Author: Anderson Hills Pediatrics

Dear Families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer filled with fun and relaxation.  As we transition into autumn, I want to emphasize the importance of scheduling your child’s annual check-up with their primary care provider here at Anderson Hills Pediatrics. Now that the summer rush is behind us, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your child’s health before the busy holiday season arrives. Did you know your child’s annual check-up is much more than a routine visit?  These appointments allow us to monitor your child’s growth and development, assess their overall health, and address any concerns you may have. We take a comprehensive approach, including screenings for physical, behavioral, and mental health concerns, while also providing the necessary immunizations and referrals to keep your child healthy all year long.

In fact, we conveniently offer important fall vaccines- the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, and Beyfortus to help prevent RSV in infants—all during your child’s check-up.  This is a simple way to keep your family protected from seasonal illnesses. If your child is already up-to-date on their check-up, we still encourage our seasonal vaccines. Your health insurance covers check-ups and seasonal vaccines, rarely requiring any out-of-pocket expense.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we believe in providing quality preventive care that builds healthy habits for your child’s future health.

Warm regards,
Dr. Jaime Grubert

Our flu vaccines will be available for patients starting on Monday, August 26, 2024. At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we strongly recommend that all children aged six months and older get this year’s flu vaccine. We’re also offering flu vaccines to parents and loved ones, so the whole family can get their flu shot together.

Join us for this year’s flu clinics on the following dates:

• Saturdays at Anderson: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26)
• Mondays at Anderson: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (October 14, November 4)
• Tuesday at Amelia: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (November 5)
• Wednesdays at Anderson: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (September 18 – November 20)
• Thursdays at Amelia: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (September 19 – November 21)
• Friday at Amelia: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (October 11)

Seamlessly Secure Your Flu Shot

Take advantage of our user-friendly web scheduling links for our Anderson and Amelia locations. Parents and family members should choose “New Patient” when scheduling appointments. Alternatively, you can request a flu shot during your child’s upcoming check-up without requiring a separate appointment. If you encounter any difficulty finding an appointment slot, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (513) 232-8100, and we’ll gladly explore additional options tailored to your family’s schedule.

Flu Clinic Additional Information

Back by popular demand, we aim to keep your family in the vehicle throughout the visit.

Where to go

We will have Flu Clinic signage in our parking lot to notify and guide you through the visit. We will have designated areas for check-in and vaccine administration. Weather permitting, this year’s clinics will be from the comfort of your vehicle (please no pets in your vehicle). Inclement or colder weather may necessitate bringing your child inside our facilities for their vaccine.

How to Dress

As you arrive, please ensure all children over the age of three (3) dress so that one arm is quickly freed of clothing for us to give the vaccine. The best option is a sleeveless or loose short-sleeved shirt. For children under the age of 3 or for those that do not have adequate muscle mass in the arm, the flu vaccine will be administered in your child’s thigh. In this case, we ask that shorts or diapers be worn so we may give the vaccine easily.

Observation

While rare, fainting or feeling lightheaded can occur after vaccination. This is more common among adolescents and young adults. For this reason, children over 11 will be observed for 15 min. If you choose to forgo the observation period, we will ask you to complete a waiver.

Flu 101

Looking to learn more about the flu in children? Check out our blog, Flu 101: What You Need to Know.

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s care!

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we strongly recommend that all children aged six months and older get this year’s flu vaccine.

Why does my child need to get a flu shot?

Flu shots reduce the risk of getting the flu. Some children vaccinated against the flu may still get sick, but their risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia or hospitalization, is greatly reduced. If your child is younger than five years or has certain chronic conditions, they are at an even higher risk of severe complications from the flu.

My child got a flu shot last year. Do they need one this year?

Flu viruses change, so the vaccine is updated to keep up with the viruses that are most common during the upcoming flu season. Even if your child received a flu vaccine last year, their immune protection decreases. Getting a flu shot every year provides the best protection.

Isn’t the flu the same thing as a cold?

Colds are usually milder than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems. The flu, however, can cause serious health problems like pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscles, and sepsis requiring hospitalizations. In rare cases, the flu can lead to death.

Can’t you get the flu from the flu shot?

No, the flu vaccine cannot give your child the flu. A flu vaccine may cause side effects that feel like the flu but are mild and short-lasting. These are signs that their immune system is working and building protection against the flu.

