Understanding pediatric basics

Posted 1/8/20

Pediatricians provide care for children from the time they are born until age 18, and the relationship with your pediatrician will grow as your child grows. We take care of children when they are …

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Understanding pediatric basics

Posted

Pediatricians provide care for children from the time they are born until age 18, and the relationship with your pediatrician will grow as your child grows. We take care of children when they are well with check-ups and routine physicals and when they are sick, which can entail everything from common illnesses to more serious health concerns. Pediatricians are well-known for back-to-school and sports physicals, of course, but we provide a comprehensive range of care for young people which includes: vaccinations; nutrition counseling; monitoring and addressing developmental progress and many types of health screenings just to name a few.

I recommend to families that they stick with one pediatrician whenever possible. This important continuum of care helps ensure that young people are developing properly and that they are receiving all of their vaccines on time.

The discussion of vaccines also includes the flu. It is advisable for young people to get a flu shot. Again, it is a simple, safe and effective way to maintain optimal personal health and avoid spreading the flu to healthy people around you. Children as young as six-months-old are candidates for the flu shot. For those very young patients – ages eight years and under – the vaccine is given in two doses, four weeks apart.

Another vaccine that has made headlines recently is the MMR vaccine, a shot that protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Given the current resurgence of measles, I recommend every child receive the measles vaccine if they have not been vaccinated before.

Dr. Chandra obtained her medical degree from National Medical College, Tribhuvan University (Birgunj, Nepal), and completed her Residency in Pediatrics at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island. She practices in all areas of pediatrics as part of the Orange Regional Medical Group Pediatrics Department.