Changing Things Up
As we help your children get ready to start a new school year, we have moved to a new more convenient location and changing to electronic medical records. We will still admit to both St. Mary's and Cabell Huntington Hospitals and see our own patients from when they are in the newborn nursery to when they become an adult.
We will be having some delays during the transition, and greatly appreciate your patience. We know that this upgrade in both facilities and technology will be more than repaid with the benefits to you and your children.
You will still have the caring professionals you've come to know, but you'll also have the ability to access your child's shot record from the emergency room when your child steps on a rusty nail. You will also be able to download forms before your parent-teacher conference regarding your concerns with your child's academic performance.
Not only that, but your child's doctor can access your child's medical record from anywhere, (even the ballfield) and then electronically send your child's medicaton to the pharmacy of your choice. Your child's record will automatically pull up any vaccines they are missing, when they last had labs done, when their last checkup was, and any allergies they have.
This system has a lot involved with it and requires a lot of of training to ensure we are using all the features the program includes to continue to provide the best care for your most precious responsibility-your children. We will be trying to work our patients as much as possible, but we may need your flexibility in the next few weeks to months.
We will be getting up to speed as soon as we are able. Those of you who already get your child's medical care here, you know that at WeeCare, it's not just a slogan: I care, You care, WeeCare Pediatrics.
Play it Safe in the Sun
The days are still longer and more and more people are winding down from vacations and time outdoors. This is an enjoyable time of the year, but also a serious time to think about skin safety. Sunburn is an overexposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Overexposure to the sun can turn vacations and time outdoors into a painful experience and memory. Today we will discuss ways you can protect your skin, lips, and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.
The symptoms of sunburn do not usually begin to show until 2 to 4 hours after the sun’s damage is done. The peak reaction of the sun’s damage with redness, pain, and swelling is generally not seen until 24 hours later. Remember, that minor sunburn is first-degree burn with redness and pain. If prolonged exposure, you can also develop a second degree burn with blistering. Each sunburn that blisters can dramatically increase your chance of developing melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The best way to treat melanoma is by not developing a burn to begin with. Prevention is key. Skin cancer in adults is caused by a life of exposure, so every time you apply sunscreen to your child you are helping to prevent skin cancer later in life.
Sunscreens are the most important agents in preventing burns and cancer later in life. We recommend using sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB. We also recommend using a sunscreen that is at least an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or above. To prevent skin sensitivity, we recommend using a sunscreen that is PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) free. Remember to apply sunscreens 30 minutes prior to exposure to sun. If you will be in water or sweating quite a bit, a “waterproof” sunscreen would be appropriate. The key is re-applying sunscreen. Waterproof sunscreens stay on only for 30 minutes in the water, so reapply frequently. Take special care in applying to areas that are prone to burning such as your child’s nose, ears, cheeks, and shoulders. Do not forget to protect the lips, which can also be burned. Apply a sun protective lip coating. A hat also helps to reduce exposure, and do not forget your child’s eyes, buy glasses with U.V. protection.
Infants less then six months of age have very thin skin and should not have direct exposure to the sun.
Have a great summer.