Category: News

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. 

As trusted healthcare providers, we at Anderson Hills Pediatrics are dedicated to the well-being of your children, and we wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of infant immunization.

In observance of Infant Immunization Awareness Week, we aim to reaffirm the critical role that vaccines play in safeguarding the health of our youngest patients. Immunizations are a shield against preventable diseases and a cornerstone of modern medicine’s success in protecting children from serious illnesses.

Check out this brief video about infant immunization from Dr. Renuka Jain.

Ensuring that your child receives their recommended vaccines on schedule is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their health. By following the vaccination schedule recommended by our pediatricians, you protect your child and contribute to our community’s overall health.

We understand that, as parents, you may have questions or concerns about vaccines. Please know that we are here to address any doubts or uncertainties you may have. Our team of experienced healthcare providers is committed to providing you with accurate information and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your child’s health.

At Anderson Hills Pediatrics, we are deeply grateful for your trust and partnership in the health of your children. We believe in the power of prevention, and vaccination is one of the most effective preventive measures available. By working together to ensure that all children receive their recommended vaccines, we can create a safer and healthier environment for our community.

We are approaching the time of year in which many of our patients are needing forms completed for school registrations and sports. We want this process to go as smoothly as possible for you and your family this year. Below are a few tips to help you get your child’s visits and necessary forms completed timely this year.

Before we jump into our tips, we want to encourage you to sign up for our Patient Portal. It is a great way to communicate, send and receive your forms, access vaccine records anytime, update demographic information, and self-schedule appointments.

Scheduling:

We encourage you to be proactive and schedule your child’s annual checkup before the start of school and sports. Our schedules get filled very quickly in the summer for these appointments, so scheduling early helps to ensure you have an appointment when you need it.

One consideration to keep in mind is that insurance companies have policies regarding how often children can complete their annual check-ups. Most require the check-ups to be one year apart from one another. We encourage you to check with your insurance company on this guidance to ensure no surprise bills occur.

Did you know that your child’s checkup is good for 1 year? If you have forms that can be filled out prior to their next regularly scheduled check-up date, the information can be completed based upon their last visit with no additional trips to our offices.

Ways to Prepare for your Visit or Forms:

We encourage you to confirm with your child’s school or child care provider what required vaccines, health records, or forms are needed in advance of your child’s check-up. This will allow us to complete all information your child needs to have completed in one visit.

We ask that the parent or patient portions of the forms be fully completed prior to you submitting a form to us. This includes information such as the patient’s name, date of birth, and any other parent or student information. Also, please be sure to sign all applicable fields for parents and students. We will not complete forms for patients that have not had a check-up within the past 12 months.

Timelines:

Please allow 3-4 business days for our team to complete your forms. This will allow the physicians to have enough time to review, fill out, and complete the forms. If there is a need for a form to be completed sooner, the office policy is to charge a $5.00 expediting fee to have the form completed in 1-2 business days. The fee is due at the time the form arrives in the office. (Multiple forms can be filled out for the $5.00 fee as long as it is the same patient and the forms are dropped off and picked up at the same time.)

We look forward to helping you and your children get prepped and ready for their next daycare, school, or sports events!

Thank you for trusting us with your care!

Parenting can be overwhelming, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities alongside the well-being of your children. To help you navigate this journey with less stress, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 51 proven stress reducers. From simple morning routines to effective relaxation techniques, these tips aim to empower you to cultivate a healthier and more balanced family life. We hope you find these strategies valuable in reducing stress and enhancing your parenting journey.

