It’s Back to School Again!
Posted: Wednesday, September 01, 2010
By: Administrator

Another summer has passed and the kids keep growing.  One of the sure ways to keep our children healthy is to immunize them according to their age-specific needs.  We all know about the dreaded kindergarten shot…and then we feel we are done.  But not so fast!  There still are serious diseases out there than can threaten the health of our children and they can be protected with a simple vaccine.  
Here are the ones to keep in mind:

tDaP – This is the vaccine to boost children against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (otherwise known as whooping cough).  These booster shots do just that, they boost the child’s immune response to be able fight against these illnesses that are still lurking.  This booster is given between the ages of 11 and 15 years.

Meningitis –Neisseria meningitides bacterium can cause a particular type of meningitis (an inflammation of the lining of the brain) in the very young but also in high school and college students.  This can be a quickly devastating illness.  Anyone over age 11 should receive this vaccine.

HPV – Human Papiloma Virus – This is a relatively new vaccine that is being offered to adolescents – males and females - to prevent genital warts and cervical cancer in females.  It consists of a series of three doses and should be completed in six months and before the teen leaves for college.  Teenagers should receive this vaccine before initiating sexual activity. (Note: This does not mean we endorse this behavior in any way!)

Influenza – The year influenza vaccine for the year 2010 is now available for all children 6 months and over.  This year, the vaccine includes two strains of the H1N1 virus that were present last year.  For children 2 years and over, there is a flu mist vaccine; a gentle intranasal spray with an attenuated virus that give protection for the upcoming flu season.  For children 6 months and older, there is a dead virus in an injectable, preservative-free vaccine.

As our children grow and life changes continue to occur, let’s give them the best possible health foundation for their future.  

Stay tuned for our Fall newsletter coming soon (be sure to sign up now if you haven’t already).  In the meantime, keep your child healthy and stay involved in their lives!

Wishing you a fun & successful school year,

Dr. Chrystal de Freitas

Read Comments (0) | Post a Comment Edit this blog | Delete this blog

Celebrations: The Rituals of Family Life!
Posted: Tuesday, June 01, 2010
By: Administrator

It’s that time of the year once again.  Not just the holidays, but those close of the school year celebrations -- from recitals to end of year school parties to graduations.  Everybody is excited, and if not at least a little relieved that another school year has come to an end.   And we all say the same thing year after year: “Where did the time go, has it really been a whole year?”

This year is no exception.  We too are celebrating the graduation of our eldest daughter from UC Davis Veterinary School.   We had always hoped this for her, but the amazement that it actually is happening is very special.  

Family life is full of these rituals that give meaning, and at the same time, provide us the opportunity to make memories and cement a foundation of love and security for the children.  It tell them that they are important and that we value family events -- and how special is to be part of the universe at large.   

Here are some tips to make these milestones even more special:

1. As much as kids hate it when mom takes their pictures (at least mine do), go right ahead and take as many photographs as possible.  With all our fancy technology this is easier than ever and as parents we love capturing these memorable moments, big or small.
2. Always include everyone, not just the celebrant.  Group pictures also provide a sense of community for the children to view later on in life.
3. Encourage the children to write thank you notes, or at least an e-mail with an attached photo to those who participated in their event in any way.
4. Don’t forget the refrigerator!  That imposing, all important place in the family household that will hold a special place for that special picture for the rest of the summer.

Make the memories more vivid by celebrating these rituals.  You children may not seem to care at this stage of their lives, but I guarantee that with time they will all look back and laugh until they cry as they remember their family life.

Read Comments (0) | Post a Comment Edit this blog | Delete this blog