Here we are two years since the world was hit with COVID. As a country and a global partner, we have worked tirelessly to get to this point. We are better prepared to handle the ever-evolving COVID virus. We have vaccines, preventative measures and more treatment options. It is a true testament to science and medicine. We owe a great deal to those people who have dedicated their lives for our betterment and preservation.
As we were coming out of the pandemic, we have been devastated to witness the carnage of the war in Ukraine. As adults, we are finding it hard to grapple with the madness of killing and destruction. We may be talking about it and watching the news. Children are particularly vulnerable to the graphic images seen in the news and to conversations they may hear. It is important to consider how this may impact them emotionally and mentally. Please take a moment to read the following articles:
Talking to children and teens about the war in Ukraine
Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other News
Summer is around the corner. If your child is due for his or her annual physical exam, please make an appointment as soon as possible. We have our appointment book open through the end of August.
Those coveted appointment times will fill quickly. Please book now. If your child is entering kindergarten, 6th grade or 10th grade, they will need a “blue form” mandated by the state. If your child is playing or considering playing a sport, a “blue form” will also be necessary. If you already had your physical this year, remember to make copies of the forms provided. Any form completed outside of the physical may incur a fee.
It is very important to pediatricians to have open conversations about mental and emotional health. You are always welcome to meet with us in person if you need guidance or advice. You and your family are never alone. Children, youth, and families across Connecticut have been facing increasing mental health challenges. To address these challenges, an effort is underway called Family Care Connections. Family Care Connections builds connections among pediatric primary care, behavioral health, and schools to support communication when planning care for children and families. You may have already gotten this information from your school. There are resources in the community. Here are regional lists for mental/behavioral health resources. The lists can be found at Connecting to Care CT Support Services and can be searched by town or by region.
SPRING IS HERE and so are ALLERGIES, TICKS and POISON IVY
We are so grateful for the warmer days to come. We’d had a taste here and there already. If you are prone to seasonal allergies, we recommend you start your oral allergy medications. If you are taking a prescription allergy medication such as Singulair, make sure to call us early for refills. You may also need allergy medications for the alleviation of nasal and eye symptoms.
As we move outdoors to play and help clean up from winter, please make sure to apply insect repellents that will prevent ticks from adhering. It is important, after being outside to come in, put the clothes in the washer, shower and check for ticks.
Below is information from our Heath FAQ’s tab in FOR PARENTS on our website.
What should I do if I find a tick on my child?
First, don't panic – two things are on your side:
- The risk of developing Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick is only about 1 to 3 percent.
- Ticks can’t transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease until they attach and begin to feed, which makes them engorged. This can take up to 48 hours, so if you find a tick that isn’t engorged, your child may be less likely to contract Lyme disease.
All you need to do is to remove the tick and watch for symptoms. See these resources for information:
Here’s how to remove the tick:
- Remove the tick using a fine-tipped pair of tweezers. Grasp the body of the tick and pull in an upward motion until the tick comes out. Do not squeeze or twist the tick’s body. Put the tick in a bottle.
- Take note of the size and color of the tick, as well as your estimate of the time it has been attached and whether or not it is engorged.
- It’s not necessary to take your child to a doctor after a tick bite, but if you have questions or want a consult, see your child’s pediatrician.
A small bump or redness at the site of a tick bite that occurs immediately and resembles a mosquito bite is common. This generally goes away in 1-2 days and is not a sign of Lyme disease.
Poison Ivy and other plants that have similar irritants may be hard to spot in early spring especially if they are dried vines on trees. They still have the resin present and can cause irritation. If you think you have had contact and have developed a rash, try applying calamine lotion and OTC hydrocortisone cream or ointment. Take OTC antihistamines for relief. If the rash is spreading and you are concerned, call to make an appointment to see us.
A LONG GOODBYE
It is with great JOY and SADNESS, that we announce that Dr. Patrick Alvino will be retiring in the Spring of 2022. He has, over the years, developed wonderful relationships with families. It will be difficult to break them. In anticipation of his retirement, we are requesting that families who routinely see Dr. Alvino make their next physical exam appointment with a new provider. Dr. Alvino will help those families who see him for their mental health concerns to find providers who are appropriate for their child’s needs.
Dr Alvino’s last day will be May 26, 2022!