Ready to schedule your child’s flu vaccine?

We’re offering flu vaccines to parents and loved ones, so the whole family can get their flu shot together. Take advantage of our user-friendly web scheduling links for our Anderson and Amelia locations. Parents and family members should choose “New Patient” when scheduling appointments. Alternatively, you can request a flu shot during your child’s upcoming check-up without requiring a separate appointment. If you encounter any difficulty finding an appointment slot, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (513) 232-8100, and we’ll gladly explore additional options tailored to your family’s schedule.

To my patients and families of Anderson Hills Pediatrics,

With my sincerest gratitude to the families, staff, and fellow physicians at Anderson Hills Pediatrics, I would like to announce my retirement from the practice of medicine on November 28, 2024.

I feel very blessed and honored to have been a part of your lives for the last twenty-six years.   It has been a pleasure to see your children grow and thrive.  Thank you for letting me share the ups and downs with you. I will continue to pray for your health and happiness.  I’m looking forward to spending time with my husband and extended family, traveling, crafting, and exploring new opportunities.

We will be in contact with you in the coming months to share with you more information on transitioning care to one of our other exceptional physicians.   In the hopes that I might be able to see you once more I made accommodations to my schedule, increasing my availability in the coming months.  If you have any immediate questions, please contact medical Records at 513-232-8100 option 6.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family over the next five months.  I look forward seeing you around town and wish you all the best.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Meri Schrader

As the temperatures rise and school breaks begin, summer presents an exciting opportunity for children to explore, play, and create memories. However, it also brings a unique set of safety challenges. In celebration of National Safety Month, here are five essential tips to help ensure your children stay safe while enjoying their summer adventures.

Stay Sun Safe

One of the biggest concerns during summer is the intense sun. To keep your kids safe from harmful UV rays:

• Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. You’ll want to choose a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Encourage your child to wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible.
• Seek Shade: Make sure your child takes breaks in the shade, especially during peak sun hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Water Safety First

Whether it’s a pool, lake, or beach, water activities are a summer staple. To ensure safety around water:

• Supervise Constantly: Always watch your children when they are in or near water. Avoid distractions such as phones or books.
• Learn to Swim: Enroll your child in swimming lessons appropriate for their age and skill level.
• Use Life Jackets: Ensure your child wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating or participating in water sports.

Stay Hydrated

Heat and outdoor activities increase the risk of dehydration. Keep your kids well-hydrated by:

• Encouraging Regular Water Breaks: Make sure your child drinks water frequently, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoiding Sugary Drinks: Limit beverages like soda and juice that can contribute to dehydration. Opt for water or hydrating snacks like fruits.

Play It Safe Outdoors

Summer means more time spent outside playing sports, riding bikes, and exploring. Keep these tips in mind:

• Wear Helmets and Protective Gear: Ensure your child wears a helmet when biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading, and other appropriate gear for different activities.
• Choose Safe Play Areas: Select parks and playgrounds with well-maintained equipment and soft ground surfaces like mulch or sand.
• Teach Road Safety: Remind your child to look both ways before crossing the street and to follow traffic signals and pedestrian signs.

Bug Off!

Summer brings an increase in insects like mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry diseases. Protect your child by:

• Using Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.
• Wearing Appropriate Clothing: Dress your child in long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
• Checking for Ticks: After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your child’s body and clothing for ticks and promptly remove any found.

Taking these precautions can help ensure your child has a fun and safe summer. Let’s make this National Safety Month a time to prioritize safety and create lasting, positive memories for our children. Happy summer!

For more tips and updates on child safety and health, follow Anderson Hills Pediatrics on Facebook and Instagram. Stay safe and enjoy the season!