1.  Get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning. The inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful.
2. Prepare for the morning the evening before. Set the breakfast table, make lunches, put out the clothes you plan to wear, etc.
3. Don’t rely on your memory. Write down appointment times, when to pick up the laundry, when library books are due, etc. (“The palest ink is better than the most retentive memory.”-Old Chinese Proverb)
4. Doing nothing which, after being done, leads you to tell a lie.
5. Make duplicates of all keys. Bury a house key in a secret spot in the garden and carry a duplicate car key in your wallet, apart from your key ring.
6. Practice preventive maintenance. your car, appliances, home and relationships will be less likely to break down/fall apart “at the worst possible moment.”
7. Be prepared to wait. A paperback can make a wait in a post office line almost pleasant.
8. Procrastination is stressful Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do today; whatever you want to do today, do it now.
9. Plan ahead. Don’t let the gas tank get below one-quarter full. Keep a well-stocked emergency shelf of home staples. Don’t wait until you’re down to your last bus token or postage stamp to buy more, etc.
10. Don’t put up with something that doesn’t work right. If your alarm clock, wallet, shoe laces, windshield wipers, whatever are a constant aggravation, get them fixed or get new ones.
11. Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments. Plan to arrive at an airport one hour before domestic departures. Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments. Plan to arrive at an airport one hour before domestic departures.
12. Always set up contingency plans, “just in case.” (“If for some reason either of us is delayed, here’s what we’ll do..” Or, “If we get split up in the shopping center, here’s where we’ll meet.”)
13. Relax your standards. The world will not end if the grass doesn’t get mowed this weekend.
14. Pollyanna-Power! For every one thing that goes wrong, there are probably 10 or 50 or 100 blessings. Count’em!
15. Ask questions. Taking a few moments to repeat back directions, what someone expects of you, etc., can save hours. (The old “the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get,” idea).
16. Say “No!.” Saying “no” to extra projects, social activities, and invitations you know you don’t have the time or energy for takes practice, self-respect, and a belief that everyone, everyday, needs quiet time to relax and be alone.
17. Unplug your phone. Want to take a long bath, meditate, sleep, or read without interruption? Drum up the courage to temporarily disconnect. (The possibility of there being a terrible emergency in the next hour or so is almost nil). Or use an answering machine.
18. Turn needs into preferences. Our basic physical needs translate into food, water, and keeping warm. Everything else is a preference. Don’t get attached to preferences.
19. Simplify, simplify, simplify…
20. Make friends with non-worriers. Nothing can get you into the habit or worrying faster than associating with chronic worrywarts.
21. Get up and stretch periodically if your job requires that you sit for extended periods.
22. Wear earplugs. If you need to find quiet at home, pop in some earplugs.
23. Get enough sleep. If necessary, use an alarm clock to remind you to go to bed.
24. Create order out of chaos. Organize your home and workspace so that you always know exactly where things are. Put things away where they belong and you won’t have to go through the stress of losing things.
25. When feeling stressed, most people tend to breathe in short, shallow breaths. When you breathe like this, stale air is not expelled, oxidation of the tissues is incomplete and muscle tension frequently results. Check your breathing throughout the day and before, during and after high pressure situations. If you find your stomach muscles are knotted and your breathing is shallow, relax all your muscles and take several deep, slow breaths. Note how, when you’re relaxed, both your abdomen and chest expand when you breathe.
26. Writing your thoughts and feelings down (in a journal, or a paper to be thrown away) can help you clarify things and can give you a renewed perspective.
27. Try the following yoga technique whenever you feel the need to relax. Inhale deeply through your nose to the count of eight. Then with lips puckered, exhale very slowly through your mouth to the count of 15 or for as long as you can. Concentrate on the long sighing sound and feel the tension dissolve. Repeat 10 times.
28. Inoculate yourself against a feared event. For example, before speaking in public, take time to go over every part of the experience in your mind. Imagine what you’ll wear, what the audience will look like, how you will present your talk, what the questions will be and how you will answer them, etc. Visualize the experience the way you would have it be. You’ll likely find that when the time comes to make the actual presentation, it will be “old hat’ and much of your anxiety will have fled.
29. When the stress of having to get a job done gets in the way of getting the job done, diversion (a voluntary change in activity and/or environment) may be just what you need.
30. Talk it out. Discussing your problems with a trusted friend can help clear your mind of confusion so you can concentrate on problem solving.
31. One of the most obvious ways to avoid unnecessary stress is to select an environment (work, home, leisure) which is in line with your personal needs and desires. If you hate desk jobs, don’t accept a job which requires that you sit at a desk all day. If you hate to talk politics, don’t associate with people who love to talk politics, etc.
32. Learn to live one day at a time.
33. Every day, do something you really enjoy.
34. Add an ounce of love to everything you do.
35. Take a hot bath or shower (or a cool one in the summertime) to relieve tension.
36. Do something for somebody else. Make a meal for someone who is in need.
37. Focus on understanding rather than on being understood; on loving rather than on being loved.
38. Do something that will improve your appearance. Looking better can help you feel better.
39. Schedule a realistic day. Avoid the tendency to schedule back-to-back appointments. Allow time between appointments for a breathing spell.
40. Become more flexible. Some things are worth not doing perfectly and some issues are well to compromise upon.
41. Eliminate destructive self-talk; “I’m too old to…,” “I’m too fat to…,” etc.
42. Use your weekend time for a change of pace. If your work week is slow and patterned, make sure there is action and time for spontaneity built into your weekends. If your work week is fast-paced and full of people and deadlines, seek peace and solitude during your days off. Feel as if you are not accomplishing anything at work? Tackle a job on the weekend which you can finish to your satisfaction.
43. “Worry about the pennies and the dollars will take of themselves.” That’s another way of saying: take care of the todays as best you can and the yesterdays and the tomorrows will take care of themselves.
44. Do one thing at a time. When you are with someone, be with that person and with no one or anything else. When you are busy with a project, concentrate on doing that project and forget about everything else you have to do.
45. Allow yourself time-everyday-for privacy, quiet, and introspection.
46. If an especially unpleasant task faces you, do it early in the day and get it over with. Then, the rest of your day will be free of anxiety.
47. Learn to delegate responsibility to capable others.
48. Don’t forget to take a lunch break. Try to get away from your desk or work area in body and mind, even if its just for 15 or 20 minutes.
49. Forget about counting to 10. Count to 1,000 before doing something or saying anything that could make matters worse.
50. Have a forgiving view of events and people. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world.
51. Have an optimistic view of the world. Believe that most people are doing the best they can.