News & Events

News & Events

Welcome to our "News & Events" blog page. Our goal is to use this blog to keep our families and patients up to date with the latest healthcare information, announcements and practices. We hope that you will check back often to stay informed.

 


 

 

COVID-19 Vaccines During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Parent FAQs

 

By: Lisa M. Costello, MD, MPH, FAAP

A question I commonly get from patients and friends is this: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for people who are or want to become pregnant?

I personally faced that same question, and the answer is yes.

My husband and I were vaccinated a few months before I got pregnant. And I got boosted during my pregnancy.

I am one of the hundreds of thousands of pregnant people living in the U.S. who have been vaccinated with no safety problems, and I had a beautiful baby girl in February.

It's natural to pause to think about a decision that affects not only yourself but also another person. I decided to get my COVID booster when I became eligible during my second trimester because I trust the process. I trust the vaccine safety trials and all of the experts on the independent advisory committees who judged that the COVID vaccine is safe.

If you are waiting to get yourself or your family vaccinated because you have questions or concerns, I suggest you talk with your pediatrician or obstetrician. You'll feel better knowing that you are making an informed decision.

Meanwhile, here are some answers to questions I'm frequently asked.

On Friday, August 19, 2022, your InteliChart Patient Portal will be receiving an upgrade. The Portal will be unavailable intermittently during the weekend. We apologize for any inconvenience.
vector cute little african american boy holding sign under construction builder illustration 103154620

Question

What is monkeypox?

David W. Kimberlin, MD, FAAP

Answer

The U​nited States is among several countries where cases of monkeypox infections have been reported. The virus causes a rash that can look like chickenpox (varicella); herpes simplex virus; allergic skin rashes; hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by enteroviruses; or molluscum.

The current monkeypox outbreak has been classified a global health emergency by the World Health Organization, with more than 18,000 cases reported in 75 countries. There have been more than 4,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States. At least two cases have been in U.S. children.

How does a person get monkeypox?

Monkeypox got its name after the disease was discovered in colonies of monkeys kept for research in the 1950s. It was first discovered in a person in 1970.

Anyone can get monkeypox. People spread monkeypox to other people primarily through direct skin to skin contact with infected body fluids or when sharing bedding, clothing or towels. It can also spread through large respiratory droplets from infected people, but is much more difficult to transmit through this route than COVID is.

A person is contagious from the time symptoms develop until after scabs from the rash fall off and the skin has completely healed.

In the current outbreak, monkeypox has spread to people through close physical contact with others. Anyone who has been in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has monkeypox can get the illness. Infections also can spread between people and their pets.

There have not been many infections in U.S. children and teens, and so far they have been mild. However, young people may need treatment if their symptoms are severe or if they are at risk of serious illness. Children under age 8 years, pregnant women, and some people with immune conditions or certain skin conditions may be at higher risk of severe disease.

Time to get your Back to School and Sport Physicals scheduled. Our summer schedule is getting full! Call the office at 502-897-3232 and we will be glad to help you.  May be an image of text

 

Choosing an Insect Repellent for Your Child

 

By: Sophie J. Balk MD, FAAP

Warmer weather means more chances for kids to get outside to play, hike and enjoy the fresh air with family and friends. Warmer weather also means preventing insect bites.

Biting insects such as mosquitoes and biting flies can make children miserable. More worrisome is that bites from some insects can cause serious illnesses.

Beyond the itch: illnesses carried by insects

Insect-transmitted illnesses include Lyme Disease, West Nile Disease, Zika, and others from mosquito and tick bites. And according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), insect-borne illnesses are on the rise.

One way to protect your child from biting insects is to use insect repellents. When there's a possibility of getting a serious illness, such as Lyme disease, transmitted by an insect bite, make sure you choose repellent that is effective—meaning that it works well. It's also important to know how to use repellants correctly and safely.

Insect repellents don't kill insects but work by keeping insects away from the person using them. Keep in mind that they repel insects that bite but not insects that sting. Biting insects include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, and biting flies. Stinging insects include bees, hornets, and wasps.

2019 4th fireworks clipart image** Reminder** We will be closed on Monday July 4th. Wishing everyone a safe and healthy 4th of July

 

Stay Safe this 4th of July

 

​​​​​On any other day of the year, would you hand your child matches or a flaming candle to play with? Probably, a hard no.

You work so hard all year long to keep your child safe.... Don't let the 4th of July mess with your common sense.

Lighting fireworks in the backyard or nearby field might seem like a festive way to entertain the kids. However, thousands of people--most of them children, teens and young adults--are injured each year while using fireworks. Most of these injuries happen in the month around the 4th of July. 

This year, help keep the holiday fun and safe by leaving any fireworks to trained professionals.

Common injuries from fireworks

Sales of consumer fireworks increased in 2020, when many community firework displays were cancelled because of COVID-19. Sadly, severe injuries and deaths from fireworks increased, too. About 15,600 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission​, and at least 18 people died.

Of those injured, roughly 1,100 were under age 5, another 1,400 were ages 5 to 14, and 1,300 were 15 to 19. Parts of the body most often burned or wounded were hands and fingers (30%), head, face, and ears (22%), eyes (15%), legs (13%), and arms (12%).

 
 

Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others

Boy blowing nose

Sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold, followed by coughing and sneezing. Most people recover in about 7-10 days. You can help reduce your risk of getting a cold: wash your hands often, avoid close contact with sick people, and don’t touch your face with unwashed hands.

Common colds are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work. Each year in the United States, there are millions of cases of the common cold. Adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children have even more.

Most people get colds in the winter and spring, but it is possible to get a cold any time of the year. Symptoms usually include:

  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • coughing
  • sneezing
  • headaches
  • body aches

Page 2 of 3

Office Hours

Monday-Friday

Saturday

7:30am. to 5:00pm.

8:30am. to Noon
(By Appointment Only)

   

Address

6002 Brownsboro Park Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40207