Summer is here, and that means more time at pools, lakes, and the beach. While water activities are fun and refreshing, they can also pose serious risks, especially for children. At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we want to ensure that your family enjoys a safe and worry-free summer. Here are six essential water safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Designate a Water Watcher
   Never assume that someone else is watching your child around water. Always designate a responsible adult as the water watcher. This person should be solely focused on monitoring the children and not distracted by activities like reading, using a phone, or socializing. The water watcher should change every 15 minutes to ensure that attention remains sharp and fresh.
2. Wear Life Jackets
   Life jackets are a must for children who are not strong swimmers, especially when boating or playing in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers. Ensure that the life jacket is appropriately sized and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Life jackets provide buoyancy and help keep children afloat, reducing the risk of drowning. Remember, water wings and inflatable toys are not substitutes for life jackets. For more information, check out this brochure from the US Coast Guard on How to Choose the Right Life Jacket.
3. Teach Your Children to Swim
   Swimming is not only a fun activity but also a vital life skill. Enroll your children in swimming lessons as early as possible. Look for classes that are age-appropriate and taught by certified instructors. Children who know how to swim are less likely to panic in the water and are better equipped to handle themselves in an emergency. Remember, even strong swimmers need supervision, so always keep an eye on your kids when they are in or near water.
4. Learn CPR
   In an emergency, knowing CPR can save a life. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a critical skill that can keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs until professional help arrives. As a parent, taking a CPR class gives you the confidence and ability to act quickly in an emergency. Many local organizations, such as the Red Cross or American Heart Association offer CPR courses. Make sure to refresh your skills regularly to stay prepared.
5. Install Water Barriers
   If you have a pool at home, installing barriers such as fences, gates, and alarms is crucial. Pool fences should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate. Alarms on doors and windows that lead to the pool area can provide an extra layer of protection. These barriers help prevent unsupervised access to the pool and give you peace of mind knowing your children are safe.
6. Use Drain Covers
   Pool and spa drains can pose a significant danger if they are not covered correctly. Powerful suction from drains can trap children and even adults underwater. Ensure that all pool and spa drains have compliant, properly fitting covers. Educate your children about the dangers of playing near drains and encourage them to stay away from these areas.

By following these water safety tips, you can help ensure that your children stay safe while enjoying their time in and around water. At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we care about your family’s well-being and are here to support you with any questions or concerns about water safety. Have a safe and fun summer!

As we approach Memorial Day, a time for family gatherings, outdoor activities, and fun in the sun, Anderson Hills Pediatrics wants to ensure that your children stay safe and healthy. Here are our top 5 safety tips safe Memorial Day weekend and summer:

1. Sun Protection: Ensure your child is protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply a 15-50 SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your child’s skin 30 minutes before going outside. You’ll want to choose a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If possible, avoid oxybenzone due to concerns about mild hormonal properties. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Don’t forget hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing to shield their skin. Sunburns can occur quickly and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life, so it’s essential to stay vigilant.
2. Water Safety: Whether you’re at the pool, beach, or lake, constant supervision is key. Children should always be within arm’s reach when near water. Make sure they use life jackets, not floaties or jumpers, if they are not strong swimmers and enroll them in swim lessons to build their water confidence and skills. Remember, even shallow water poses a drowning risk, so never leave children unattended around water.
3. Hydration: Keeping children hydrated is crucial, especially during hot weather. Encourage them to drink water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas, as they can lead to dehydration. Offer water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumbers to keep them hydrated and refreshed throughout the day.
4. Safe Play: Outdoor activities like biking, skateboarding, and playing sports are great for exercise but come with risks. Ensure your child wears appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and pads. Supervise playtime and set boundaries to keep them away from hazardous areas like streets and driveways. Encourage safe play by teaching them the rules of the road and the importance of being aware of their surroundings.
5. Insect Protection: Memorial Day often means time spent in nature, which can expose your child to insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Use insect repellent containing DEET or other recommended ingredients. Dress your child in long sleeves and pants when possible, and check for ticks after outdoor activities.

Our Anderson office will be open for limited hours over the weekend and on Memorial Day morning for ill/urgent appointments. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.

In closing, we would like to take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s care!

Dear Valued Patients,

We hope this message finds you in good health. At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we appreciate your trust in us as your pediatric healthcare provider. Our commitment is to provide you with the highest level of care and service.

We wanted to inform you about an important update regarding our billing and payment process. Starting June 1, 2024, we are implementing a change in our card-on-file policy. This change is designed to streamline and simplify the payment process.

What does this mean for you? It means that we will securely store your credit card information on file, and any applicable charges related to your healthcare services will be automatically billed to this card after your insurance company has processed the claim. This change will eliminate the need for you to provide payment information for each bill, making your experience with us more convenient.

Please rest assured that your sensitive payment information will be stored securely and in compliance with all industry standards for data security. Your privacy and security are of utmost importance to us.

