Delaware Modern Pediatrics Blog

For many years, heavy advertising for Baby Einstein videos implied that infants who watch TV (specifically their DVD’s) grow up smarter.  But pediatricians and advocacy groups were skeptical.  No proof was ever offered, and several studies demonstrated harm to infants watching much TV.  Complaints were lodged with the Federal Trade Commission, asking the FTC to [...]

Everyone is asking me about the Swine Flu vaccine.  We don’t have it in stock yet!  But I expect a shipment from the Delaware Division of Public Health any week.  When we receive it, I’ll post a note here.
People ask if I recommend the Swine Flu vaccine.  Yes, I certainly do!  When we receive it, [...]

If your child is our patient, and you have Medicaid insurance (or no health insurance at all) for your child,  please call us: we have (finally!) received our shipment of “regular” (seasonal) flu vaccines.
We are able now to vaccinate all our patients against seasonal flu, regardless of insurance.  (The only exception is for Medicaid patients [...]

As of October 7, 2009, these are the regular (”seasonal”) flu vaccines we have in stock:
For patients with “Commercial” insurance (Blue Cross, Aetna, Coventry, etc.): we have all “regular flu” vaccines:
-  shots for all children under 3
-  nasal spray for all children over 2 (EXCEPT those with asthma)
-  shots for all children over 3 (INCLUDING [...]

The immediate spread of Swine Flu seems to be abating, but it’s likely to resurface in the fall.
So far, Swine Flu hasn’t seemed very serious.  Most cases have recovered fully; fewer than 500 people have died from it in the US so far this year.  This is a remarkably low number, considering the high rate [...]

As of 5/5/09,  none of my patients have been diagnosed with Swine Flu (H1N1).  Several students at the University of Delaware have tested positive for Swine Flu.  A handful of other people, including elementary school students, have also been verified (+) for Swine Flu.  A total of 20 cases in Delaware have been identified.  Nationally, 403 [...]

Breastfeeding mothers have been told for many years that pacifiers should be avoided, because of a fear that they might interfere with breastfeeding.
Now, a review article in the AMA’s pediatrics journal (April 2009) reassures us that pacifiers may be okay for breastfed babies, after all. 4 randomized trials were reviewed; babies were assigned to [...]

A federal program, WIC (”Women, Infants, and Children”) provides free food to low income families.  This excellent program has been funded for many years by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition service.  Money is provided to states, who give infant formula and nutritious food to pregnant women and children who qualify.
A new program [...]

A recent article in the Wilmington (Delaware) News Journal described two studies published recently, suggesting caution in using steroid medications in children.  Several patients have asked me about these findings.  The new studies were published in the January 22, 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Here is my interpretation of these studies.
There [...]

Beginning in 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend that children who received their chicken pox vaccine as toddlers should receive a booster shot. This booster is suggested to be given by the time of kindergarten entry, but it may be given as early as 3 months after the initial shot.  Any [...]