into the Yale EPIC ordering system. Unless we tell you a specific time, please wait 2 to 3 hours after the request was made to call the Yale hotline 203 688 1700 or 833-275-9644, to schedule the test.
>2020 is coming to a close. We are grateful to our staff and providers for putting safety first and providing care to our community during this year. We are also thankful to our families who have been patient and understanding. It has been stressful on all of us. As things continue to rapidly evolve, we will do our best by providing you with the up to date information. We wish all of our families a wonderful Holiday Season. Happy New Year!