Author: Anderson Hills Pediatrics

As with so many things in 2020, school athletics were put on hold this spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Many are wondering what sports will look like in the future and how we can continue to keep children and adolescents safe while still maintaining their physical and mental health.  Currently in the state of Ohio, some of the restrictions on non-contact sports and skills training for contact sports have been lifted, allowing a partial return to activity.  While these recommendations are a bit of a moving target and may be altered based on the trajectory of ongoing Covid-19 cases, school and club athletics are starting up again.

In anticipation of fall sports, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Joint Advisory Committee on Sports Medicine has made final recommendations regarding the Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE), also referred to as the annual Sports Form.   Students in grades 7-12 will continue to be required to have an up-to-date PPE annually.  Mass physicals for sports screening are strongly discouraged this year due to concerns for students’ health and spread of Covid-19.  Instead, OHSAA is strongly recommending that the physical exam is performed in a medical home, such as Anderson Hills Pediatrics.  This allows the health care provider who knows your child best and has access to past medical records to do a comprehensive history and exam, provide anticipatory guidance, give necessary immunizations as indicated, and follow up on any issues that may arise.

If your child is considering participating in sports this coming year, we encourage you to call or access the Portal to schedule a well care visit at this time so that your Sports forms are ready when needed.   We look forward to seeing your child and keeping them active and healthy!

Pamela Lachniet, MD

Did you know that the Smithsonian Science Education Center has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Inter Academy Partnership to help children between the ages of 8 to 17 years learn more on the science and social sciences associated with COVID-19? This resource was also created to help children investigate the virus, discuss how others feel about COVID-19, and learn tools to keep themselves and our communities safe.

How Can I Protect Myself and Others – Click Here to Access: https://ssec.si.edu/covid-19

Resources: https://www.healio.com/pediatrics/emerging-diseases/news/online/%7B4d33f367-1e61-4280-9a1a-a8ea075cbae0%7D/smithsonian-who-launch-interactive-covid-19-guide-for-kids?utm_source=selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pediatrics%20news&m_bt=38453052754

How Can I Protect Myself and Others

As the stay at home orders are changing, many of us – adults and kids alike – are ready to leave our nests. But is it safe?

Here in Ohio we have successfully flattened the curve. However, as Stay at Home Orders are lifted, Covid-19 continues to spread. Thus, as we venture out, our personal risk of infection increases. That risk is based on two major factors: (1) the number of viral particles we are exposed to and (2) the duration of time of such exposure. We should base our decisions on that risk and our own personal situation. Do you have a member in your household with a chronic medical condition? Someone 65 years or older? Other risk factors?

There is no one right answer for all, but with a better understanding we can make the best decision for our own family.

What about play dates?

Outside is better than inside. When we are outside, viral particles are quickly swept away by any breeze, limiting the viral load and the time of exposure, thus decreasing the risk of infection.

Physical distance still matters. We don’t know for sure how children spread the virus, but we know there are asymptomatic carriers, people that can infect others while not having symptoms themselves. We don’t know how many kids fall into this category. However, here in Ohio we have proven that physical distancing slows the spread of the virus.

Make it small groups. Everyone talks about groups of 10 or less. There is nothing magic about the number 10. Having fewer people in a group makes it less likely that one person is infected and thus spreads the virus. For your kids’ play dates I recommend that you keep it to members of a few households that have similar quarantining habits as your family.

Keep the activity short. This obviously decreases the exposure and let’s face it, as play dates progress children will be less likely to follow all the rules including the rule to keep their distance.

Choose the activity wisely. It is easier to physically distance if you are going on a walk or ride bikes together. Sitting and chatting, having a picnic lunch “together” with each family bringing their own lunch and sitting on their own blanket or towel. Don’t share food or snacks. Maybe kick a ball, play tennis or golf. Supervision will be needed because we all have been cooped up and are social animals. The younger your children, clearly, the more supervision is needed. But keep in mind, adolescents often feel invincible and then common sense goes out the window. No sleepovers yet.

Make sure your child is well.  I have seen more strep throat during quarantine than I ever imagined. So if your child shows any sign of illness, postpone. There is always another day.