If you have any questions or concerns about this change, please do not hesitate to contact our Practice Administrator at (513) 232-8100.  We are here to assist you and address any inquiries you may have.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we implement this change. We look forward to serving you and meeting all your healthcare needs.

Sincerely,

Anderson Hills Pediatrics

Commonly Asked Questions

Practice Financial Policy

Dear Anderson Hills Families,

I hope this email finds you well and enjoying May, whether it be the many events, celebrations,  or the conclusion of school and the transition to summer.

As we approach that time of year when many patients need sports physicals or sports forms completed, I want to emphasize the importance of scheduling your child’s annual check-up or sports physical with your primary care doctor here at Anderson Hills Pediatrics.

Did you know the sports physical examination is part of your child’s yearly well-care visit or check-up? Your health insurance covers these exams and rarely requires any out-of-pocket expense. Seeing your primary care doctor allows for a deeper understanding of the medical history, facilitates effective monitoring of certain health conditions, and provides screening for important behavioral and mental health concerns. Beyond that, we carefully monitor your child’s growth and pubertal development, conduct a thorough physical examination, update required immunizations, and provide necessary screening tests, including labs or referrals. The quality of care provided by your primary care physician at Anderson Hills Pediatrics exceeds that of a group sports physical, a free school physical, or a quick physical performed at a retail-based clinic. Visits performed in this manner are rarely thorough, often lacking complete histories, parental involvement, communication with the primary care doctor, and consideration of other important aspects of a child or teen’s health.

Again, as a pediatrician, I underscore the importance of an annual check-up or sports physical at your medical home. At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we strive to provide and believe in quality preventive care that is accessible to your family. In addition, we hope to instill a habit of health maintenance in your child or teen that will last a lifetime. As we approach our check-up and sports physical season, ensure that your child or teen is scheduled for or has completed a yearly check-up at Anderson Hills.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jaime Grubert

Need to schedule? You can schedule online using the links below, your patient portal, or by calling (513) 232-8100.

• Anderson Location 
• Amelia Location 

Understanding & Managing ADHD: A Group Program for Parents of Children Ages 6-12

Join us for our new program that focuses on educating parents about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its effects on children’s daily behavior. Vanessa Sinclair, LPCC-S, provides parents with current information and specific strategies to tackle common challenges faced by children with ADHD. Additionally, the program teaches parents how to advocate for their children effectively. The overall aim is to enhance parent-child interactions, reduce family stress, and empower parents to better manage their child’s ADHD, helping the child succeed. This approach is beneficial alone or alongside medication management, leading to improved outcomes for the family.

Program Details:

• Dates: Every Monday for 8 weeks (July 1- August 19, 2024)
• Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Location: Anderson Hills Pediatrics, 7400 Jager Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45230

Who is This Program Designed For:

The program is designed for parents of children aged 6 to 12 years who are diagnosed with ADHD. Your child will not attend the parent group session.

It focuses on real-world strategies that parents can use to help their child succeed in various settings, including home, school, and public places. It equips parents with the tools they need to manage their child’s behavior effectively, acknowledging that children with ADHD may understand what is expected but struggle to consistently follow through.

Topics Covered:

• Understanding ADHD and its impact on a child’s day-to- day functioning
• Principles to guide the effective management of ADHD
• Using positive attention to promote desired behaviors
• Promoting child compliance to instructions and rules
• Prompting and promoting desired behaviors
• Structuring Homework for success
• Working with a child’s teacher to address problems in the classroom
• The appropriate role of punishment in managing ADHD-related behaviors
• Managing child behavior in public places
• Maintaining positive change over time

What’s Involved in Attending?

This program consists of eight 90-minute group sessions which are held on the same day each week at our Anderson location. We have limited space, and can accept the caregivers of 12 patients.

Will my Insurance Cover It?

Most health plans cover multi-family group therapy services, but families may still be responsible for any deductible or co-payments. After you sign up, a member of our billing team will contact you with information about your insurance coverage. If you would like to contact your insurance company in advance, the CPT codes that will be billed are 96202 and 96203.

Register Today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies from a seasoned professional in a supportive group setting.

Space is limited, so we encourage you to sign up ASAP to request your spot! Request to join by completing this REQUEST FORM.

This program was developed by and is in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.