Should kids wear masks? Masks are only needed when social distancing is not possible – you just have to make it possible. Kids do not need to wear masks if they are playing outside and socially distancing. Of course, kids under age 2 should never wear a mask.

Wash  your hands.If hand washing is not an option before, during, and after the activity, bring hand sanitizer and wash your and your children’s hands as soon as you get home.

Timing is everything. We know it takes 3-14 days to develop symptoms.  You should not have play dates with different groups of friends too frequently. You just increase the number of exposures and thus, increase everyone’s risk. Slowly increase your circle of contacts and allow time between visits.

Rules will change. Please follow recommendations of our local public health officials. As we loosen stay at home orders, the number of Covid-19 cases will most likely increase. Our health officials will monitor the situation closely and we should all follow their recommendations. That leads me to one more.

Make sure to keep your children well. Childhood vaccinations are your best bet to keep your children well. If your child is behind in immunizations or if you are not sure, please contact us right now. If you have questions pertaining to your specific situation, we will gladly discuss these with you. We want what is best for your child and family.

We are available for your needs 24×7 by phone at 513-232-8100. You may also continue to schedule appointments online by clicking HERE

    Petra Hackenberg-Bauer, MD

If you were watching the WLWT news On Monday, May 18, 2020, you might have seen our very own Dr. Gordley interviewed on antibody testing for COVID and Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome! If you missed the newscast, you may watch it by clicking here. Parents asking about COVID-19 antibody test.

Also, Dr. Hackenberg and Dr. Gordley have gone into much more detail on these topics recently. Check out a few of our other relevant posts related to this topic:

Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome

COVID Testing 101

COVID Testing Part 1

COVID Testing Part 2

PMIS with Dr. Hackenberg – click to listen

The majority of Covid-19 cases in children are mild.

Few children are hospitalized with the highest hospitalization rates in children younger than 1 year and those with underlying chronic conditions.

There is a possible association between Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) and Covid-19.

Some patients presenting with PMIS are found to have positive SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) PCR tests or are found to have antibodies to the virus. These cases are very infrequent.

Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome presents with:

• A persistent fever (100.4 F or above)
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting
• Rash or changes in skin color
• Trouble breathing
• Listlessness/lethargy or confusion

While PMIS sounds frightening, please be aware that this condition is very rare.

What should you do?

• Continue practicing social distancing
• Wash your hands frequently and encourage your children to do so as well
• When social distancing cannot be avoided, wear a face-mask and have your children do the same, if they are 2 years or older and can do so safely
• Call our office when your child is ill, particularly with a fever

Petra Hackenberg-Bauer, MD

The Mood-Food Connection

Nutritional psychiatry investigates the relationship of food to mood and mental health. Learn about how your diet impacts your mental health and what to eat to support your mental health, or read about what not to eat. #MentalHealthMonday@AHP

The Mood-Food Connection

In honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we will be holding #MentalHealthMondays at the beginning of each week to share resources related to mental health. Please check back each week for our most updated links and information!

5/18/20: Meditation and Mental Health

Meditation is a great way to help you relax and refocus your energies on something positive. We are sharing with you an opportunity to tap into the power of sleep, mediation and relaxation with the Calm Challenge. Are you ready?

Share on our social media accounts which are your favorite!

Day 1 Calm Challenge:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drkezECYec4

5/11/20: How are you feeling?

Happy, sad, angry or embarrassed, children go through the same emotions as adults do, but they don’t always know how to communicate them and may instead shut down, act out or find it more difficult to resolve negative feelings. Encouraging your child to express their feelings through emotions, you can help them talk about them more clearly and openly.

Resources for Families and Children – Feelings

5/4/20: Benefits of Physical Health on your Mental Health

Did you know that Physical Health is just as important as your Mental Health? How do you stay physically active as a family? If you are in need of some ideas, see mind.org’s suggestions how to stay active while stuck in the house.

Staying Active at Home

COVID-101 with Dr. Gordley – Please click on the link to listen

Have additional questions about COVID-19 testing? We are here for you! Call our office at 513-232-8100 and choose option 4 to speak to a nurse about your questions.

Would you like your child tested?

1. Call the office at 513-232-8100 or click HERE  to schedule a telehealth appointment for each child you are wanting to have  tested. 

2. Your physician will discuss if your child is a good candidate for either test.  Your physician will also review  the implications of these testing options.

3. The provider will then will give you an order, so you can schedule the appropriate test at select referral facilities.

4. Our office will contact you when we receive your results to discuss next steps.

We continue to encourage you to check our Facebook Page  and Instagram Account  for the most recent updates regarding COVID-19 and Anderson Hills Pediatrics. 

Thank you for choosing Anderson Hills Pediatrics, Inc. for your care!   

We have heard your requests for better access to COVID-19 testing. We have been working diligently and now, we are able to order testing for acute infection and for COVID-19 antibodies. 

The Acute Infection Diagnostic Test
This test has been referred to as the SARS CoV2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. For this test, a swab of the inside of the nose is used to determine if there is current infection.  If your child is tested for an active infection, we want you to know that: 

• If your child tests positive for COVID-19, we will discuss a treatment plan and protective measures for your family.
• If your child tests negative for COVID-19, we will discuss other causes of your child’s illness and develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan. 

The Coronavirus Antibody Test
This is a blood test that checks for past exposure to COVID-19.  Choosing the right antibody test is important. Currently, there are several tests available, but many are still under review for accuracy. If your child is tested for antibodies, we want you to know that:  

• If your child has a positive antibody test, it means there is a possibility that they were exposed to the virus and may have developed an immune response over the past several weeks.
• It is important for you to know that a positive antibody test does not guarantee that your child had COVID-19 or that they are protected from it.

 So how can your child be tested?

1. Call the office at 513-232-8100 or click below to schedule a telehealth appointment for each child you are wanting to have tested. 
2. Your physician will discuss if your child is a good candidate for either test.  Your physician will also review  the implications of these testing options.
3. The provider will then will give you an order, so you can schedule the appropriate test at select referral facilities.
4. Our office will contact you when we receive your results to discuss next steps.
5. Click HERE for more information regarding testing for COVID-19.

We continue to encourage you to check our Facebook Page   and Instagram Account for the most recent updates regarding COVID-19 and Anderson Hills Pediatrics. 

Thank you for choosing Anderson Hills Pediatrics, Inc. for your care!

“I’m so bored, some chocolate covered pretzels should help!” Sounds familiar? I think a lot of us have been snacking more than usual while “staying at home”. With boredom and feeling blue, there is a tendency to overeat processed foods. Apart from the excess calories this can cause a sugar rush followed by a crash which can worsen our moods.

Feeling stressed can also worsen our immunity. Eating a diet rich in fruits, legumes and vegetables will help ensure you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals.

These include:

•          Vitamin A – Squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, dark leafy greens.
•          Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, bell peppers.
•          Vitamin D – Canned fish, eggs, fortified milk and sunshine  (remember to get outside when possible to exercise!)
•          Vitamin E – Whole grains, almonds, sunflower seeds.
•          Magnesium – Nuts, seeds, leafy greens, whole grains.
•          Selenium – Salmon, haddock.
•          Zinc – Chick peas, mushrooms, asparagus.

Making a meal plan which includes these foods will help you get the right nutrients and optimize your immunity. Try coming up with new and fun recipes with the kids to help beat the boredom! Doctor Yum has some great ideas and recipes to help!

Dr. Remi Lawrence Hylton

Resources & References:

Doctor Yum

Eat Right

Healthy Diet

We know staying connected during this time can be a challenge. Our physicians wanted to make sure they could stay connected to you, their patients, by sharing short video messages on key points they would like you to know during this unprecedented time. You can check out all of their messages here: Physician’s Messages

While you may be staying home a bit more during this time, we understand that children still require medical attention, and our physicians and team are still here to provide you that care may it be coronavirus-related or routine care for other illnesses or injuries. We continue to take steps to ensure every patient is cared for safety and conveniently during this pandemic. Our team can care for your child virtually through telemedicine visits or curbside from the comfort of your vehicle. We schedule ill patients at separate times from healthy child check-ups. Rest assured that we continue to follow proper procedures to disinfect our office between patient visits and routinely throughout the day.   

We are available by phone or through your patient portal for any questions or concerns regarding your child’s healthcare needs, especially during COVID-19. You may also continue to conveniently schedule routine and telemedicine appointments through the patient portal or from the link on our website. 

We are here for you!